BR112017027319B1 - ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH COMPOSITE TRIG ARM STRUCTURES WITH TRIG ARM SUPPORT MEMBER FOR JOINT SUPPORT - Google Patents

Abstract

"ARTICLEABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH COMPOSITE TRIG ARM STRUCTURES WITH TRIG ARM SUPPORT MEMBER FOR JOINT SUPPORT". The present invention relates to a surgical stapling instrument comprising an elongate drive shaft that includes a surgical end actuator that is operatively coupled thereto by a swivel joint. The surgical instrument may include a central firing arm support member that extends along the swivel joint and is coupled to the surgical end actuator and elongate drive shaft assembly. A longitudinally movable flexible firing arm assembly can be configured to traverse the swivel joint. The firing arm assembly may comprise a plurality of layers of beams which are supported relative to one another such that at least one of the layers of beams is configured to movably pass on a lateral side of the arm support member. center trigger and at least one other of the beam layers is configured to move movably on another side side of the trigger arm support member.

Description

BACKGROUND

[001] The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various embodiments, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staple cartridges for use therewith.

[002] A stapling instrument may include a pair of cooperating elongated jaw members, each jaw member being adapted to be inserted into a patient and positioned in relation to the tissue to be stapled and/or cut. In various embodiments, one of the jaw members can support a staple cartridge with at least two laterally spaced rows of staples contained therein, and the other jaw member can support an anvil with staple-forming pockets aligned with the rows of staples. in the staple cartridge. In general, the stapling instrument may additionally include a pusher bar and a knife blade that are slidable relative to the gripper member to sequentially eject staples from the staple cartridge through cam surfaces on the pusher bar and/or cam surfaces. on a wedge slider that is pushed by the push rod. In at least one embodiment, the cam surfaces may be configured to activate a plurality of staple drivers loaded by the cartridge and associated with the staples to push the staples against the anvil and form laterally spaced rows of deformed staples in the tissue trapped between the staples. claw limbs. In at least one embodiment, the knife blade can follow the cam surfaces and cut the fabric along a line between the staple rows.

[003] The aforementioned discussion is only intended to illustrate various aspects of the related art in the field of the invention at the time and should not be taken as a denial of the scope of the embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[004] Several characteristics of the modalities described here, together with their advantages, can be understood according to the description presented below, considered together with the attached drawings, as follows:

[005] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a surgical instrument and an elongated drive shaft assembly;

[006] Figure 2 is an exploded assembly view of the handle portion or housing of the surgical instrument of Figure 1;

[007] Figure 3 is an exploded assembly view of a portion of an elongated drive shaft assembly;

[008] Figure 4 is another exploded assembly view of another portion of the elongate drive shaft assembly of Figure 3;

[009] Figure 5 is an exploded assembly view of a portion of a surgical end actuator embodiment and a closure sleeve embodiment;

[0010] Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the surgical end actuator arrangement and closure sleeve of Figure 5;

[0011] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the arrangement of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve of Figures 5 and 6, with the anvil thereof in an open position or configuration;

[0012] Figure 8 is another perspective view of the arrangement of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve of Figures 5 to 7, with the anvil thereof in a closed position or configuration;

[0013] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of surgical end actuator and drive shaft assembly with some of its portions omitted for clarity;

[0014] Figure 10 is a top view of portions of the surgical end actuator embodiment and elongated drive shaft assembly of Figure 9, with the surgical end actuator in a pivoted position or configuration;

[0015] Figure 11 is a partial exploded assembly view of portions of the surgical end actuator embodiment and elongated drive shaft assembly of Figures 9 and 10;

[0016] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective assembly view of the surgical end actuator and elongated drive shaft assembly of Figures 9 to 11;

[0017] Figure 13 is a perspective view of portions of the surgical end actuator embodiment and elongated drive shaft assembly of Figures 9 to 12, with the surgical end actuator in a pivoted position or configuration;

[0018] Figure 14 is a top view of portions of the surgical end actuator embodiment and the elongated drive shaft assembly of Figures 9 to 13, with the surgical end actuator in a hinged configuration and with some of its components shown in cross section for clarity;

[0019] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of the elongated drive shaft assembly;

[0020] Figure 16 is another perspective view of the elongated drive shaft assembly embodiment of Figure 15, with the closure tube and closure sleeve omitted for clarity;

[0021] Figure 17 is a top view of portions of the elongated drive shaft assembly embodiment of Figures 15 and 16;

[0022] Figure 18 is a side elevation and cross-sectional view of the elongate drive shaft assembly embodiment of Figures 15 to 17, with a surgical staple cartridge mounted to the surgical end actuator portion;

[0023] Figure 19 is another cross-sectional side elevation view of the elongate drive shaft assembly of Figures 15 to 18, with a surgical staple cartridge mounted to the surgical end actuator portion;

[0024] Figure 20 is a top view of portions of the surgical end actuator and elongate drive shaft assembly of Figures 15 to 19, with the surgical end actuator in a pivoted position or configuration;

[0025] Figure 20A is a side elevational view of a portion of another embodiment of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve;

[0026] Figure 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the surgical end actuator and the elongated drive shaft assembly with some of their portions omitted for clarity;

[0027] Figure 22 is an exploded assembly view of portions of the surgical end actuator embodiment and elongated drive shaft assembly of Figure 21;

[0028] Figure 23 is a top view of portions of the surgical end actuator embodiment and elongated drive shaft assembly of Figures 21 and 22;

[0029] Figure 24 is another top view of portions of the surgical end actuator embodiment and elongated drive shaft assembly of Figures 21 to 23 with some of their portions omitted for clarity;

[0030] Figure 25 is another top view of portions of the surgical end actuator embodiment and elongated drive shaft assembly of Figures 21 to 24, with the surgical end actuator in a pivoted position or configuration;

[0031] Figure 26 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of the elongated drive shaft assembly;

[0032] Figure 27 is an exploded assembly view of portions of another embodiment of the surgical end actuator and the elongated drive shaft assembly;

[0033] Figure 28 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the elongated drive shaft assembly embodiment of Figure 27, with portions thereof omitted for clarity;

[0034] Figure 29 is another partial perspective view of portions of the elongated drive shaft assembly embodiment of Figures 27 and 28, with various portions of it omitted for clarity;

[0035] Figure 30 is another partial perspective view of portions of the elongated drive shaft assembly embodiment of Figures 27 to 29 with some of its portions omitted for clarity;

[0036] Figure 31 is a top view of portions of the surgical end actuator embodiment and elongated drive shaft assembly of Figures 27 to 30 with some of their portions omitted for clarity;

[0037] Figure 32 is another top view of portions of the surgical end actuator embodiment and elongated drive shaft assembly of Figures 27 to 31 with some of their portions omitted for clarity and with the surgical end actuator in place. an articulated position or configuration;

[0038] Figure 33 is a side elevation view of portions of the surgical end actuator embodiment and drive shaft assembly of Figures 27 to 32 with some of their portions omitted for clarity;

[0039] Figure 34 is a perspective view of portions of the surgical end actuator embodiment and elongated drive shaft assembly of Figures 27 to 33 with some of their portions omitted for clarity;

[0040] Figure 35 is another partial perspective view of portions of the surgical end actuator embodiment and elongated drive shaft assembly of Figures 27 to 34 with some of their portions omitted for clarity;

[0041] Figure 36 is an exploded assembly view of portions of one embodiment of a distal firing bar assembly and embodiments of lateral load-bearing members;

[0042] Figure 37 is a perspective view of the distal firing rod assembly and side load-bearing members of Figure 36;

[0043] Figure 38 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portions of the distal firing bar assembly and side load-bearing members of Figures 36 and 37;

[0044] Figure 39 is another cross-sectional view of the distal firing rod assembly and side load-bearing members of Figures 36 to 38;

[0045] Figure 40 is a side elevational view of a portion of an embodiment of the distal trigger bar assembly attached to an embodiment of the trigger member;

[0046] Figure 41 is a top view of a portion of the distal trigger bar array embodiment and trigger member embodiment of Figure 40;

[0047] Figure 42 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the distal firing bar assembly embodiment of Figures 40 and 41, with lateral load-bearing members seated thereon and with the firing bar assembly embodiment. distal firing in flexed position or configuration;

[0048] Figure 43 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the distal firing bar assembly and the embodiment of the lateral load-bearing members of Figure 42;

[0049] Figure 44 is a perspective view of portions of another embodiment of the surgical end actuator and the elongated drive shaft assembly embodiment, with their portions omitted for clarity and with the surgical end actuator in a position or articulated configuration;

[0050] Figure 45 is a top view of the surgical end actuator embodiment and the elongated drive shaft assembly embodiment of Figure 44;

[0051] Figure 46 is another top view of the surgical end actuator embodiment and the elongated drive shaft assembly embodiment of Figure 45, with portions of the pivot link shown in cross section;

[0052] Figure 47 is a partial perspective view of portions of another embodiment of the surgical end actuator and embodiment of the elongated drive shaft assembly with some of its portions omitted for clarity;

[0053] Figure 48 is a top view of portions of the surgical end actuator embodiment and the elongated drive shaft assembly embodiment of Figure 47 with some of their portions omitted for clarity;

[0054] Figure 49 is another top view of the surgical end actuator embodiment and the elongated drive shaft assembly embodiment of Figure 48;

[0055] Figure 50 is a top perspective view of portions of the surgical end actuator embodiment and the elongated drive shaft assembly embodiment of Figures 47 to 49 with some of their portions omitted for clarity and the surgical end in a hinged position or configuration;

[0056] Figure 51 is another top perspective view of portions of the surgical end actuator embodiment and the elongated drive shaft assembly embodiment of Figure 50;

[0057] Figure 52 is an enlarged perspective view of portions of the surgical end actuator embodiment and the elongated drive shaft assembly embodiment of Figure 51;

[0058] Figure 53 is a top view of portions of another embodiment of the surgical end actuator and the elongated drive shaft assembly embodiment with some of their portions omitted for clarity and illustrating the surgical end actuator in a position or non-hinged configuration and in a hinged position or configuration;

[0059] Figure 54 is a top view of a portion of the elongated drive shaft assembly embodiment of Figure 53, with the linkage system in a neutral or non-pivoted position or configuration, and with portions of the drive shaft assembly elongated drive omitted for clarity;

[0060] Figure 55 is another top view of a portion of the elongate drive shaft assembly embodiment of Figure 54, with the pivot system in a first pivoted position or configuration;

[0061] Figure 56 is another top view of a portion of the elongate drive shaft assembly embodiment of Figures 54 and 55, with the pivot system in a second pivoted position or configuration;

[0062] Figure 57 is a partial perspective view of other portions of the elongate drive shaft assembly embodiment of Figures 53 to 56 and portions of the surgical end actuator embodiment in a non-hinged position or configuration with some of its portions omitted for clarity;

[0063] Figure 58 is another partial perspective view of the surgical end actuator embodiment and the elongated drive shaft assembly embodiment of Figure 57 with some of their portions omitted for clarity;

[0064] Figure 59 is a top view of a portion of another embodiment of the elongated drive shaft assembly with some of its portions omitted for clarity;

[0065] Figure 60 is a top view of another embodiment of the hinge system in a neutral or non-hinged position;

[0066] Figure 61 is a top view of an embodiment of the pivot disc driver of the pivot system of Figure 60;

[0067] Figure 62 is a top view of a driven pivot disc embodiment of the pivot system of Figure 60;

[0068] Figure 63 is another top view of the articulation system embodiment of Figure 60 in a position or configuration after a articulation control movement is applied thereto;

[0069] Figure 64 is another top view of the hinge system embodiment of Figure 63 in a first hinged position or configuration;

[0070] Figure 65 is another top view of the hinge system embodiment of Figures 63 and 64 in a hinged position or configuration;

[0071] Figure 66 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve with the jaws thereof in a closed position or configuration;

[0072] Figure 67 is another perspective view of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve embodiment of Figure 66 with the jaws thereof in an open position or configuration;

[0073] Figure 68 is a side elevation view of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve embodiment of Figures 66 and 67 with the closure jaws shown in cross-section and the jaws thereof in an open position or configuration;

[0074] Figure 69 is a side elevation view of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve embodiment of Figures 66 to 68 shown in cross-section and with the jaws thereof in an open position or configuration;

[0075] Figure 70 is an exploded assembly view of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve embodiment of Figures 66 to 69;

[0076] Figure 71 is an exploded assembly view of another embodiment of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve;

[0077] Figure 72 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve with the jaws thereof in an open position or configuration;

[0078] Figure 73 is another perspective view of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve embodiment of Figure 72 with the jaws thereof in a closed position or configuration;

[0079] Figure 74 is an exploded perspective assembly view of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve embodiment of Figures 72 and 73;

[0080] Figure 75 is a side elevation view of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve embodiment of Figures 72 to 74, with the jaws thereof in a closed position or configuration;

[0081] Figure 76 is a rear perspective view of the surgical end actuator embodiment of Figures 72 to 75 with the locking jaw embodiment shown in imaginary lines for clarity;

[0082] Figure 77 is a side cross-sectional view of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve embodiment of Figures 72 to 76 with the jaws thereof in a closed position or configuration;

[0083] Figure 78 is another side cross-sectional view including one of the cam plates of the surgical end actuator embodiment and closure sleeve of Figures 72 to 77 with the jaws thereof in a closed position or configuration;

[0084] Figure 79 is another side cross-sectional view including one of the cam plates of the surgical end actuator embodiment and closure sleeve of Figures 72 to 78 with the jaws thereof in an open position or configuration;

[0085] Figure 80 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve with the jaws thereof in an open position or configuration;

[0086] Figure 81 is a partial perspective view of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve embodiment of Figure 80 with the jaws thereof in a closed position or configuration;

[0087] Figure 82 is an exploded perspective assembly view of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve embodiment of Figures 80 and 81;

[0088] Figure 83 is a side elevation view of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve embodiment of Figures 80 to 82 with the jaws thereof in a closed position or configuration;

[0089] Figure 84 is a side elevation view of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve embodiment of Figures 80 to 83 with a portion of the closure sleeve shown in cross-section and with the jaws thereof in a position or configuration open;

[0090] Figure 85 is an exploded perspective assembly view of another embodiment of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve;

[0091] Figure 86 is a side elevation view of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve embodiment of Figure 85 with the jaws thereof in a closed position or configuration;

[0092] Figure 87 is a side elevation view of the surgical end actuator and closure sleeve embodiment of Figures 85 and 86 with the jaws thereof in an open position or configuration with a portion of the closure sleeve shown in cross section ;

[0093] Figure 88 is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of the elongate drive shaft assembly;

[0094] Figure 89 is another perspective view of the embodiment of the elongated drive shaft assembly of Figure 88 with some of its components omitted for clarity;

[0095] Figure 90 is another perspective view of the elongate drive shaft assembly of Figures 88 and 89 with the surgical end actuator in a pivoted position or configuration;

[0096] Figure 91 is an exploded assembly view of the elongate drive shaft assembly of Figures 88 to 90;

[0097] Figure 92 is a top view of the elongated drive shaft assembly of Figures 88 to 91 with some components omitted for clarity and the surgical end actuator thereof pivoted in one direction;

[0098] Figure 93 is another top view of the elongated drive shaft assembly of Figures 88 to 92 with some of its components omitted for clarity and with the surgical end actuator pivoted in another direction;

[0099] Figure 94 is a perspective view of a surgical staple cartridge embodiment; and

[00100] Figure 95 is a perspective view of another embodiment of surgical staple cartridge.

[00101] Corresponding reference characters indicate the corresponding parts across the various views. The exemplifications described herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00102] The applicant of the present application holds the following patent applications which were filed on the same date as the present application, and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties: - US patent application serial no., entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS", attorney's document no. END7675USNP/ 150110; - US patent application serial no., entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES", attorney document no. END7677USNP/150112; - US patent application serial no., entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS SPENT OR MISSING", attorney's document no. END7676USNP/150111; - US Patent Application Serial No., entitled "MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", Attorney Document No. END7674USNP/150109; - US patent application serial no., entitled "DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", attorney's document no. END7672USNP/150107; and - US Patent Application Serial No., entitled "PUSH/PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", Attorney Document No. END7671USNP/150106.

[00103] The applicant of the present application holds the following patent applications which were filed on March 6, 2015, and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entirety: - US patent application serial no. 14 /640,746, entitled "POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT"; - US patent application serial no. 14/640,795, entitled "MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,832 entitled "ADAPTIVE TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES", Attorney Document No. END7557USNP/140482; - US patent application serial no. 14/640,935, entitled "OVERLAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION"; - US patent application serial no. 14/640,831, entitled "MONITORING SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; - US patent application serial no. 14/640,859, entitled "TIME DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES"; - US patent application serial no. 14/640,817, entitled "INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; - US patent application serial no. 14/640,844, entitled "CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE"; - US patent application serial no. 14/640,837, entitled "SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING"; - US patent application serial no. 14/640,765, entitled "SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLER"; - US patent application serial no. 14/640,799, entitled "SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT"; and - US patent application serial no. 14/640,780, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING".

[00104] The applicant of the present application holds the following patent applications which were filed on February 27, 2015, and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entirety: - US patent application serial no. 14 /633,576, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION"; - US patent application serial no. 14/633,546, entitled "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND"; - US patent application serial no. 14/633,576, entitled "SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES"; - US patent application serial no. 14/633,566, entitled "CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY"; - US patent application serial no. 14/633,555, entitled "SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED"; - US patent application serial no. 14/633,542, entitled "REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT"; - US patent application serial no. 14/633,548, entitled "POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT"; - US patent application serial no. 14/633,526, entitled "ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE"; - US patent application serial no. 14/633,541, entitled "MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY"; and - US Patent Application Serial No. Attorney Document No. 14/633,562 entitled "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER".

[00105] The applicant of the present application holds the following patent applications that were filed on December 18, 2014, and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: - US patent application serial no. 14 /574,478, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING"; - US patent application serial no. 14/574,483, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS"; - US patent application serial no. 14/575,139, entitled "DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; - US patent application serial no. 14/575,148, entitled "LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS"; - US patent application Serial No. 14/575,130, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE"; - US patent application serial no. 14/575,143, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS"; - US patent application serial no. 14/575,117, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS"; - US patent application serial no. 14/575,154, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS"; - US patent application serial no. 14/574,493, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM"; and - US patent application serial no. 14/574,500, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM".

[00106] The applicant of the present application holds the following patent applications which were filed on March 1, 2013 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: - US patent application serial no. 13/ 782,295 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246471; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,323, entitled "ROTARY POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246472; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,338, entitled "THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0249557; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,499, entitled "ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246474; - US PATENT APPLICATION SERIAL NO. 13/782,460, ENTITLED "MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", NOW US PATENT APPLICATION PUBLICATION NO. 2014/0246478; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,358, entitled "JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246477; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,481, entitled "SENSOR STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246479; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,518, entitled "CONTROL METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,375, entitled "ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246473; and - US patent application serial no. 13/782,536, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP", now patent application publication no. 2014/0246476;

[00107] The applicant of the present application also holds the following patent applications which were filed on March 14, 2013, and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: - US patent application serial no. 13/803,097, titled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263542; - US patent application serial no. 13/803,193, entitled "CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now patent application publication no. 2014/0263537; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,053, entitled "INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263564; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,210, entitled "SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263538; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,148, entitled "MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263554; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,066, entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263565; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,117, entitled "ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263553; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,130, entitled "DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263543; and - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,159, entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0277017.

[00108] The applicant of the present application also holds the following patent application which was filed on March 7, 2014 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: - US patent application serial no. 14/200.111, entitled "CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263539.

[00109] The applicant of the present application also holds the following patent applications which were filed on March 26, 2014 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: - US patent application serial no. 14 /226.106, entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; - US patent application serial no. 14/226,099, entitled "STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT"; - US patent application serial no. 14/226,094, entitled "VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT"; - US patent application serial no. 14/226,117, entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL"; - US patent application serial no. 14/226,075, entitled "MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES"; - US patent application serial no. 14/226,093, entitled "FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; - US patent application serial no. 14/226,116, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION"; - US patent application serial no. 14/226,071, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR"; - US patent application serial no. 14/226,097, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS"; - US patent application serial no. 14/226,126, entitled "INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; - US patent application serial no. 14/226,133, entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM"; - US patent application serial no. 14/226,081, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT"; - US patent application serial no. 14/226,076, entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION"; - US patent application serial no. 14/226,111, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM"; and - US patent application serial no. 14/226,125, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT".

[00110] The applicant of the present application also holds the following patent applications which were filed on September 5, 2014, and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: - US patent application serial no. 14/479,103 entitled "CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE"; - US patent application serial no. 14/479,119, entitled "ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION"; - US patent application serial no. 14/478,908, entitled "MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION"; - US patent application serial no. 14/478,895, entitled "MULTIPLE SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR'S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION"; - US patent application serial no. 14/479,110, entitled "USE OF POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET DETECTION TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE"; - US patent application serial no. 14/479,098, entitled "SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION"; - US patent application serial no. 14/479,115, entitled "MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE"; and - US patent application serial no. 14/479,108, entitled "LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION".

[00111] The applicant of the present application also holds the following patent applications that were filed on April 9, 2014, and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: - US patent application serial no. 14/248,590 entitled "MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305987; - US patent application serial no. 14/248,581, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT", now patent application publication no. 2014/0305989; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/248,595, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305988; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/248,588, entitled "POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309666; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/248,591, entitled "TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305991; - US patent application serial no. 14/248,584, entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS", now US patent application publication no. 2014/0305994; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/248,587, entitled "POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309665; - US patent application serial no. 14/248,586, entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now patent application publication no. 2014/0305990; and - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/248,607, entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305992.

[00112] The applicant of the present application also holds the following patent applications which were filed on April 16, 2013, and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entirety: - US provisional patent application no. series 61/812.365, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR"; - US provisional patent application serial no. 61/812,376, entitled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER"; - provisional US patent application Serial No. 61/812,382, entitled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP"; - US provisional patent application Serial No. 61/812,385, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL"; and - US provisional patent application Serial No. 61/812,372, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR".

[00113] Numerous specific details are presented to provide a thorough understanding of the structure, function, fabrication and general use of the modalities as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components and elements have been described in detail so as not to obscure the modalities described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated in the present invention are non-limiting examples, and therefore, it can be understood that the specific structural and functional details disclosed in the present invention may be representative and illustrative. Variations and changes can be made to this, without deviating from the scope of embodiments.

[00114] The terms "comprises" (and any form of comprises, such as "comprises" and "which comprises"), "has" (and any form of has, such as "has" and "which has"), "includes" (and any form of includes, such as "includes" and "which includes") and "contains" (and any form of contains, such as "contains" and "which contains") are unrestricted linking verbs. As a result, a surgical system, device or apparatus that "comprises", "has", "includes" or "contains" one or more elements has those one or more elements, but is not limited to having only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, device or surgical device that "comprises", "has", "includes" or "contains" one or more features has those one or more features, but is not limited to having only those one or more features. or more resources.

[00115] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used in the present invention with reference to a physician who manipulates the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the physician, and the term "distal" refers to the portion located away from the physician. It will also be understood that, for the sake of convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "upwards" and "downwards" may be used in the present invention in connection with the drawings. However, surgical instruments can be used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

[00116] Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily understand that the various methods and devices disclosed in the present invention can be used in numerous surgical procedures and applications, including, for example, in connection with open surgical procedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, the reader will further understand that the various instruments disclosed herein may be inserted in any manner into a body, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or perforation formed in tissue, etc. The functional portions or end actuator portions of instruments may be inserted directly into a patient's body, or may be inserted through an access device that has a working channel through which the end actuator and elongated drive shaft of a surgical instrument.

[00117] The surgical stapling system may comprise a drive shaft and an end actuator extending from the drive shaft. The end actuator comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however, other embodiments are envisaged in which a staple cartridge is not removable, or at least readily replaceable, from the first jaw. The second jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable with respect to the first jaw around a closing geometric axis; however, other embodiments are envisaged in which the first jaw is pivotable with respect to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system additionally comprises an articulated joint configured to allow the end actuator to be rotated or pivoted with respect to the drive shaft. The end actuator is rotatable about a pivot axis that extends through the swivel joint. Other embodiments are envisaged which do not include an articulated joint.

[00118] The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a platform that extends between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of the fabric to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the fabric. The anvil is moved towards the staple cartridge to compress and hold the fabric against the platform. Thereafter, staples detachably stored in the cartridge body can be distributed to the fabric. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein, the staples being removably stored in the staple cavities. The clamp cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of a longitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of clamp cavities and clamps may be possible.

[00119] The staples are held by staple drivers in the cartridge body. The actuators are movable between a first position, or unfired position, and a second position, or fired position, for ejecting staples from staple cavities. The actuators are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer which extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient members configured to secure the cartridge body and retain the retainer in the cartridge body. Triggers are movable between their non-triggered positions and their slider-triggered positions. The slider is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The slider comprises a plurality of inclined surfaces configured to slide under the actuators and lift the actuators, and the clamps supported thereon, towards the anvil.

[00120] In addition to the above, the slider is moved distally by a triggering member. The trigger member is configured to contact the slider and push the slider towards the distal end. The longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member further comprises a first cam that engages the first jaw and a second cam that engages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, the first cam and second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap, between the staple cartridge platform and the anvil. The firing member also comprises a knife configured to make an incision in the tissue captured between the anvil and the staple cartridge. It is desirable that the knife be positioned at least partially proximal to the inclined surfaces, so that the staples are ejected in front of the knife.

[00121] Figures 1 to 4 represent a motor-driven surgical instrument 10 for cutting and fixation, which may or may not be reused. In the illustrated embodiment, instrument 10 includes a housing 12 comprising a handle 14 that is configured to be picked up, manipulated, and actuated by the physician. Housing 12 is configured for operative attachment to an elongate drive shaft assembly 200 that has a surgical end actuator 300 operatively coupled thereto that is configured to perform one or more surgical tasks or procedures. The elongated drive shaft assembly 200 may be interchangeable with other drive shaft assemblies in the various ways disclosed, for example, in US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,075 entitled "MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES" , the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In other embodiments, the elongate drive shaft assembly may not be interchangeable with other drive shaft assemblies and essentially comprise a dedicated, non-removable portion of the instrument.

[00122] As the present Detailed Description continues, it will be understood that the various forms of interchangeable drive shaft assemblies disclosed herein may also be effectively employed in connection with robotically controlled surgical systems. Accordingly, the term "compartment" may also encompass a compartment or similar portion of a robotic system that houses or otherwise operationally supports at least one drive system configured to generate and apply at least one control motion that can be used to drive the interchangeable drive shaft assemblies described in the present invention and their respective equivalents. The term "frame" may refer to a portion of a hand-held surgical instrument. The term "frame" may also represent a portion of a robot-controlled surgical instrument and/or a portion of the robotic system that may be used to operably control the surgical instrument. For example, the drive shaft assemblies disclosed herein may be employed with various robotic systems, instruments, components and methods, disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/118,241 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS ", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0298719, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[00123] Housing 12 illustrated in Figure 1 is shown in connection with the elongate drive shaft assembly 200, which includes a surgical end actuator 300 that comprises a surgical cutting and clamping device that is configured to operatively support therein. a 304 surgical staple cartridge. Housing 12 may be configured for use in connection with drive shaft assemblies that include end actuators that are adapted to support different sizes and types of staple cartridges, have different sizes and types of drive shafts. drive, etc. In addition, housing 12 can also be used effectively with a variety of other drive shaft assemblies, including assemblies that are configured to apply other motions and forms of energy such as radio frequency (RF) energy, ultrasonic energy and/or motion to end actuator arrangements adapted for use in connection with various surgical applications and procedures. In addition, end actuators, drive shaft assemblies, cables, surgical instruments, and/or surgical instrument systems may use any one or more suitable fasteners to secure tissue. For example, a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein may be removably inserted into and/or attached to the end actuator of a drive shaft assembly.

[00124] Figure 1 illustrates housing 12 or handle 14 of surgical instrument 10 with an interchangeable elongated drive shaft assembly 200 operatively coupled thereto. As can be seen in Figure 1, the cable 14 may comprise a pair of interconnectable cable housing segments 16 and 18 which may be interconnected by screws, snap-fit members, adhesive, etc. In the illustrated arrangement, the handle housing segments 16 and 18 cooperate to form a pistol grip portion 19 that can be wielded and manipulated by the physician. As will be discussed in more detail below, cable 14 operatively supports, within it, a plurality of drive systems that are configured to generate and apply various control movements to corresponding portions of the interchangeable drive shaft assembly that is operatively attached to the same.

[00125] Referring now to Figure 2, the cable 14 may also include a frame 20 that operatively supports a plurality of drive systems. For example, frame 20 may operatively support a "first" drive system or closing drive system, generally designated 30, which can be employed to apply closing and opening motions to the elongated drive shaft assembly. 200 which is operatively attached or coupled thereto. In at least one form, the lock actuation system 30 may include an actuator in the form of a lock trigger 32, pivotally supported by frame 20. More specifically, as illustrated in Figure 2, the lock trigger 32 is pivotally coupled to housing 14 by a pin 33. This arrangement allows the closing trigger 32 to be manipulated by a clinician so that when the clinician grasps the pistol grip portion 19 of the handle 14, the closing trigger 32 can be easily rotated from an initial or "non-actuated" position to an "actuated" position and, more particularly, to a fully compressed or fully actuated position. Closing trigger 32 can be moved to the non-actuated position by a spring or other displacement arrangement (not shown). In various forms, the lock drive system 30 additionally includes a lock link assembly 34, which is pivotally coupled to the lock trigger 32. As can be seen in Figure 2, the lock link assembly 34 may include a first locking link 36 and a second locking link 38 which are pivotally coupled to the locking trigger 32 by a pin 35. The second locking link 38 may also be called a "clamping member" and includes a cross fixing pin 37.

[00126] Still referring to Figure 2, it can be seen that the first locking link 36 may have a wall or locking end 39 thereon which is configured to cooperate with a locking release assembly 60 which is mated pivoting to frame 20. In at least one form, lock release assembly 60 may comprise a release button assembly 62 having a distally projecting locking tongue 64 formed thereon. The release knob assembly 62 can be rotated counterclockwise by a spring release (not shown). When the clinician presses the lock trigger 32 from its non-actuated position towards the pistol grip portion 19 of the handle 14, the first locking link 36 pivots upward to a point where the locking pawl 64 drops into a retaining engagement with the locking wall 39 on the first closing link 36, thus preventing the closing trigger 32 from returning to the non-actuated position. Thereby, the lock release assembly 60 serves to lock the lock trigger 32 in the fully actuated position. When the clinician wishes to unlock the lock trigger 32 to allow it to be forced into the non-actuated position, he or she simply turns the lock release knob assembly 62 so that the locking pawl 64 is moved out of engagement. with the locking wall 39 on the first locking link 36. When the locking pawl 64 has been moved out of engagement with the first locking link 36, the locking trigger 32 can rotate back to the non-actuated position. Other arrangements for locking and releasing the closing trigger may also be employed.

[00127] When the closing trigger 32 is moved from its non-actuated position to its actuated position, the closing release knob 62 is rotated between a first position and a second position. The rotation of the lock release button 62 may be designated as an upward rotation; however, at least a portion of the lock release button 62 is being rotated toward the circuit board 100. Still referring to Figure 2, the lock release button 62 may include an arm 61 extending therefrom. and a magnetic element 63, such as a permanent magnet, for example, mounted on the arm 61. When the lock release button 62 is rotated from its first position to its second position, the magnetic element 63 can move towards the plate. circuit board 100. Circuit board 100 may include at least one sensor that is configured to detect movement of magnetic element 63. In at least one embodiment, a Hall effect sensor may be mounted on the bottom surface of circuit board 100. The Hall effect sensor can be configured to detect changes in a magnetic field surrounding the Hall effect sensor caused by the movement of magnetic element 63. The Hall effect sensor can be in s communication. with a microcontroller, for example, which can determine whether the lock release button 62 is in its first position, which is associated with the non-actuated position of the lock trigger 32 and the open configuration of the end actuator, in its second position, which is associated with the actuated position of the closing trigger 32 and the closed configuration of the end actuator, and/or in any position between the first position and the second position.

[00128] Also in the illustrated arrangement, the cable 14 and the frame 20 may operatively support another drive system, called, in the present invention, the trigger drive system 80, which is configured to apply triggering motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable drive shaft assembly fixed thereto. The trigger drive system 80 may also be called the "second drive system" in the present invention. The trigger drive system 80 may employ an electric motor 82 located in the pistol grip portion 19 of the cable assembly 14. In various forms, the motor 82 may be a direct current brush drive motor with a maximum rpm. of approximately 25,000 RPM, for example. In other arrangements, the motor may include a brushless motor, a wireless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor 82 may be powered by a power supply 90 which, in one form, may comprise a removable power source 92. As can be seen in Figure 2, for example, the battery 92 may comprise a proximal compartment portion 94 which is configured for attachment to a distal compartment portion 96. The proximal compartment portion 94 and the distal compartment portion 96 are configured to operatively support a plurality of batteries 98. The batteries 98 may each comprise, for example, a battery pack. Li-ion ("LI") battery pack or other suitable battery pack. Distal housing portion 96 is configured for operationally removable attachment to a control circuit board assembly 100 that is also operatively coupled to motor 82. Multiple batteries 98, which may be connected in series, may be used as the power supply. for the surgical instrument 10. In addition, the power source 90 may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

[00129] As described above with respect to other various forms, the electric motor 82 includes a rotating drive shaft (not shown), which operationally interfaces with a gear reducer assembly 84, which is mounted in meshed engagement with an assembly, or rack, of drive teeth 122 on a longitudinally movable drive member 120. In use, a voltage polarity supplied by the power supply 90 can operate the electric motor 82 clockwise, the voltage polarity being applied to the electric motor. by the battery can be reversed so as to operate the electric motor 82 in a counterclockwise direction. When the electric motor 82 is rotated in one direction, the drive member 120 will be axially activated in the distal direction "DD". When the motor 82 is driven in an opposite rotational direction, the drive member 120 will be axially driven in the proximal direction "DP". Cable 14 may include a switch that can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to electric motor 82 by power supply 90. As with the other forms described in the present invention, cable 14 may also include a sensor configured to sense position. of the drive member 120 and/or the direction in which the drive member 120 is being moved.

[00130] The activation of the motor 82 can be controlled by a trigger 130 pivotally supported on the handle 14. The trigger trigger 130 can be rotated between a non-triggered position and a triggered position. The trigger 130 may be forced to the non-actuated position by a spring 132 or other displacement arrangement so that when the clinician releases the trigger trigger 130, it can be rotated or otherwise returned to the non-actuated position. by spring 132 or displacement arrangement. In at least one form, trigger trigger 130 may be positioned "distant" from closing trigger 32, as discussed above. In at least one form, a firing trigger safety button 134 can be pivotally mounted to the closing trigger 32 by pin 35. The safety button 134 can be positioned between the firing trigger 130 and the closing trigger 32 and having a pivot arm 136 projecting therefrom. See Figure 2. When the closing trigger 32 is in the non-actuated position, the safety button 134 is contained in the handle 14, where the physician cannot readily access it and move it between a safety position, which prevents actuation. trigger trigger 130, and a trigger position at which trigger trigger 130 can be triggered. When the clinician presses the closing trigger 32, the safety button 134 and the firing trigger 130 pivot downward to a position where they can then be manipulated by the clinician.

[00131] As discussed above, handle 14 includes a closing trigger 32 and a firing trigger 130. The firing trigger 130 can be pivotally mounted to the closing trigger 32. When the closing trigger 32 is moved from its from the non-activated position to its activated position, the trigger 130 can be moved downward as described above. After the safety button 134 has been moved to its firing position, the firing trigger 130 can be pressed to operate the surgical instrument firing system motor. In various circumstances, the handle 14 may include a tracking system configured to determine the position of the closing trigger 32 and/or the position of the trigger trigger 130.

[00132] As indicated above, in at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 120 has a rack of drive teeth 122 formed therein for engagement with a corresponding drive gear 86 of the gear reducer assembly 84. At least one form also includes a manually actuatable "ejection" assembly 140 which is configured to enable the clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 120 should the motor 82 become disabled. Ejection assembly 140 may include a lever or ejection cable assembly 142 that is configured to be manually rotated for ratchet engagement with teeth 124 also provided on drive member 120. In this way, the clinician can manually retract the member. drive 120 using ejection cable assembly 142 to engage drive member 120 in the proximal "DP" direction. US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0089970 discloses redemption provisions and other components, provisions and systems that may also be employed with the various instruments disclosed herein. US Patent Application Serial No. 12/249,117 entitled "POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM", now US Patent No. 8,608,045, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[00133] Turning now to Figures 1 and 3, the elongated drive shaft assembly 200 includes a surgical end actuator 300 comprising an elongated channel 302 that is configured to operatively support a staple cartridge 304 therein. end cap 300 may also include an anvil 310 that is pivotally supported with respect to the elongate channel 302. As will be discussed further below in more detail, the surgical end actuator 300 may pivot with respect to the elongate drive shaft assembly. around an articulated joint 270. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the drive shaft assembly 200 may additionally include a housing or proximal nozzle 201 comprised of the nozzle portions 202 and 203. The drive shaft assembly 200 may further include a closure tube 260 which may be used to close and/or open an anvil 310 of end actuator 300. As can be seen in Figure 4, the drive shaft assembly 200 includes a center column 210 which may be configured to securely support the drive shaft frame portion 212 of the pivot lock 350. Details regarding the construction and operation of the pivot lock 350 are disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference at its entirety. The central column 210 is configured to, one, slidably support a firing member 220 therein and, two, slidably support the closing tube 260 which extends around the central column 210. The central column 210 also slidingly supports a proximal hinge driver 230. The proximal hinge driver 230 has a distal end 231 that is configured to operatively engage the hinge latch 350. In one arrangement, the hinge latch 350 interfaces with a hinge structure 352 adapted to operatively engage a drive pin (not shown) in the end actuator frame (not shown).

[00134] In the illustrated arrangement, the central column 210 may comprise a proximal end 211 which is pivotally supported on a chassis 240. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end 211 of the central column 210 has a thread 214 formed therein for attachment. threaded to a center post bearing 216 configured to be supported within chassis 240. See Figure 3. This arrangement facilitates pivotal attachment of center post 210 to chassis 240 so that center post 210 can be selectively rotated about a axis SA-SA of the drive shaft relative to the chassis 240. The drive shaft assembly 200 also includes a closing reciprocating member 250 which is slidably supported within the chassis 240 so that it can be moved axially with respect to at the same. As can be seen in Figure 3, the reciprocating closure member 250 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 252 that are configured to be attached to the locking pin 37 which is attached to the second locking link 38, as will be discussed further. detailed below. See Figure 2. A proximal end 261 of closure tube 260 is coupled to reciprocating closure member 250 for relative rotation thereto. For example, a U-shaped connector 263 is inserted into an annular slot 262 at the proximal end 261 of closure tube 260 and is retained within vertical slots 253 on reciprocating closure member 250. See Figure 3. This arrangement serves to secure the closing tube 260 to the closing reciprocating member 250 for axial displacement therewith, while allowing the closing tube 260 to rotate with respect to the closing reciprocating member 250 about the axis SA-SA of the axis of drive. A closing spring 268 is seated on the closing tube 260 and serves to tilt the closing tube 260 in the proximal "DP" direction, which can serve to rotate the closing trigger to the non-actuated position when the drive shaft assembly 200 is operatively coupled to cable 14.

[00135] Also as noted above, the elongate drive shaft assembly 200 additionally includes a trigger member 220 which is supported for axial displacement on the central column 210 of the drive shaft. The trigger member 220 includes an intermediate trigger drive shaft 222 which is configured to connect to a distal cutting portion or trigger bar 280. The trigger member 220 may also be referred to in the present invention as a " second drive shaft" and/or a "second drive shaft assembly". As can be seen in Figure 4, the firing drive shaft intermediate portion 222 may include a longitudinal slot 223 at its distal end, which may be configured to receive a tab 284 at the proximal end 282 of the distal firing bar 280. A longitudinal slot 223 and proximal end 282 may be sized and configured to allow relative movement therebetween and may comprise a slide joint 286. Slide joint 286 may allow the trigger drive shaft 222 intermediate portion of the trigger drive 220 is moved to pivot surgical end actuator 300 without moving, or at least not substantially moving, firing bar 280. When surgical end actuator 300 has been properly oriented, firing drive shaft intermediate portion 222 may be advanced distally until a proximal side wall of longitudinal slot 223 contacts tab 284 to advancing the distal firing bar 280 and firing a staple cartridge that can be supported on the end actuator 300. As can be further seen in Figure 4, the drive shaft center column 210 has an elongated opening or window 213 in its interior to facilitate assembly and insertion of the trigger shaft intermediate portion 222 into the drive shaft 210 frame. After the trigger shaft intermediate portion 222 is inserted into the frame, an upper segment of frame 215 may be engaged with the drive shaft frame 212 to enclose the firing drive shaft intermediate portion 222 and the firing bar 280 therein. A more detailed discussion of the operation of the firing member 220 can be seen in the application publication US Patent No. 13/803,086, now US Patent Application Serial No. 2014/0263541.

[00136] In addition to the foregoing, the illustrated drive shaft assembly 200 includes a clutch assembly 400 that can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the linkage driver 230 to the trigger member 220. In one form, the assembly clutch 400 comprises a locking ring or sleeve 402 positioned around the triggering member 220, the locking sleeve 402 being pivotable between an engaged position, wherein the locking sleeve 402 couples the hinge driver 360 to the member. trigger 220, and a disengaged position, in which the hinge driver 360 is not operatively coupled to the trigger member 200. When the locking sleeve 402 is in its engaged position, distal movement of the trigger member 220 can move the trigger. distally, and correspondingly, proximal movement of trigger member 220 may move proximal joint driver 230 proximally. 402 is in its disengaged position, motion of trigger member 220 is not transmitted to proximal hinge driver 230 and, as a result, trigger member 220 can move independently of proximal hinge driver 230. In various circumstances , the proximal hinge driver 230 can be held in position by the hinge lock 350 when the proximal hinge driver 230 is not being moved in the proximal or distal direction by the triggering member 220.

[00137] Referring primarily to Figure 4, the locking sleeve 402 may comprise a cylindrical, or at least substantially cylindrical, body that includes a longitudinal opening 403 defined therein, configured to receive the firing member 220. The locking sleeve 402 may comprise diametrically opposed inwardly facing locking protuberances 404 and an outwardly facing locking member 406. The locking protuberances 404 may be configured to be selectively engaged with the triggering member 220. More particularly, when the locking sleeve 402 is in In its engaged position, the locking protuberances 404 are positioned in a drive notch 224 defined in the triggering member 220, so that a distal compressive force and/or a proximal pulling force can be transmitted from the triggering member 220 to the locking sleeve 402. When the locking sleeve 402 is in its engaged position, the second locking member to 406 is received within a drive notch 232 defined in the proximal joint driver 230 so that the distal compression force and/or the proximal pulling force applied to the locking sleeve 402 can be transmitted to the joint driver 230 In effect, the trigger member 220, the locking sleeve 402 and the proximal linkage driver 230 will move together when the locking sleeve 402 is in its engaged position. On the other hand, when the locking sleeve 402 is in its disengaged position, the locking protuberances 404 may not be positioned within the drive notch 224 of the firing member 220 and, as a result, a distal compression force and/or a proximal pulling force may not be transmitted from the triggering member 220 to the locking sleeve 402. Correspondingly, the distal compression force and/or the proximal pulling force cannot be transmitted to the proximal joint driver 230. Under circumstances, trigger member 220 may be slid proximally and/or distally with respect to locking sleeve 402 and proximal linkage driver 230.

[00138] As can also be seen in Figure 4, the drive shaft assembly 200 additionally includes a switching drum 500 which is rotatably received in the closing tube 260. The switching drum 500 comprises a drive shaft segment hollow 502 having a drive shaft projection 504 formed therein, intended to receive an outwardly projecting actuating pin 410 therein. In various circumstances, the actuation pin 410 extends through a slot 267 into a longitudinal slot 408 provided in the locking sleeve 402 to facilitate axial movement of the locking sleeve 402 when it is engaged with the proximal hinge driver. 230. A rotating torsion spring 420 is configured to engage the drive shaft boss 504 on the switch drum 500 and a portion of the nozzle housing 203 to apply a changing force to the switch drum 500. The switch drum 500 may further comprising at least partially circumferential openings 506 defined therein, which, with reference to Figures 5 and 6, can be configured to receive circumferential bezels that extend from the mouthpiece portions 202, 203 and allow relative rotation, but not translation, between the switching barrel 500 and the proximal mouthpiece 201. The bezels also extend through apertures 266 in the closure tube 260 to be seated in recesses in the central column 210. However, rotation of the nozzle 201 to a point where the bezels reach the end of their respective slots 506 in the switching drum 500 will result in rotation of the switching drum 500 around the drive axis SA-SA geometry axis. Rotation of switching drum 500 will ultimately result in rotation of actuating pin 410 and locking sleeve 402 between their engaged and disengaged positions. Thus, in essence, the mouthpiece 201 can be employed to operatively engage and disengage the linkage drive system with the trigger drive system in the various ways described in more detail in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541.

[00139] Also as illustrated in Figures 3 to 4, the drive shaft assembly 200 may comprise a slip ring assembly 600 which may be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or end actuator 300, and/or communicate signals to and/or from the end actuator 300, for example. Slip ring assembly 600 may comprise a proximal connector flange 604 mounted to a chassis flange 242 extending from chassis 240 and a distal connector flange 601 positioned within a slot defined in drive shaft housings 202 , 203. The proximal connector flange 604 may comprise a first face and the distal connector flange 601 may comprise a second face which is positioned adjacent to and which is movable with respect to the first face. Distal connector flange 601 can rotate with respect to proximal connector flange 604 around the drive shaft axis SA-SA. Proximal connector flange 604 may comprise a plurality of concentric or at least substantially concentric conductors 602 defined on its first face. A connector 607 may be mounted on the proximal side of the distal connector flange 601 and may have a plurality of contacts (not shown), where each contact corresponds to and is in electrical contact with one of the conductors 602. This arrangement allows for relative rotation. between the proximal connector flange 604 and the distal connector flange 601, and still maintain electrical contact therebetween. Proximal connector flange 604 may include an electrical connector 606 that may place leads 602 in signal communication with a driveshaft circuit board 610 mounted on driveshaft chassis 240, for example. In at least one instance, an electrical harness comprising a plurality of conductors may extend between electrical connector 606 and drive shaft circuit board 610. Electrical connector 606 may extend proximally through an opening in the connector. 243 defined on the chassis mounting flange 242. See Figure 7. US Patent Application Serial No. 13/800,067 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM", filed March 13, 2013, now filing US Patent No. 2014/0263552, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. US Patent Application Serial No. 13/800,025 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM", filed March 13, 2013, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263551, is incorporated herein by reference , in its entirety. Additional details regarding the slip ring assembly 600 can be found in US Patent Application Publication Serial No. 13/803,086, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541.

[00140] As discussed above, the elongate drive shaft assembly 200 may include a proximal portion that is attachably mounted to the handle 14, and a distal portion that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis SA-SA of the drive shaft. drive. The distal rotating portion of the drive shaft may be rotated with respect to the proximal portion around the slide ring assembly 600, as discussed above. The distal connector flange 601 of the slip ring assembly 600 may be positioned on the distal swivel drive shaft portion. Additionally, in addition to the above, the switching drum 500 may also be positioned within the distal rotating portion of the drive shaft. When the distal rotary drive shaft portion is rotated, the distal connector flange 601 and the switching barrel 500 can be rotated synchronously with each other. In addition, the switching barrel 500 can be rotated between a first position and a second position with respect to the distal connector flange 601. When the switching barrel 500 is in its first position, the pivot drive system (i.e., the proximal pivot driver 230) may be operatively disengaged from the trigger drive system, and thus, the operation of the trigger drive system may not pivot the end actuator 300 of the drive shaft assembly 200. switch 500 is in its second position, the linkage drive system (i.e., the proximal linkage drive 230) can be operationally engaged with the trigger drive system, and thus, the operation of the trigger drive system can pivot actuator end 300 of drive shaft assembly 200. When switching drum 500 is moved between its first and second positions In this position, the switching drum 500 is moved relative to the distal connector flange 601. In various cases, the drive shaft assembly 200 may comprise at least one sensor configured to detect the position of the switching drum 500.

[00141] Again with reference to Figure 4, the closure tube assembly 260 includes a double-hinged closure sleeve assembly 271. According to various forms, the double-hinged closure sleeve assembly 271 includes a closure sleeve. end actuator 272 having upper and lower terminals 273, 274 that project distally. An upper double pivot link 277 includes upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that respectively engage an upper distal hole in the proximally projecting upper connecting terminal 273 and an upper proximal hole in a proximally projecting connection terminal 273. distally projecting upper connection 264 on closure tube 260. A lower double-hinging link 278 includes upwardly projecting distal and proximal hinge pins that respectively engage a lower distal hole in the lower connection terminal that engages. proximally projecting 274 and a lower proximal hole in the distally projecting lower connection terminal 265. See also Figure 6.

[00142] Figures 5 to 8 illustrate an embodiment of surgical end actuator 300 that is configured to be operatively attached to an elongate drive shaft assembly of a surgical instrument of the type described above or other surgical instruments that include a closure configured to generate control motions to axially move a closure member which is configured to apply closing and opening motions to portions of the surgical end actuator. In the illustrated example, as will be discussed further below in more detail, the surgical end actuator is configured to be pivotable with respect to a proximal portion of the elongate drive shaft assembly about a pivot joint, generically designated 339. Other Arrangements , however, may not be capable of articulation. As can be seen in Figure 6, articulation joint 339 defines a pivot axis B-B about which surgical end actuator 300 can be selectively pivoted. In the illustrated example, the pivot axis B-B is substantially transverse to the axis SA-SA of the drive shaft of the elongated drive shaft assembly.

[00143] The illustrated surgical end actuator 300 comprises a first jaw 308 and a second jaw 309 that is selectively movable with respect to the first jaw 308 between an open position (Figure 7) and a closed position (Figure 8). In the illustrated embodiment, the first jaw 308 comprises an elongated channel 302 which is configured to operatively support a surgical staple cartridge 304 therein, and the second jaw 309 comprises an anvil 310. However, other surgical jaw arrangements may be employed without that deviates from the character and scope of the present invention. As can be seen in Figure 5, a support tray 305 can be attached to the surgical staple cartridge 304 in order to provide additional support thereto, as well as to prevent the staple drivers (not shown) that are supported in the pockets to staples 306 formed in the surgical staple cartridge 304 fall out of the surgical staple cartridge prior to use. As can be seen in Figure 5, the elongate channel 302 has a proximal end portion 320 that includes two vertical side walls 322. The anvil 310 includes an anvil body 312 that has a lower clamp-forming surface 313 formed thereon. . A proximal end 314 of the anvil body is bifurcated by a triggering member slot 315 that defines a pair of anvil attachment arms 316. Each anvil attachment arm 316 includes an inclined top surface 321 and includes an anvil pivot pin. laterally projecting 317, and a cam slot 318 defining a cam surface or "grooved cam surface" 319. See Figure 5. One of the cam slots 318 may be referred to herein as a "first cam slot" with its cam surface called "first cam surface". Similarly, the other cam slot 318 may be called a "second cam slot" with its cam surface being referred to herein as the "second cam surface". A swivel pin hole 324 is provided in each side wall 322 of the elongate channel 302 to receive a corresponding anvil swivel pin 317 therein. Such an arrangement serves to movably affix the anvil 310 to the elongated channel 302 for selective pivoting displacement around a geometric axis A-A of the anvil, which is defined by the swivel pin holes 324 and which is transverse to the geometric axis SA-SA of the axis of drive. See Figure 6.

[00144] In the illustrated arrangement, the anvil 310 is pivotally moved with respect to the elongated channel 302, and the surgical staple cartridge 304 supported therein is moved to an open position by a pair of opening cams 354 that can be detachably supported, detachably attached, permanently attached, or integrally formed into an actuating member of the anvil. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator member of the anvil comprises the end actuator closing sleeve 272. See Figure 5. Each opening cam 354 includes an outer body portion 356 that has a cam flap 358 that projects inwardly from the anvil. of the outer body portion. The outer body portion 356 is, in at least one arrangement, configured to be snap-fitted into removable engagement within a corresponding cam hole 355 formed in the end actuator closure sleeve 272. For example, the body portion outer shell 356 may include a beveled stop portion 357 that is configured to snap-engage a corresponding portion of the end actuator closure sleeve wall defining cam hole 355. A further portion of outer body portion 356 may have a sharp angled feature 359 formed thereon that is configured to be received within a portion of the end actuator closing sleeve 272 adjacent the cam hole 355. Other snap-fit tab arrangements may also be employed to detachably affix the outer body portion 356 to the end actuator closing sleeve 272. In other embodiments, for example, the body portion the outer may not be configured for snap-fit engagement with the 272 End Actuator Closing Sleeve. In such arrangements, the outer body portions may be held in position by an annular crimp ring that extends around the circumference. outer part of the end actuator closing sleeve above the outer body portions of the opening cams and be crimped in place. The crimp ring serves to hold the outer body portions against the outer surface of the end actuator closing sleeve. To provide the end actuator closing sleeve with a relatively smooth or unbroken outer surface, which can advantageously prevent damage to adjacent tissue and/or tissue/fluid assembly, etc., among these components, the crimp ring can be , actually be crimped into an annular recess that is formed in the closing sleeve of the end actuator.

[00145] When the opening cams 350 are installed in the end actuator closing sleeve 272, each cam tab 358 extends through an elongated slot 326 in the corresponding side wall 322 of the elongated slot 302 to be received in an elongated slot 326 in the corresponding side wall 322 of the elongated slot 302. corresponding cam 318 on anvil 310. See Figure 6. In such an arrangement, the opening cams 350 are diametrically opposed to each other on the closing sleeve of the surgical end actuator. In use, closure tube 260 is translated distally ("DD" direction) to close anvil 310, for example, in response to actuation of closure trigger 32. Anvil 310 is closed as closure tube 260 is closed. translated in the distal "DD" direction so as to bring the distal end 275 of the end actuator closing sleeve 272 into contact with a closing lip 311 on the anvil body 312. In particular, the distal end 275 of the end actuator closing sleeve 311 is End actuator 272 slides over upper surfaces 321 of anvil attachment arms 316 as closure tube 260 is moved distally to begin articulating anvil 310 to a closed position. In one arrangement, for example, the closing of the anvil 310 is caused solely by the contact of the closing sleeve of the end actuator 272 with the anvil 310 and is not caused by the interaction of the opening cams with the anvil. In other embodiments, however, the opening cams could be arranged to also apply closing movements to the anvil as the closing tube 260 is moved distally. The anvil 310 is operated by proximal translation of the closure tube 260 in the proximal "DP" direction, which causes the cam tabs 358 to move in the proximal "DP" direction within the cam slots 318 over the cam surfaces. 319 to pivot anvil 310 to the open position, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[00146] The Surgical End Actuator Modality 300 employs two opening cams to effect positive opening of the end actuator jaws even when under load. Other arrangements could possibly employ only one opening cam or more than two opening cams without departing from the character and scope of the present invention. In the illustrated example, the opening cams are detachably affixed to the end actuator closing sleeve, which facilitates assembly or attachment of surgical end actuator components to the elongated drive shaft assembly, as well as disassembly thereof. . Such configurations also allow for the use of more compact or shorter articulated joint arrangements, which allow for easier manipulation of the surgical end actuator within the confined internal spaces of a patient. To facilitate separation of the opening cams that are snapped in place, the end actuator closing sleeve can be provided with additional holes strategically placed to allow a lever member to be inserted through them to pry the opening cams out of the end actuator closing sleeve. In still other embodiments, the one or more opening cams may be integrally formed in the actuator member of the anvil or end actuator closing sleeve. For example, the one or more opening cams may each comprise a tab that is cut or otherwise formed in the wall of an actuator member of the anvil or end actuator closing sleeve and then flexed, crimped or permanently deformed inwardly so as to engage the corresponding cam surface on the second jaw. For example, the tab can be flexed inwardly at a ninety degree angle to the outer wall of the end actuator closing sleeve. Such arrangements eliminate the need for separate opening cam components. Other variations may employ one or more pins that are attached to the second jaw and configured to slide over corresponding cam surfaces on the first jaw. The one or more pins can be pressed into the first jaw, knurled and then pressed into and/or welded to the first jaw, for example. While the opening cam arrangements discussed above have been described in the context of a surgical end actuator that is configured to support a surgical staple cartridge and includes an anvil that is configured to move relative to the surgical staple cartridge, the reader will recognize that opening cam arrangements may also be employed with other end actuator arrangements which have jaws movable relative to one another.

[00147] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate an elongated drive shaft assembly designated 200' that employs many of the features of the elongated drive shaft assembly 200 described above. In the illustrated example, the elongate drive shaft assembly 200' includes a double pivot link arrangement designated as 800 that employs a pivot lock 810 that is similar to the pivot lock 350 described above. The 810 pivot lock components that differ from the 350 pivot lock components and that may be necessary to understand the operation of the 350 pivot lock will be discussed below in more detail. Additional details related to the 350 joint lock can be found in US patent application serial no. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK", now US patent application publication no. is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The pivot lock 810 can be configured and operated to selectively lock the surgical end actuator 300 in various pivot positions. This arrangement allows the surgical end actuator 300 to be rotated, or pivoted, with respect to the drive shaft closure tube 260 when the pivot latch 810 is in its unlocked state.

[00148] As discussed earlier, when the proximal linkage driver 230 is operatively engaged with the triggering member 220 via the clutch system 400, the triggering member 220 can move the proximal linkage trigger 230 proximally and /or distal. For example, proximal movement of triggering member 220 may move proximal hinge driver 230 proximally, and similarly, distal movement of triggering member 220 may move proximal hinge driver 230 distally. Movement of the proximal joint driver 230, either proximal or distal, can unlock the joint lock 810, as described in more detail below. As can be seen in Figure 9, for example, the elongate drive shaft assembly 200' includes a drive shaft structure 812 that is somewhat coextensive with a first distal joint driver 820. A first distal joint driver 820 is supported within the elongated drive shaft assembly 200' for selective longitudinal displacement in a distal "DD" direction and a proximal "DP" direction in response to corresponding joint control movements applied thereto. The drive shaft structure 812 includes a distal end portion 814 having thereon a downwardly projecting pivot pin (not shown) that is adapted to be pivotally received within a pivot hole 328 formed in the proximal end portion 320 of elongate channel 302. See, for example, the similar arrangement shown in Figure 5. Such arrangement facilitates pivotal displacement of elongated channel 302 from surgical end actuator 300 with respect to drive shaft structure 812 around of a pivot axis B-B which is defined by the pivot hole 328. As indicated above, the pivot axis B-B is transverse to the axis SA-SA of the drive shaft which is defined by the elongate drive shaft assembly 200' .

[00149] Referring again to Figure 9, the first distal joint driver 820 includes a first locking cavity, or distal cavity 822 and a second locking cavity, or proximal cavity 824, with the first locking cavity 822 and the second locking cavity 824 may be separated by an intermediate frame member 825. The hinge lock 810 may additionally include at least a first locking element 826 at least partially positioned within the first locking cavity 822, which may be configured to inhibit or prevent proximal movement of the first distal joint driver 820. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, for example, there are three first locking elements 826 positioned within the first locking cavity 822, which may all act similarly , in parallel, and can act cooperatively as a single locking element. Other embodiments that may use more or less than three first locking elements 826 are contemplated. Similarly, the pivot lock 810 may additionally include at least a second locking element 828 at least partially positioned within the second locking cavity 824, which may be configured to inhibit or prevent distal movement of the first distal joint driver 820. With respect to the particular embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, there are three second locking elements 828 positioned within the second locking cavity 824, all of which may act similarly, in parallel, and can act cooperatively as a single locking element. Other embodiments that may use more or less than three second locking elements 828 are contemplated.

[00150] In addition to the above, referring primarily to Figure 9, each first locking member 826 is slidably supported on a frame rail 830 and includes locking tab 827. Each of the first locking members 826 has a locking aperture therein (not shown) for receiving the frame rail 830 therethrough. Locking shank 827 may be disposed within the first locking cavity 822 and the locking aperture may be slidably engaged with a rail of frame 830 mounted on drive shaft frame 812. First locking elements 826 are not oriented in a perpendicular arrangement with frame rail 830; instead, the first locking elements 826 are arranged and aligned at a non-perpendicular angle to the frame rail 830 so that the edges or side walls of the locking apertures are engaged with the frame rail 830. Further , the interaction between the side walls of the locking openings and the frame rail 830 can create a resisting or frictional force therebetween that can inhibit relative movement between the first locking elements 826 and the frame rail 830 and, as a result, resist a proximal compressive force P applied to the first distal joint driver 820. In other words, the first locking elements 826 can prevent, or at least inhibit, the rotation of the surgical end actuator 300 in one direction. indicated by arrow 821. If a torsional force is applied to end actuator 300 in the direction of arrow 821, a proximal compressive force P will be imparted to the distal joint driver 820. The proximal compression force P will only serve to dampen the locking engagement between the first locking elements 826 and the frame rail 830. More particularly, the proximal compression force P may be transmitted to the terminals 827 of the first locking elements 826, which can cause the first locking elements 826 to rotate and decreasing the angle defined between the first locking elements 826 and the frame rail 830, as a result, increasing the grip between the side walls of the locking apertures and the frame rail 830. Finally, then, the first locking elements 826 can lock the movement of the first distal joint driver 820 in one direction.

[00151] To release the first locking elements 826 and allow the surgical end actuator 300 to be rotated in the direction indicated by arrow 821, the proximal linkage driver 230 may be pulled proximally to straighten, or substantially straighten, the first locking members. locking 826 in a perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, position. In that position, the pinch, or resisting force, between the side walls of the locking apertures and the frame rail 830 can be sufficiently reduced, or eliminated, so that the first distal hinge driver 820 can be moved proximally. To straighten the first locking elements 826, the proximal hinge driver 230 can be pulled proximally so that a distal arm 233 of the proximal hinge driver 230 contacts the first locking elements 826 to pull and rotate the first locking elements. lock 826 to its straightened position. In various circumstances, the proximal hinge driver 230 may continue to be pulled proximally until a proximal arm 235 extending therefrom contacts or adjoins a proximal actuator wall 832 of the first distal hinge driver 820, and pull the distal joint driver 820 proximally to pivot the surgical end actuator 300. Essentially, a proximal pulling force can be applied from the proximal joint driver 230 to the distal joint driver 820 through the interaction between the proximal arm 235 and proximal drive wall 832, such pulling force may be transmitted through first distal drive member 820 to end actuator 300, as will be described in more detail below, to pivot end actuator 300 in the indicated direction. by arrow 821. After the end actuator 300 has been properly pivoted in the direction of the set 821, the proximal hinge driver 820 may be released, in various circumstances, to allow the hinge lock 810 to relock the distal hinge member 820 and the end actuator 300 in position.

[00152] Simultaneously with the above, again with reference to Figure 9, the second locking elements 828 can remain in an oblique position while the first locking elements 826 are locked and unlocked as described above. The reader will recognize that while the second locking elements 828 are arranged and aligned in an oblique position with respect to the drive shaft track 830, the second locking elements 828 are not configured to prevent, or at least substantially prevent, movement. of the first distal hinge driver 820. When the first distal hinge driver 820 and the hinge lock 810 are slid proximally as described above, the second locking members 828 may slide distally along the frame rail 830 without, in various circumstances, alter, or at least substantially alter, its oblique alignment with respect to the frame rail 830. While the second locking elements 828 can effect proximal movement of the first distal hinge driver 820 and the hinge lock 810, the second elements 828 latch codes can be configured to selectively prevent, or at least inhibit, distal movement of the first distal joint driver 820, as discussed in more detail below.

[00153] Each second locking member 828 may comprise a locking aperture (not shown) and a locking shank 829. The locking shank 829 may be disposed within the second locking cavity 824 and the locking aperture may be engaged accordingly. in a sliding manner with frame rail 830 mounted on drive shaft frame 812. Frame rail 830 extends through openings in second locking elements 828. Second locking members 828 are not oriented in a perpendicular arrangement with the frame rail 830; instead, the second locking elements 828 are arranged and aligned at a non-perpendicular angle to the frame rail 830 so that the edges or side walls of the locking apertures are in engagement with the frame rail 830. Further , the interaction between the side walls of the locking apertures and the frame rail 830 can create a resistive or frictional force therebetween that can inhibit relative movement between the second locking elements 828 and the frame rail 830 and, as a result, resist a distal force D applied to the first distal joint driver 820. In other words, the second locking elements 828 can prevent, or at least inhibit, the rotation of the surgical end actuator 300 in a direction indicated by the arrow 823. If a torque force is applied to end actuator 300 in the direction of arrow 823, a distal pulling force D will be imparted to the first actuator. distal joint 820. The distal pulling force D will only serve to dampen the locking engagement between the second locking elements 828 and the frame rail 830. More particularly, the distal pulling force D may be transmitted to the terminals 829 of the second locking elements 828, which can cause the second locking members 828 to rotate and decreasing the angle defined between the second locking members 828 and the frame rail 830, as a result, increasing the grip between the side walls of the locking openings. lock and frame rail 830. Finally, then, second locking elements 828 can lock movement of first distal joint driver 820 in one direction.

[00154] To release the second locking elements 828 and allow the surgical end actuator 300 to pivot in the direction indicated by arrow 823, the proximal pivot actuator 230 may be pushed distally to straighten, or substantially straighten, the second locking members. locking 828 in a perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, position. In this position, the pinch, or resisting force, between the side walls of the locking apertures and the frame rail 830 can be sufficiently reduced, or eliminated, so that the first distal hinge driver 820 can be moved distally. To straighten the second locking elements 828, the proximal hinge driver 230 can be pushed distally so that the proximal arm 235 of the proximal hinge driver 230 contacts the second locking elements 828 to push and rotate the second locking elements. lock 828 to its straightened position. In various circumstances, the proximal hinge driver 230 may continue to be pushed distally until the distal arm 233 extending therefrom contacts or adjoins a distal actuator wall 833 of the first distal hinge driver 820, and push the first distal joint driver 820 distally to articulate the surgical end actuator 300. Essentially, a distal compressive force can be applied from the proximal joint driver 230 to the first distal joint driver 820 through the interaction between the arm 233 and distal drive wall 833, such compression force may be transmitted through the first distal pivot driver 820 to pivot end actuator 300 in the direction indicated by arrow 823. After surgical end actuator 300 has been properly hinged in the direction of arrow 823, the first distal hinge driver 820 may be released, in various circumstances, to allow the hinge lock 810 to relock the first distal hinge driver 820 and the surgical end actuator 300 in position.

[00155] Simultaneously with the above, the first locking elements 826 may remain in an oblique position while the second locking elements 828 are locked and unlocked as described above. The reader will recognize that while the first locking elements 826 are arranged and aligned in an oblique position with respect to the drive shaft track 830, the first locking elements 826 are not configured to prevent, or at least substantially prevent, movement. of the first distal joint driver 820. When the first distal joint driver 820 and the joint lock 810 are slid distally as described above, the first locking elements 826 can slide distally along the frame rail 830 without, in various circumstances, alter, or at least substantially alter, its oblique alignment with respect to the frame rail 830. While the first locking elements 826 can perform distal movement of the first distal hinge driver 820 and the hinge lock 810, the first elements 826 latching devices are configured to selectively prevent, or at least inhibit, proximal movement of the first distal joint driver 820, as discussed above.

[00156] In view of the foregoing, the hinge lock 810, in a locked condition, can be configured to oppose proximal and distal movement of the first distal joint driver 820. In terms of strength, the hinge lock 810 can be configured to prevent, or at least substantially prevent, proximal and distal movement of the first distal joint driver 820. Collectively, proximal movement of the first distal joint driver 820 is blocked by the first locking elements 826, when the first locking elements 826 are in their locked orientation, and distal movement of the first distal joint driver 820 is blocked by the second locking elements 828 when the second locking elements 828 are in their locked orientation, as described above. In other words, the first locking elements 826 comprise a first one-way lock, and the second locking elements 828 comprise a second one-way lock, which locks in opposite directions.

[00157] Discussed in connection with the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, an initial proximal movement of the proximal joint driver 230 can unlock proximal movement of the first distal joint driver 820 and the joint lock 810, whereas a further proximal movement of the proximal joint driver 230 may drive the first distal joint driver 820 and the joint lock 810 proximally. Similarly, an initial distal movement of the proximal joint driver 230 may unlock the distal movement of the first distal joint driver 820 and the joint lock 810, while further distal movement of the proximal joint driver 230 may trigger the first. Distal joint driver 820 and joint lock 810 distally. Such a general concept is discussed in connection with several additional exemplary embodiments presented below. To the extent that such discussion is duplicated, or generally cumulative, with the discussion provided above, such discussion will not be reproduced for the sake of brevity.

[00158] Still referring to Figures 9 and 10, the double hinge link arrangement 800 is configured to establish an "advance/pull" arrangement when a hinge force is applied to such an arrangement through the first distal hinge driver 820 As can be seen from these figures, the first distal joint driver 820 has a first drive rack 842 formed therein. A first pivot rod 844 projects distally out of the first distal pivot driver 820 and is attached to a first movable coupler 850 which is attached to the first distal pivot driver 820 by a first ball joint 852. The first coupler 850 is also pivotally pinned to the proximal end portion 320 of the elongated channel 302 by a first pin 854, as can be seen in Figure 9. The double hinge link arrangement 800 further comprises a second distal hinge driver 860 that has a second drive rack 862 formed therein. The second distal joint driver 860 is movably supported within the elongate drive shaft assembly 200' for longitudinal displacement in the distal "DD" direction and the proximal "DP" direction. A second pivot rod 864 projects distally out of the second distal pivot driver 860 and is attached to a second movable coupler 870 which is attached to the second distal pivot driver 860 by a second ball joint 872. The second coupler 870 is also pivotally pinned to the proximal end portion 320 of the elongated channel 302 by a second pin 874, as seen in Figure 9. As seen in Figure 9, the first coupler 850 is secured to the elongated channel 302 in a lateral side of the drive shaft geometry SA, and the second coupler 870 is attached to the elongate groove 302 on a lateral side opposite the drive shaft geometry. In this way, by pulling one of the couplers 850, 870 and simultaneously pushing the other coupler 850,870, the surgical end actuator 300 will be pivoted about the pivot axis B-B with respect to the elongated drive axle assembly 200'. In the illustrated arrangements, while the couplers 850, 870 that facilitate relative movement between the first and second distal joint drivers 820, 860, respectively, and the elongated channel 302 are fabricated from relatively rigid components, other embodiments may employ arrangements. relatively "flexible" coupler. For example, cables, etc., may extend through one or both of the Distal Joint Drivers 820, 860, Couplers 850, 870, and Ball Joints 852, 872, to be coupled to the elongated channel to facilitate transfer of movement from articulation to them.

[00159] As can be seen in Figures 9 and 10, a proximal pinion gear 880 and a distal pinion gear 882 are centrally disposed between the first drive rack 842 and the second drive rack 862 and are in meshed engagement with each other. . In alternative embodiments, only one pinion gear or more than two pinion gears may be employed. Thus, at least one pinion gear is employed. The proximal pinion gear 880 and the distal pinion gear 882 are pivotally supported on the drive shaft structure 812 for free rotation with respect thereto, so that when the first distal pivot drive 820 is moved in the distal "DD" direction , pinion gears 870, 872 serve to drive the second distal linkage driver 860 in the proximal "DP" direction. Similarly, when the first distal joint driver 820 is pulled in the proximal "DP" direction, pinion gears 880, 882 drive the second distal joint driver 860 in the distal "DD" direction. Thus, to pivot end actuator 300 about pivot axis B-B in the direction of arrow 821, pivot actuator 230 is operatively engaged with trigger member 220 via clutch system 400 such that the trigger member 220 moves or pulls the proximal joint driver 230 in the proximal "DP" direction. Movement of the proximal joint driver 230 in the proximal direction moves the first distal joint driver 820 in the proximal direction as well. When the first distal joint driver 820 moves in the proximal direction, the pinion gears 880, 882 serve to drive the second distal joint driver 860 in the distal "DD" direction. This movement of the first and second distal joint actuators 820, 860 causes the surgical end actuator 300 and, more specifically, the elongated channel 302 of the surgical end actuator 300 to rotate about the hinge axis B-B in the direction of arrow pivot 821. On the other hand, to pivot end actuator 300 in the direction of arrow 823, trigger member 220 is actuated to push first distal pivot actuator 820 in the distal "DD" direction. When the first distal joint driver 820 moves in the distal direction, the pinion gears 880, 882 serve to drive the second distal joint driver 860 in the proximal "DP" direction. This movement of the first and second distal joint actuators 820, 860 causes the surgical end actuator 300 and, more specifically, the elongated channel 302 of the surgical end actuator 300 to rotate about the hinge axis B-B in the 823 arrow pivot direction.

[00160] The 800 rigid link double articulation arrangement and variations thereof can allow a surgical end actuator with a greater range of articulation when compared to other articulating surgical end actuator configurations. In particular, the rigid link double articulation arrangements disclosed herein can facilitate articulation ranges that exceed 45 to 50 degree ranges that are commonly achieved by other swivel end actuator arrangements. The use of at least one pinion gear to interface the distal linkage drivers allows the end actuator to be "pushed" and "pulled" into position, and can also reduce the amount of "play" or unwanted or undesired movement. intended use of the end actuator during use. The rigid link double hinge arrangements disclosed herein also comprise a hinge system which has improved strength characteristics as compared to other hinge system arrangements.

[00161] As briefly discussed above, the firing drive shaft intermediate portion 222 is configured to operatively interface with a set of distal firing or cutting bars 280. The distal firing bar 280 may comprise a laminated structure. Such an arrangement allows distal firing bar 280 to flex sufficiently when surgical end actuator 300 is pivoted about pivot axis B-B. Distal firing bar 280 is supported for axial movement within drive shaft assembly 200' and is slidably supported by two vertical side support walls 330 formed at the proximal end of elongated channel 302. Referring to Figure 11, the distal firing bar 280 is attached to a firing member 900 that includes a vertically extending firing member body 902 having a tissue cutting surface or blade 904 thereon. In addition, a wedge slider 910 may be mounted within the surgical staple cartridge 304 to make driving contact with the triggering member 900. As the triggering member 900 is driven distally through the cartridge body 304, the wedge surfaces 912 of the wedge slider 910 come into contact. contacting the staple drivers to actuate the drivers and surgical staples supported thereon on the cartridge body 304 upwards.

[00162] End actuators that employ trigger bars or trigger members and that have the ability to pivot over a range of, say, forty-five degrees have numerous challenges to overcome. To facilitate operational articulation of these end actuators, the trigger member or trigger bar needs to be flexible enough to accommodate this articulation range. However, the trigger bar or trigger member also needs to prevent deformation when encountering compressive trigger loads. To provide additional firing bar or firing member support, various "support" or "burst" plate arrangements have been developed. Several such provisions are disclosed in US Patent No. 6,964,363 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING ARTICULATION JOINT SUPPORT PLATES FOR SUPPORTING A FIRING BAR", and in US Patent No. 7,213,736 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER ACTUATED FIRING BAR TRACK THROUGH AN ARTICULATION JOINT", the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Blowout plates that provide substantial deformation resistance are difficult to flex in general, which adds to the forces that the ball joint system must accommodate. Other trigger bar support arrangements are disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 14/575,117 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[00163] Referring to Figures 11 to 15, the elongated drive shaft assembly 200' further comprises a multiple support link assembly 920 for providing lateral support to the distal firing bar 280 when the surgical end actuator 300 is pivoted in around the B-B pivot axis. As can be seen in Figure 11, the multiple support link assembly 920 comprises a central support member 922 which is movably coupled to the surgical end actuator 300 as well as the elongate drive shaft assembly 200'. For example, the central support member 922 is pivotally pinned to the proximal end 320 of the elongate channel 302 pivotally thereto about a pivot axis PA. As can be seen in Figure 11, the central support member 922 includes a distally projecting tab 923 that has within it a distal pivot hole 924 for receiving a vertical support pin 332 that is formed over the proximal end portion. 320 of the elongated channel 302. As can be further seen in Figure 11, the central support member 922 further includes a proximally projecting tab 926 that has an elongated proximal slot 928 therein. Proximal slot 928 is configured to slidably receive a central support pin 816 that is formed over frame portion 812. Such an arrangement allows central support member 922 to pivot and move axially with respect to said pivot axis assembly. elongated drive 200', for example. As can be seen in Figures 11 to 13, the central support member 922 additionally includes a centrally arranged slot 930 for movably receiving the distal firing bar 280 therethrough.

[00164] Still referring to Figures 11 to 15, the multiple support link assembly 920 further comprises a proximal support link 940 and a distal support link 950. The proximal support link 940 includes an elongated proximal body 942 that has a rounded proximal tip portion 943 and a rounded distal tip portion 944. The proximal support link 940 further includes a pair of downwardly projecting opposing proximal support walls 945, 946 that define a proximal slot 947 therebetween. Similarly, distal support link 950 includes an elongate distal body 952 that has a rounded proximal tip portion 953 and a rounded distal tip portion 954. Distal support link 950 further includes a pair of opposing distal support walls. downwardly projecting 955, 956 defining a distal slot 957 therebetween. As can be seen in Figure 14, the flexible distal firing bar 280 is configured to extend between the proximal support walls 945, 946 of the proximal support link 940 and the distal support walls 955, 956 of the distal support link 950 The proximal support wall 945 includes an inwardly facing proximal arcuate surface 948, and the proximal support wall 946 includes an inwardly facing proximal arcuate support surface 949 opposite said inwardly facing proximal arcuate surface 948. proximal arcuate 948, 949 serve to provide lateral support to the lateral side portions of a proximal portion of the flexible distal firing bar 280 as it flexes during articulation of the end actuator and traverses the toggle joint. Surfaces with rounded edges may match the outer radius of the 280 distal trigger bar, depending on the direction of articulation. Similarly, distal support wall 955 includes an inwardly facing distal arcuate surface 958, and distal support wall 956 includes an inwardly facing distal arcuate support surface 959 opposite said distal arcuate surface 958. Support surfaces distal arcuate ribs 958, 959 serve to provide lateral support to the side side portions of a distal portion of distal firing bar 280 as it flexes during articulation of surgical end actuator 300 and traverses the hinge joint. The distal arcuate surfaces 958, 959 may correspond to the outer radius of the distal firing bar 280 depending on the articulation direction. As can be seen in Figures 12 and 13, the distal end 217 of the center post 210 of the drive shaft includes a distally facing arcuate center post cavity 218 into which the rounded proximal tip portion 943 of the proximal support link 940 extends. The rounded distal tip portion 944 of the proximal support link 940 is hingedly received in an arcuate proximal cavity 932 in the central support member 922. In addition, the rounded proximal tip portion 953 of the distal support link is received in a arcuate distal support member cavity 934 at the distal end of central support member 922. The rounded distal tip portion 954 of distal support link 950 is movably received within a V-shaped channel cavity 334 formed in the walls vertical side support brackets 330 formed at the proximal end 320 of the elongate channel 302.

[00165] The multiple support link assembly can provide more lateral support to the flexible firing bar laminates when the bar is flexed at greater articulation angles. Such arrangements also prevent the firing bar from deforming under high firing loads and at relatively high articulation angles. The elongated support links, in connection with the central support member, serve to provide improved lateral support to the firing bar in the pivot zone compared to many prior art support arrangements. In alternative arrangements, the support links may be configured to actually engage with the central support member at various articulation angles. The U-shaped support links facilitate installation and serve to provide support to the flexible support bars on each side as well as the top of the bar to prevent the firing bar from curving upwards during firing while it is pivoting. .

[00166] In embodiments where the firing member includes a tissue cutting surface, it may be desirable for the elongate drive shaft assembly to be configured so as to prevent accidental advancement of the firing member unless a unused staples is properly supported in the elongated channel 302 of the surgical end actuator 300. If, for example, there is no staple cartridge present and the triggering member is advanced distally through the end actuator, tissue would be cut, but not stapled. Similarly, if a used staple cartridge (i.e., a staple cartridge in which at least some staples have already been fired) is present in the end actuator and the firing member is advanced, the tissue would be cut, but may not be be completely stapled, if stapled. It will be recognized that such occurrences could lead to undesired catastrophic results during the surgical procedure. US Patent No. 6,988,649 titled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT", US Patent No. 7,044,352 titled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING" and US Patent No. 7,380 .695 titled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING" each disclose various locking arrangements of the firing member. Each of these US patents is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[00167] Such locking arrangements can be effectively employed with a variety of surgical stapling instruments. These arrangements, however, may not be particularly suitable for use in connection with the various surgical stapling instruments disclosed herein that employ relatively compact and short ball joint configurations. For example, Figures 15 to 19 illustrate a surgical end actuator 300 that is operatively attached to an elongated drive shaft assembly 200' by a swivel joint 270'. The elongated drive shaft assembly 200' defines an axis SA-SA of the drive shaft and the articulation joint 270' facilitates selective articulation of the surgical end actuator 300 with respect to the elongated drive shaft assembly 200' around a pivot axis B-B which is transverse to the axis SA-SA of the drive shaft. In the illustrated embodiment, a double linkage arrangement with rigid links 800 (as described above) may be employed to selectively apply linkage movements to the surgical end actuator 300. The elongate drive shaft assembly 200' comprises a distal trigger bar 280. of the type described above that is selectively movable in the axial direction within the surgical end actuator 300 from a start position to an end position upon application of triggering motions thereto. Distal trigger bar 280 extends through articulation joint 270' and is configured to flex about articulation axis B-B to accommodate articulation of surgical end actuator 300 in the various ways described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge joint 270' includes a central support member 922 that is movably attached to the distal end 814 of the drive shaft structure 812 and to the proximal end 320 of the elongate channel 302. As discussed above, the bearing member central support 922 includes a distally projecting tab 923 that has within it a distal pivot hole 924 for receiving a vertical support pin 332 formed on the proximal end portion 320 of the elongate channel 302. The central support member 922 includes additionally a proximally projecting tab 926 having an elongated proximal slot 928 therein. Proximal slot 928 is configured to slidably receive a central support pin 816 formed on frame portion 812. Central support 922 further includes a centrally arranged slot 930 for axially receiving distal firing bar 280 therethrough. The central support member 922 provides lateral support to the distal firing bar 280 during distal articulation of the surgical end actuator 300 around the pivot axis B-B and, at the same time, facilitates the axial passage of the distal firing bar 280 through same during shooting.

[00168] In the illustrated embodiment, a firing bar lock assembly 980 is employed to prevent the distal firing bar 280 from being accidentally advanced from the start position to the end position, unless an unfired surgical staple cartridge 304 has has been operatively seated in the cartridge support member or elongated channel 302. As can be seen in Figures 15 to 19, the firing bar locking assembly 980 in one form includes a locking cam or detent 281 that is formed in the bar. Distal trigger 280 so as to protrude upward from the upper surface thereof. A displacement member 984 is supported on and secured to central support member 922. As can be seen in Figure 16, for example, displacement member 984 is substantially planar and includes a window 985 that is configured to accommodate the locking cam. 281 inside it during pivoting of the surgical end actuator 300. Thus, when the surgical end actuator 300 is pivoted about the pivot axis B-B, the displacement member 984 does not apply any shifting force or load to the bar. Distal trigger 280. This feature can avoid increasing the amount of joint forces that need to be generated to pivot the Surgical End Actuator 300 around the B-B pivot axis. Displacement member 984 may be adhesion welded to central support member 922, or secured thereto by other attachment methods such as screws, pins, adhesive, etc. Window 985 may also define a locking band or portion 986 which serves to contact locking cam 281 when distal firing bar 280 is in the home position. Lock cam 281 may be formed with a distally facing tilting surface 283 and a proximally facing tilting surface 285 to reduce the amounts of firing force and retraction force required to axially move the distal firing bar. 280. See Figure 19.

[00169] As described above, the distal trigger bar 280 is operatively attached to a triggering member 900 that includes a tissue cutting surface 904 on the triggering member body 902. In alternative arrangements, the tissue cutting surface may be attached to or otherwise formed on or supported directly by a portion of the distal firing bar 280. In the illustrated arrangement, a laterally extending base 905 is formed in the bottom of the firing member body 902. The firing member body trigger 902 further includes a wedge slider engagement member 906 which is configured to engage a wedge slider on the surgical staple cartridge 304, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[00170] Figure 18 illustrates an "unused" or "unfired" surgical staple cartridge 304 that has been properly installed in the elongated channel 302. As can be seen in this figure, the wedge slider 910 is situated in a "non-fire" position. (most proximal) on the surgical staple cartridge 304. The wedge slider 910 includes a proximally facing angling surface 914 that is configured to engage the wedge slider engaging member 906 on the triggering member 900 to thereby way, forcing the firing member 900 in an upward direction represented by the arrow 988, so that the bottom and base portion 905 of the firing member 900 is free to move a blocking wall 307 formed by a blocking opening 303 in the bottom of the elongated channel 302. When in this position, the distal trigger bar 280 and the trigger member 900 can be advanced distally within the elongated channel 302 and, more precisely, the staple cartridge 304 mounted therein from the initial position shown in Figure 18 to the final position with the surgical staple cartridge 304, wherein all surgical staples that were operatively supported on the surgical staple cartridge 304 were ejected by the wedge slider 910. In In such arrangements, after the firing member 900 is fully fired (i.e., fully advanced from its initial position to its final position within the surgical staple cartridge 304), the firing member 900 is retracted back to the initial position shown in Figure 19. How wedge slider 910 has been advanced distally to the final position in staple cartridge 304 by trigger member 900 and trigger member 900 is not attached to wedge slider 910 when trigger member 900 is retracted from returned to the initial position, the wedge slider 910 remains in the final position within the surgical staple cartridge 304 and does not return with the triggering member 900 for the starting position. By this, the surgical staple cartridge 304 is said to be in a "used", "spent", or "fired" state. As can be seen in Figure 19, when there is no wedge slider present in an unfired state, the bottom of the body portion 902 as well as the base 905 of the firing member 900 extends into the locking opening 303. at the bottom of the elongated channel 302 due to the displacement motion applied by the locking band 986 of the displacement member 984 to the locking cam 281 on the distal firing bar 280. When in this position, if the physician unintentionally attempted to refire the spent surgical staple cartridge , the body portion 902 and/or the base 905 would contact the wall 307 in the elongate channel 302 and would be prevented from moving from the initial to the final position. In this way, the firing bar 980 lock assembly prevents the distal firing bar 280 as well as the firing member 900 from advancing from the start to the end position unless an unfired or unused surgical staple cartridge has been properly/operationally installed in the elongated channel of the Surgical End Actuator. It will also be recognized that the firing bar locking assembly 980 also prevents advancement of the distal firing bar 280 when there is no staple cartridge installed in the elongated channel 302. In addition to accommodating the articulation of the surgical end actuator 300 around the B-B pivot axis without applying additional load to the distal trigger bar, which could result in the need for more intense linkage forces to articulate the surgical end actuator, the 980 trigger bar lock assembly does not apply any additional load on the trigger member and/or the distal trigger bar after being advanced distally beyond the blocking wall, regardless of whether the end actuator jaws are open or closed.

[00171] Figure 20A illustrates another embodiment of pivotable surgical end actuator 300' employing a firing bar locking assembly 980' comprising a displacement member 984' which is mounted within the end actuator closing sleeve 272 As can be seen in that figure, for example, displacement member 984' applies an altering force to an inclined or tapered portion 283' of distal firing bar 280'. Firing bar locking assembly 980' operates in the same manner as described above with respect to firing bar locking assembly 980. More specifically, displacement member 984' applies an altering force to the distal firing bar 280' which forces the distal trigger bar 280' and the trigger member attached thereto in a downward motion into the elongated channel. Unless an unused surgical staple cartridge with a wedge slider or other staple ejector member in an unfired position has been properly installed within the elongated channel or cartridge support member so as to operatively engage with the firing member or the firing bar to move the firing member/firing bar out of engagement with the blocking wall, the firing member/firing bar would be prevented from being axially advanced from the start position to the end position.

[00172] Figures 21 to 25 illustrate a portion of another elongate drive shaft assembly 1200 that is similar to the elongate drive shaft assembly 200 described above, with the exception of several differences discussed below in more detail. The components of the elongated drive shaft assembly 1200 that have been discussed in detail above are designated by similar reference numbers and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed further in more detail than may be necessary to understand the operation of the assembly. of drive shaft 1200 when, for example, employed with portions of the surgical instrument 10 as described above. As can be seen in Figure 21, the elongate drive shaft assembly 1200 includes a pivot lock 1810 that is substantially similar to the pivot lock 810 and functions in essentially the same manner. As can be seen in Figure 22, the elongate drive shaft assembly 1200 includes a drive shaft structure 1812 that has a proximal cavity 1815 that is configured to movably support the proximal portion 1821 of a first distal joint driver 1820 inside you. The first distal joint driver 1820 is movably supported within the elongated drive shaft assembly 1200 for selective longitudinal displacement in a distal "DD" direction and a proximal "DP" direction in response to joint control movements applied thereto. . Drive shaft structure 1812 further includes a distal end portion 1814 that has a pivot pin 1818 formed thereon. Pivot pin 1818 is adapted to be pivotally received within a pivot hole (not shown) in a proximal end portion 1320 of an elongated channel 1302 of a surgical end actuator 1300. Such an arrangement facilitates pivotal displacement ( i.e., pivoting) of elongated channel 1302 with respect to drive shaft structure 1812 about a pivot axis B-B defined by pivot hole and pin 1818. Drive shaft structure 1812 additionally includes a cavity centrally disposed 1817 and a distal notch 1819 which is situated between the distal end 1814 and the centrally disposed cavity 1817.

[00173] The drive shaft assembly 1200 further includes a second distal joint driver 1860 which comprises an endless member 1862 which is rotatably seated on a proximal pulley 1840 and a distal pulley 1340. Still referring to Figure 22, the pulley 1840 is rotatably seated on a pulley spindle 1842 that is mounted within the centrally disposed cavity 1817 within the drive shaft structure 1812. The distal pulley 1340 is non-rotatically supported or formed over the proximal end 1320 of the elongated channel 1302 of the surgical end actuator 1300. In one form, the endless member 1862 comprises a wire that is manufactured from stainless steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, etc., for example. The yarn may be of braided construction or multiple strands with varying amounts of strands to achieve desired levels of tensile strength and flexibility. In various arrangements, for example, the wire 2382 may have a diameter in the range of 0.08 centimeters to 0.20 centimeters (0.03 inches to 0.08 inches), and more preferably, in the range of 0.13 to 0.08 inches. 0.20 centimeter (0.05 to 0.08 inch). A preferred wire may, for example, be made from 300 series stainless steel - medium hard to fully hard. In various arrangements, the yarn may also be coated with, for example, Teflon®, copper, etc., for improved lubricity and/or to reduce stretch, for example. A first pin 1863 is secured to one end of the wire and a second pin 1864 is secured to the other end of the wire, for example, by crimping. The wire is stretched under tension while ends and/or pins 1863, 1864 are welded, glued, mechanically secured, etc., together to form endless member 1862. Spindle 1842 may comprise a cam assembly that engages the pulley proximal 1840 in order to move it proximally. Other forms of tensioning arrangements, such as track tensioners, turnbuckle arrangements, etc., may also be employed to tension the endless member 1862.

[00174] Still referring to Figure 22, the endless member 1862 is coupled to a distal end 1821 of the first distal hinge driver 1820 by a coupler assembly 1830. The coupler assembly 1830 comprises a coupler upper portion 1832 formed in the distal end 1822 of first distal hinge driver 1820 and a coupler lower portion 1834. Coupler lower portion 1834 is formed with two receptacles 1835 that are configured to receive pins 1862, 1864 therein. A pair of securing pins 1836 are configured to be pressed into holes 1837 in the upper portion of coupler 1832 to secure together the two coupler portions 1832 and 1834. Other arrangements of fasteners, screws, rivets, adhesive, etc., may be employed. . When endless member 1862 is seated on pulleys 1840 and 1340, coupler assembly 1830 is free to move axially within distal notch 1819 in drive shaft structure 1812 in response to axial movement of first distal hinge driver 1820 The joint movements generated by the axial movement of the first distal joint driver 1820 are transferred to the second distal joint driver 1860 or the endless member 1862. A ball or locking shoulder 1866 is attached to the endless member 1862 and is received in a groove or rail 1342 formed in the distal pulley 1340. In this way, motion of the endless member 1862 is transferred to the surgical end actuator 1300 and, more specifically, to the elongated channel 1302 of the surgical end actuator 1300 to pivot the surgical end actuator 1300. end around the B-B pivot axis. Thus, when the first distal hinge driver 1820 is moved in the distal "DD" direction, the endless member 1862 causes the surgical end actuator 1300 to pivot about the hinge axis B-B in the hinge direction represented by the arrow 823. See Figure 21. Similarly, when the first distal pivot actuator 1820 is moved in the proximal "DP" direction, the endless member 1862 causes the surgical end actuator 1300 to pivot about the axis B-B of hinge in the hinge direction represented by arrow 821. See Figures 21 and 25. As shown in Figure 21, the hinge direction 823 is opposite the hinge direction 821.

[00175] Figures 26 to 31 illustrate portions of another elongate drive shaft assembly 2200 that is similar to the elongate drive shaft assembly 200 described above, with the exception of the various differences discussed below in more detail. The components of the elongated drive shaft assembly 2200 that have been discussed in detail earlier are designated by similar reference numbers and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed further in more detail than may be necessary to understand the operation of the assembly. elongate drive shaft 2200 when, for example, employed with portions of surgical instrument 10 as described above. As can be seen in Figure 26, the elongate drive shaft assembly 2200 includes a proximal housing or nozzle 201 composed of the nozzle portions 202 and 203. The elongate drive shaft assembly 2200 additionally includes an anvil actuator member in the form of of a closure tube 2260 that can be used to close and/or open the anvil 2310 of the surgical end actuator 2300 that is operatively attached thereto. As can be seen in Figure 26 , the elongate drive shaft assembly 2200 includes a proximal center post 2210 that is configured to operatively interface with a pivot lock 2350. The proximal center post 2210 is configured to, um, support slidingly a triggering member 2220 therein and, two, slidingly supporting the closing tube 2260 which extends around the proximal center column 2210. The proximal center column 2210 also slidingly supports a proximal hinge driver 2230 Proximal pivot driver 2230 has a distal end 2231 that is configured to operatively engage pivot lock 2350.

[00176] In the illustrated arrangement, the central column 2210 comprises a proximal end 2211 which is pivotally supported on a chassis 240. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end 2211 of the central column 2210 has a thread 2214 formed therein for threaded attachment. to a center column bearing configured to be supported within the chassis 240. This arrangement facilitates pivotal attachment of the proximal center column 2210 to the chassis 240 so that the proximal center column 2210 can be selectively rotated about an SA- drive shaft SA relative to chassis 240. The proximal end of closure tube 2260 is secured to a reciprocating closure member supported on the chassis, as described above in more detail. When the elongate drive shaft assembly 2200 is operatively coupled to the surgical instrument handle or housing 10, operation of the closing trigger distally advances the closing tube 2260.

[00177] Also as noted above, the elongated drive shaft assembly 2200 additionally includes a trigger member 2220 that is supported for axial displacement on the center column 2210 of the drive shaft. Firing member 2220 includes a firing drive shaft intermediate portion 2222 which is configured to connect to a set of distal firing or cutting bars 2280. See Figure 27. The firing drive shaft intermediate portion 2222 may include a longitudinal slot 2223 at its distal end which is configurable to receive a tab at the proximal end of the distal firing bar assembly 2280. The longitudinal slot 2223 and the proximal end of the distal firing bar assembly 2280 are sized and configured to allow relative movement therebetween, and may comprise a sliding joint. The sliding joint may allow the firing drive shaft intermediate portion 2222 of the firing drive 2220 to be moved to pivot the end actuator 300 without moving, or at least not substantially moving, the distal firing bar assembly 2280. When the surgical end actuator 2300 has been properly oriented, the trigger drive shaft intermediate portion 2222 may be advanced distally until a proximal side wall of the longitudinal slot 2223 contacts the tab to advance the distal trigger bar assembly 2280 and firing a staple cartridge that can be supported on end actuator 300. Proximal hub 2210 is also coupled to distal hub 2212.

[00178] Similar to the elongated drive shaft assembly 200, the illustrated elongate drive shaft assembly 2200 includes a clutch assembly 2400 that can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the proximal linkage driver 2230 to the limb. 2220. In one form, the clutch assembly 2400 comprises a locking ring or sleeve 2402 positioned around the triggering member 2220, wherein the locking sleeve 2402 can be rotated between an engaged position, wherein the locking sleeve 2402 is rotatable between an engaged position. lock 2402 couples proximal linkage driver 2230 to trigger member 2220, and a disengaged position, in which proximal linkage trigger 2230 is not operatively coupled to trigger member 2220. When locking sleeve 2402 is in its engaged position, the distal movement of the triggering member 2220 can move the proximal joint driver 2230 distally and, correspondingly, the proximal movement of the member. trigger 2220 can move proximal linkage driver 2230 proximally. When locking sleeve 2402 is in its disengaged position, motion of triggering member 2220 is not transmitted to proximal linkage driver 2230 and, as a result, the triggering member 2220 is not transmitted. trigger 2220 can move independently of proximal joint driver 2230. In various circumstances, proximal joint driver 2230 may be held in position by joint lock 2350 when proximal joint driver 2230 is not being moved in the proximal or distally by triggering member 2220.

[00179] As discussed above, the locking sleeve 2402 may comprise a cylindrical, or at least substantially cylindrical, body that includes a longitudinal opening 2403 defined therein, configured to receive the firing member 2220. The locking sleeve 2402 may comprise protuberances diametrically opposed inwardly facing locking members 2404 and an outwardly facing locking member 2406. Locking protuberances 2404 may be configured to be selectively engaged with firing member 2220. More particularly, when locking sleeve 2402 is in its engaged position , locking protuberances 2404 are positioned in a drive notch 2224 defined in triggering member 2220 so that a distal compressive force and/or proximal pulling force can be transmitted from triggering member 2220 to the locking sleeve. 2402. When the locking sleeve 2402 is in its engaged position, the second locking member 2406 is received within a drive notch 2232 defined in joint driver 2230 so that distal compression force and/or proximal pulling force applied to locking sleeve 2402 can be transmitted to proximal joint driver 2230 In effect, the trigger member 2220, the locking sleeve 2402 and the proximal linkage driver 2230 will move together when the locking sleeve 2402 is still in its engaged position. On the other hand, when the locking sleeve 2402 is in its disengaged position, the locking protuberances 2404 may not be positioned within the drive notch 2224 of the firing member 2220 and, as a result, a distal compressive force and/or a proximal pulling force may not be transmitted from the triggering member 2220 to the locking sleeve 2402. Correspondingly, the distal compression force and/or the proximal pulling force cannot be transmitted to the proximal joint driver 2230. Under circumstances, trigger member 2220 may be slid proximally and/or distally with respect to locking sleeve 2402 and proximal linkage driver 2230.

[00180] As also discussed above, the elongated drive shaft assembly 2200 additionally includes a switch drum 2500 which is rotatably received in the closure tube 2260. The switch drum 2500 comprises a hollow drive shaft segment 2502 which has a drive shaft boss 2504 formed therein, intended to receive an outwardly projecting actuating pin 2410 therein. In various circumstances, actuation pin 2410 extends through a slot into a longitudinal slot provided in locking sleeve 2402 to facilitate axial movement of locking sleeve 2402 when it is engaged with pivot driver 2230. A rotating torsion spring 2420 is configured to engage boss 2504 on switching drum 2500 and a portion of nozzle housing 203 to apply a changing force to switching drum 2500. Switching drum 2500 may additionally comprise at least partially circumferential openings 2506 defined therein, which may be configured to receive circumferential bezels extending from the nozzle halves 202, 203 and allow relative rotation, but not translation, between the switching barrel 2500 and the proximal nozzle 201. As described above, rotation of the switching drum 2500 will ultimately result in the rotation of an actuating pin 2410 and the t-sleeve. 2402 between its engaged and disengaged positions. Thus, in essence, the mouthpiece 201 can be employed to operatively engage and disengage the linkage drive system with the trigger drive system in the various ways described above and also in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541.

[00181] Referring to Figure 27, the 2260 Closure Tube Assembly includes a 2271 Double Hinged Closure Sleeve Assembly. 2272 end actuator that has distally projecting upper and lower tabs. An upper dual hinge link 2277 includes upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that respectively engage an upper distal pin hole in the proximally projecting upper connecting terminal and an upper proximal pin hole in an upper connecting terminal that projects distally into the closure tube 2260. A lower double-hinging link 2278 includes upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that respectively engage a lower distal pin hole in the terminal proximally projecting lower connection terminal and into a lower proximal pin hole in the distally projecting lower connection terminal.

[00182] The elongated drive shaft assembly 2200 also includes a surgical end actuator 2300, which is similar to the surgical end actuator 300 described above. As can be seen in Figure 27, the surgical end actuator 2300 includes an elongated channel 2302 that is configured to operatively support a surgical staple cartridge 2304 therein. The elongated channel 2302 has a proximal end portion 2320 that includes two walls. vertical sides 2322. Surgical end actuator 2300 additionally includes an anvil 2310 that has an anvil body 2312 with a lower clamp-forming surface 2313 formed thereon. The proximal end 2314 of the anvil body 2312 is bifurcated by a firing member slot 2315 to form two anvil attachment arms 2316. Each anvil attachment arm 2316 includes a laterally projecting anvil pivot pin 2317. A slot pin 2324 is provided on each side wall 2322 of elongate channel 2302 to receive therein a corresponding anvil pivot pin 2317. Such an arrangement serves to movably affix the anvil 2310 to the elongated channel 2302 for selective pivoting displacement between open and closed or crimped positions. The anvil 2310 is moved to a closed position by advancing the closing tube 2260 distally and, more particularly, the end actuator closing sleeve 2272 above the tapered clamp arms 2316, which causes the anvil 2310 to move distally while being hinged to the closed position. A horseshoe-shaped opening 2273 is provided on the end actuator closing sleeve 2272 which is configured to engage a vertical tab 2318 on the anvil 2310 of the end actuator 2300. To open the anvil 2310, the closing tube 2260 and more particularly, the end actuator closing sleeve 2272 is moved in the proximal direction. In this way, a central flap portion defined by horseshoe-shaped opening 2273 cooperates with flap 2318 on anvil 2310 to pivot anvil 2310 back to an open position.

[00183] Referring to Figures 26, 28 and 29, as mentioned above, the elongate drive shaft assembly 2200 includes a pivot lock 2350 that is substantially similar to the pivot locks 350 and 810 that have been described above. The 2350 pivot lock components that differ from the 350 pivot lock components and that are necessary to understand the operation of the 350 pivot lock will be discussed below in more detail. As discussed above, pivot lock 2350 can be configured and operated to selectively lock end actuator 2300 in position. This arrangement allows the surgical end actuator 2300 to be rotated, or pivoted, with respect to the drive shaft closure tube 2260 when the pivot latch 2350 is in its unlocked state. When proximal linkage driver 2230 is operatively engaged with triggering member 2220 via clutch system 2400, in addition to the above, triggering member 2220 can move proximal linkage trigger 2230 proximally and/or distally. Movement of the proximal joint driver 2230, either proximal or distal, can unlock the joint lock 2350 as described above. This embodiment includes a proximal locking adapter member 2360 that is movably supported between the proximal hub 2210 and the distal hub 2212. The proximal locking adapter 2360 includes a locking cavity 2362 for receiving first locking elements therein. 2364 and second locking elements 2366 that are seated on the frame rail 2368 that extends between the proximal frame 2210 and the distal frame 2212. The hinge lock 2350 operates in the various ways as described above and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed here in more detail.

[00184] As can be seen in Figures 26, 28 and 29, a first distal joint driver 2370 is attached to the proximal locking adapter 2360. The first distal joint driver 2370 is operatively attached to a second distal joint driver 2380 which interfaces operationally with the elongated channel 2302 of the surgical end actuator 2300. The second distal linkage driver 2380 comprises a wire 2382 that is rotatably seated on a proximal pulley 2383 and a distal pulley 2392. The distal pulley 2392 is non-rotatically supported or integrally formed into an end actuator mounting assembly 2390 and includes a detent or cavity 2396. In the illustrated example, the end actuator mounting assembly 2390 is non-movably secured to the proximal end 2320 of the elongated channel 2302 by a pin strain relief 2393 that extends through a hole in the end actuator mounting assembly 2390 and holes 2394 at the proximal end 2320 of the elongated channel 2302. The proximal pulley 2383 is pivotally supported on the distal hub 2212. The distal end of the distal hub 2212 has a pivot pin 2213 formed thereon that is configured to be pivotally received into a pivot hole 2395 formed in the end actuator mounting member 2390. Such an arrangement facilitates pivotal displacement (i.e., pivoting) of the elongated channel 2302 relative to the center column 2212 about a pivot axis B-B of pivoting defined by pivot hole 2395 and pin 2213.

[00185] In one form, 2382 wire can be manufactured from stainless steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, etc., for example. The yarn may be of braided construction or multiple strands with varying amounts of strands to achieve desired levels of tensile strength and flexibility. In various arrangements, for example, the wire 2382 may have a diameter in the range of 0.08 centimeters to 0.20 centimeters (0.03 inches to 0.08 inches), and more preferably, in the range of 0.13 to 0.08 inches. 0.20 centimeter (0.05 to 0.08 inch). A preferred wire may, for example, be made from 300 series stainless steel - medium hard to fully hard. In various arrangements, the yarn may also be coated with, for example, Teflon®, copper, etc., for improved lubricity and/or to reduce stretch, for example. In the illustrated example, wire 2382 has a pin 2384 attached to one end and a pin 2385 attached to the other end, for example, by crimping. The first distal joint driver 2370 includes a pair of spaced lugs 2372, 2374 with sufficient distance between them to accommodate the pins 2384, 2385 therebetween. For example, the proximal loop 2372 includes a proximal slot 2373 for receiving a portion of the wire 2382 adjacent the pin 2384, and the distal loop 2374 includes a distal slot 2375 for receiving a corresponding portion of the wire 2382 adjacent the pin 2385. The slots 2373 and 2375 are sized relative to pins 2384, 2385, respectively, so as to prevent pins 2384, 2385 from being pulled therethrough. Proximal slot 2375 is oriented at an angle compared to distal slot 2375 so as to securely hold the corresponding portion of wire 2382 therein. See Figure 30. A ball or locking boss 2398 is attached to the endless member 2382 and is received in the detent or cavity 2396 formed in the distal pulley 2392. See Figure 31. Thus, when the first distal joint driver 2370 is axially retracted in the proximal "DP" direction, in the ways described above, the endless member 2382 will pivot the end actuator 2300 in the direction represented by the arrow 2376 in Figure 31. On the other hand, when the first distal pivot actuator 2370 is axially advanced in the In the distal direction "DD", the surgical end actuator 2300 is pivoted in the direction represented by the arrow 2399 in Figure 31. In addition, the proximal and distal handles 2372, 2374 are sufficiently spaced to accommodate the pins 2384, 2385 therebetween. A tensioning brace 2378 is used as shown in Figures 29 through 32 to apply sufficient tension to the wire 2382 so that when the wire is actuated, it will apply a pivoting motion to the end actuator 2300. In the alternative arrangement shown in Figure 35 , the proximal handle 2374' is initially not attached to the first hinge driver 2370. The proximal handle 2374' is positioned on the first distal hinge driver 2370 so as to capture pins 2384 and 2385 between the distal handle 2372 and the proximal handle 2374 '. Proximal handle 2374' is moved toward distal handle 2372 until a sufficient amount of tension is generated on wire 2382, and then proximal handle 2374' is attached to first distal hinge driver 2370. For example, proximal handle 2374' may be attached to the first distal joint driver 2370 by laser welding or other suitable form of attachment means or fastener arrangement.

[00186] Referring to Figures 36 to 39, the surgical instrument includes, for example, a firing bar center support member 2286 that is configured to extend over a hinge joint to support a set of flexible firing bars. 2280. In one form, the firing bar center support member 2286 comprises a flexible plate or band member and includes a downwardly projecting attachment tab 2287 that is attached to the surgical end actuator, and an end portion upwardly extending proximal 2288 which is secured to the elongate drive shaft assembly. In at least one arrangement, distal attachment tab 2287 is secured to end actuator mounting assembly 2390 by tension pin 2393 and proximal end portion 2288 is pinned to distal hub 2212 by pins (not shown). . The firing bar center support member 2286 is situated along the centerline or axis of the drive axis of the device and serves to provide support for the firing bar during articulation. This arrangement is different from those that employ "blowout" plates or side support plates that are situated on the side sides of the firing bar and are thus offset from the drive shaft geometry, increasing tension and pull-out forces. compression to which they are subjected during articulation. In the illustrated example, the longitudinally movable flexible firing rod assembly 2280 comprises a laminated rod structure that includes at least two layers of rods, with at least one layer of rods being configured to pass adjacent a lateral side of the member. rod support member, and at least one other rod support member is configured to pass adjacent to another lateral side of the firing rod center support member. In the illustrated example, two layers of laminates 2282 and 2284 are configured to pass adjacent to each side of the flexible tension-bearing member. See, for example, Figures 35 and 36. In various embodiments, laminate layers 2282 and 2284 may comprise, for example, stainless steel bands that are interconnected, for example, by welding or pins at their proximal ends, while their respective distal ends are not connected to allow the laminates or bands to spread out relative to each other when the end actuator is pivoted. Each pair of layers of laminates or bands 2282, 2284 is represented as a set of side-firing band 2285 of set of firing bars 2280. Thus, as shown in Figure 36, a set of side-firing band 2285 is supported in each side of center pivot bar 2286 for axial displacement therewith by a series of side load bearing members 2290. Each side load bearing member 2290 may be manufactured from, for example, stainless steel, aluminum , titanium, liquid crystal polymeric material, plastic material, nylon, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyethylene, etc., and be formed with opposing arcuate ends 2292. Each lateral load-bearing member 2290 also has a axial passage 2294 extending therethrough to receive the mounting of side-firing band assemblies 2285 and center pivot bar 2286. As can be seen particularly in Figure 38 , each axial passage is defined by two opposing arcuate surfaces 2295 that facilitate movement of the lateral load-bearing members 290 in the longitudinally movable flexible firing rod assembly 2280. The lateral load-bearing members 2290 are arranged in series at the side-firing band assemblies 2285 and center pivot bar 2286 so that opposing arcuate ends 2292 abut corresponding arcuate ends 2292 of adjacent side load bearing members 2290. See, for example, Figures 36 and 37.

[00187] Referring again to Figure 37, it can be seen that the central pivot bar 2286 of the proximal end portion 2288 extends downwardly for attachment to the distal central column 2212. The distal end 2287 of the firing bar assembly 2280 is attached to a firing member 2900 of the type and construction described above, for example. As can be seen in the figure, the trigger member 2900 includes a vertically extending trigger member body 2902 which has a fabric cutting surface or blade 2904 thereon. In addition, a wedge slider 2910 can be mounted on the interior of surgical staple cartridge 2304 to drive contact with triggering member 2900. As triggering member 2900 is driven distally through cartridge body 2304, wedge surfaces 2912 of wedge slider 2910 come into contact with the staple drivers to upwardly actuate the drivers and surgical staples supported thereon on the cartridge body 2304. The firing bar assembly 2280 is operated in the various ways described above. When the 2280 trigger bar assembly is advanced distally around the hinge joint, the 2290 side load-bearing members can help resist deformation loads on the 2280 trigger bar assembly. The 2290 side load-bearing members they can also reduce the amount of force required to pivot the end actuator and also accommodate larger pivot angles compared to other pivot joint arrangements. The fixed central support member of the firing bar 2286 serves to support the tension loads that are generated during articulation and firing.

[00188] As described above, the trigger bar assembly comprises a laminated bar structure that includes at least two layers of bars. When the trigger bar array is advanced distally (during triggering), the trigger bar array is essentially bifurcated by the trigger bar's central support member, so that portions of the trigger bar array (i.e., layers) of laminates) pass on both sides of the firing bar's central support member.

[00189] Figures 40 to 43 illustrate a portion of another set of firing bars 2280' that is attached to a firing member 2900. As can be seen from these figures, the set of firing bars 2280 comprises a laminated structure. which includes two outer side bars or layers 2282' that each have a thickness that is designated "a" and four central layers 2284' that each have a thickness that is designated "b". In at least one arrangement, for example, "a" may range from approximately 0.013 to 0.02 centimeters (0.005 to 0.008 inches), and more preferably equal to 0.02 centimeters (0.008 inches), and "b" can range from approximately 0.02 to 0.03 centimeter (0.008 to 0.012 inch) and more preferably equal to 0.024 centimeter (0.010 inch). However, other thicknesses can be used. In the illustrated example, "a" is less than "b". In other embodiments, "a" is greater than "b". In alternative arrangements, for example, laminates can be formed of three different thicknesses "a", "b", "c", where "a" = 0.015 centimeter (0.006 inch), "b" = 0.020 centimeter (0.008 inch ), and "c" = 0.025 centimeter (0.010 inch) (with the thickest laminate or strip in the center of the assembly). In various arrangements, there may be an odd number of laminates or bands, where "c" is the single thickest laminate in the center.

[00190] The composition of laminates is relevant due to the amount of effort that is applied to a set of bars based on their thickness and their distance from the bending centerline. Thicker laminates or strips that are closer to the centerline can experience the same levels of stress as thinner laminates that are further from the centerline because the former need to be more flexed due to being stacked together. The radius of curvature is steeper on the inside of the curve the further away from the center line. Thicker laminates or strips tend to experience more internal stress than thinner laminates for the same radius of curvature. In this way, thinner-sided laminates or bands that have the smallest radius of curvature may have the same probability of plastic deformation as thicker ones that are closer to the centerline. In other words, when the end actuator pivots in one direction, the laminates or bands situated in the opposite direction to the pivoting direction have the greatest bending radius, and the laminates or bands closest to the pivoting direction have the smallest bending radius. flexion. However, when the end actuator is pivoted in the opposite direction, the reverse is true. Laminates on the inner side of the laminate stack experience the same deviation, but their bending radius will always be within the range of the outer laminates. Thus, to maintain flexibility, it may be desired to locate the thinner laminates on the outside of the stack. However, to maximize hardness and creep resistance, thicker materials on the inner side provide an additional benefit. Alternatively, if the end actuator only needs to pivot in a single direction, then laminates or bands situated in the opposite direction of the pivot direction will have the greatest bending radius, and laminates or bands situated in the pivoting direction will have the smallest bending radius. . However, as the end actuator does not pivot in the opposite direction, the reverse is no longer true and therefore the laminate stack does not need to be symmetrical. Thus, in such an arrangement, it would be desirable for the thinnest laminate or band to be the one with the smallest bending radius (the laminate or band on the hinge direction side).

[00191] In still other embodiments, the laminates or bands can be manufactured from different metals with different strengths and modules. For example, the outer laminates or bands could be the same thickness as the inner laminates or bands, with the inner laminates or bands made from 300 series stainless steel and the outer laminates or bands made from titanium or nitinol.

[00192] As can be seen in Figures 42 and 43, the distal firing bar assembly 2280' can be effectively employed with the series of lateral load-bearing members 2290 described above. It will be recognized that the distal firing bar assembly 2280 may also be used in connection with a central pivot bar 2286 in the manner described above so that some of its layers or side bars (or bands or laminates) advance axially along the sides. of the central pivot bar. In some embodiments, the layers advancing on each side of the pivot bar 2286 may have the same thickness, composition, shape, and configuration. In other embodiments, the layer or layers passing along one side of the pivot bar may have a thickness and/or composition and/or shape different from the thickness and/or composition and/or shape of the layer or layers passing along on the opposite side of the center pivot bar, to achieve a desired range of travel and flexibility while maintaining a desired amount of hardness in order to avoid deformation during firing.

[00193] Figures 44 to 46 illustrate a portion of another elongate drive shaft assembly 3200 that includes a surgical end actuator 300 of the type and construction described above. Other forms of surgical end actuators may also be employed. The elongate drive shaft assembly 3200 also includes a longitudinally movable flexible firing rod assembly 3280 that is attached to a firing member 900. In alternative arrangements, the distal end of the firing bar assembly 3280 may be configured to perform various actions within the surgical end actuator without the need to attach a trigger member to it. Flexible firing bar assembly 3280 may comprise an array of laminated bars of the various types described herein. In one arrangement, at least two compression bands are employed to provide lateral support to the 3280 flexible firing bar assembly as it traverses the swivel joint. The illustrated embodiment employs a total of four compression bands to provide lateral support for the flexible firing bar as it traverses the swivel joint. For example, elongate drive shaft assembly 3200 further includes a center column 3210 that includes a distal end 3217 that has two distal cavities, or notches, 3219, and two proximal cavities, or notches, 3219' formed therein. One distal cavity 3219 accommodates a first proximal end 3904 of a first compression band 3900 located on a lateral side 3281 of said set of flexible firing bars 3280, and the other distal cavity 3219 accommodates a second proximal end 3905 of a second compression band. compression 3901 located on another lateral side 3283 of flexible firing bar assembly 3280. First compression band 3900 includes a first distal end 3902 which is mounted within a corresponding vertical side support wall 330 formed at proximal end 320 of the channel 302 of the surgical end actuator 300. Similarly, the second compression band 3901 includes a second distal end 3907 that is also mounted within a corresponding vertical side support wall 330 formed at the proximal end 320 of the elongated channel 302 of the 300 surgical end actuator. The first and second compression bands are dist 3900, 3901 may be fabricated from spring steel, or the like, and the proximal ends 3904, 3905 may be bent into a U-shape to form a flex portion configured to be movably received within the distal notches 3219, as shown. Such an arrangement allows the first and second distal compression bands 3900, 3901 to flex in response to the articulation of the surgical end actuator 300 while the proximal ends 3904, 3905 are retained within their corresponding distal notches 3219.

[00194] As can be seen in Figures 44 to 46, the elongated drive shaft assembly 3200 further includes a third compression band 3910 and a fourth compression band 3911. As well as the first and second compression bands 3900 , 3901, third and fourth compression bands 3910, 3911 can be manufactured from spring steel. As can be seen from Figures 44 to 46, the third compression band 3910 may be located between the first compression band 3900 and the lateral side 3281 of the flexible firing bar assembly 3280, and the fourth compression band 3911 may be located between the second compression band 3901 and the other lateral side 3283 of the flexible trigger band assembly 3280. The third proximal end 3914 of the third compression band 3910 and the fourth proximal end 3915 of the fourth compression band 3911 may each be bent into a U-shape to form a flex portion that is movably received within a corresponding proximal cavity 3219' in the central column 3210. The third distal end 3912 of the third compression band 3910 and the fourth distal end 3917 of the fourth compression band 3911 are mounted to a side support wall 330 corresponding to the surgical end actuator 300.

[00195] The elongated drive shaft assembly 3200 further comprises a set of movable support links 3920 to provide additional lateral support to the flexible firing bar assembly 3280 when the end actuator 300 is pivoted about the pivot axis. As can be seen in Figures 44 to 46, the movable support link assembly 3920 comprises a central support member 3922 that is movably coupled to the surgical end actuator 300, as well as the elongate drive shaft assembly 3200. In In one embodiment, the central support member 3922 is pivotally pinned to the proximal end 320 of the elongate channel 302. The central support member 3922 further includes a proximally projecting tab 3926 that has an elongated proximal slot 3928 therein. . Proximal slot 3928 is configured to slidably receive a center support pin 3211 formed in center post 3210. Such an arrangement allows for relative pivoting and axial movement between center support member 3922 and center post 3210 of the drive shaft assembly. elongated 3200 so as to accommodate a greater range of articulation while being able to dynamically move to maintain adequate lateral support on the firing bar assembly 3280. As can be seen in Figures 44 to 46, the central support member 3922 it further includes a centrally arranged slot 3930 for axially receiving the firing bar assembly 3280 therethrough.

[00196] As can be further seen in Figures 44 to 46, the movable support link assembly 3920 further comprises an elongate movable pivot link 3940. The pivot link 3940 includes a central body portion 3942 that has a nose portion. proximally projecting proximal 3943 and a distally projecting distal tip portion 3944. The pivot link 3940 further includes a first downwardly projecting side support wall 3945 and a second downwardly projecting side support wall 3946 which define a slot of bar 3947 therebetween. As can be seen in Figure 46, the firing bar assembly 3280 is configured to extend between the first and second side support walls 3945, 3946 during actuation of the firing bar assembly 3280 and the end actuator pivot. 300. Additionally, in the illustrated arrangement, for example, the first compression band 3900 extends between the first side support wall 3945 and the third compression band 3910, and the second compression band 3901 extends between the second side support wall 3946 and fourth compression band 3911. First side support wall 3945 includes an inwardly arcuate second surface 3948 and second side support wall 3946 includes an inwardly arcuate second surface 3949. the second arcuate surfaces 3948, 3949 serve to provide lateral support for the 3280 trigger bar assembly as it flexes during actuator pivoting end cap 300. Rounded edge surfaces may match the outer radius of the 3280 trigger bar assembly and 3900, 3901, 3910, 3911 compression bands depending on direction and degree of articulation. As can be seen in Figures 44 and 45 , the distal end 3217 of the central column 3210 includes a pair of right and left opposing drive shaft notches 3218 into which the proximal rounded tip portion protruding proximally 3943 of the link 3940 pivot extends depending on the direction in which the surgical end actuator pivots about the pivot axis. Similarly, opposing left and right support notches 3932 are provided on the center support 3922 to accommodate the distal tip portion that projects distally 3944 of the pivot link 3940 depending on the direction in which the end actuator is pivoted. Such notching arrangements serve to properly align the pivot link 3940 in a proper orientation to accommodate the pivot direction while providing lateral support to the pivot link 3940.

[00197] Figures 47 to 51 illustrate another elongated drive shaft assembly 4200 that is, in some respects, similar to the elongated drive shaft assembly 2200 described above, with the exception of the various differences discussed below in more detail. The components of the 2200 elongated drive shaft assembly that have been discussed earlier in detail contain component part numbers that are similar and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed further in more detail than may be necessary to understand the operation. of the elongate drive shaft assembly 4200 when, for example, employed with portions of the surgical instrument 10, as described above. As can be seen in Figure 47, in at least one example, the elongate drive shaft assembly 4200 includes a pivot lock 2350. As discussed in more detail earlier, the pivot lock assembly 2350 includes a proximal locking adapter 2360 which is coupled (e.g., pinned) to a first distal joint driver 4370. As can be seen in Figures 47 and 50, the first distal joint driver 4370 includes a first proximal rack segment 4371 and a first segment of distal rack 4373 formed at a distal end 4372 thereof. The elongate drive shaft assembly 4200 also includes a second distal pivot driver 4380 that includes a second proximal rack segment 4381 and a second distal rack segment 4383 that is formed at a distal end 4382 thereof.

[00198] The first distal joint driver 4370 and the second distal joint driver 4380 are configured to move axially with respect to the distal center column assembly 4212 in the proximal "DP" direction and the distal "DD" direction. As can be seen in Figure 50, the first proximal rack segment 4371 and the second proximal rack segment 4381 are in meshed engagement with a proximal power transfer gear 4390 that is pivotally supported by the distal hub assembly 4212. Similarly, the first distal rack segment 4373 and the second distal rack segment 4383 are in meshed engagement with a distal energy transfer gear assembly 4392. In particular, in at least one arrangement, the distal energy transfer gear assembly power 4392 includes a pinion gear 4393 that is in meshed engagement with the first distal rack segment 4373 and the second distal rack segment 4383. The power transfer distal gear assembly 4392 further includes a drive gear 4394 that is arranged in mesh with a 4395 idler gear. 4395 is in turn supported in meshing engagement with a driven gear 4306 that is formed over the proximal end portion 4320 of the elongate channel 4302 of a surgical end actuator 4300. Surgical end actuator 4300 may otherwise , be similar to the surgical end actuator 2300 and include an anvil 4310 that can be opened and closed in the various ways described above. Referring to Figures 48, 49 and 51, the distal center column assembly 4212 may comprise an upper center column portion 4212A and a lower center column portion 4212B. Distal power transfer gear assembly 4392, idler gear 4395, and driven gear portion 4306 of elongated channel 4302 are each pivotally secured or supported on bottom portion 4212B of distal center column assembly 4212.

[00199] The elongate drive shaft assembly 4200 shown in Figure 47 includes a trigger bar assembly 3280 which is attached to a trigger member (not shown). The firing bar assembly 3280 may comprise an array of laminated bars of the types described herein. The operation of the trigger member has been described in detail above and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. As can be seen in Figure 47, a 4400 firing bar support member of the type disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 14/575,117 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS", whose description is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, is employed to provide support to the trigger bar assembly 3280 during articulation of the surgical end actuator 4300. Figure 52 illustrates the use of a distal trigger bar assembly 2280 in an assembly. drive shaft 4200. As can be seen in this figure, a plurality of side load-bearing members 2290 are employed in the manner described above to support the distal firing bar assembly 2280 when the surgical end actuator 4300 is pivoted. .

[00200] Figures 53 to 58 illustrate another elongated drive shaft assembly 5200 that is in some respects similar to the elongated drive shaft assembly 2200 described above, with the exception of the various differences discussed below in more detail. Components of the 5200 elongated drive shaft assembly that were discussed earlier in detail with respect to the 2200 elongated drive shaft assembly will be identified with similar reference numbers and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed further in further detail beyond the that may be necessary to understand the operation of the elongate drive shaft assembly 5200 when, for example, employed with portions of the surgical instrument 10, as described above.

[00201] Similar to the elongated drive shaft assembly 2200, the illustrated elongate drive shaft assembly 5200 includes a clutch assembly 2400 that is configured to operatively engage a articulation system 5600 that is configured to apply pivot pivot movements. advance and traction to the surgical end actuator 300 which is operatively coupled thereto. In this embodiment, clutch assembly 2400 includes a locking ring, or locking sleeve 2402, which is positioned around firing member 2220, with locking sleeve 2402 being pivotable between an engaged position in which the locking sleeve 2402 is pivotable. latch 2402 operatively engages linkage system 5600 to trigger member 2220, and a disengaged position in which linkage system 5600 is not operatively coupled to trigger member 2220. With specific reference to Figures 54 to 56, in the illustrated example, the pivot system 5600 comprises a pivoting disc or pivoting member 5602 that is supported for rotational movement within the mouthpiece 201. The pivoting disc 5602 is pivotally driven by a drive connection assembly 5610. In the illustrated example, the pivot assembly 5602 is pivotally driven by a drive connection assembly 5610. drive connection 5610 includes a drive pin 5612 which is secured to pivot disc 5602. A pivot drive link 5614 is operationally connected to drive pin 5612 by a connector 5616 that facilitates some movement of pivot drive link 5614 relative to drive pin 5612. See Figures 54 through 56. Pivot drive link 5614 includes a drive coupler 5618 which is configured to actuately engage outwardly facing locking member 2406 with locking sleeve 2402. See Figure 53.

[00202] As discussed above, the locking sleeve 2402 may comprise a cylindrical, or at least substantially cylindrical, body that includes a longitudinal opening 2403 defined therein, configured to receive the firing member 2220. See Figure 53. The locking sleeve. 2402 may comprise diametrically opposed inwardly facing locking protuberances 2404 and an outwardly facing locking member 2406. Locking protuberances 2404 may be configured to be selectively engaged with triggering member 2220. More particularly, when locking sleeve 2402 is in its engaged position, the locking protuberances 2404 are positioned in a drive notch 2224 defined in the trigger member 2220 so that a distal compressive force and/or a proximal pulling force can be transmitted from the triggering member 2220 to the triggering member 2220. the locking sleeve 2402. When the locking sleeve 2402 is in its engaged position, the t member The outward facing lock 2406 is received within a drive notch 5619 on drive coupler 5618, as shown in Figure 53, so that the distal compressive force and/or proximal pulling force applied to the locking sleeve 2402 can be transmitted to the hinge drive link 5614. In effect, the triggering member 2220, the locking sleeve 2402 and the hinge driving link 5614 will move together when the locking sleeve 2402 is in its engaged position. On the other hand, when the locking sleeve 2402 is in its disengaged position, the locking protuberances 2404 may not be positioned within the drive notch 2224 of the firing member 2220 and, as a result, a distal compressive force and/or a proximal pulling force may not be transmitted from triggering member 2220 to locking sleeve 2402. Correspondingly, a driving force "FA" may not be applied to hinge disc 5602. Under these circumstances, triggering member 2220 can be slid proximally and/or distally with respect to the Locking Sleeve 2402 and the Proximal Knuckle Driver 2230.

[00203] As also discussed above, drive shaft assembly 5200 additionally includes a switch drum 2500 which is rotatably received in closure tube 2260. See Figure 53. Switch drum 2500 comprises a drive shaft segment hollow 2502 having a drive shaft boss 2504 formed therein intended to receive an outwardly projecting actuating pin 2410 therein. In various circumstances, the actuation pin 2410 extends into a longitudinal slot 2401 provided in the locking sleeve 2402 to facilitate axial movement of the locking sleeve 2402 when it is engaged with the pivot drive link 5614. A spring twist lock 2420 is configured to engage boss 2504 on switching drum 2500 and a portion of nozzle housing 201 to apply a changing force to switching drum 2500. As discussed above, switching drum 2500 may additionally comprise openings in the less partially circumferentially defined therein, which may be configured to receive circumferential bezels extending from the nozzle halves and allow relative rotation, but not translation, between the switching drum 2500 and the nozzle housing 201. As described above, rotation of switching drum 2500 will ultimately result in rotation of an actuating pin 2410 and of the locking sleeve 2402 between its engaged and disengaged positions. Thus, in essence, the mouthpiece housing 201 can be employed to operatively engage and disengage the linkage system 5600 with the firing drive system in the various ways described above and also in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086 , now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541.

[00204] Again with reference to Figures 53 to 56, the illustrated example linkage system 5600 further includes a "first" (or right) linkage coupling 5620 and a "second" (or left) linkage coupling 5640. The first pivot coupling 5620 includes a first pivot link 5622 that includes a first pivot pin 5624 that is movably received within a first pivot slot 5604 in the pivot disc 5602. The first pivot link 5622 is secured by movably pin to a first pivot connector 5626 that is configured to engage a pivot lock 2350. As discussed above, pivot lock 2350 can be configured and operated to selectively lock surgical end actuator 300 in position. This arrangement allows the surgical end actuator 300 to be rotated, or pivoted, with respect to the drive shaft closure tube 2260 when the pivot latch 2350 is in its unlocked state. When the pivot drive link 5614 is operatively engaged with the trigger member 2220 through the clutch system 2400, in addition to the above, the trigger member 2220 can rotate the pivot disc 6502 to move the first pivot coupling 5620 proximally and/or distally. Movement of the first hinge connector 5626 of the first hinge coupling 5620, either proximal or distal, can unlock the hinge latch 2350 as described above. The proximal locking adapter 2360 includes a locking cavity 2362 for receiving therein first locking elements 2364 and second locking elements 2366 which are seated on the frame rail that extends between the proximal frame 2210 and the distal frame. The operation of the hinge lock 2350 is done in the various ways described above and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed here in more detail. As can be seen in Figure 53, a first distal joint driver 5370 is attached to the proximal locking adapter 2360. The first distal joint driver 5370 is operatively attached to the proximal end 320 of the elongated channel 302 of the surgical end actuator 300 .

[00205] Also as noted above, the pivotal system 5600 of the illustrated example further includes a "second" (or left) pivot coupling 5640. As can be seen from Figures 54 to 56, the second pivot coupling 5640 includes a second pivot link 5642 including a second pivot pin 5644 that is movably received within a second pivot slot 5606 in the pivot disc 5602. The second pivot link 5642 is pin secured to a second pivot bar 5646 which is attached to the proximal end 320 of the elongated channel 302 of the surgical end actuator 300. Referring to Figure 54, the hinge system 5600 additionally includes a first hinge displacement member 5628 that is received within the first hinge slot 5604 , and a second hinge displacement member 5648 which is received within the second hinge slot 5606. Figure 54 illustrates the hinge system 5600 in a neutral or non-hinging configuration. As can be seen in this figure, the first pivot pin 5624 contacts the first pivot displacement member 5628, and the second pivot pin 5644 contacts the second pivot displacement member 5648. However, when in this neutral position, the first and second joint displacement members 5628, 5648 may not be in a compressed state. Figure 55 illustrates the application of drive force "FA" to pivot disc 5602 in the proximal "DP" direction by pivot drive link 5614 in the manner described above. Applying the driving force FA in the proximal direction DP results in pivoting disc 5602 rotating in the direction of rotation represented by arrow 5601. When pivoting disc 5602 rotates in the direction of rotation 5601, the end of the second pivot slot comes into contact. contact with the second pivot pin 5644 and applies a compressive force to the second pivot coupling 5640 and finally to the second pivot bar 5646. On the other hand, the first pivot displacement member 5628 forces the first pivot pin 5624 in the direction of arrow 5601 into the first hinge slot 5604 so that a pulling force is applied to the first hinge coupling 5620 in the proximal "DP" direction. This proximal pulling force is transmitted to the first 5370 Distal Joint Actuator through the 2350 Joint Lock. These "squeeze and pull" movements, as applied to the Surgical End Actuator, cause the Surgical End Actuator 300 to pivot around of the pivot axis in the direction represented by arrow 5300. See Figure 53. When the pivot disc 5602 is in the position illustrated in Figure 55, the second pivot displacement member 5648 may be in a compressed state, and the first displacement member joint may not be compressed. Thus, when the application of driving force FA to the hinge drive link 5614 ceases, the second hinge displacement member 5648 can force the hinge disc 5602 back to the neutral position shown in Figure 54, for example.

[00206] On the other hand, when the drive force "FA" is applied to the pivot drive link 5614 in the distal direction "DD", as shown in Figure 56, the pivot disc 5602 rotates in the direction of rotation represented by the arrow 5603. When the pivot disc 5602 rotates in the direction of rotation 5603, the end of the first pivot slot 5604 contacts the first pivot pin 5624 and applies a compressive force to the first pivot coupling 5620 and finally to the first distal hinge driver 5370 through the hinge lock 2350. Additionally, the second hinge displacement member 5648 forces the second hinge pin 5644 in the direction of the arrow 5603 into the second hinge slot 5606 so that a force of traction is applied to the second 5640 hinge coupling in the proximal "DP" direction. This proximal pulling force is transmitted to the second pivot bar 5646. These "squeezing and pulling" movements, as applied to the surgical end actuator 300, cause the surgical end actuator 300 to pivot around the pivot axis in the direction represented by arrow 5302. See Figure 53. When pivot disc 5602 is in a position illustrated in Figure 56, first pivot displacement member 5628 may be in a compressed state and second joint displacement member 5648 may not be pill. In this way, when the application of drive force FA to the hinge drive link 5614 ceases, the first hinge displacement member 5628 can force the hinge disc 5602 back to the neutral position shown in Figure 54, for example.

[00207] Figure 57 illustrates the attachment of the distal end portion 814 of the drive shaft structure 812 to the surgical end actuator 300 which is operatively coupled to the elongate drive shaft assembly 5200. As described above, the distal end portion 814 has thereon a downwardly projecting pivot pin (not shown) that is adapted to be pivotally received within a pivot hole (not shown) that is formed in the proximal end portion 320 of the elongated channel 302 Such an arrangement facilitates pivotal displacement of the elongated channel 302 with respect to the drive shaft structure 812 about a pivot axis B-B defined by the pivot hole. As can be seen in Figure 57 , the first distal hinge driver 5370 is attached to a first coupler 850 by a first ball joint 852. The first coupler 850 is also pivotally pinned to the proximal end portion 320 of the elongated groove. 302 by a first pin 854, as can be seen in Figure 57. Similarly, the second pivot bar 5646 is secured to a second coupler 870 by a second ball joint 872. The second coupler 870 is also pin secured to hinged to the proximal end portion 320 of the elongated channel 302 by a second pin 874, as seen in Figure 57.

[00208] Referring to Figures 53 and 58, the elongate drive shaft assembly 5200 may also include a trigger bar assembly 2280 that is attached to a trigger member 900 of the type described above. The trigger bar assembly 2280 is attached to the trigger member 2220 and can be axially advanced and retracted in the various ways described above. The elongate drive shaft assembly 5200 may further comprise an array of multiple support links 920 to provide lateral support to the distal firing bar 2280 when the surgical end actuator 300 is pivoted about the pivot axis B-B. As can be seen in Figure 58, the multiple support link assembly 920 comprises a central support member 922 that is pivotally pinned to the proximal end 320 of the elongate channel 302 in the ways described above. Central support member 922 further includes a centrally disposed slot 930 for axially receiving distal firing bar 2280 therethrough. The multiple support link assembly 920 further comprises a proximal support link 940 and a distal support link 950. The proximal support link 940 includes a body portion 942 having a rounded proximal end 943 and a rounded distal end 944. Proximal support link 940 further includes a pair of downwardly projecting side support walls 945 that define a proximal slot therebetween. Similarly, distal support link 950 includes a body portion 952 that has a rounded proximal end 953 and a rounded distal end 954. Distal support link 950 additionally includes a pair of downwardly projecting side support walls. 955 which define a distal slit therebetween. As can be seen in Figure 58 , the distal firing bar 2280 is configured to extend between the side support walls 945 of the proximal support link 940 and the side support walls 955 of the distal support link 950. Each support wall 945 and 955 includes an inwardly facing arcuate surface as described above. The support surfaces serve to provide lateral support to the Distal Fire Bar 2280 as it flexes during articulation of the Surgical End Actuator 300. In addition, the Closure Tube Assembly 2260 includes a Double Hinged Closure Sleeve Assembly described above, which is configured to operably interact with the anvil on the surgical end actuator 300. Operation of the closure tube assembly 2260 results in the anvil of the surgical actuator opening and closing in the various ways described above.

[00209] Figure 59 illustrates a portion of another elongated drive shaft assembly 5700 that may be substantially similar to the elongated drive shaft assembly 5200, with the exception of the differences discussed below. In particular, the pivot disc 5702 of the pivot system 5701 is rotated by a worm gear motor 5710 which is operatively supported in the nozzle housing 201. In one embodiment, for example, a driven gear 5703 is integrally formed. or otherwise non-movably attached to pivot disc 5702 so that it is in meshed engagement with worm gear transmission 5712 of motor 5710. In the illustrated example, a first rod or pivot member 5720 may be attached directly to a portion of a surgical end actuator in any of several ways described herein. A first pivot pin 5722 is secured to the first pivot rod 5720 and is received within a first arcuate pivot slot 5704 formed in the pivot disc 5702. A first pivot displacement member 5705 is received within the first pivot slot 5704 for displacement contact with first pivot pin 5722. Similarly, a second rod or pivot member 5730 can be attached directly or indirectly to a portion of a surgical end actuator in any of several ways described herein. A second pivot pin 5732 is secured to the second pivot rod 5730 and is received within a second arcuate pivot slot 5706 formed in the pivot disc 5702. A second pivot displacement member 5707 is received within the second pivot slot 5706 for offset contact with second pivot pin 5732.

[00210] Figure 59 illustrates the 5701 linkage system in a neutral or non-articulated configuration. As can be seen in this figure, the first pivot pin 5722 contacts the first pivot displacement member 5705, and the second pivot pin 5732 contacts the second pivot displacement member 5707. However, when in this neutral position, the first and second joint displacement members 5705, 5707 may not be in a compressed state. Actuating motor 5710 to rotate pivot disc 5702 in the direction of rotation represented by arrow 5601 will apply a pulling motion to first pivot rod 5720 to cause first pivot rod 5720 to move in the proximal "DP" direction , as well as applying a squeezing motion to the second pivot rod 5730 to cause the second pivot rod 5730 to move in the distal "DD" direction. On the other hand, actuation of motor 5710 to rotate pivot disc 5702 in the direction of rotation represented by arrow 5603 will apply a compressive motion to first pivot rod 5720 to cause first pivot rod 5720 to move in the direction distal "DD" as well as applying a pulling motion to the second pivot rod 5730 to cause the second pivot rod 5730 to move in the proximal "DP" direction. These "squeeze and pull" motions, as applied to the Surgical End Actuator, cause the Surgical End Actuator to pivot around the pivot axis in the various ways described above.

[00211] Figures 60 to 65 illustrate another 5800 linkage system that may be employed with various elongated drive shaft assemblies and actuator arrangements described herein. In this embodiment, however, the articulation system 5800 includes a set of two articulation discs 5810 which comprises a pivoting pivot disc 5820 and a pivoting pivot disc 5830. Both pivot discs 5820, 5830 may, for example, be rotatably supported within the nozzle housing of the elongated drive shaft assembly so that both discs 5820, 5830 are independently rotated about a common axis. In various embodiments, drive motions may be applied to the drive pivot disc 5820 by a pivot drive link 5614 and a trigger member arrangement 2220, as described above. In other embodiments, rotary drive motions may be applied to the drive pivot disc 5820 by a worm gear motor 5710 in the manner described above.

[00212] Figure 61 illustrates a shape of a drive disc 5820. As can be seen from that figure, the drive disc 5820 includes a first pair of first arcuate hinge slots 5822L, 5822R that each have a first arcuate length." PRAÇA". In addition, the drive pivot disc 5820 additionally includes a drive slot 5824 that is centrally disposed between the first pivot slots 5822, as can be seen in Figure 61. Depending on the method employed to drive the drive pivot disc 5820, the Pivot drive link 5614 or worm gear motor 5710 may interface with Pivot Pivot Disc 5820 in the various ways described above to apply rotary motion to Pivot Pivot Disc 5820. Figure 62 illustrates one form of a driven pivot disc 5830. As can be seen in this figure, the driven pivot disc 5830 includes a second pair of second arcuate pivot slots 5832L, 5832R that each have a second arcuate length "SC" that is less than the first arcuate length "PC". In addition, the driven pivot disc 5830 further includes a driver column 5834 which is configured to be movably received within the driver slot 5824.

[00213] Referring now to Figures 60 and 63 to 65, the linkage system 5800 further comprises a first linkage rod 5840 which may be directly or indirectly attached to a portion of a surgical end actuator in any of several ways herein described. A first pivot pin 5842 is secured to the first pivot rod 5720 and is received within corresponding first and second arcuate pivot slots 5822L, 5832L. Similarly, a second rod or pivot member 5850 can be attached directly to a portion of the same surgical end actuator in any of several ways described herein. A second pivot pin 5852 is secured to the second pivot rod 5850 and is received within corresponding first and second arcuate pivot slots 5822R, 5832R. Figure 60 illustrates the 5800 linkage system in a neutral position in which the surgical end actuator can be moved freely. Figure 63 illustrates the position of the linkage system 5800 after an initial application of rotary motion to the linkage drive disc 5820 in the direction represented by the arrow 5860. As can be seen in this figure, after the initial application of the linkage drive disc 5820, the hinge slots 5822L, 5832L are offset from each other and hinge slots 5822R, 5832R are offset from each other, but still no movement transferred to hinge rods 5840, 5850. Figure 64 illustrates the position of hinge system 5800 after continuous application of rotary motion to the drive pivot disc 5820 in the direction of arrow 5860 sufficient to result, for example, in seventy-five degrees of pivoting of the surgical end actuator with respect to the drive shaft axis. As can be seen in this figure, a compressive motion is applied to the first pivot rod 5840 to cause the first pivot rod 5840 to move axially in the distal "DD" direction, and a pulling motion is applied to the second pivot rod 5840. joint 5850 to cause the second joint rod 5850 to move axially in the proximal "DP" direction. Movements of the first and second pivot rods 5840, 5850 in opposite directions result in the pivoting of the surgical end actuator being operatively attached thereto. Figure 65 illustrates the position of the linkage system 5800 after applying rotary motion to the drive linkage disc 5820 in an opposite direction represented by arrow 5862 which is sufficient to result in, for example, seventy-five degrees of end actuator linkage. surgical with respect to the geometric axis of the drive shaft in an opposite articulation direction. As can be seen in this figure, a compressive motion is applied to the second pivot rod 5850 to cause the second pivot rod 5850 to move axially in the distal "DD" direction, and a pulling motion is applied to the first pivot rod 5850. joint 5840 to cause the first joint rod 5840 to move axially in the proximal "DP" direction. Such opposing movements of the first and second pivot rods 5840, 5850 result in the pivot of the surgical end actuator being operatively attached thereto. In one configuration, the first pivot rod 5840 can apply a pulling force to the surgical end actuator only after the pivot drive disc 5820 has been rotated a sufficient distance to achieve a seventy-five degree range of pivot.

[00214] Figures 66 to 70 illustrate a surgical end actuator 6300 comprising first and second jaws that are simultaneously movable between open and closed positions with respect to the geometric axis SA-SA of the drive shaft. The first and second jaws may comprise a variety of surgical jaw arrangements without departing from the character and scope of the present invention. Gaining access to target tissue with the grips of a surgical end actuator can sometimes be challenging. The maneuverability of a surgical end actuator, particularly a surgical end actuator that is configured to cut and staple tissue, can be improved if the distance between the point at which the jaws are supported relative to each other and the closer staple locations proximal is minimized. For example, surgical end actuators that employ only a movable jaw (i.e., one of the jaws is fixed with respect to the axis of the drive shaft) may require a movable jaw to have a relatively large range of travel to accommodate tissue. - target. This greater range of travel can complicate the process of using the end actuator to advantageously position the target tissue. The 6300 Surgical End Actuator employs first and second jaws that move relative to each other and the axis of the drive shaft about a common pivot axis. Such an arrangement allows the distance between the pivot axis and more proximal clamp locations to be shortened compared to the same distance in certain surgical end actuators that employ only a movable jaw, for example.

[00215] In the illustrated example, a first jaw 6310 includes an elongated channel 6312 that is configured to support within it a surgical staple cartridge 6320. As can be seen in Figure 70, the surgical staple cartridge 6320 is configured to operationally support therein is a plurality of staple drivers 6322 that operatively support surgical staples 6324 therein. The staple drivers 6322 are movably supported within corresponding driver slots 6321 formed in the surgical staple cartridge 6320. The staple drivers 6322 are retained within their respective driver slots 6321 by a cartridge tray 6330 that attaches to or is otherwise attached to the surgical staple cartridge 6320. The staple drivers 6322 are arranged in rows on either side of an elongated slot 6326 in the surgical staple cartridge 6320 to accommodate the axial passage of a firing member 6340 through the surgical staple cartridge 6320. same. A wedge slider 6350 is movably supported within the surgical staple cartridge 6320 and is configured to be actuatedly engaged by the triggering member 6340 when the triggering member 6340 is actuated from an initial position adjacent the proximal end of the cartridge. surgical staples 6320 to an end position within a distal portion of the surgical staple cartridge 6320. As discussed above, when the wedge slider 6350 is driven in the distal direction through the surgical staple cartridge 6320, the wedge slider 6350 comes into contact actuated with the staple drivers 6322 to drive them toward the surface of the cartridge deck 6323. The firing member 6340 includes a tissue cutting surface 6346 that serves to cut tissue trapped between the jaws when the firing member 6340 includes a tissue cutting surface 6346 that serves to cut tissue trapped between the jaws trigger 6340 is triggered distally. A distal firing bar (not shown) of the various types described herein is operatively attached to the firing member 6340, as well as an intermediate firing drive shaft portion 2222 or other firing system arrangement. The operation of the firing drive shaft intermediate portion 2222 to drive and retract the distal firing bar has been discussed in detail above and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. Other arrangements of trigger bars and trigger systems (both motor driven and manually) may also be employed to trigger the trigger member without departing from the character and scope of the present invention.

[00216] The illustrated 6300 Surgical End Actuator is also configured to pivot about a pivot axis B-B that is substantially transverse to the drive shaft SA-SA axis. As can be seen in Figures 66 to 70, the 6300 Surgical End Actuator includes a 6390 End Actuator Mounting Assembly that is adapted to be pivotally mounted, for example, to a distal drive shaft frame (not shown). ) which includes a pivot pin that is configured to be pivotally received into mounting hole 6392 on the 6390 end actuator mounting assembly. The 6300 surgical end actuator can be pivoted by a pivot lock and first-class arrangements. and second pivot rods of the type described above. As can be seen in Figure 70 , the end actuator mounting assembly 6390 additionally includes a pair of laterally extending opposite swivel pins 6394. The swivel pins 6394 extend laterally from opposite side sides 6391 of the mounting assembly. of the end actuator 6390 that also define a cavity area 6395 that is configured to receive the trigger member 6340 therein. Swivel pins 6394 serve to define a pivot axis PA-PA about which first and second jaws 6310, 6360 can pivot. Proximal end 6314 of first jaw 6310 or elongated channel 6312 includes a pair of opposing U-shaped or open-ended slots 6316 that are adapted to receive a corresponding anvil pivot pin 6394 therein. Such an arrangement serves to movably or pivotally seat the first jaw 6310 on the end actuator mounting assembly 6390.

[00217] The illustrated surgical end actuator 6300 further comprises a second jaw 6360 which may comprise an anvil 6362. The illustrated anvil 6362 includes an anvil body 6364 which includes an elongated slot 6366 and two clamp forming surfaces 6368 formed on each side of it. Anvil 6362 further includes a proximal end portion 6370 that has a pair of opposing U-shaped or open-ended slots 6372 that are also adapted to receive a corresponding anvil pivot pin 6394 therein. Such an arrangement serves to movably or pivotally seat the second jaw 6360 on the end actuator mounting assembly 6390 so that the first and second jaws can move with respect to each other as well as with respect to the geometric axis. SA-SA of the drive shaft. The first and second jaws 6310 and 6360 can be movably actuated by a locking system of the various types disclosed herein. For example, a first closure drive system of the type described herein may be employed to actuate a closure tube in the manner described above. The closure tube may also be attached to an end actuator closure sleeve 6272 which can be pivotally secured to the closure tube by a double-hinged closure sleeve assembly in the manner described above. As described above, for example, the axial movement of the closing tube can be controlled through the actuation of a closing trigger 32. As can be seen in Figures 67 to 69, the closing sleeve of the end actuator 6272 extends above of the end actuator mounting assembly 6390 and is configured to engage the proximal end 6370 of the second jaw 6360, as well as the proximal end 6314 of the first jaw 6310. At least one cam surface 6336 may be formed over the proximal end 6314 of the first jaw 6310 such that when the distal end 6274 of the end actuator closing sleeve 6272 contacts the cam surface(s) 6336, the first jaw 6310 is actuated eccentrically toward the second jaw and to the geometric axis SA-SA of the drive shaft. Similarly, one or more cam surfaces 6376 may be formed over the proximal end portion 6370 of the second jaw 6360 such that, when contacted by the distal end 6274 of the end actuator closing sleeve 6272, the second jaw 6360 is moved towards the first jaw 6310 and the SA-SA geometry axis of the drive shaft. Cam surfaces 6336, 6376 can be configured and positioned relative to each other so that the first and second jaws close at different "closing rates" or closure times relative to each other. Such an arrangement is shown in Figure 68. As can be seen in Figure 68, the distance along an arcuate path between a point P1 on the first jaw 6310 and a corresponding point P2 on the second jaw 6360 when the first and second jaws are in their respective fully open positions is represented by DT. The first and second points P1 and P2 are said to be "corresponding" to each other. For example, the first point P1 and the second point P2 can each lie on a common line or axis that extends therebetween and is perpendicular to the geometry axis SA-SA of the drive axis. The distance along an arcuate path between another point PA on the first jaw 6310 and the geometry axis SA-SA of the drive shaft is represented by D1 and the distance along another arcuate path between another corresponding point PB on the second jaw and the geometry axis SA-SA of the drive axis is represented by D2. The point PA and the point PB are also said to correspond to each other. For example, point PA and point PB can lie on a common line or axis that extends between them and is perpendicular to the geometric axis SA-SA of the drive shaft. In the illustrated arrangement, the distance D2 that the second jaw 6360 or anvil 6362 moves from the fully open position to the closed position where the clamp forming surface of the anvil 6362 lies along the axis SA-SA of the drive axis it is greater than the distance D1 that the first jaw 6310 or surgical staple cartridge 6320 moves from the fully open position to the closed position where the cartridge platform surface lies along the axis SA-SA of the drive axis. For example, in at least one arrangement, the second jaw or anvil will open or move 2/3 of the distance DT (or another distance along another path of travel between the jaws) and the first jaw or staple cartridge will open. or move 1/3 the distance DT (or another distance along yet another path of travel between the jaws), so that, in essence, one jaw reaches its fully closed position faster than the other jaw reaches its position fully closed, although a closing movement or movements were initially applied to both grips at the same or similar times. For example, the cam surfaces on the first and second jaws can be arranged or configured to achieve different rates/rates of movement of the jaws without departing from the character and scope of that embodiment of the present invention. An opening spring 6380 (Figure 70) may be positioned between the proximal end 6314 of the first jaw 6310 and the proximal end 6370 of the second jaw 6360 to flex the first and second jaws 6310, 6360 to the open position when the closing sleeve of the 6272 End Actuator is either homed or not actuated. See Figures 67 to 69.

[00218] To move the first and second jaws 6310, 6360 to a closed position (Figure 66), the clinician triggers the closing system to move the end actuator closing sleeve 6272 in the distal direction "DD" to simultaneously enter in contact with the cam surface(s) 6336 at the proximal end 6314 of the first jaw 6310 and the cam surface(s) 6376 at the proximal end 6370 of the second jaw 6360 to flex the first and second jaws 6310, 6360 toward each other (and the drive shaft SA-SA geometry axis) to the position shown in Figure 66. While the 6272 End Actuator Closing Sleeve is held in this position, the first and second jaws 6310 and 6360 are held in that closed position. Thereafter, the trigger system can be actuated to axially advance the trigger member 6340 distally through the surgical end actuator 6300. As can be seen in Figure 70, the trigger member 6340 may have a base portion 6342 that is configured to slidably engage a grooved passage 6374 of anvil 6362 and a top flap portion 6344 that is adapted to be slidably received within a grooved passage 6318 in the elongated groove 6312. See Figure 69. Accordingly, such an arrangement of firing member serves to positively retain the first and second jaws 6310, 6360 in a desired spacing arrangement during firing of the firing member (i.e., during firing of staples) and cutting of tissue that is clamped between the first and the second jaws 6310, 6360. A cover of the first jaw 6315 is removably secured to the elongate channel 6312 and a cover of the second jaw 6363 is removably attached to the anvil 63 62 for mounting purposes and also to prevent infiltration of tissue and/or body fluid into the first and second jaws, which may hamper or interfere with the operation of the 6340 triggering member.

[00219] Figure 71 illustrates another 6300' surgical end actuator that is similar to the 6300 surgical end actuator. As can be seen in this figure, the 6300' surgical end actuator comprises two jaws that are simultaneously movable between the open positions. and closed with respect to the geometric axis SA-SA of the drive shaft. In the illustrated example, a first jaw 6310' includes an elongated channel 6312' that is configured to hold a surgical staple cartridge 6320' therein. Surgical staple cartridge 6320' is configured to operatively support therein a plurality of staple drivers 6322 which operatively support surgical staples 6324 therein. The staple drivers 6322 are movably supported within corresponding driver cavities 6321' formed in the surgical staple cartridge 6320'. The staple drivers 6322 are retained within their respective driver cavities 6321' by a cartridge tray 6330' that attaches or is otherwise attached to the surgical staple cartridge 6320'. Staple drivers 6322 are arranged in rows on either side of an elongated slot 6326' in surgical staple cartridge 6320 to accommodate the axial passage of a firing member 6340' therethrough. A wedge slider 6350' is movably supported within the surgical staple cartridge 6320' and is configured to be actuatedly engaged by firing member 6340' when firing member 6340' is actuated from an initial position adjacent the end proximal portion of the surgical staple cartridge 6320' to an end position within a distal portion of the surgical staple cartridge 6320'. As discussed above, when wedge slider 6350' is driven in the distal direction through the surgical staple cartridge 6320', wedge slider 6350' is actuated contact with the clip drivers 6322 to drive them toward the 6323' cartridge platform surface. Trigger member 6340' includes a tissue cutting surface 6346' which serves to cut tissue trapped between the jaws when triggering member 6340 is actuated distally. A distal firing bar (not shown) of the various types described herein is operatively attached to the firing member 6340', as well as an intermediate firing drive shaft portion 2222 or other firing system arrangement. The operation of the firing drive shaft intermediate portion 2222 to drive and retract the distal firing bar has been discussed in detail above and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. Other arrangements of trigger bars and trigger systems (both motor driven and manually) may also be employed to trigger the trigger member without departing from the character and scope of the present invention.

[00220] The illustrated 6300' Surgical End Actuator is also configured for selective articulation about a pivot axis B-B that is substantially transverse to the drive axis SA-SA axis. End actuator 6300' includes an end actuator mounting assembly 6390' that is adapted to be pivotally mounted, for example, to a distal drive shaft structure that includes a pivot pin configured to be pivotally received. swivel into a 6392' mounting hole in the 6390' end actuator mounting assembly. The surgical end actuator 6300' can be pivoted by a pivot lock and first and second pivot rod arrangements of the type described above. As can be seen in Figure 71, the end actuator mounting assembly 6390' additionally includes a pair of laterally extending opposing swivel pins 6394'. Swivel pins 6394' extend laterally from opposite side sides 6391' of end actuator mounting assembly 6390' which also define a cavity area 6395' which is configured to receive firing member 6340' therein. . Swivel pins 6394' serve to define a pivot axis PA-PA around which first and second jaws 6310', 6360' can pivot. The proximal end 6314' of the first jaw 6310' or elongated channel 6312' includes a pair of opposing U-shaped or open-ended slots 6316' which are adapted to receive a corresponding anvil pivot pin 6394' therein. Such an arrangement serves to movably or pivotally seat the first jaw 6310' on the end actuator mounting assembly 6390'.

[00221] The illustrated surgical end actuator 6300' further comprises a second jaw 6360' which may comprise an anvil 6362'. The illustrated anvil 6362' includes an anvil body 6364' that includes an elongated slot 6366' and two clamp-forming surfaces formed on either side thereof. Anvil 6362' further includes a proximal end portion 6370' that has a pair of opposing U-shaped or open-ended slots 6372' that are also adapted to receive a corresponding anvil pivot pin 6394' therein. Such an arrangement serves to movably or pivotally seat the second jaw 6360' on the end actuator mounting assembly 6390'. The first and second jaws 6310' and 6360' are movably actuated by a closing system of the various types disclosed herein. For example, a first closure drive system 30 may be employed to actuate a closure tube 260 in the manner described herein. Closure tube 260 may also be attached to an end actuator closure sleeve 6272 which can be pivotally secured to closure tube 260 by a double-hinged closure sleeve assembly 271 in the manner described above. As described above, for example, the axial movement of the closure tube 260 can be controlled through the actuation of a closure trigger 32. The end actuator closure sleeve 6272 extends above the end actuator mounting assembly 6390 ' and is configured to engage the proximal end 6370' of the second jaw 6360', as well as the proximal end 6314' of the first jaw 6310'. At least one cam surface 6336' may be formed over the proximal end 6314' of the first jaw 6310' so that when the distal end 6274 of the end actuator closing sleeve 6272 contacts the cam surfaces 6336' , the first jaw 6310' is actuated eccentrically towards the second jaw 6360' and the geometric axis SA-SA of the drive shaft. Similarly, one or more cam surfaces 6376' may be formed over the proximal end portion 6370' of the second jaw 6360' so that, when contacted by the distal end 6274 of the end actuator closing sleeve 6272, the second jaw 6360' is moved towards the first jaw 6310' and the drive shaft geometry axis SA-SA. A spring (not shown) may be positioned between the proximal end 6314' of the first jaw 6310' and the proximal end 6370' of the second jaw 6360' to flex the first and second jaws 6310', 6360' to the open position when the 6272 End Actuator Closing Sleeve is positioned in the home or non-actuated position.

[00222] To move the first and second jaws 6310', 6360' to a closed position, the clinician triggers the closing system to move the end actuator closing sleeve 6272 in the distal direction "DD" to simultaneously contact with the cam surface(s) 6336' at the proximal end 6314' of the first jaw 6310' and the cam surface(s) 6376' at the proximal end 6370' of the second jaw 6360' to flex the first and the second jaws 6310', 6360' towards each other (and the SA-SA axis of the drive shaft). While the end actuator closing sleeve 6272 is retained in that position, the first and second jaws 6310' and 6360' are retained in that closed position. Thereafter, the trigger system may be actuated to axially advance the trigger member 6340' distally through the surgical end actuator 6300'. Firing member 6340' may have a top flap portion 6344' which is configured to slidably engage a slotted passage 6374' of anvil 6362' and a base portion 6342' which is adapted to be slidably received within of a slotted passage in the elongated channel 6312'. Thus, such a firing member arrangement serves to positively retain the first and second jaws 6310', 6360' in a desired spacing arrangement during firing of the firing member (i.e., during firing of the staples) and cutting of the fabric which is clamped between the first and second claws 6310', 6360'. A first jaw cover 6315' is removably secured to the elongated channel 6312' and a second jaw cover 6363' is removably attached to the anvil 6362' for mounting purposes and also to prevent tissue and/or fluid infiltration. body on the first and second jaws, which may hamper or interfere with the operation of the 6340' firing member.

[00223] The surgical end actuator modalities described herein that employ jaws that move both relative to each other and relative to the axis of the drive shaft can offer several advantages over other surgical end actuator arrangements. in which one of the jaws is fixed and does not move, for example in relation to the geometric axis of the drive shaft. In such configurations, it is often desirable for a movable jaw to have a relatively large range of motion relative to the fixed jaw to allow target tissue to be manipulated, positioned, and then secured therebetween. In modalities where both jaws are movable, neither requires a large range of motion to accommodate manipulation, positioning, and grasping of target tissue between the jaws. This reduced anvil movement can, for example, provide improved tissue positioning. Such arrangements may also allow the distance between the pivot axis and the first positions of the clamps to be minimized. Furthermore, the triggering member can always remain engaged with the movable jaws (anvil and elongated groove) even during opening and closing actions.

[00224] Figures 72 to 79 illustrate another surgical end actuator 6400 that is configured to be operatively attached to an elongate drive shaft assembly of the types described herein that define a drive shaft geometry SA-SA. The 6400 Surgical End Actuator comprises two jaws that are simultaneously movable between open and closed positions with respect to the drive axis SA-SA axis. The first and second jaws may comprise a variety of different jaw arrangements for use in surgical procedures. In the illustrated example, a first jaw 6410 includes an elongated channel 6412 that is configured to support a surgical staple cartridge 6420 therein. As with the various surgical staple cartridges discussed above, the surgical staple cartridge 6420 is configured to support operatively therein is a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) that operatively support surgical staples (not shown) therein. The staple drivers are movably supported within corresponding driver cavities formed in the 6420 Surgical Staple Cartridge. The staple drivers are arranged in rows on each side of an elongated slot (not shown) in the 6420 Surgical Staple Cartridge to accommodate the axial passage of a firing member 6440 therethrough. A wedge slider (not shown) is movably supported within the surgical staple cartridge 6420 and is configured to be actuatedly engaged by firing member 6440 when firing member 6440 is actuated from an initial position adjacent the proximal end. the surgical staple cartridge 6420 to an end position within a distal portion of the surgical staple cartridge 6420. As discussed above, when the wedge slider is driven in the distal direction through the surgical staple cartridge 6420, the wedge slider comes into play. actuated mode contact with the staple drivers to drive them toward the surface of the cartridge deck (not shown). Trigger member 6440 includes a tissue cutting surface 6446 which serves to cut tissue trapped between the jaws when triggering member 6440 is actuated distally. A distal firing bar (not shown) of the various types described herein is operatively attached to the firing member 6440, as well as an intermediate firing drive shaft portion 2222 or other firing system arrangement. The operation of the firing drive shaft intermediate portion 2222 to drive and retract the distal firing bar has been discussed in detail above and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. Other arrangements of trigger bars and trigger systems (both motor driven and manually) may also be employed to trigger the trigger member without departing from the character and scope of the present invention.

[00225] The illustrated 6400 Surgical End Actuator is also configured to pivot about a pivot axis B-B that is substantially transverse to the drive shaft SA-SA axis. As can be seen in Figures 72 through 79, the 6400 surgical end actuator includes a 6490 end actuator mounting assembly that is adapted to be pivotally mounted, for example, to a distal drive shaft structure that includes a pivot pin that is configured to be pivotally received into mounting hole 6492 on the 6490 end actuator mounting assembly. The 6400 surgical end actuator can be pivoted by a pivot lock and first and second rod arrangements. joint of the type described above. As can be seen in Figure 74, a pair of cam plates 6500 are non-movably secured by a tension pin 6502, for example, to the end actuator mounting assembly 6490. As can be further seen in Figure 74, each cam plate 6500 has a cam slot 6504 which has a closing wedge portion 6505 and an opening wedge portion 6507. The closing wedge portion 6505 is formed from two opposing closing cam surfaces 6506, and opening wedge portion 6507 is formed from two opposing opening cam surfaces 6508. Elongated channel 6412 includes two proximally extending actuator arms 6416 each having an opening pivot pin 6418 and a pin 6419 swivel lock that protrude laterally from the arms. Opening and closing swivel pins 6418 and 6419 are received with cam slot 6504 of a matching 6500 cam plate. Such an arrangement serves to movably or pivotally seat the first jaw 6410 on the end actuator mounting assembly 6490.

[00226] The illustrated surgical end actuator 6400 further comprises a second jaw 6460 which may comprise an anvil 6462. The illustrated anvil 6462 includes an anvil body 6464 which includes an elongated slot 6466 and two clamp forming surfaces 6468 formed on each side of it. Anvil 6462 additionally has a proximal end portion 6470 that includes two proximally extending actuator arms 6472 projecting therefrom. Each actuator arm 6472 has an opening swivel pin 6474 and a closing swivel pin 6476 which project laterally from the arms which are also received in the cam slot 6504 of a corresponding cam plate 6500. Such an arrangement serves to movably or pivotally seat the second jaw 6460 on the end actuator mounting assembly 6490.

[00227] The first and second jaws 6410 and 6460 are movably actuated by a closing system of the various types disclosed herein. For example, a first closure drive system 30 may be employed to actuate a closure tube in the manner described herein. Closure tube 260 may also be attached to an end actuator closure sleeve 6572 which can be pivotally secured to the closure tube by a double-hinged closure sleeve assembly in the manner described above. As described above, for example, the axial movement of the closing tube can be controlled by actuation of a closing trigger. As can be seen in Figures 77 and 78, the end actuator closing sleeve 6572 extends above the end actuator mounting assembly 6490 as well as the actuator arms 6416 of the first jaw 6410 and the actuator arms 6472 of the second jaw 6460. When the locking sleeve 6572 is advanced distally, the distal end 6574 of the locking sleeve 6572 contacts a proximal end 6411 of the first jaw 6410 and a proximal end 6461 of the second jaw 6460 and moves the first and the second jaws 6410, 6460 in the distal direction "DD". As the first and second jaws 6410, 6460 move distally, the locking pivot pins 6419, 6476 enter a locking wedge portion 6505 of the cam slot 6504 and the locking cam surfaces 6506 eccentrically actuate the first and the second jaws 6505. second jaws 6410, 6460 towards each other to a closed position (Figures 73, 75, 77 and 78).

[00228] To facilitate opening of the first and second jaws 6410, 6460 with the Closing Sleeve 6572, the Closing Sleeve 6572 is provided with two inwardly extending opening tabs 6576 which are configured to engage the swivel pins of closure 6419, 6476 when the closure sleeve 6572 is retracted in the proximal "DP" direction by the closure system. As can be seen in Figures 72 and 76, for example, when the closing sleeve 6572 moves in the proximal "DP" direction, the opening tabs 6576 contact the rotating closing pins 6419, 6476 and also driving the pins. swivel locks 6419, 6476 in the proximal direction. Proximal movement of the closing pivot pins 6419, 6476 causes the opening pivot pins 6418 and 6474 to enter the opening wedge portion 6507 of the cam plate slots 6504. The opening cam surfaces 6508 interact with the rotating pins. 6418, 6474 and cause actuator arms 6416 and 6472 to swing open on their respective swing surfaces 6417 and 6475 as shown in Figures 76 and 79. As in the case of the previously described arrangements in which both the first and second jaws move with respect to the geometric axis SA-SA of the drive shaft, the closing wedge portion 6505 and the opening wedge portion 6507 can be configured so that the first and second jaws close together. closing rates or closing times that differ from each other when undergoing a closing movement.

[00229] Figures 80 to 84 illustrate another surgical end actuator 7400 comprising two jaws, one jaw being movable relative to the other jaw between open and closed positions. In the illustrated example, the first jaw 7410 comprises an anvil 7412. The illustrated anvil 7412 has an anvil body 7414 with a proximal end portion 7416 that is non-movably attached to an end actuator mounting assembly 7430. For example , the proximal end portion 7416 comprises two vertical sidewalls 7418 that each have a mounting hole 7419. See Figure 82. The end actuator mounting assembly 7430 is received between the vertical sidewalls 7418 and is secured accordingly. non-movable thereto by a tensioning pin 7421 extending therethrough into holes 7419. End actuator mounting assembly 7430 is adapted to be pivotally mounted, for example, on a shaft frame frame. Distal drive that includes a pivot pin that is configured to be pivotally received into the 7432 mounting hole in the 7430 End Actuator Mounting Assembly The 7400 Surgical End Actuator can be pivoted by a pivot lock and first and second pivot rod arrangements of the type described above, or by any of various pivot systems and pivot rod and/or rod/wire arrangements. described herein without departing from the character and scope of the present invention. As can be seen in Figures 80 and 82, an anvil body 7414 also includes an elongated slot 7422 with two clamp-forming surfaces 7424 formed on either side thereof.

[00230] The surgical end actuator 7400 additionally includes a second jaw 7440 which comprises an elongated channel 7442 which is configured to hold a surgical staple cartridge 7450 therein. As in the case of certain surgical staple cartridges discussed above, the surgical staple cartridge 7450 of surgical staples 7450 is configured to operatively support therein a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) that operatively support surgical staples (not shown) therein. The staple drivers are movably supported within corresponding driver cavities 7452 formed in the 7450 Surgical Staple Cartridge. The staple drivers are arranged in rows on each side of an elongated slot 7454 in the 7450 Surgical Staple Cartridge to accommodate passage axis of a firing member 7460 therethrough. A 7451 cartridge tray is attached to the 7450 staple cartridge to prevent the staple drivers from falling out of their respective 7452 driver cavities when the 7400 surgical end actuator is manipulated in various orientations. A wedge slider 7462 is movably supported within the surgical staple cartridge 7450 and is configured to be actuatedly engaged by the triggering member 7460 when the triggering member 7460 is actuated from an initial position adjacent the proximal end of the cartridge. surgical staples 7450 to an end position within a distal portion of the surgical staple cartridge 7450. As discussed above, when the wedge slider 7462 is driven in the distal direction through the surgical staple cartridge 7450, the wedge slider 7462 comes into contact actuated with the clamp drivers to drive them toward the surface of the cartridge deck (not shown). Trigger member 7460 includes a tissue cutting surface 7464 which serves to cut tissue trapped between jaws 7410, 7440 when triggering member 7460 is distally driven. A distal firing bar 280 of the other various types described herein is operatively attached to the firing member 7460, as well as an intermediate firing drive shaft portion 2222 or other firing system arrangement. The operation of the firing drive shaft intermediate portion 2222 to drive and retract the distal firing bar 280 has been discussed in detail above and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. Other arrangements of trigger bars and trigger systems (both motor driven and manually) may also be employed to trigger the trigger member without departing from the character and scope of the present invention. A first jaw cover 7415 is removably secured to anvil 7412 and a second jaw cover 7441 is removably attached to second jaw 7440 for mounting purposes and also to prevent tissue and/or bodily fluid infiltration into the first and in the second jaws, which may hamper or interfere with the operation of the 6340 firing member.

[00231] As can be seen in Figure 82, the elongated channel 7442 includes a proximal end portion 7444 that has two side side portions 7445. Each side side portion 7445 has within it a U-shaped or edge slit. 7446 that is adapted to receive a corresponding pivot pin 7426 that projects laterally from the proximal end portion 7416 of the anvil body 7414. Such an arrangement serves to movably or pivotally seat the second jaw 7440 or elongated groove 7442 in the first jaw 7410 or anvil 7412. As can be seen more specifically in Figures 80, 82 and 84, closing ramp segments 7447 are formed over the proximal end 7444 of the elongated channel 7442. In addition, each lateral side 7445 of the proximal end 7444 has a lateral recess area 7448 formed therein. Each lateral recess area 7448 is situated proximal to a corresponding closing ramp segment 7447. An opening ramp or cam 7449 is formed adjacent the proximal end of each side recess area 7448. Each opening ramp or cam 7449 terminates in a top surface 7580. See Figures 82 and 84.

[00232] The second jaw 7440 or elongated channel 7442 can be movably actuated in relation to the first jaw 7410 or anvil 7412 by a closing system of the various types disclosed herein. For example, a closure drive system of the types described herein may be employed to actuate a closure tube of the types described herein, as discussed in more detail above. The closure tube may also be attached to an end actuator closure sleeve 7572 which can be pivotally secured to the closure tube by a double-hinged arrangement in the manner described above. As described above, for example, the axial movement of the closing tube can be controlled by actuation of a closing trigger. In other embodiments, the closure tube can be moved axially by means of a robotic control system, etc. As can be seen in Figures 80, 81, 83 and 84, the end actuator closing sleeve 7572 extends above the end actuator mounting assembly 7430 as well as the proximal end portion 7444 of the elongated channel 7442 of the second jaw 7440. End actuator closing sleeve 7572 includes two diametrically opposed opening members 7574 that are configured to operatively engage proximal end portion 7444 of second jaw 7440 or elongated channel 7442. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening members 7574 comprise inwardly extending opening tabs 7576 that are formed in end actuator closing sleeve portions 7572.

[00233] The second jaw 7440 is moved to a closed position (Figures 81 and 83) by advancing the End Actuator Closing Sleeve 7572 in the distal "DD" direction. As the end actuator closing sleeve 7572 moves distally, its distal end 7575 contacts the closing ramp segments 7447 that are formed at the proximal end 7444 of the elongated channel 7442 and serves to eccentrically actuate the elongated channel 7442 in the direction of the 7412 anvil. After the 7552 End Actuator Closing Sleeve is moved to its most distal position, the 7575 distal end contacts an adjoining surface 7443 in the 7442 elongated groove to maintain the closing load or force 7442. See Figures 81 and 83. When the 7572 end actuator closing sleeve is in the fully closed position, the ends of the opening tabs 7576 are received in the corresponding side recess areas 7448. To move the second jaw 7440 or elongated groove 7442 to an open position, the closing system is actuated to move the closing sleeve 7572 in the proximal "DP" direction. When the end actuator closing sleeve 7572 moves proximally, the opening tabs 7572 slide over the corresponding opening ramp or cam 7449 at the proximal end portion 7444 of the elongated channel 7442 to eccentrically actuate or pivot the elongated channel 7442 away from that of anvil 7412. Each tab slides over cam 7449 to top surface 7580 and serves to positively retain elongated groove 7442 in that fully open position. See Figure 84.

[00234] Figures 85 to 87 illustrate another surgical end actuator 8400 comprising two jaws 8410, 8440 that are simultaneously movable between open and closed positions with respect to the geometric axis SA-SA of the drive shaft. In the illustrated example, the first jaw 8410 comprises an anvil 8412. The illustrated anvil 8412 has an anvil body 8414 that has a proximal end portion 8416 that movably interfaces with an end actuator adapter 8600. As can be seen in Figure 85 , end actuator adapter 8600 includes two distally extending distal walls 8602 each having a side pivot pin 8604 projecting laterally from the arms. Each side pivot pin 8604 is received in a corresponding open-ended U-shaped slot 8418 formed in the side walls 8417 of the proximal end portion 8416 of the anvil 8412. See Figure 85. Such an arrangement allows the elongated groove 8412 to be moved or hinged relative to the 8600 End Actuator Adapter. As can be further seen in Figure 85, the 8600 End Actuator Adapter is non-movably attached to an 8430 End Actuator Mounting Assembly. End actuator 8600 additionally includes two vertical side walls 8606 that each have a mounting hole 8608. End actuator mounting assembly 8430 is received between vertical side walls 8606 and is non-movably secured thereto by a tension pin 8421 that extends therethrough into holes 8608. The 8430 actuator mounting assembly is adapted to be m pivotally mounted, for example, on a distal drive shaft structure that includes a pivot pin that is configured to be pivotally received into mounting hole 8432 in end actuator mounting assembly 8430. surgical end 8400 may be pivoted by a pivot lock and first and second pivot rod arrangements of the type described above, or by any of the various pivot systems and pivot rod and/or rod/wire arrangements described herein without deviates from the character and scope of the present invention. As can be seen in Figure 85, the anvil body 8414 also includes an elongated slot 8422 with two clamp-forming surfaces 8424 formed on either side thereof.

[00235] The surgical end actuator 8400 additionally includes a second jaw 8440 which comprises an elongated channel 8442 which is configured to hold a surgical staple cartridge 8450 therein. As in the case of the various surgical staple cartridges discussed above, the surgical staple cartridge 8450 of surgical staples 8450 is configured to operatively support therein a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) that operatively support surgical staples (not shown) therein. The staple drivers are movably supported within corresponding driver cavities 8452 formed in the 8450 Surgical Staple Cartridge. The staple drivers are arranged in rows on each side of an elongated slot 8454 in the 8450 Surgical Staple Cartridge to accommodate passage axis of a firing member 8460 therethrough. An 8451 cartridge tray is attached to the 8450 staple cartridge to prevent the staple drivers from falling out of their respective 8452 driver cavities when the 8400 surgical end actuator is manipulated in various orientations. A wedge slider 8462 is movably supported within the surgical staple cartridge 8450 and is configured to be actuatedly engaged by the triggering member 8460 when the triggering member 8460 is actuated from an initial position adjacent the proximal end of the cartridge. surgical staples 8450 to an end position within a distal portion of the surgical staple cartridge 8450. As discussed above, when the wedge slider 8462 is driven in the distal direction through the surgical staple cartridge 8450, the wedge slider 8462 comes into contact actuated with the clamp drivers to drive them toward the surface of the cartridge deck (not shown). Trigger member 8460 includes a tissue cutting surface 8464 which serves to cut tissue trapped between jaws 8410, 8440 when triggering member 8460 is distally driven. A distal firing bar 280 of the other various types described herein is operatively attached to the firing member 8460, as well as an intermediate firing drive shaft portion 2222 or other firing system arrangement. The operation of the firing drive shaft intermediate portion 2222 to drive and retract the distal firing bar 280 has been discussed in detail above and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. Other arrangements of trigger bars and trigger systems (both motor driven and manually) may also be employed to trigger the trigger member without departing from the character and scope of the present invention. A first jaw cover 8415 is removably secured to anvil 8412 and a second jaw cover 8441 is removably attached to second jaw 8440 for mounting purposes and also to prevent infiltration of tissue and/or body fluid into the first and in the second jaws, which may hamper or interfere with the operation of the 8460 firing member.

[00236] As can be seen in Figure 85, the elongated channel 8442 includes a proximal end portion 8444 that has two side side portions 8445. Each side side portion 8445 has within it a U-shaped or edge slit. 8446 which is adapted to receive a corresponding lateral pivot pin 8604 which projects laterally from the end actuator adapter 8600. Such arrangement serves to movably or pivotally seat the second jaw 8440 or elongated groove 8442 in the first jaw. 8410 or anvil 8412. As can also be seen in Figure 85, closing ramp segments 8447 are formed over the proximal end 8444 of the elongated channel 8442. In addition, each lateral side 8445 of the proximal end portion 8444 has a second area of lateral recess 8448 formed therein. Each second lateral recess area 8448 is located proximal to a corresponding second closing ramp segment 8447. A second ramp or opening cam 8449 is formed adjacent the proximal end of each second side recess area 8448. Each second ramp or opening cam 8449 terminates in a second top surface 8450. Similarly, a first opening area recess 8420 is formed at the bottom of each sidewall 8417 of proximal end portion 8416 of anvil 8412. A first ramp or opening cam 8426 is formed adjacent the proximal end of each first recessed area 8420. Each first opening ramp or cam 8426 terminates in a first top surface 8428.

[00237] The second jaw 8440 or elongated channel 8442 and the first jaw 8410 or anvil 8412 can be moved simultaneously between the open and closed positions by a locking system of the various types disclosed herein. For example, a closure drive system 30 may be employed to actuate a closure tube 260 in the manner described herein. Closure tube 260 may also be attached to an end actuator closure sleeve 8572 which can be pivotally secured to closure tube 260 by a double-hinged arrangement in the manner described above. As described above, for example, the axial movement of the closure tube 260 may be controlled by actuation of a closure trigger 32. In other embodiments, the closure tube may be moved axially by means of a robotic control system, etc. . As can be seen in Figures 86 and 87, the 8572 End Actuator Closing Sleeve extends above the 8430 End Actuator Mounting Assembly, the 8600 End Actuator Adapter, as well as the 8444 Proximal End Portion of the elongated groove 8442 of second jaw 8440 and proximal end portion 8416 of first jaw 8410 or anvil 8412. End actuator closing sleeve 8572 includes two diametrically opposed first opening members 8574 that are configured to operatively engage the end portion 8416 of the first jaw 8410. In the illustrated embodiment, the first opening members 8574 comprise inwardly extending first opening flaps 8576 which are formed in portions of the end actuator closing sleeve 8572. End actuator closure 8572 additionally includes two diametrically opposed second opening members 8580 that are configured to operatively engage the proximal end portion 8444 of the second jaw 8440. In the illustrated embodiment, the second opening members 8580 comprise inwardly extending second opening tabs 8582 that are formed in portions of the end actuator closing sleeve. 8572.

[00238] The first and second jaws, 8410, 8440 are moved simultaneously to a closed position (Figure 86) by advancing the end actuator closing sleeve 8572 in the distal "DD" direction. When the end actuator closing sleeve 8572 moves distally, its distal end 8575 contacts the bottom of the proximal end portion 8416 of the first jaw 8410 or anvil 8412, as well as the closing ramp segments 8447 that are formed at the proximal end 8444 of the elongated channel 8442 and serves to eccentrically actuate the first and second jaws 8410, 8440 towards each other. After the 8572 End Actuator Closing Sleeve is moved to its most distal position, the 8575 Distal End of the 8572 End Actuator Closing Sleeve contacts first contiguity surfaces 8419 on the first 8410 jaw or 8412 anvil as well as a second contiguity surface 8443 on second jaw 8440 or elongated groove 8442 to maintain closing load or closing force on both jaws 8410, 8440. See Figure 86. When End Actuator Closing Sleeve 8572 is in In the fully closed position, the ends of the first opening flaps 8576 are received in the corresponding first side recess areas 8420, and the ends of the second opening flaps 8582 are received in the corresponding second side recess areas 8448. To move the first and second jaws 8410, 8440 away from each other to their open positions, the closing system is actuated to move the closing sleeve 8572 in the proximal "DP" direction. When the end actuator closing sleeve 8572 moves proximally, the first opening tabs 8576 slide over the corresponding first ramp or opening cam 8426 at the bottom of the proximal end portion 8416 of the first jaw 8410 to eccentrically actuate or pivot the first jaw 8410 or anvil 8412 in an opposite direction from second jaw 8440 or elongated groove 8442, and second opening flaps 8582 slide over corresponding second ramps 8449 on proximal end portion 8444 of elongated groove 8442 to eccentrically actuate or pivot the elongate groove 8442 in an opposite direction from the first jaw or anvil 8412. Each of the first flaps 8576 slides over the corresponding cam or ramp 8426 over the corresponding first locking surface 8428 and each of the second flaps 8582 slides over the corresponding second cam or ramp 8449 over the second locking surface 8450 to thereby retain the first first and second jaws 8410, 8400 in the open position. The reader will recognize that the axial position of the first tabs 8576 with respect to the second tabs 8582 may be positioned so that the first and second jaws simultaneously move in opposite directions from each other, or they may be axially displaced so that one of the jaws move before the other moves.

[00239] Figures 88 through 93 illustrate portions of another surgical instrument 9010 that includes a surgical end actuator 9300 that operatively interfaces with an elongated drive shaft assembly 9200. The surgical end actuator 9300 is similar to the end actuator. 300 which has been discussed in detail above and includes a first jaw in the form of an elongated channel 9302 which is configured to operatively support a surgical staple cartridge 304 therein. The illustrated surgical end actuator 9300 further includes a second jaw under in the form of an anvil 310 that is supported in the elongated channel 9302 for movement relative thereto. The anvil 310 may be movably actuated by the closure system described above and shown in Figures 88 and 91. For example, a first closure drive system may be employed to actuate a closure tube 260 in the manner described herein. Closure tube 260 is secured to an end actuator closure sleeve 272 which is pivotally secured to closure tube 260 by a double-hinged closure sleeve assembly 271 in the manner described above. As described above, for example, the axial movement of the closing tube 260 can be controlled through the actuation of a closing trigger. As also described above, closing sleeve 272 includes opening cams which serve to move anvil 310 into an open position. In use, the closing tube 260 is translated distally ("DD" direction) to close the anvil 310, for example, in response to actuation of the closing trigger. The anvil 310 is closed by distally translating the closure tube 260 in the distal direction "DD", as well as the end actuator closure sleeve 272 which is pivotally coupled thereto. When end actuator closing sleeve 272 is actuated distally, cam tabs 358 of opening cams 354 move distally within cam slots 318 on anvil 310 to operatively interface with or slide over cam surfaces 319 to actuate eccentrically the body portion 312 of the anvil 310 away from the surgical staple cartridge 304 to an open position. The anvil 310 is closed by distally translating the closing tube 260 in the distal "DD" direction until the distal end 275 of the end actuator closing sleeve 272 slides over the anvil clamp arms 316 to contact the anvil 316. member causing cam tabs 358 to move in the proximal "DP" direction within cam slots 318 over cam surfaces 319 to pivot anvil 310 to the open position.

[00240] As can be seen in Figure 91 for example, the elongate drive shaft assembly 9200 includes a two-piece drive shaft assembly or center column assembly 9812 upon which the closure tube assembly 260 is received. Center column assembly 9812 includes a proximal center column portion 9814 and a distal center column portion 9816. The proximal center column portion 9816 may be pivotally seated in the handle or housing (not shown) in the various ways described herein to facilitate installation. rotation of the 9300 Surgical End Actuator about the drive shaft SA axis. Although not shown, surgical instrument 9010 may also include a trigger bar arrangement and any of the various trigger system arrangements disclosed herein for driving a triggering member through the surgical staple cartridge in the various ways discussed above. As can be seen in Figure 91 , the distal center column portion 9816 includes a distal end portion 9818 that has therein an upwardly projecting pivot pin 9819 that is adapted to be pivotally received within a hinge hole. pivot 9328 formed in the proximal end portion 9320 of the elongated channel 9302. Such arrangement facilitates pivotal displacement of the elongated channel 9302 of the surgical end actuator 9300 relative to the center column assembly 9812 about a pivotal axis B-B of articulation that is defined through pivot hole 9328. As indicated above, pivot axis B-B is transverse to drive shaft axis SA-SA which is defined by elongate drive shaft assembly 9200.

[00241] Still referring to Figure 91, the elongate drive shaft assembly 9200 additionally includes a pivot system, generically designated as 9900, which includes a first pivot bar 9910 and a second pivot bar 9920. articulation 9910 operatively interfaces with a first articulation motor 9912 which is operatively supported on the handle of the surgical instrument or housing or portion of a robotically controlled system. As can be seen in Figures 92 and 93, the first pivot bar 9910 is attached to a first pivot nut 9914 which is threadably received on a first threaded drive shaft 9916 of the first pivot motor 9912. The rotation of the first threaded drive shaft 9916 in a first direction of rotation will result in the distal advancement of the first pivot bar 9910 in the distal "DD" direction, and rotation of the first threaded drive shaft 9916 in a second or opposite direction of rotation will result in the proximal advancement of the first joint drive bar 9910 in the proximal "DP" direction.

[00242] The illustrated articulation system 9900 further includes a second articulation bar 9920 that operatively interfaces with a second articulation motor 9922 that is operatively supported on the handle or housing of the surgical instrument, or portion of a robotically controlled system. As can be seen in Figures 92 and 93, the second pivot bar 9920 is secured to a second pivot nut 9924 which is threadedly received on a second threaded drive shaft 9926 of the second pivot motor 9922. Rotation of the second threaded drive shaft 9926 in the first direction of rotation will result in proximal advancement of the second pivot bar 9920 in the proximal "DP" direction, and rotation of the second threaded drive shaft 9926 in a second or opposite direction of rotation will result in the distal advance of the second joint drive bar 9920 in the distal direction "DD".

[00243] The 9900 linkage system additionally includes a cross link assembly 9940 that is operatively attached to the first and second linkage bars 9910, 9920. As can be seen in Figure 91, the cross link assembly 9940 includes a pivot member. central support 9950 which is pivotally pinned to proximal end 9320 of elongated channel 9302 with a first pin 9952. Central support member 9950 further includes a proximal connector tab 9954 which includes a slot 9956 for receiving a second pin 9958 in therein to pivotally secure the proximal connector tab 9954 to the distal end portion 9818 of the distal center column portion 9816. The pin and slot arrangement facilitates pivotal and axial displacement of the central support member 9950 relative to the column assembly. 9812. The central support member 9950 further includes a slot 9960 for receiving a firing bar therethrough. The 9950 center support member serves to provide lateral support for the firing bar as it flexes to accommodate the 9300 Surgical End Actuator pivot.

[00244] As can be seen more specifically in Figures 92 and 93, the central support member 9950 has a proximal coupling tab portion 9970 that facilitates attachment of the first and second pivot bars 9910, 9920 thereto. In particular, a distal end 9911 of the first pivot bar 9910 is pivotally attached to a first pivot link 9972 that is pivotally pinned to the proximal coupling tab portion 9970. Similarly, the distal end 9921 of the second pivot bar 9920 is pivotally pinned to a second pivot link 9974 that is pivotally pinned to the proximal coupling tab portion 9970 of the central support member 9950. Figure 92 illustrates the pivot of the pivot. surgical end actuator 9300 in the direction represented by arrow 9980. As can be seen in this figure, the first threaded drive shaft 9916 of the first linkage motor is rotated in a first direction of rotation to drive the first linkage bar 9910 in the distal direction . In addition, the second threaded drive shaft 9926 of the second pivot motor 9922 is rotated in a second direction of rotation to drive the second pivot bar 9920 in the proximal direction. The first and second linkage motors 9912, 9922 are operated by a computer controlled system and, as can be seen in Figure 92, the distance that the first linkage bar 9910 moves in the distal direction is not equal to the distance that the linkage bar 9910 moves in the distal direction. second pivot bar 9920 moves in the proximal direction.

[00245] Figure 93 illustrates the linkage of the surgical end actuator 9300 in the direction represented by arrow 9982. As can be seen in this figure, the second threaded drive shaft 9926 of the second linkage motor 9922 is rotated in a first direction of rotation. to drive the second pivot bar 9920 in the distal direction. In addition, the first threaded drive shaft 9916 of the first pivot motor 9912 is rotated in a second direction of rotation to drive the first pivot bar 9910 in the proximal direction. The first and second linkage motors 9912, 9922 are operated by a computer controlled system and, as can be seen in Figure 92, the distance that the second linkage bar 9920 moves in the distal direction is not equal to the distance that the linkage bar 9920 moves in the distal direction. first pivot bar 9910 moves in proximal direction. In alternative arrangements, only one linkage motor may be employed to link the end actuator. In such arrangements, for example, the second link may be proximally coupled to the first link by means of a rack-and-pinion arrangement similar to the rack-and-pinion arrangements disclosed in detail herein.

[00246] Figures 94 and 95 illustrate surgical staple cartridges 9304 and 9304' that each include a light member 9305 for illuminating the distal end of the surgical end actuator on which it is supported. Each of the staple cartridges 9304, 9304' may have conductors (not shown) that are disposed at the bottom of the cartridge or on the sides of the cartridge, which are configured for electrical contact with corresponding conductors in the elongated groove that communicate with a source of electrical power located in the instrument cable or housing. In this way, when the cartridges 9304, 9304' are properly seated in the elongated channel of the surgical end actuator, the light 9305 therein can receive energy from the electrical power source in the cable or housing through corresponding conductors.

[00247] The surgical instrument systems described herein are driven by an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be induced in any suitable manner. In various examples, the surgical instrument systems described herein may be induced, for example, by a manually operated trigger. The motor or motors may comprise a portion or portions of a robotically controlled system.

[00248] The surgical instrument systems described in the present invention were described along with the positioning and deformation of the staples; however, the embodiments described in the present invention are not so limited. Several modalities are foreseen, which position fastening members, in addition to the clamps, such as, for example, clamps or tacks. In addition, various embodiments are contemplated which utilize any suitable means to seal the fabric. For example, an end actuator, in accordance with various embodiments, may comprise electrodes configured to heat and seal tissue. Likewise, for example, an end actuator according to certain embodiments can apply vibrational energy to seal the tissue.

[00249] The surgical instrument systems described herein are driven by one or more electric motors; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be induced in any suitable manner. In various examples, the surgical instrument systems described herein may be induced, for example, by a manually operated trigger.

Examples

[00250] Example 1 - A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end actuator The surgical end actuator comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is selectively movable with respect to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position. The surgical instrument further comprises a closing member which is axially movable in response to applications of closing and opening movements. The closing member comprises at least one opening cam projecting therefrom to movably engage a corresponding grooved cam surface on the second jaw so that, upon application of the opening movement to the closing member, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding grooved cam surface to move the second jaw to the open position, and upon application of the closing motion to the closing member, the closing member engages the second jaw to move the second clamp to one of the closed positions.

[00251] Example 2 - The surgical instrument of Example 1, wherein the at least one opening cam comprises a first opening cam that extends laterally inwardly from the closure member and engages a first of slotted cam surfaces correspondents. A second opening cam extends laterally inwardly from the closing member and engages a second of corresponding grooved cam surfaces.

[00252] Example 3 - The surgical instrument of Example 2, the second opening cam being diametrically opposite to the first opening cam on the closing member.

[00253] Example 4 - The surgical instrument of Examples 1, 2 or 3, the at least one opening cam being detachably secured to the closing member.

[00254] Example 5 - The surgical instrument of Example 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein at least one opening cam is configured to engage via snap fit with the closing member.

[00255] Example 6 - The surgical instrument of Example 1, 2 or 3, the at least one opening cam being integrally formed in the closing member.

[00256] Example 7 - The surgical instrument of Example 1, 2, 3 or 6, wherein the at least one opening cam is crimped into a wall of the closing member so that a crimped portion of the wall movably extends through a corresponding portion of the first jaw to movably engage the corresponding grooved cam surface on the second jaw.

[00257] Example 8 - The surgical instrument of Example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, the at least one opening cam extending inwardly through a portion of the first jaw to engage the surface corresponding grooved cam.

[00258] Example 9 - The surgical instrument of Example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, the second jaw comprising a pair of laterally extending swivel pins configured to be pivotally received in corresponding swivel pin holes in the first jaw to facilitate pivoting displacement of the second jaw relative to the first jaw.

[00259] Example 10 - The surgical instrument of Example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, wherein the first jaw is configured to operatively support a surgical staple cartridge and the second jaw comprises a anvil.

[00260] Example 11 - A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end actuator. The surgical end actuator comprises a first jaw and a second jaw which is pivotally supported on the first jaw for selective movement relative to the first between an open position and a closed position. The second jaw comprises first and second cam surfaces. The surgical instrument further comprises an end actuator closing sleeve comprising a first opening cam extending laterally inwardly from the end actuator closing sleeve through a portion of the first jaw to operatively engage the first gripping surface. cam. A second opening cam extends laterally inwardly from the end actuator closing sleeve through another portion of the first jaw to operatively engage the second cam surface so that upon application of an opening motion to the sleeve of the end actuator, the first opening cam movably engages the first cam surface and the second opening cam movably engages the second cam surface to move the second jaw to the open position, and upon application of a closing motion to the end actuator closing sleeve, the end actuator closing sleeve movably engages the second jaw to move the second jaw to one of the closed positions.

[00261] Example 12 - The surgical instrument of Example 11, the first and second opening cams being removably attached to the closing sleeve of the end actuator.

[00262] Example 13 - The surgical instrument of Example 11, the first and second opening cams comprising permanent deformations in the closing sleeve of the end actuator.

[00263] Example 14 - The surgical instrument of Example 11 or 13, the first and second opening cams being formed by crimping the end actuator closing sleeve.

[00264] Example 15 - The surgical instrument of Example 14, the first and second opening cams being crimped at 90 degree angles to adjacent portions of an outer surface of the end actuator closing sleeve.

[00265] Example 16 - The surgical instrument of Example 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, the first opening cam movably protruding through a first slot in the first jaw to operatively interface with the first cam surface in the second jaw, and the second opening cam movably protruding through a second slot in the first jaw to operatively interface with the second cam surface in the second jaw.

[00266] Example 17 - The surgical instrument of Example 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, the second jaw comprising a pair of laterally extending swivel pins configured to be pivotally received in swivel pin holes brackets on the first jaw to facilitate pivoting displacement of the second jaw in relation to the first jaw.

[00267] Example 18 - The surgical instrument of Example 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17, wherein the first jaw is configured to operatively support a surgical staple cartridge and the second jaw comprises an anvil.

[00268] Example 19 - A surgical instrument comprising a housing and a closure system that is operatively supported by the housing and is configured to generate opening and closing movements. An elongated drive shaft assembly that interfaces with the housing. The elongated drive shaft assembly comprises an end actuator closing sleeve that is axially movable in response to applications thereto of closing and opening motions. The surgical instrument further comprises a surgical end actuator comprising an elongated channel that operatively interfaces with the elongate drive shaft assembly and is configured to operatively support a surgical staple cartridge therein. An anvil is movably supported in the elongated channel for selective movement relative to the former between an open position and a closed position. The surgical instrument also comprises at least two opening cams projecting from the closing sleeve of the end actuator so that upon application of the opening movement to the closing sleeve of the end actuator, the at least two opening cams operationally interface with corresponding cam surfaces on the anvil in a first direction to move the anvil to the open position, and upon application of the closing motion to the end actuator closing sleeve, the end actuator closing sleeve interfaces operating with the anvil in a second direction to cause the anvil to move to one of the closed positions.

[00269] Example 20 - The surgical instrument of Example 19, wherein at least one opening cam is formed in the closing sleeve of the end actuator.

[00270] Example 21 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines a drive shaft geometry. An end actuator mounting assembly is movably coupled to the elongate drive shaft assembly for selective articulation about a pivot axis that is transverse to the drive shaft axis. The first and second jaws are movably coupled to the end actuator mounting assembly so that the first and second jaws are each movable with respect to each other and to the axis of the drive shaft about a common pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. The first jaw comprises a first point and the second jaw comprises a second point, the first and second points being situated along a common axis which is perpendicular to the geometric axis of the drive axis. The first point is a first distance from the drive shaft geometry when the first jaw is in the open position and the second point is a second distance from the drive shaft geometry when the second jaw is in the open position, with the second distance is different from the first distance. The surgical instrument further comprises means for forcing the first and second jaws away from each other to the open position and means for applying closing movements to the first and second jaws to move the first and second jaws towards each other. for closed positions.

[00271] Example 22 - The surgical instrument of Example 21, wherein one of the first and second jaws comprises an elongated channel that is configured to operatively support a cartridge of surgical staples therein, and the other of the first and second second claws comprises an anvil.

[00272] Example 23 - The surgical instrument of Example 21, the first jaw comprising a surgical staple cartridge and the second jaw comprising an anvil, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

[00273] Example 24 - The surgical instrument of Example 21, 22 or 23 which further comprises a trigger member that is supported for axial displacement between the first and second jaws when the first and second jaws are in one of the closed positions.

[00274] Example 25 - The surgical instrument of Example 21, 22, 23 or 24, the end actuator mounting assembly comprising a pair of side sides. Each side side comprises a laterally projecting pivot pin that defines the pivot axis. Each of the first and second jaws is pivotally supported on each of the laterally projecting swivel pins.

[00275] Example 26 - The surgical instrument of Example 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25, the displacement means comprising a spring located between the first and second jaws.

[00276] Example 27 - The surgical instrument of Example 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 or 26, wherein the means for applying closing movements comprises an axially movable closing sleeve of the end actuator which is configured to simultaneously engage portions of the first and second jaws when the end actuator closing sleeve is moved axially in a first direction.

[00277] Example 28 - The surgical instrument of Example 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27 which further comprises an axially movable trigger member that is supported for axial displacement between the first and second jaws when the first and second the second jaws are in one of the closed positions.

[00278] Example 29 - The surgical instrument of Example 28, wherein the trigger member comprises a tissue cutting surface.

[00279] Example 30 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines a drive shaft geometry. An end actuator mounting assembly is movably coupled to the elongate drive shaft assembly for selective articulation about a pivot axis that is transverse to the drive shaft axis. The first and second jaws are movably coupled to the end actuator mounting assembly so that the first and second jaws are each movable with respect to each other and to the axis of the drive shaft between a position open and a closed position, such that applying a closing motion to the first and second jaws causes one of the first and second jaws to move to one of the closed positions at a closing rate that is different from the another closing rate at which the other of the first and second jaws move to the closed position. The surgical instrument further comprises means for selectively applying a closing motion to the first and second jaws and an opening motion to the first and second jaws for selectively moving the first and second jaws from the closed positions to the open position.

[00280] Example 31 - The surgical instrument of Example 30 which further comprises an axially movable trigger member that is supported for axial displacement between the first and second jaws when the first and second jaws are in one of the closed positions.

[00281] Example 32 - The surgical instrument of Example 30 or 31 which additionally comprises a first cam slot in the end actuator mounting assembly. The first cam slot defines a first closing wedge portion and a first opening wedge portion. A second cam slot is also provided on the end actuator mounting assembly. The second cam slot defines a second closing wedge portion and a second opening wedge portion. The first jaw comprises a pair of first opening members and a pair of first closing members, one of the first opening members and one of the first closing members being movably received within the first cam slot. One of the first opening members and one of the first closing members are received within the second cam slot. The second jaw comprises a pair of second opening members and a pair of second closing members, one of the second opening members and one of the second closing members being movably received in the first cam slot. Another one of the second opening members and another one of the second closing members are movably received within the second cam slot. The selective application means is configured to move the first and second jaws in a first direction so as to cause one of the first closure members and one of the second closure members to movably enter the first wedge portion of closure and the other of the first closure members and the other of the second closure members movably enter the second closure wedge portion to thereby cause the first and second jaws to move towards each other. another to one of the closed positions. The selective application means is further configured to move the first and second jaws in a second direction so as to cause one of the first opening members and the other of the second opening members to move towards the first wedge portion. of the opening members and the other of the first opening members and the other of the second opening members move to the second opening wedge portion to thereby cause the first and second claws to move away from each other to the open position.

[00282] Example 33 - The surgical instrument of Example 32, wherein the first cam slot is formed in a first cam plate that is coupled to the end actuator mounting assembly. The second cam slot is formed in a second cam plate which is mated to the end actuator mounting assembly.

[00283] Example 34 - The surgical instrument of Example 32 or 33, wherein the selective application means comprises an end actuator closing sleeve which is axially movable in response to applications thereto of closing and opening movements. The end actuator closing sleeve comprises a first opening tab corresponding to one of the first opening members and the other of the second opening members for operational contact therewith when the end actuator closing sleeve is moved. in the second direction. A second opening flap corresponds to the other of the first opening members and the other of the second opening members for operational contact therewith when the closing sleeve of the end actuator is moved in the second direction.

[00284] Example 35 - The surgical instrument of Example 30, 31, 32, 33 or 34, wherein one of the first and second jaws comprises an elongated channel that is configured to operatively support a cartridge of surgical staples therein, and the other of the first and second claws comprises an anvil.

[00285] Example 36 - The surgical instrument of Example 31, 32, 33, 34 or 35 which further comprises a trigger member that is supported for axial displacement between the first and second jaws when the first and second jaws are in a of closed positions.

[00286] Example 37 - A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw and a second jaw that are pivotally supported relative to each other for selective pivotal displacement between an open position and a closed position. A closing member is axially movable in response to applications at the same time of closing and opening motions. The closing member comprises at least two inwardly extending opening flaps which are configured to operatively engage corresponding portions of at least one of the first and second jaws upon application of opening movements to the closing member to move at least one between the first and second jaws to the open position.

[00287] Example 38 - The surgical instrument of Example 37, wherein at least one of the at least two inwardly extending opening flaps is integrally formed in the closing member.

[00288] Example 39 - The surgical instrument of Example 37, wherein each of the at least two inwardly extending opening flaps is removably affixed to the closure member.

[00289] Example 40 - The surgical instrument of Example 37, 38 or 39, one of the first and second jaws comprising an elongated channel that is configured to operatively support a cartridge of surgical staples and the other being between the first and second claws comprises an anvil.

[00290] Example 41 - A surgical stapling instrument comprising an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines a drive shaft geometry. A surgical end actuator is operatively coupled to the elongated drive shaft assembly by a swivel joint, such that the surgical end actuator is selectively pivotable with respect to the elongated drive shaft assembly about a pivot axis that is transverse to the geometric axis of the drive shaft. The surgical end actuator comprises a cartridge support member which is configured to operatively support a cartridge of surgical staples therein. A longitudinally movable trigger bar extends across the swivel joint and is selectively movable axially from a start position to an end position within the surgical end actuator. The surgical instrument further comprises a firing bar locking assembly comprising a displacement member that is operatively supported on the hinge joint and is configured to apply a displacement motion to the longitudinally movable firing bar to flex the longitudinally movable firing bar to a locked position, wherein the longitudinally movable firing bar is prevented from moving from the start position to the end position unless an unfired surgical staple cartridge is operatively supported on the cartridge support member.

[00291] Example 42 - The surgical stapling instrument of Example 41, wherein the displacement member is supported on a central support member that interfaces with the cartridge support member and the elongated drive shaft assembly. The central support member is configured to laterally support the longitudinally movable firing bar during pivoting of the surgical end actuator about the pivot axis.

[00292] Example 43 - The surgical stapling instrument of Example 41 or 42, the displacement member being configured to prevent the application of displacement motion to the longitudinally movable firing bar when the surgical end actuator is being pivoted.

[00293] Example 44 - The surgical stapling instrument of Example 41, 42 or 43, the longitudinally movable firing bar comprising a locking cam formed in a portion thereof for engagement with the displacement member.

[00294] Example 45 - The surgical stapling instrument of Example 44, the displacement member comprising a flat body comprising a window situated therein, so that the locking cam projects into the window during articulation of the surgical end actuator.

[00295] Example 46 - The surgical stapling instrument of Example 41, 42, 43, 44 or 45, wherein the displacement member forces the longitudinally movable firing bar into the locked position after initial application of a firing motion to the bar longitudinally movable firing cartridge, unless the unfired surgical staple cartridge is operatively supported within the cartridge support member.

[00296] Example 47 - The surgical stapling instrument of Example 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 or 46, wherein the unfired surgical staple cartridge comprises a plurality of surgical staples operatively supported within a cartridge body and a wedge slider which is axially movable through the cartridge body to eject surgical staples from the cartridge when the wedge slider is moved from a non-fired position to a fired position therein. The wedge slider is configured for operable engagement with the longitudinally movable trigger bar when the longitudinally movable trigger bar is in the home position and the wedge slider is in the non-fired position.

[00297] Example 48 - The surgical stapling instrument of Example 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, or 46, the displacement member forces the firing bar into a locked position after initial application of a firing motion to the bar trigger, unless a wedge slider on a surgical staple cartridge that is supported within the cartridge support member is in a non-fired position within the surgical staple cartridge and in operable engagement with the longitudinally movable firing bar.

[00298] Example 49 - The surgical stapling instrument of Example 48, the wedge slider being configured to prevent the trigger bar from entering a locked position when the wedge slider is in the non-fired position and after application of a initial firing movement to the longitudinally movable firing bar.

[00299] Example 50 - A surgical stapling instrument comprising a surgical end actuator that includes an elongated channel that is configured to operatively support a surgical staple cartridge therein. An anvil is supported relative to the elongated groove so that one of the anvil and the elongated groove is selectively movable relative to the other of the anvil and elongated groove between the open and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines an axis of the drive shaft and comprises a swivel joint that is operatively coupled to the surgical end actuator to facilitate selective articulation of the surgical end actuator relative to the surgical end actuator assembly. elongated drive shaft about a pivot axis that is transverse to the axis of the drive shaft. The elongate drive shaft assembly further comprises a lock assembly which is axially movable in response to lock movements that are applied thereto. The closure assembly comprises a distal closure member segment and a proximal closure member segment that movably interface with the distal closure member segment to accommodate pivoting of the surgical end actuator about the pivot axis. The proximal closing member segment is configured to move one of the anvil and elongated channel between the open and closed positions after applying the closing motions to the closing assembly. The surgical stapling instrument further comprises a longitudinally movable trigger bar which extends across the swivel joint and is selectively movable in the axial direction from a start position to an end position within the surgical end actuator. The longitudinally movable firing bar is configured to operatively engage the corresponding portion of an unfired surgical staple cartridge that is operatively supported in the elongate channel when the longitudinally movable firing bar is in the home position. The surgical stapling instrument further comprises a firing bar locking assembly comprising a displacement member that is operatively supported on the distal closure member segment to force the longitudinally movable firing bar into a locked position, the firing bar longitudinally movable firing is prevented from moving from the start position to the end position unless an unfired surgical staple cartridge is operatively supported in the elongated channel.

[00300] Example 51 - The surgical stapling instrument of Example 50, wherein the longitudinally movable firing bar has an angled portion that is configured to engage with the displacement member when the longitudinally movable firing bar is in the home position.

[00301] Example 52 - The surgical stapling instrument of Example 50 or 51, wherein the unfired surgical staple cartridge comprises a plurality of surgical staples operatively supported within a cartridge body and a wedge slider which is axially movable through of the cartridge body to eject the surgical staples from the cartridge when the wedge slider is moved from a non-fired position to a fired position therein. The wedge slider is configured for operable engagement with the longitudinally movable trigger bar when the longitudinally movable trigger bar is in the home position and the wedge slider is in the non-fired position.

[00302] Example 53 - The surgical stapling instrument of Example 52, the wedge slider being configured to prevent the firing bar from entering a locked position when the wedge slider is in the non-fired position and after application of a initial firing movement to the longitudinally movable firing bar.

[00303] Example 54 - A surgical stapling instrument comprising an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines a drive shaft geometry. A surgical end actuator is operatively coupled to the elongated drive shaft assembly by a swivel joint, such that the surgical end actuator is selectively pivotable with respect to the elongated drive shaft assembly about a pivot axis that is transverse to the geometric axis of the drive shaft. The surgical end actuator includes a cartridge support member which is configured to operatively support a cartridge of surgical staples therein. The surgical stapling instrument further comprises a longitudinally movable trigger bar that includes a portion that extends across the hinge joint and is selectively movable in the axial direction from a start position to an end position within the surgical end actuator. The longitudinally movable firing bar is configured to operatively engage the corresponding portion of an unfired surgical staple cartridge that is operatively supported on the cartridge support member when the longitudinally movable firing bar is in the home position. The surgical stapling instrument further includes means for providing lateral support to the portion of the longitudinally movable firing bar that extends through the hinge joint when the surgical end actuator is hinged about the pivot axis. The delivery means further comprises means for preventing the longitudinally movable firing bar from moving from the start position to the end position unless an unfired surgical staple cartridge is operatively supported on the cartridge support member.

[00304] Example 55 - The surgical stapling instrument of Example 54, the means for providing lateral support further comprising a central support member which is movably attached to the cartridge support member and the elongate drive shaft assembly . The central support member comprises a slot for movably receiving the portion of the firing bar longitudinally movable therethrough. The supply means comprises a displacement member which is supported on the central support member and is configured to apply a displacement movement to the longitudinally movable firing bar to move the longitudinally movable firing bar to a locked position, the firing bar being longitudinally movable firing is prevented from moving from the start position to the end position unless the unfired surgical staple cartridge is operatively supported on the cartridge support member.

[00305] Example 56 - The surgical stapling instrument of Example 55, wherein the longitudinally movable firing bar comprises a locking cam formed in the longitudinally movable firing bar portion for engagement with the displacement member.

[00306] Example 57 - The surgical stapling instrument of Example 56, the displacement member comprising a flat body comprising a window situated therein, so that the locking cam projects into the window during articulation of the surgical end actuator.

[00307] Example 58 - The surgical stapling instrument of Example 54, 55, 55 or 57, wherein the unfired surgical staple cartridge comprises a plurality of surgical staples that are operatively supported within a cartridge body and a cartridge slider. wedge which is axially movable through the cartridge body to eject surgical staples from the cartridge when the wedge slider is moved from a non-fired position to a fired position therein. The wedge slider is configured for operable engagement with the longitudinally movable trigger bar when the longitudinally movable trigger bar is in the home position and the wedge slider is in the non-fired position.

[00308] Example 59 - The surgical stapling instrument of Example 58, the wedge slider being configured to prevent the trigger bar from entering a locked position when the wedge slider is in the non-fired position and after application of a initial firing movement to the longitudinally movable firing bar.

[00309] Example 60 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines a drive shaft geometry. A surgical end actuator is operatively coupled to the elongated drive shaft assembly by a swivel joint, such that the surgical end actuator is selectively pivotable with respect to the elongated drive shaft assembly about a pivot axis that is transverse to the geometric axis of the drive shaft. A longitudinally movable flexible trigger bar is configured to flexibly traverse the swivel joint and is selectively axially movable from a start position to an end position within the surgical end actuator. A central support member is movably coupled to the elongate drive shaft assembly and a portion of the surgical end actuator. The central support member comprises a central body portion that includes a proximal end and a distal end. A firing bar slot extends between that proximal end and the distal end and is configured to movably support each lateral side of a flexible firing bar portion traversing the hinge joint. The surgical instrument further comprises a proximal support link comprising an elongated proximal body which is situated proximal to the central support member and is configured to laterally support proximal side side portions of the flexible firing bar traversing the hinge joint. The proximal support link movably interfaces with the proximal end of the central support member. The surgical instrument further comprises a distal support link comprising an elongated distal body which is situated distally to the central support member and is configured to laterally support corresponding distal side side portions of the flexible firing bar passing through the hinge joint. The distal support link movably interfaces with the distal end of the central support member.

[00310] Example 61 - The surgical instrument of Example 60, wherein the elongated proximal body of the proximal support link comprises a proximal top member and two opposing proximal support walls that extend downwardly. One of the proximal support walls is situated adjacent to one of the proximal side side portions of the flexible firing bar passing through the hinge joint. The other of the opposing proximal support walls is in position adjacent to the other of the proximal side side portions of the flexible firing bar passing through the hinge joint. The elongated distal body of the distal support link comprises a distal top member and two opposing distal support walls that extend downwardly. One of the distal support walls is situated adjacent to one of the distal side side portions of the flexible firing bar passing through the hinge joint. The other of the opposing distal support walls is adjacent to the other of the distal side side portions of the flexible firing bar passing through the hinge joint.

[00311] Example 62 - The surgical instrument of Example 61, one of the proximal support walls including a proximal arcuate surface facing one of the proximal side side portions of the flexible firing bar passing through the hinge joint, and being that the other of the proximal support walls includes another proximal arcuate surface that faces the other of the proximal side side portions of the flexible firing bar passing through the hinge joint. One of the distal support walls includes a distal arcuate surface that faces one of the distal side side portions of the flexible firing bar passing through the hinge joint. The other of the distal support walls includes another distal arcuate surface that faces the other of the distal side side portions of the flexible firing bar passing through the hinge joint.

[00312] Example 63 - The surgical instrument of Example 61 or 62, wherein the proximal end of the central support member comprises an arcuate proximal cavity which is configured to movably receive therein a distal tip portion of the top member proximal of the proximal support link. The distal end of the central support member comprises a distal arcuate cavity which is configured to movably receive therein a proximal tip portion of the distal top member of the distal support link.

[00313] Example 64 - The surgical instrument of Example 60, 61, 62 or 63, wherein the central support member is pivotally coupled to the surgical end actuator portion for pivotal displacement relative thereto about an axis of pivot. The central support member is coupled to the elongate drive shaft assembly for pivoting and axial displacement thereto.

[00314] Example 65 - The surgical instrument of Example 64, the central support member being pin secured to the elongated drive shaft assembly by a proximal pin extending through an elongated slot in the central support member.

[00315] Example 66 - The surgical instrument of Example 60, 61, 62, 63, 64 or 65, wherein the elongate drive shaft assembly comprises a distal center column comprising a distal center column cavity that is configured to receive movably therein a proximal tip portion of the proximal head member.

[00316] Example 67 - The surgical instrument of Example 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 or 66, the surgical end actuator portion comprising a channel cavity that is configured to movably receive therein a distal tip portion of the distal top member.

[00317] Example 68 - The surgical instrument of Example 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 or 67, the surgical end actuator portion comprising an elongated channel that is configured to operatively support therein a surgical staple cartridge.

[00318] Example 69 - The surgical instrument of Example 68 which additionally comprises an anvil supported with respect to the elongated groove so that one of the anvil and the elongated groove is selectively movable relative to the other of the anvil and the elongated groove, between open and closed positions.

[00319] Example 70 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines a drive shaft axis and comprises right and left opposing drive shaft grooves that are formed at a distal end thereof. A surgical end actuator is operatively coupled to the elongated drive shaft assembly by a swivel joint, such that the surgical end actuator is selectively pivotable with respect to the elongated drive shaft assembly about a pivot axis that is transverse to the geometric axis of the drive shaft. A longitudinally movable flexible trigger bar is configured to flexibly traverse the swivel joint and is selectively axially movable from a start position to an end position within the surgical end actuator. A central support member is movably coupled to the elongate drive shaft assembly and a portion of the surgical end actuator. The central support member comprises a central body portion that includes opposing left and right support notches that are formed at a distal end thereof, and a firing bar slot that is configured to movably support side side portions of the beam. longitudinally movable flexible firing bar passing through the articulated joint. A hinge link is configured to laterally support side portions of the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar passing through the hinge joint. The pivot link comprises a proximally projecting proximal tip portion that is configured to movably engage either of the left and right opposing drive shaft notches when the longitudinally movable flexible trigger bar flexes in response to the pivot actuator pivot. surgical end around the joint axis. A distally projecting distal tip portion is configured to movably engage either of the left and right opposing support notches on the movable support member when the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar flexes in response to the articulation of the surgical end actuator in around the pivot axis.

[00320] Example 71 - The surgical instrument of Example 70, the hinge link further comprising a first side support wall which is adjacent to one of the side side portions of the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar and a second support wall side which is adjacent to the other of the side side portions of the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar.

[00321] Example 72 - The surgical instrument of Example 71, the first side support wall including a first arcuate surface facing one of the side side portions of the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar and the second support wall side support includes a second arcuate surface facing the other of the side side portions of the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar.

[00322] Example 73 - The surgical instrument of Example 71 or 72 which further comprises a first compression band extending between a lateral side portion of the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar and the first side support wall. The first compression band comprises a first distal end that is supported on the surgical end actuator and a first proximal end that is movably supported on the elongate drive shaft assembly. The second compression band extends between the other side side portion of the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar and the second side support wall. The second compression band comprises a second distal end that is supported on the surgical end actuator and the second proximal end that is movably supported on the elongate drive shaft assembly.

[00323] Example 74 - The surgical instrument of Example 73 which further comprises a third compression band extending between a lateral side portion of the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar and the first compression band. The third compression band comprises a third distal end that is supported on the surgical end actuator and a third proximal end that is movably supported on the elongate drive shaft assembly. The fourth compression band extends between the other lateral side portion of the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar and the second compression band. The fourth compression band comprises a fourth distal end that is supported on the surgical end actuator and a fourth proximal end that is movably supported on the elongate drive shaft assembly.

[00324] Example 75 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines a drive shaft geometry. A surgical end actuator is operatively coupled to the elongated drive shaft assembly by a swivel joint, such that the surgical end actuator is selectively pivotable with respect to the elongated drive shaft assembly about a pivot axis that is transverse to the geometric axis of the drive shaft. A longitudinally movable flexible trigger bar is configured to flexibly traverse the swivel joint and is selectively axially movable from a start position to an end position within the surgical end actuator. A central support member is movably coupled to the elongate drive shaft assembly for axial displacement and pivotal thereto and is pivotally coupled to the surgical end actuator. The surgical instrument further comprises a U-shaped proximal support link comprising a proximal top member and two proximal side members. The U-shaped proximal support link extends over a proximal portion of the longitudinally movable flexible trigger bar so that one of the proximal side members is adjacent to a lateral side of the proximal portion of the longitudinally movable flexible trigger bar and the other of the proximal side members is adjacent to the other side of the proximal portion of the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar. The proximal top member movably interfaces with the central support member. The surgical instrument further comprises a U-shaped distal support link comprising a distal top member and two distal side members. The U-shaped distal support link extends over a distal portion of the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar such that one of the distal side members is adjacent to a lateral side of the distal portion of the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar and the other of the distal side members is adjacent to the other side of the distal portion of the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar. The distal top member movably interfaces with the central support member.

[00325] Example 76 - The surgical instrument of Example 75, wherein the proximal end member movably interfaces with the elongated drive shaft assembly, and the distal end member movably interfaces with a portion of the surgical end actuator.

[00326] Example 77 - The surgical instrument of Example 75 or 76, wherein the proximal top member comprises a proximally projecting first proximal tip portion that movably extends into a distal cavity formed in the drive shaft assembly elongate, and a first distally projecting distal tip portion that movably extends into a proximal cavity in the central support member. The distal top member comprises a proximally projecting second proximal tip portion that movably extends into a distal cavity in the central support member, and a distally projecting second distal tip portion that movably extends to the center support member. a channel cavity in the surgical end actuator.

[00327] Example 78 - The surgical instrument of Example 75, 76 or 77, one of the two proximal side members comprising a proximal arcuate surface facing a lateral side of the proximal portion of the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar. The other of the proximal side members includes another proximal arcuate surface facing the other lateral side of the proximal portion of the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar. One of the distal side members comprises a distal arcuate surface facing a lateral side of the distal portion of the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar. The other of the distal side members comprises another distal arcuate surface facing the other distal side of the distal portion of the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar.

[00328] Example 79 - The surgical instrument of Example 75, 76, 77 or 78, the central support member being movably coupled to an elongated channel of the surgical end actuator which is configured to operatively support a cartridge therein of surgical staples.

[00329] Example 80 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines a drive shaft geometry. A surgical end actuator is operatively coupled to the elongated drive shaft assembly by a swivel joint, such that the surgical end actuator is selectively pivotable with respect to the elongated drive shaft assembly about a pivot axis that is transverse to the geometric axis of the drive shaft. A firing bar central support member extends across the swivel joint and comprises a distal end that is coupled to the surgical end actuator and a proximal end that is secured to the elongate drive shaft assembly. A set of longitudinally movable flexible trigger bars are configured to flexibly traverse the articulation joint and are selectively axially movable from a start position to an end position within the surgical end actuator. The set of longitudinally movable flexible firing bars comprises a plurality of layers of bars which are supported relative to one another such that at least one of the layers of bars is configured to movably pass on a lateral side of the central support member. of the trigger bar and at least the other of the layers of bars is configured to move movably on the other side of the central support member of the trigger bar. A plurality of lateral load-bearing members correspond to the central support of the firing bar and are supported in portions of at least one of the layers of bars which are configured to movably pass on a lateral side of the central support member of the bar. trigger and at least one other of the layers of bars which are configured to move movably on the other side of the central support member of the trigger bar.

[00330] Example 81 - The surgical instrument of Example 80, wherein at least one of the layers of bars that is configured to move movably on a lateral side of the central support member of the firing bar comprises two of the layers of bars, and the at least one other of the bars layers which is configured to pass on the other side of the firing bar central support member comprises two of the other bars layers.

[00331] Example 82 - The surgical instrument of Example 80 or 81, the lateral load-bearing members being movable relative to each other.

[00332] Example 83 - The surgical instrument of Example 80, 81 or 82, each of the lateral load-bearing members comprising an axial passage for movably receiving portions of at least one of the layers of bars that are configured to move movably on the side of the center support member of the firing bar, and the at least one of the layers of bars that are configured to pass movably on the other side of the central support member of the firing bar .

[00333] Example 84 - The surgical instrument of Example 80, 81, 82 or 83, wherein a portion of the surgical end actuator that is coupled to the articulated joint elongated drive shaft assembly comprises an elongated channel that is configured to support operationally inside a cartridge of surgical staples.

[00334] Example 85 - The surgical instrument of Example 84 which further comprises an anvil that is supported relative to the elongated groove so that one of the anvil and the elongated groove is selectively movable relative to the other of the anvil and the elongated groove , between open and closed positions.

[00335] Example 86 - The surgical instrument of Example 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 or 85, with the distal end of the firing bar's central support member protruding below a bottom surface of the firing bar assembly. longitudinally movable flexible trigger bars to be attached to the surgical end actuator, and the proximal end of the trigger bar center support member protrudes above an upper surface of the longitudinally movable flexible trigger bar assembly to be attached to the trigger shaft assembly. elongated drive.

[00336] Example 87 - The surgical instrument of Example 86, wherein the distal end of the firing bar central support member is pinned to an elongated channel of the surgical end actuator, and the proximal end of the firing member being The firing bar's center bracket is pin-fixed to a center column portion of the elongate drive shaft assembly.

[00337] Example 88 - The surgical instrument of Example 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86 or 87, at least two of the plurality of lateral load-bearing members each including end surfaces arcuate and are disposed over portions of at least one of the layers of bars that are configured to move movably on the side of the central support member of the firing bar and at least the other of the layers of bars that are configured to movably pass the other lateral side of the center support member of the firing bar, such that one of the arcuate end surfaces on one of the at least two lateral load-bearing members is adjacent to the other of the arcuate end surfaces on the other of the at least two lateral load-bearing members.

[00338] Example 89 - The surgical instrument of Example 83, each axial passageway comprising a pair of spaced inner arcuate surfaces that are configured to facilitate pivoting movement of each of the longitudinally flexible firing bar side load-bearing members mobile.

[00339] Example 90 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines a drive shaft geometry. A surgical end actuator is operatively coupled to the elongated drive shaft assembly by a swivel joint, such that the surgical end actuator is selectively pivotable with respect to the elongated drive shaft assembly about a pivot axis that is transverse to the geometric axis of the drive shaft. A firing bar central support member is axially aligned along the axis of the drive shaft and extends across the swivel joint. The firing bar central support member comprises a distal end which is coupled to the surgical end actuator and a proximal end which is secured to the elongate drive shaft assembly. The surgical instrument further comprises a set of longitudinally movable flexible firing bars comprising a plurality of bar layers which are configured to axially pass the central support member of the firing bar so that at least one of the bar layers passes through each lateral side of the firing bar central support member when the set of longitudinally movable flexible firing bars traverses the hinge joint. Means are movably supported from the longitudinally movable flexible trigger bar to laterally support a portion of the longitudinally movable flexible trigger bar passing through the hinge joint when the surgical end actuator is pivoted about the pivot axis.

[00340] Example 91 - The surgical instrument of Example 90, the distal end of the trigger bar central support member protruding below a bottom surface of the longitudinally movable flexible trigger bar assembly to be attached to the triggering actuator. surgical end. The proximal end of the firing bar central support member projects above an upper surface of the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar assembly to be secured to the elongate drive shaft assembly.

[00341] Example 92 - The surgical instrument of Example 90 or 91, wherein a portion of the surgical end actuator that is coupled to the articulated joint elongated drive shaft assembly comprises an elongated channel that is configured to operatively support therein. a cartridge of surgical staples.

[00342] Example 93 - The surgical instrument of Example 92 which further comprises an anvil that is supported relative to the elongated groove so that one of the anvil and the elongated groove is selectively movable relative to the other of the anvil and the elongated groove , between open and closed positions.

[00343] Example 94 - The surgical instrument of Example 90, 91, 92 or 93 which further comprises a trigger member attached to a distal end of the longitudinally movable flexible trigger bar assembly.

[00344] Example 95 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines a drive shaft geometry. A surgical end actuator is operatively coupled to the elongated drive shaft assembly by a swivel joint, such that the surgical end actuator is selectively pivotable with respect to the elongated drive shaft assembly about a pivot axis that is transverse to the geometric axis of the drive shaft. A firing bar central support member is axially aligned along the axis of the drive shaft and extends across the swivel joint. The firing bar central support member comprises a distal end which is coupled to the surgical end actuator and a proximal end which is secured to the elongate drive shaft assembly. The surgical instrument further comprises a set of longitudinally movable flexible firing bars which comprises a plurality of layers of bars such that when the set of longitudinally movable flexible firing bars is advanced distally, the set of longitudinally movable flexible firing bars is bifurcated by the firing bar central support member so that portions of the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar assembly pass adjacent to each lateral side of the firing bar central support member

[00345] Example 96 - The surgical instrument of Example 95 which further comprises means that are movably supported on the longitudinally movable flexible firing rod assembly to laterally support a portion of the longitudinally movable flexible firing rod assembly traversing the hinge joint when the surgical end actuator is pivoted around the pivot axis.

[00346] Example 97 - The surgical instrument of Example 95, the laterally supporting means comprising a plurality of lateral load-bearing members which are supported on the assembly of longitudinally movable flexible firing bars. Each of the side load-bearing members is independently movable in the longitudinally movable flexible firing rod assembly.

[00347] Example 98 - The surgical instrument of Example 95, 96 or 97, the distal end of the firing bar central support member protruding below a bottom surface of the longitudinally movable flexible firing bar assembly to be attached to the surgical end actuator, and the proximal end of the trigger bar central support member projects above an upper surface of the longitudinally movable flexible trigger bar assembly to be attached to the elongate drive shaft assembly.

[00348] Example 99 - The surgical instrument of Example 97, each of the lateral load-bearing members including an axial passage therethrough which comprises a pair of internal arcuate surfaces spaced apart to facilitate pivoting movement of each supporting member side load on the longitudinally movable flexible firing rod assembly.

[00349] Example 100 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines a drive shaft geometry. A surgical end actuator is pivotally coupled to the elongate drive shaft assembly for selective articulation with respect to the elongate drive shaft assembly about an articulation axis that is transverse to the axis of the drive shaft. The surgical instrument further comprises a joint system comprising a first distal joint driver that is supported for selective longitudinal displacement in a distal direction and a proximal direction in response to corresponding joint movements applied thereto. The first distal joint actuator is operatively coupled to the surgical end actuator. The linkage system further comprises a second distal linkage driver which is supported for longitudinal displacement in the distal and proximal directions. The second distal joint actuator is operatively coupled to the surgical end actuator. At least one pinion gear is in meshed engagement with the first distal hinge driver and the second distal hinge driver so that when the first distal hinge driver is moved in the distal direction, the at least one pinion gear is configured. to drive the second distal joint driver in the proximal direction to pivot the surgical end actuator about the pivot axis in a first joint direction, and when the first distal joint driver is moved in the proximal direction, the at least one gear pinion drives the second distal pivot driver in the distal direction to pivot the surgical end actuator about the pivot axis in a second pivot direction that is opposite to the first pivot direction.

[00350] Example 101 - The surgical instrument of Example 100, wherein the first distal joint driver is pivotally coupled to the surgical end actuator, and the second distal joint driver is pivotally attached to the end actuator surgical.

[00351] Example 102 - The surgical instrument of Example 100 or 101, wherein the first distal joint driver is attached to the surgical end actuator by a first movable coupler, and the second distal joint driver being attached to the surgical end by a second movable coupler.

[00352] Example 103 - The surgical instrument of Example 102, wherein the first movable coupler is attached to the first distal joint driver by a first ball joint, and the second distal joint driver is attached to the second movable coupler by a second ball joint.

[00353] Example 104 - The surgical instrument of Example 100, 101, 102 or 103 which further comprises means for selectively locking the surgical end actuator in a plurality of pivotal positions relative to the elongate drive shaft assembly.

[00354] Example 105 - The surgical instrument of Example 104, wherein the selective locking means comprises means for selectively preventing the distal joint driver from moving longitudinally in the proximal and distal directions.

[00355] Example 106 - The surgical instrument of Example 104 or 105 which further comprises a proximal joint driver that operatively interfaces with a source of proximal and distal joint motion. The proximal joint driver operationally interfaces with the selective impediment means to selectively unlock the selective impediment means and cause the selective impediment means to apply proximal and distal joint motions to the first distal joint driver.

[00356] Example 107 - The surgical instrument of Example 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 or 106, wherein a portion of the surgical end actuator that is pivotally coupled to the elongated drive shaft assembly comprises a channel elongate which is configured to operatively support a cartridge of surgical staples therein.

[00357] Example 108 - The surgical stapling instrument of Example 107 which further comprises an anvil that is supported with respect to the elongated channel such that one of the anvil and the elongated channel is selectively movable relative to the other of the anvil and the elongated channel, between open and closed positions.

[00358] Example 109 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines a drive shaft geometry. A surgical end actuator is pivotally coupled to the elongate drive shaft assembly for selective articulation with respect to the elongate drive shaft assembly about an articulation axis that is transverse to the axis of the drive shaft. The surgical instrument further comprises a joint system comprising a first distal joint driver that is supported for selective longitudinal displacement in a distal direction and in a proximal direction in response to corresponding joint movements applied thereto. The first distal joint actuator is operatively coupled to the surgical end actuator. The joint system further comprises a second distal joint actuator which comprises an endless member which operatively interfaces with the first distal joint actuator and the surgical end actuator. The endless member is supported on the elongated drive shaft assembly for selective rotational displacement in response to a longitudinal displacement of the first distal joint driver so that when the first distal joint driver is moved in the distal direction, the endless member causes the surgical end actuator to pivot around the hinge axis in a first hinge direction, and when the first distal hinge actuator is moved in the proximal direction, the endless member causes the surgical end actuator to hinge in around the pivot axis in a second pivot direction that is opposite to the first pivot direction.

[00359] Example 110 - The surgical instrument of Example 109, wherein the endless member is rotatably supported on a proximal pulley mounted on the elongated drive shaft assembly and a distal pulley on the surgical end actuator.

[00360] Example 111 - The surgical instrument of Example 110, wherein the worm is operatively attached to the distal pulley by an attachment pin attached to the worm and configured to be received in an attachment opening in the distal pulley.

[00361] Example 112 - The surgical instrument of Example 109, 110 or 111, the endless member comprising a length of wire that includes a first pin attached to a first end of the wire and a second pin attached to a second end of the wire. wire. The second peg is also attached to the first peg to form the endless member.

[00362] Example 113 - The surgical instrument of Example 112, wherein the distal joint driver comprises first and second receptacles for receiving the first and second pins therein.

[00363] Example 114 - The surgical instrument of Example 110 or 111, wherein the distal pulley is formed in an elongated groove of the surgical end actuator. The elongated channel is configured to operatively support a surgical staple cartridge therein.

[00364] Example 115 - The surgical instrument of Example 110 or 111, wherein the distal pulley is formed in an end actuator mounting assembly that is secured to an elongated channel portion of the surgical end actuator. The elongated channel is configured to operatively support a surgical staple cartridge therein.

[00365] Example 116 - The surgical instrument of Example 114 or 115 which further comprises an anvil supported with respect to the elongated channel so that one of the anvil and the elongated channel is selectively movable relative to the other of the anvil and the elongated channel , between open and closed positions.

[00366] Example 117 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines a drive shaft geometry. A surgical end actuator is pivotally coupled to the elongate drive shaft assembly for selective articulation with respect to the elongate drive shaft assembly about an articulation axis that is transverse to the axis of the drive shaft. The surgical instrument further comprises a joint system comprising a first distal joint driver that is supported for selective longitudinal displacement in a distal direction and in a proximal direction in response to corresponding joint movements applied thereto. The first distal joint actuator is operatively coupled to the surgical end actuator. The linkage system further comprises a second distal linkage driver which is supported for longitudinal displacement in the distal and proximal directions. The second distal joint actuator is operatively coupled to the surgical end actuator. The joint system further comprises a drive means that interfaces with the first distal joint drive and the second distal joint drive so that when the first distal joint drive is moved in the distal direction, the drive means drives the second distal joint driver in the proximal direction to pivot the surgical end actuator about the joint axis in a first joint direction, and when the first distal joint driver is moved in the proximal direction, the actuator means drives the second actuator of distal pivot in the distal direction to pivot the surgical end actuator about the pivot axis in a second pivot direction that is opposite to the first pivot direction.

[00367] Example 118 - The surgical instrument of Example 117, the surgical end actuator comprising an elongated channel that is configured to operatively support a surgical staple cartridge therein. An anvil is supported relative to the elongated groove so that one of the anvil and the elongated groove is selectively movable relative to the other of the anvil and elongated groove between the open and closed positions.

[00368] Example 119 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines a drive shaft geometry. A surgical end actuator is pivotally coupled to the elongate drive shaft assembly for selective articulation with respect to the elongate drive shaft assembly about an articulation axis that is transverse to the axis of the drive shaft. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation system comprising a pivoting pivot member that is supported for rotational displacement about an axis of rotation that is transverse to the axis of the drive axis. A first distal hinge driver assembly operatively interfaces with the swivel hinge member and is supported for selective longitudinal displacement in a distal direction and in a proximal direction in response to corresponding hinge movements applied thereto by the swivel hinge member. The first Distal Joint Actuator Assembly operationally interfaces with the Surgical End Actuator. A second distal joint driver assembly operatively interfaces with the swivel joint member and is supported for longitudinal displacement in the distal and proximal directions. The second distal joint actuator assembly operationally interfaces with the surgical end actuator. The pivot system further comprises means for selectively rotating the pivoting pivot member in first and second directions of rotation about the axis of rotation so that when the pivoting pivot member is rotated in a first direction of rotation by the selective turning means, the first distal joint driver assembly is driven longitudinally in the distal direction and the second distal joint driver is simultaneously moved in the proximal direction to pivot the surgical end actuator about the joint axis in a first joint direction , and when the swivel joint member is rotated in a second direction of rotation by the selective turning means, the first distal joint driver assembly is driven longitudinally in the proximal direction and the second distal joint driver assembly is simultaneously moved in the distal direction to pivot the surgical end actuator around that of the pivot axis in a second pivot direction about the pivot axis which is opposite to the first pivot direction.

[00369] Example 120 - The surgical instrument of Example 119, wherein the swivel joint member comprises a swivel joint disc, and wherein the first distal joint driver assembly comprises a first joint driver portion that is supported movable within a first hinge slot in the swivel disc, and the second distal hinge driver assembly comprising a second hinge driver portion movably supported within a second hinge slot in the swivel disc.

[00370] Example 121 - The surgical instrument of Example 119 or 120 which further comprises a first displacement member that interacts with the first joint driver portion to flex the first distal joint driver assembly into a first neutral joint position when the selective turning means is not activated. A second displacement member interacts with the second hinge driver portion to flex the second distal hinge driver assembly into a second neutral hinge position when the selective turning means is not actuated.

[00371] Example 122 - The surgical instrument of Example 119, 120, or 121, wherein the first distal hinge driver assembly comprises a first hinge link that movably interfaces with the swivel hinge member. A first articulation connector is pivotally coupled to the first articulation link. The first articulation connector operatively interfaces with said surgical end actuator. The second distal linkage actuator assembly comprises a second linkage link that movably interfaces with the swivel linkage member, and a second linkage member is pivotally coupled to the second linkage link and operationally interfaces with the linkage actuator. surgical end.

[00372] Example 123 - The surgical instrument of Example 122, wherein the first distal joint actuator assembly further comprises a joint lock assembly that operatively interfaces with the first joint connector and the surgical end actuator and is configured to selectively locking the surgical end actuator into a plurality of pivot positions relative to the elongated drive shaft assembly.

[00373] Example 124 - The surgical instrument of Example 123 which further comprises a first pivot member that operatively interfaces with the pivot lock assembly and surgical end actuator.

[00374] Example 125 - The surgical instrument of Example 124, wherein the first pivot member is coupled to the surgical end actuator by a first movable coupler, and the second pivot member being coupled to the surgical end actuator by a second mobile coupler.

[00375] Example 126 - The surgical instrument of Example 126, wherein the first articulating member is coupled to the first movable coupler by a first ball joint, and the second articulating member being coupled to the second movable coupler by a second joint spherical.

[00376] Example 127 - The surgical instrument of Example 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 or 126, wherein the selective turning means comprises a motor in engagement with the swivel pivot member.

[00377] Example 128 - The surgical instrument of Example 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 or 126 further comprising a longitudinally movable firing member, and wherein the selective turning means comprises a motor which is configured to generate swivel output motions and a switching arrangement that operatively interfaces with the motor and the longitudinally movable trigger member, and a swivel drive link that is in operable engagement with the swivel swivel member. The switching arrangement is configured to move between a first position in which the motor actuation results in applications of axial linkage movements to the linkage drive link to thereby cause the pivoting linkage member to rotate around the axis of rotation, and a second position in which motor actuation results in applications of axial firing motions to the longitudinally movable firing member.

[00378] Example 129 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines a drive shaft geometry. A surgical end actuator is pivotally coupled to the elongate drive shaft assembly for selective articulation with respect to the elongate drive shaft assembly about an articulation axis that is transverse to the axis of the drive shaft. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation system comprising a rotational drive member that is supported for rotational displacement about an axis of rotation that is transverse to the axis of the drive axis. A rotationally driven member is supported for rotational displacement with respect to the rotational driving member about the axis of rotation. The rotationally driven member operationally interfaces with the rotary driving member so that applying joint control movements to the rotational driving member causes the rotationally driven member to rotate about the axis of rotation. A first distal joint drive assembly operatively interfaces with at least the rotationally driven member and is supported for selective longitudinal displacement in a distal direction and a proximal direction in response to rotation of at least the first rotationally driven member. The first Distal Joint Actuator Assembly operationally interfaces with the Surgical End Actuator. The linkage system further comprises a second distal linkage driver assembly that operatively interfaces with at least the rotationally driven member and is supported for longitudinal displacement in the distal and proximal directions. The second distal joint actuator assembly operationally interfaces with the surgical end actuator. The joint system further comprises means for selectively applying joint control movements to the rotational driving member to cause the rotational driving member to rotate about the axis of rotation and to thereby causing the rotationally driven member rotate about the axis of rotation so that when the rotationally driven member rotates in a first direction of rotation, the first distal joint driver assembly is driven longitudinally in the distal direction and the second distal joint driver is simultaneously moved in the distal direction proximally to pivot the surgical end actuator about the pivot axis in a first pivot direction, and when the rotationally driven member is rotated in a second rotation direction, the first distal pivot drive assembly is driven longitudinally in the proximal direction and the second distal joint driver assembly is simultaneously moved in the distal direction to pivot the surgical end actuator about the pivot axis in a second pivot direction about the pivot axis that is opposite to the first pivot direction.

[00379] Example 130 - The surgical instrument of Example 129, the rotational actuating member comprising a rotary actuating pivot disc and the second rotationally actuating member comprising a rotationally actuating joint disc, and the first assembly being The distal joint driver comprises a first joint driver portion that is movably supported within corresponding first joint slots in each of the rotary drive joint disk and the rotationally driven joint disk, and the second assembly The distal hinge driver comprises a second hinge driver portion movably supported within corresponding second hinge slots in each of the rotary actuator hinge disc and the rotationally actuated hinge disc.

[00380] Example 131 - The surgical instrument of Example 129 or 130, wherein the first distal joint actuator assembly comprises a first hinge link that movably interfaces with the rotationally actuated member and the rotationally actuated member, and a first hinge member which is pivotally coupled to the first hinge link. The first pivot member operationally interfaces with the surgical end actuator. The second distal hinge drive assembly comprises a second hinge link that movably interfaces the swivel drive member and the rotationally drive member, and a second hinge member pivotally coupled to the second hinge link and make operational interface with the surgical end actuator.

[00381] Example 132 - The surgical instrument of Example 131, wherein the first pivot member is coupled to the surgical end actuator by a first movable coupler and the second pivot member is coupled to the surgical end actuator by a second movable coupler .

[00382] Example 133 - The surgical instrument of Example 132, wherein the first articulation member is coupled to the first movable coupler by a first ball joint, and the second articulation member being coupled to the second movable coupler by a second joint spherical.

[00383] Example 134 - The surgical instrument of Example 129, 130, 131, 132 or 133, the selective application means comprising a motor in engagement with the rotational driving member.

[00384] Example 135 - The surgical instrument of Example 129, 130, 131, 132 or 133 which further comprises a longitudinally movable firing member, and wherein the selective application means comprises a motor which is configured to generate rotary output motions . The selective application means further comprises a switching arrangement which operatively interfaces with the motor and the longitudinally movable trigger member, and a swivel drive link which is in operable engagement with the rotational driving member. The switching arrangement is configured to move between a first position in which the motor actuation results in applications of axial linkage motions to the linkage drive link to thereby cause the rotational drive member to rotate about the axis of rotation, and a second position in which the actuation of the motor results in applications of axial firing motions to the longitudinally movable firing member.

[00385] Example 136 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines a drive shaft geometry. A surgical end actuator is pivotally coupled to the elongate drive shaft assembly for selective articulation with respect to the elongate drive shaft assembly about an articulation axis that is transverse to the axis of the drive shaft. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation system comprising means that is operatively coupled to the surgical end actuator for articulating the surgical end actuator about the pivot axis and means for selectively generating pivotal movements. The articulation system further comprises a swivel member which operatively interfaces with the means for generating a swivel movement and the articulation means such that application of the swivel movements by the selective generation means to the swivel member causes the articulation means to simultaneously apply opposite axial joint motions to the surgical end actuator, one of the opposing axial motions being applied to an attachment point on the surgical end actuator that is displaced laterally to a lateral side of the hinge axis, and the other being Opposite axial movement is applied to another attachment point on the surgical end actuator which is laterally displaced on the other lateral side of the pivot axis.

[00386] The entirety of the disclosures of: - US Patent No. 5,403,312 entitled "ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE", issued April 4, 1995; - US patent No. 7,000,818, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS", granted on February 21, 2006; - US patent No. 7,422,139, entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK", granted on September 9, 2008; - US Patent No. 7,464,849, entitled "ELECTRO-MECHA-NICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS", granted on December 16, 2008; - US patent No. 7,670,334, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR", granted on March 2, 2010; - US Patent No. 7,753,245, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS", granted on July 13, 2010; - US Patent No. 8,393,514, entitled "SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE", granted on March 12, 2013; - US patent application serial no. 11/343,803, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES", now US patent no. 7,845,537; - US patent application Serial No. 12/031,573, entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES", filed on February 14, 2008; - patent application serial no. US 12/031,873, entitled "END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT", filed on February 15, 2008, now US patent no. 7,980,443; - US patent application serial no. 12/235,782, entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT", now US patent 8,210,411; - US patent application serial no. 12/249,117, entitled "POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM", now US patent no. 8,608,045; - patent application serial no. US 12/647,100, entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY", filed on December 24, 2009, now US patent no. 8,220,688; - Patent Application Serial No. US 12/893,461, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE", filed on September 29, 2012, now US Patent No. 8,733,613; - patent application serial no. US 13/036,647, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT", filed on February 28, 2011, now US patent no. 8,561,870; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/118,241, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0298719; - patent application serial no. US 13/524,049, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE", filed on June 15, 2012, now US patent application publication no. 2013/0334278; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/800,025, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM", filed on March 13, 2013, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263551; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/800,067, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM", filed on March 13, 2013, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552; - patent application publication No. US 2007/0175955, entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM", filed on January 31, 2006; and - US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR", filed April 22, 2010, now US Patent No. 8,308,040, are incorporated herein by reference.

[00387] While various embodiments of the devices have been described herein in connection with certain disclosed embodiments, many modifications and variations of these embodiments can be implemented. In addition, where materials for certain components are disclosed, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components and multiple components may be replaced by a single component to perform one or more specified functions. The above-mentioned description and the following embodiments are intended to encompass all such modifications and variations.

[00388] Devices disclosed herein may be designed to be discarded after a single use, or may be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, the device may be refurbished for reuse after at least one use. Overhaul can include any combination of the steps of disassembling the device, followed by cleaning or replacing specific parts and subsequent reassembly. In particular, the device can be disassembled and any number of specific parts or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed, in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of specific parts, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use in the refurbishment facility or by a surgical team, immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art will understand that refurbishing a device can use a variety of techniques to disassemble, clean/replace, and reassemble. The use of such techniques and the resulting refurbished device are within the scope of this application.

[00389] By way of example only, the aspects described here can be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument can be obtained and, if necessary, cleaned. The instrument can then be sterilized. In a sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument can then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, X-rays, or high-energy electrons. Radiation can kill bacteria on the instrument and container. The sterilized instrument can then be stored in a sterile container. The sealed container can keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in the medical facility. The device may also be sterilized using any other known technique, including, but not limited to, beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, or water vapor.

[00390] While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention using its general principles.

[00391] Any patent, publication or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, which is deemed to be incorporated by reference to the present invention, is incorporated into the present invention only to the extent that the incorporated materials do not conflict with definitions , statements or other existing disclosure materials presented in this disclosure. Accordingly, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly presented herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated into the present invention by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, which is incorporated herein by reference, but which conflicts with the definitions, statements, or other existing disclosure materials presented herein, is incorporated herein only to the extent that there is no conflict between the incorporated material and the existing development material.

Claims (10)

1. Surgical instrument (10), characterized in that it comprises: an elongated drive shaft assembly (2200) defining a drive shaft geometric axis; a surgical end actuator (2300) operatively coupled to the elongated drive shaft assembly (2200) by a swivel joint such that the surgical end actuator (2300) is selectively pivotable with respect to the elongated drive shaft assembly (2200) around a pivot axis (B-B) which is transverse to the axis of the drive shaft; a flexible central firing arm support member (2286) extending through the hinge joint and comprising a distal end (2287) aligned axially along an end actuator axis and coupled to the surgical end actuator (2300) and a proximal end (2288) axially aligned along the drive shaft axis and secured to the elongate drive shaft assembly (2200); and a longitudinally movable flexible firing arm assembly (2280) comprising a plurality of beam layers (2282, 2284), wherein the longitudinally movable flexible firing arm assembly (2280) is bifurcated by the arm support member. centrally movable firing arm assembly (2286) such that the longitudinally movable flexible firing arm assembly (2280) is advanced distally, and portions of the longitudinally movable flexible firing arm assembly (2280) pass adjacent each side of the firing member. center firing arm bracket (2286). 2. Surgical instrument (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinally movable flexible firing arm assembly (2280) comprises a laminated arm structure, and wherein at least one beam layer is configured to pass adjacent a side side of the central firing arm support member (2286) and at least one other beam layer is configured to pass adjacent to another side side of the central firing arm support member (2286). 3. Surgical instrument (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that two layers of beam are configured to pass adjacent to a lateral side of the central firing arm support member (2286) and two other layers of beam are configured to pass adjacent to the other side of the central firing arm support member (2286). 4. Surgical instrument (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a triggering member (2900) attached to a distal end of the longitudinally movable flexible triggering arm assembly (2280). 5. Surgical instrument (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises means (2290) movably supported on the longitudinally movable flexible firing arm assembly (2280) for laterally supporting a portion of the assembly. of longitudinally movable flexible firing arm (2280) traversing the hinge joint when the surgical end actuator (2300) is hinged about the hinge axis (B-B). 6. Surgical instrument (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that such laterally supporting means (2290) comprises a plurality of lateral load-carrying members (2290) supported on the longitudinally flexible firing arm assembly. movable (2280), each side load carrying member being independently movable therein. A surgical instrument (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that each lateral load carrying member includes an axial passage (2294) therethrough which comprises a pair of spaced inner arcuate surfaces (2295) for facilitate pivoting movement of each side load carrying member on the longitudinally movable flexible firing arm assembly (2280). A surgical instrument (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that at least two of the plurality of side load-carrying members (2290) each include arcuate end surfaces (2292 ) and longitudinally movable flexible firing arm assembly (2280) are arranged such that one of the arcuate end surfaces (2292) on one of the at least two side load carrying members is adjacent to another of the arcuate end surfaces (2292) 2292) on another of the at least two side load carrying members. 9. Surgical instrument (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the distal end of the central firing arm support member (2286) projects below a lower surface of the arm assembly. longitudinally movable flexible trigger arm (2280) to be attached to the surgical end actuator (2300) and the proximal end of the central trigger arm support member (2286) projects above an upper surface of the longitudinally flexible trigger arm assembly. movable (2280) to be attached to the elongate drive shaft assembly (2200). 10. Surgical instrument (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the distal end of the central firing arm support member is pin-fixed to an elongated channel (2302) of surgical end actuator (2300). ) and wherein the proximal end of the central firing arm support member is pin attached to a column portion (2212) of the elongate drive shaft assembly (2200).

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