BR112019012222B1 - SURGICAL END ACTUATOR - Google Patents

Abstract

This is a surgical end actuator. A first claw is configured to operatively support a cartridge of surgical staples. A locking system is supported within the end actuator and is laterally biased into lateral retaining engagement with a firing member when the firing member is in a home position to thereby retain the firing member in the home position. The locking system is configured to be laterally biased away from the side retaining hitch when placed in contact with a cam assembly of a surgical staple cartridge that is seated within the first jaw and when the cam assembly is in the untriggered position. .

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various arrangements, to surgical instruments for stapling and cutting, and to staple cartridges for use therewith, which are designed to staple and cut tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[002] Various 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 set out below:

[003] Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a surgical system comprising a handle assembly and multiple sets of interchangeable surgical tools that can be used therewith;

[004] Figure 2 is a perspective view of one of the interchangeable surgical tool sets of Figure 1 operatively coupled to the handle assembly of Figure 1;

[005] Figure 3 is an exploded view of portions of the handle assembly and the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 1 and 2;

[006] Figure 4 is a perspective view of another of the sets of interchangeable surgical tools depicted in Figure 1;

[007] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 4;

[008] Figure 6 is another partial cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly Figures 4 and 5;

[009] Figure 7 is an exploded view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 4 to 6;

[0010] Figure 7A is an enlarged top view of a portion of an elastic central column assembly of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 7;

[0011] Figure 8 is another exploded assembly view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 4 to 7;

[0012] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the surgical end actuator of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 4 to 8;

[0013] Figure 10 is an exploded assembly view of the surgical end actuator portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly shown in Figure 9;

[0014] Figure 11 is a perspective view, a side elevation view and a front elevation view of an embodiment of a firing member that may be employed in the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 10;

[0015] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an anvil that can be employed in the interchangeable surgical tool set of Figure 4;

[0016] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the anvil of Figure 12;

[0017] Figure 14 is a bottom view of the anvil of Figures 12 and 13;

[0018] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a portion of a surgical end actuator and a drive shaft portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 4 with an unused surgical staple cartridge. worn or not properly seated firing with an elongated surgical end actuator channel;

[0019] Figure 16 is another cross-sectional side elevation view of the surgical end actuator and drive shaft portion of Figure 15 after the surgical staple cartridge has been at least partially fired and a firing member thereof is being retracted to a starting position;

[0020] Figure 17 is another cross-sectional side elevation view of the surgical end actuator and a drive shaft portion of Figure 16 after the firing member has been completely retracted back to the home position;

[0021] Figure 18 is a top cross-sectional view of the surgical end actuator and a drive shaft portion shown in Figure 15 with an unexpended or not properly fired surgical staple cartridge seated with an elongated channel of the end actuator. surgical end;

[0022] Figure 19 is another top cross-sectional view of the surgical end actuator of Figure 18 with a surgical staple cartridge mounted thereon, which has been at least partially fired and illustrates the firing member retained in a locked position;

[0023] Figure 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of portions of the anvil and the elongated channel of the interchangeable tool assembly of Figure. 4;

[0024] Figure 21 is an exploded side elevation view of portions of the anvil and the elongated channel of Figure 20;

[0025] Figure 22 is a rear perspective view of an anvil mounting portion of an anvil embodiment;

[0026] Figure 23 is a rear perspective view of an anvil mounting portion of another anvil embodiment;

[0027] Figure 24 is a rear perspective view of an anvil mounting portion of another anvil embodiment;

[0028] Figure 25 is a perspective view of an anvil embodiment;

[0029] Figure 26 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil in Figure 25;

[0030] Figure 27 is a cross-sectional end view of the anvil of Figure 25;

[0031] Figure 28 is a perspective view of another type of anvil;

[0032] Figure 29 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil embodiment of Figure 28;

[0033] Figure 30 is a top view of a distal end portion of an anvil body portion of the anvil of Figure 28;

[0034] Figure 31 is a top view of a distal end portion of an anvil body portion of another anvil embodiment;

[0035] Figure 32 is a cross-sectional end perspective view of the anvil of Figure 31;

[0036] Figure 33 is a cross-sectional end perspective view of another embodiment of anvil;

[0037] Figure 34 is a perspective view of a closure member embodiment comprising a distal closure tube segment;

[0038] Figure 35 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the embodiment of the closure member of Figure 34;

[0039] Figure 36 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly showing a position of an anvil mounting portion of an anvil in a completely closed position and a firing member thereof. in a starting position;

[0040] Figure 37 is another partial cross-sectional view of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 36 at the beginning of an opening process;

[0041] Figure 38 is another partial cross-sectional view of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 37 with the anvil in the fully open position;

[0042] Figure 39 is a side elevation view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 36;

[0043] Figure 40 is a side elevation view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 37;

[0044] Figure 41 is a side elevation view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 38;

[0045] Figure 42 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of another embodiment of closure member;

[0046] Figure 43 is a cross-sectional end view of the closure member of Figure 42;

[0047] Figure 44 is a cross-sectional end view of another embodiment of closure member;

[0048] Figure 45 is a cross-sectional end view of another embodiment of closure member;

[0049] Figure 46 is a cross-sectional end view of another embodiment of closure member;

[0050] Figure 47 is a partial cross-sectional view of portions of a surgical end actuator of an interchangeable tool assembly illustrated in Figure 1;

[0051] Figure 48 is a partial cross-sectional view of surgical end actuator sections of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 5;

[0052] Figure 49 is another cross-sectional view of the surgical end actuator of Figure 48;

[0053] Figure 50 is a partial perspective view of a portion of a lower side of an anvil embodiment;

[0054] Figure 51 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 5 with an anvil of a surgical end actuator thereof in a fully open position;

[0055] Figure 52 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 51 with the anvil of the surgical end actuator thereof in a first closed position;

[0056] Figure 53 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 51 at the beginning of the firing process, wherein the anvil is in the first closed position and a firing member of the surgical end actuator it moved distally away from an initial position;

[0057] Figure 54 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 51, wherein the anvil is in a second closed position and the firing member has been advanced distally into a cartridge. surgical clips of the surgical end actuator thereof;

[0058] Figure 55 is a graphical comparison between firing energy as a function of time for different sets of interchangeable surgical tools; It is

[0059] Figure 56 is a graphical representation of firing force improvements and firing load comparisons as a function of the percentage of firing distance its firing member has traveled for four different sets of interchangeable surgical tools.

[0060] Corresponding reference characters indicate 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

[0061] The applicant of this application holds the following US patent applications, which were filed on the same date as this application and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[0062] - US Patent Application No., entitled SURGI CAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF; power of attorney document number END7980USNP/160155;

[0063] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; power of attorney document number END7981USNP/160156;

[0064] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS; power of attorney document number END7982USNP/160157;

[0065] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF; power of attorney document number END7983USNP/160158;

[0066] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES; power of attorney document number END7984USNP/160159; It is

[0067] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR; power of attorney document no. END7985USNP/160160.

[0068] The applicant of this application holds the following US patent applications, which were filed on the same date as this application and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[0069] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN; power of attorney document number END7986USNP/160161;

[0070] US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS; power of attorney document number END7987USNP/160162;

[0071] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS; power of attorney document number END7988USNP/160163;

[0072] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES; power of attorney document number END7989USNP/160164;

[0073] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN; power of attorney document number END7990USNP/160165;

[0074] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS; power of attorney document number END7991USNP/160166;

[0075] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE; power of attorney document number END7992USNP/160167;

[0076] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE; power of attorney document number END7993USNP/160168;

[0077] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS; power of attorney document number END7994USNP/160169;

[0078] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS; power of attorney document number END7995USNP/160170;

[0079] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS; power of attorney document number END7996USNP/160171;

[0080] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES; power of attorney document number END7997USNP/160172;

[0081] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT; power of attorney document number END7998USNP/160173; It is

[0082] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN; power of attorney document no. END7999USNP/160174.

[0083] The applicant of this application holds the following US patent applications, which were filed on the same date as this application and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[0084] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT; power of attorney document number END8013USNP/160175;

[0085] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES; power of attorney document number END8014USNP/160176;

[0086] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL; power of attorney document number END8016USNP/160178;

[0087] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN; power of attorney document number END8017USNP/160179;

[0088] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER; power of attorney document number END8018USNP/160180;

[0089] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT; power of attorney document number END8019USNP/160181;

[0090] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT; power of attorney document number END8020USNP/160182;

[0091] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT; power of attorney document number END8021USNP/160183;

[0092] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE; power of attorney document number END8022USNP/160184; It is

[0093] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE; power of attorney document no. END8023USNP/160185.

[0094] The applicant of this application holds the following US patent applications, which were filed on the same date as this application and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[0095] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS; power of attorney document number END8038USNP/160186;

[0096] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS; power of attorney document number END8039USNP/160187;

[0097] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT; power of attorney document number END8041USNP/160189;

[0098] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS; power of attorney document number END8042USNP/160190;

[0099] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled CLOSURE MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS; power of attorney document number END8043USNP/160191;

[00100] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS; power of attorney document number END8044USNP/160192;

[00101] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CAR-TRIDGES; power of attorney document number END8045USNP/160193;

[00102] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS; power of attorney document number END8047USNP/160195;

[00103] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS; power of attorney document number END8048USNP/160196;

[00104] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled FIRING MEMBER PIN ANGLE; power of attorney document number END8051USNP/160199;

[00105] - US Patent Application Serial No., entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES; power of attorney document number END8052USNP/160200;

[00106] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES; power of attorney document number END8053USNP/160201;

[00107] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS; power of attorney document number END8054USNP/160202;

[00108] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT A FIXED AXIS AND INCLUDE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS; power of attorney document number END8056USNP/160204;

[00109] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH; power of attorney document number END8057USNP/160205;

[00110] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled CLOSURE MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; power of attorney document number END8058USNP/160206; It is

[00111] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled FIRING MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS; power of attorney document no. END8059USNP/160207.

[00112] The applicant of this application holds the following US patent applications, which were filed on the same date as this application and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[00113] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES; power of attorney document number END8000USNP/160208;

[00114] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES; power of attorney document number END8001USNP/160209;

[00115] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES; power of attorney document number END8002USNP/160210;

[00116] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; power of attorney document number END8003USNP/160211;

[00117] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES; power of attorney document number END8004USNP/160212; It is

[00118] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; power of attorney document no. END8005USNP/160213.

[00119] The applicant of this application holds the following US patent applications, which were filed on the same date as this application and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[00120] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT; power of attorney document number END8006USNP/160214;

[00121] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM; power of attorney document no. END8007USNP/160215

[00122] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS; power of attorney document number END8008USNP/160216;

[00123] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS; power of attorney document no. END8009USNP/160217

[00124] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM; power of attorney document number END8010USNP/160218;

[00125] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT; power of attorney document number END8011USNP/160219; It is

[00126] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS; power of attorney document no. END8012USNP/160220.

[00127] The applicant of this application holds the following US patent applications, which were filed on the same date as this application and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[00128] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; power of attorney document number END8024USNP/160221;

[00129] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; power of attorney document number END8025USNP/160222;

[00130] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; power of attorney document number END8026USNP/160223;

[00131] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES; power of attorney document number END8027USNP/160224;

[00132] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; power of attorney document number END8028USNP/160225;

[00133] US Patent Application Serial No., entitled JAW ACTUATED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING AD-VANCEMENT OF A FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNLESS AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR; power of attorney document number END8029USNP/160226;

[00134] US Patent Application Serial No., entitled AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; power of attorney document number END8030USNP/160227;

[00135] US Patent Application Serial No., entitled PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOVABLE JAW AND ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT; power of attorney document number END8031USNP/160228;

[00136] US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS; power of attorney document number END8032USNP/160229;

[00137] US Patent Application Serial No., entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT; power of attorney document number END8033USNP/160230;

[00138] US Patent Application Serial No., entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK; power of attorney document number END8034USNP/160231;

[00139] US Patent Application Serial No., entitled ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM; power of attorney document number END8035USNP/160232;

[00140] US Patent Application Serial No., entitled LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION; power of attorney document number END8036USNP/160233; It is

[00141] - US Patent Application serial no., entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES; power of attorney document no. END8037USNP/160234.

[00142] The applicant of this application holds the following US patent applications that were filed on June 24, 2016 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[00143] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/191,775, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES;

[00144] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/191,807, entitled STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES;

[00145] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/191,834, entitled STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME;

[00146] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/191,788, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES; It is

[00147] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/191,818, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS.

[00148] The applicant of this application holds the following US patent applications that were filed on June 24, 2016 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[00149] - US Industrial Design Patent Application serial no. 29/569,218, entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER";

[00150] - US Industrial Design Patent Application serial no. 29/569,227, entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER";

[00151] - US Industrial Design Patent Application serial no. 29/569,259, entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE"; It is

[00152] - US Industrial Design Patent Application serial no. 29/569,264, entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE";

[00153] The applicant of this application holds the following patent applications that were filed on April 1, 2016 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[00154] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,325, entitled METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM;

[00155] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,321, entitled MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY;

[00156] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,326, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD;

[00157] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,263, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION;

[00158] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,262, entitled ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM;

[00159] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,277, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER;

[00160] US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,296, entitled INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS;

[00161] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,258, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION;

[00162] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,278, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE;

[00163] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,284, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT;

[00164] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,295, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT;

[00165] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,300, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT;

[00166] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,196 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT;

[00167] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,203, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT;

[00168] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,210, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT;

[00169] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,324, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM;

[00170] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,335, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS;

[00171] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,339, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT;

[00172] US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,253, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS;

[00173] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,304, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET;

[00174] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,331, entitled ANVIL MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS;

[00175] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,336, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES;

[00176] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,312, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT;

[00177] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,309, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM; It is

[00178] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,349, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL.

[00179] The applicant of this application also holds the US patent applications identified below, which were filed on December 31, 2015, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, respectively:

[00180] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/984,488, entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

[00181] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/984,525, entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; It is

[00182] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/984,552, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS".

[00183] The applicant of this application also holds the US patent applications identified below, which were filed on February 9, 2016, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[00184] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,220, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR;

[00185] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,228, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;

[00186] US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,196, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT;

[00187] US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,206, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY;

[00188] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,215, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;

[00189] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,227, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTI-CULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS;

[00190] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,235, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATION SYSTEMS;

[00191] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,230, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS; It is

[00192] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,245, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS.

[00193] The applicant of this application also holds the US patent applications identified below, which were filed on February 12, 2016, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, respectively:

[00194] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/043,254, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

[00195] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/043,259, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

[00196] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/043,275, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; It is

[00197] - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/043,289, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.

[00198] The applicant of this application holds the following patent applications that were filed on Thursday, June 18, 2015 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[00199] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/742,925, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING AR-RANGEMENTS;

[00200] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/742,941, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES;

[00201] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/742,914, entitled MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTI-CULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

[00202] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/742,900, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT;

[00203] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/742,885, entitled DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR AR-TICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; It is

[00204] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/742,876, entitled PUSH/PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.

[00205] The applicant of this application holds the following patent applications that were filed on March 6, 2015 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[00206] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,746, entitled POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256184;

[00207] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,795, entitled MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/02561185;

[00208] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,832, entitled ADAPTIVE TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256154;

[00209] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,935, entitled OVERLAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256071;

[00210] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,831, entitled MONITORING SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256153;

[00211] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,859, entitled TIME DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256187;

[00212] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,817, entitled NTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256186;

[00213] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,844, entitled CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256155;

[00214] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,837, entitled SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256163;

[00215] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,765, entitled SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLER, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256160;

[00216] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,799, entitled SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256162; It is

[00217] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,780, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256161.

[00218] The applicant of this application holds the following patent applications that were filed on February 27, 2015 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[00219] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,576, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249919;

[00220] - 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, currently Patent Application Publication 2016/0249915;

[00221] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,560, entitled SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249910;

[00222] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,566, entitled CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY, currently Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249918;

[00223] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,555, entitled SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249916;

[00224] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,542, entitled REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249908;

[00225] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,548, entitled POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249909;

[00226] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,526, entitled ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249945;

[00227] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,541, entitled MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249927; It is

[00228] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,562, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249917.

[00229] The applicant of this application holds the following patent applications that were filed on Thursday, December 18, 2014 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[00230] - 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 MEMBER, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174977;

[00231] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/574,483, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174969.

[00232] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/575,139, entitled DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INS-TRUMENTS, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174978.

[00233] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/575,148, entitled LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, currently US Patent Application Publication 2016/0174976;

[00234] - 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, currently US Patent Application Publication 2016/0174972;

[00235] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/575,143, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174983;

[00236] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/575,117, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174975;

[00237] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/575,154, entitled SSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174973;

[00238] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/574,493, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174970. It is

[00239] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/574,500, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174971.

[00240] The applicant of this application holds the following patent applications that were filed on March 1, 2013 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[00241] - 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;

[00242] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,323, entitled ROTARY POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INS-TRUMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246472;

[00243] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,338, entitled THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INS-TRUMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0249557;

[00244] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,499, entitled ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 9,358,003;

[00245] - 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;

[00246] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,358, entitled JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, currently US Patent No. 9,326,767;

[00247] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,481, entitled SENSOR STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH EXCHANGE, currently US Patent No. 9,468,438;

[00248] - 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;

[00249] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,375, entitled ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM, currently US Patent No. 9,398,911; It is

[00250] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,536, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP, currently US Patent No. 9,307,986;

[00251] The applicant of this application also holds the following patent applications that were filed on March 14, 2013 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[00252] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,097, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263542;

[00253] - US Patent Application serial no. 13/803,193, entitled CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, currently patent no. 9,332,987;

[00254] - 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;

[00255] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN AR-TICULATION LOCK, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541;

[00256] - 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;

[00257] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,148, entitled MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263554;

[00258] - 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;

[00259] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,117, entitled ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, currently US Patent No. 9,351,726;

[00260] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,130, entitled DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, currently US Patent No. 9,351,727; It is

[00261] - 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.

[00262] The applicant of this application also holds the following patent application which was filed on March 7, 2014 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[00263] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/200,111, entitled CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263539.

[00264] The applicant of this application also holds the following patent applications that were filed on March 26, 2014 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[00265] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,106, entitled POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272582;

[00266] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,099, entitled STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272581;

[00267] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,094, entitled VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272580;

[00268] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,117, entitled POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272574;

[00269] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,075, entitled MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES, now, US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272579;

[00270] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,093, entitled FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272569;

[00271] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,116, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272571;

[00272] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,071, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272578;

[00273] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,097, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272570;

[00274] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,126, entitled INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272572;

[00275] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,133, entitled MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272557;

[00276] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,081, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0277471;

[00277] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,076, entitled POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280424;

[00278] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,111, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272583; It is

[00279] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,125, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now, US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280384.

[00280] The applicant of this application also holds the following patent applications that were filed on September 5, 2014 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[00281] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/479,103, entitled CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now, US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066912;

[00282] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/479,119, entitled ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION, now, US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066914;

[00283] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/478,908, entitled MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION, now, US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066910;

[00284] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/478,895, entitled MULTIPLE SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR'S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION, now, US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066909;

[00285] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/479,110, entitled POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066915;

[00286] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/479,098, entitled SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION, now, US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066911;

[00287] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/479,115, entitled MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now, US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066916; It is

[00288] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/479,108, entitled LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION, now, US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066913.

[00289] The applicant of this application also holds the following patent applications that were filed on April 9, 2014 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[00290] - 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;

[00291] - 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;

[00292] - 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;

[00293] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/248,588, entitled POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309666;

[00294] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/248,591, entitled TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305991;

[00295] - 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;

[00296] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/248,587, entitled POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309665;

[00297] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/248,586, entitled DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305990; It is

[00298] - 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.

[00299] The applicant of this application also holds the following patent applications that were filed on April 16, 2013 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:

[00300] - US Provisional Patent Application serial no. 61/812,365, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR;

[00301] - US Provisional Patent Application serial no. 61/812,376, entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER;

[00302] - US Provisional Patent Application serial no. 61/812,382, entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP;

[00303] - US Provisional Patent Application serial no. 61/812,385, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL; It is

[00304] - US Provisional Patent Application serial no. 61/812,372, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR.

[00305] Numerous specific details are presented to provide a complete understanding of the structure, function, manufacture and general use of the embodiments described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments 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 the achievements.

[00306] The terms "comprises" (and any form of understands, such as "comprises" and "which understands"), "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 system, device or surgical 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 surgical system, device or apparatus that "comprises", "has", "includes" or "contains" one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. or more resources.

[00307] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used in the present invention with reference to a doctor 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 in the direction away from the physician. It will also be understood that, for the sake of convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "up" and "down" may be used in the present invention with respect to 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.

[00308] 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 this Detailed Description progresses, the reader will further understand that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into a body in any manner, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or perforation formed in tissue, etc. The functional portions or end actuator portions of the 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 the elongated drive shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

[00309] The surgical stapling system may comprise a drive shaft and an end actuator extending from the drive shaft. The end actuator comprises a first claw and a second claw. The first gripper comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into, and removable from, the first claw; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which a staple cartridge is not removable, or at least readily replaceable, from the first clamp. The second gripper comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second claw pivots in relation to the first claw around a geometric axis of the lid; however, other embodiments are envisaged in which the first claw pivots in relation to the second claw. The surgical stapling system further comprises a pivot joint configured to allow the end actuator to be rotated or pivoted relative to the drive shaft. The end actuator is rotatable about a pivot axis extending through the pivot joint. Other embodiments are envisioned that do not include an articulation joint.

[00310] The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a platform extending 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 toward the staple cartridge to compress and secure the tissue against the platform. After that, the staples removably stored in the cartridge body can be implanted into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein, wherein staples are 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.

[00311] The staples are supported 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, to eject the staples from the staple cavities. The actuators are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer that extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient members configured to grip the cartridge body and retain the retainer in the cartridge body. The actuators are movable between their non-fired positions and their fired positions by a slider. The slider is movable between a proximal position adjacent to the proximal end and a distal position adjacent to the distal end. The slider comprises a plurality of inclined surfaces configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, and the clips supported thereon, toward the anvil.

[00312] In addition to the above, the slider is moved distally by a firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the slider and push the slider toward 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 claw and a second cam that engages the second claw. 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.

[00313] Figure 1 depicts a motor-driven surgical system 10 that can be used to perform a variety of different surgical procedures. As can be seen in that Figure, an exemplary surgical system 10 includes four sets of interchangeable surgical tools 100, 200, 300 and 1000 that are adapted for interchangeable use with a handle set 500. Each set of interchangeable surgical tools 100, 200, 300 and 1000 may be designed for use in connection with the performance of one or more specific surgical procedures. In another embodiment of surgical system, sets of interchangeable surgical tools can be effectively employed with a tool drive set of a robotically controlled or automated surgical system. For example, the surgical tool sets disclosed herein can be used with various robotic systems, instruments, components and methods, such as, but not limited to, those disclosed in US Patent No. 9,072,535, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[00314] Figure 2 illustrates one form of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 that is operatively coupled to the handle assembly 500. Figure 3 illustrates the attachment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 to the handle assembly 500. The arrangement and 3 may also be employed in connection with attaching any of the sets of interchangeable surgical tools 100, 200, 300 and 1000 to a tool drive portion or tool drive housing of a robotic system. The grip assembly 500 may comprise a grip housing 502 that includes a pistol grip portion 504 that can be gripped and manipulated by the practitioner. As will be briefly discussed below, the grip assembly 500 operatively supports a plurality of drive systems, which are configured to generate and apply various control movements to corresponding portions of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100, 200, 300 and/or 1000 that is operationally fixed to it.

[00315] Now referring to Figure 3, the handle assembly 500 may also include a structure 506 that operatively supports a plurality of drive systems. For example, structure 506 may operatively support a "first" drive system or closing drive system, generally designated as 510, which may be employed to apply closing and opening movements to the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 , 200, 300 and 1000 that is attached or operatively coupled to the handle assembly 500. In at least one form, the closing drive system 510 may include an actuator in the form of a closing trigger 512, pivotally supported by the structure 506. This arrangement enables the closing trigger 512 to be manipulated by a physician so that when the physician grips the pistol grip portion 504 of the grip assembly 500, the closing trigger 512 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. In various forms, the closing trigger system 510 additionally includes a set of closing links 514, which is pivotally coupled to the closing trigger 512 or otherwise operationally interfaces therewith. As will be discussed in more detail below, in the illustrated example, the closing link assembly 514 includes a transverse securing pin 516 that facilitates attachment to a corresponding drive system on the surgical tool assembly. In use, to actuate the closure drive system, the practitioner presses the closure trigger 512 toward the pistol grip portion 504. As described in more detail in U.S. Patent Application Serial No., 14/226,142, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM, currently Patent Application Publication 2015/0272575, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, when the physician fully depresses the closing trigger 512 to achieve the entire closing stroke, the system closing trigger is configured to lock the closing trigger 512 in the fully engaged or fully depressed position. When the practitioner wishes to unlock the closing trigger 512 to allow it to be forced to the non-actuated position, the practitioner simply activates a closing release button assembly 518 that allows the closing trigger to return to the non-actuated position. The close release button 518 may also be configured to interact with various sensors that communicate with a microcontroller 520 in the grip assembly 500 to track the position of the close trigger 512. Additional details relating to the configuration and operation of the button assembly closure release 518 can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575.

[00316] In at least one form, the grip assembly 500 and the frame 506 may operatively support another drive system referred to in the present invention as a firing drive system 530, which is configured to apply firing motions to the portions corresponding parts of the interchangeable surgical tool set that is attached thereto. As described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, the firing drive system 530 may employ an electric motor (not shown in Figures 1 through 3) that is situated in the pistol grip portion 504 of the assembly. of grip 500. In various forms, the motor may be a DC brush drive motor, with a maximum speed 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 may be powered by a power source 522 which, in one form, may comprise a removable power supply unit. The power supply unit may sustain a plurality of lithium ion ("LI") batteries or other suitable batteries therein. Multiple batteries, which may be connected in series, may be used as the power source 522 for the surgical system 10. Furthermore, the power source 522 may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

[00317] The electric motor is configured to axially drive a longitudinally movable drive member 540 in the distal and proximal directions depending on the polarity of the motor. For example, when the motor is driven in a direction of rotation, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 will be driven axially in the distal direction "DD". When the electric motor is driven in the opposite direction of rotation, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 will be driven axially in the proximal direction "PD". The grip assembly 500 may include a switch 513 that may be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor by the power source 522 or to otherwise control the motor. The grip assembly 500 may also include a sensor or sensors (not shown) that is/are configured to detect the position of the drive member 540 and/or the direction in which the drive member 540 is being moved. Motor drive may be controlled by a firing trigger 532 (Figure 1) pivotably supported on the grip assembly 500. The firing trigger 532 may be rotated between a non-actuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger 532 may be biased to the non-actuated position by means of a spring or other biasing arrangement so that, when the practitioner releases the firing trigger 532, it may be rotated or otherwise returned to the position. position not actuated by means of spring or propensity arrangement. In at least one form, the firing trigger 532 may be positioned "distant" from the closing trigger 512, as discussed above. As discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, the grip assembly 500 may be equipped with a firing trigger safety button (not shown) to prevent inadvertent actuation of the firing trigger 532. When the trigger closing button 512 is in the non-actuated position, the safety button is contained within the grip assembly 500, where the practitioner cannot readily access it and move it between a safety position, which prevents actuation of the firing trigger 532, and a firing position in which the firing trigger 532 can be fired. When the physician presses the closing trigger 512, the safety button and the firing trigger 532 pivot downward to a position in which they can then be manipulated by the physician.

[00318] In at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 may have a tooth rack (not shown) formed thereon for meshed engagement with a corresponding drive gear arrangement (not shown) that makes interface with the engine. Additional details regarding features can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575. At least one form also includes a "rescue" assembly that is configured to enable the practitioner to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 540 if the motor becomes disabled. The rescue assembly may include an ejection lever or handle assembly that is stored within the handle assembly 500 under a removable door 550. The lever is configured to be manually hinged in ratchet engagement with the teeth on the drive member 540 In this way, the practitioner can manually retract the drive member 540 using the rescue grip assembly to engage the drive member 5400 in the proximal "PD" direction. US Patent Application Serial No. 12/249,117, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, currently US Patent No. 8,608,045, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference in the present invention, discloses provisions rescue devices and other components, arrangements and systems that may also be employed with the various sets of surgical tools disclosed in the present invention.

[00319] Turning now to Figure 2, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 includes a surgical end actuator 110 comprising a first claw and a second claw. In one arrangement, the first claw comprises an elongated channel 112 that is configured to operatively support a surgical staple cartridge 116 therein. The second claw comprises an anvil 114 that is pivotally supported relative to the elongated channel 112. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 also includes a lockable hinged joint 120 that can be configured to releasably secure the end actuator 110. in a desired position relative to a drive shaft SA. Details concerning the various constructions and operation of the end actuator 110, pivot joint 120, and pivot lock are set forth in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, currently Publication of US Patent Application No. 2014/0263541, which is incorporated herein, by reference, in its entirety. As can further be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 may include a proximal housing or mouthpiece 130 and a closure tube assembly 140 that may be used to close and/or open the anvil 114 of the end actuator 110. As discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, the closure tube assembly 140 is movably supported on a central column 145 which supports the pivot actuator arrangement 147 to apply end actuator movements. articulation to the surgical end actuator 110. The central column 145 is configured to, firstly, slideably support a trigger bar 170 therein and, secondly, slideably support the closure tube assembly 140 which extends around the central column 145. In various circumstances, the central column 145 includes a proximal end that is pivotally supported on a chassis 150. See Figure 3. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end of the central column 145 is attached to a dorsal bearing (not shown) that is configured to be supported within the chassis 150. This arrangement facilitates rotary attachment of the column 145 to the chassis 150 so that the column 145 can be selectively rotated around a geometric axis of the SA drive shaft in relation to frame 150.

[00320] Referring primarily to Figure 3, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 includes a movable closing member 160 that is slidably supported within the chassis 150 so that it can be moved axially relative thereto. As can be seen in Figure 3, the movable closing member 160 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 162 configured to be attached to the securing pin 516, which is attached to the closing link assembly 514 on the handle assembly. 500. A proximal closure tube segment 146 of the closure tube assembly 140 is coupled to the movable closure member 160 for relative rotation with respect thereto. Thus, when the hooks 162 are hooked over the pin 516, actuation of the closing trigger 512 will result in axial movement of the movable closing element 160 and ultimately the closing tube assembly 140 in the central column 145. A spring closure (not shown) may be seated upon the closure tube assembly 140 and serves to pull the closure tube 140 in the proximal "PD" direction, which may serve to rotate the closure trigger 512 to the non-actuated position when the assembly The drive shaft assembly 100 is operatively coupled to the grip assembly 500. In use, the closure tube assembly 140 is translated distally (DD direction) to close the anvil 114, for example, in response to actuation of the closure trigger. 512. The closure tube assembly 140 includes a distal closure tube segment 142 that is pivotally secured to a distal end of a proximal closure tube segment 146. The distal closure tube segment 142 is configured to move axially with the proximal closure tube segment 146 relative to the surgical end actuator 110. When the distal end of the distal closure tube segment 142 strikes a proximal surface or protrusion 115 on the anvil 114, the anvil 114 is closed by pivoting. Other details regarding the closure of the anvil 114 can be found in the previously mentioned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541 and will be discussed in more detail below. As also described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, the anvil 114 is opened by translating the distal closure tube segment 142 proximally. The distal closure tube segment 142 has an opening shaped of horseshoe 143 therein defining a downwardly extending return flap (not shown) that cooperates with an anvil flap 117 formed at the proximal end of the anvil 114 to rotate the anvil 114 back to an open position. In the fully open position, the closure tube assembly 140 is in its most proximal or non-actuated position.

[00321] As indicated above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 additionally includes a trigger bar 170 that is supported to perform an axial displacement within the central column of the drive shaft 145. The trigger bar 170 includes an intermediate portion of the trigger drive shaft that is configured for attachment to a distal cutting portion or cutting bar that is configured for axial displacement through the surgical end actuator 110. In at least one arrangement, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 includes a coupling assembly (not shown) that may be configured to selectively and releasably couple the pivot driver to the firing bar 170. Additional details regarding the characteristics and operation of the coupling assembly can be found in the U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. As discussed in US Patent Application Publication no. 2014/0263541, when the coupling assembly is in its engaged position, the distal movement of the firing bar 170 may move the arrangement of the pivot driver 147 distally and, correspondingly, the proximal movement of the firing bar 170 may move the arranging the articulation driver 147 proximally. When the coupling assembly is in its disengaged position, movement of the firing bar 170 is not transmitted to the pivot driver arrangement 147 and, as a result, the trigger bar 170 can move independently of the pivot driver arrangement 147 The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 may also include a slip ring assembly (not shown) that may be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the end actuator 110 and/or transmit signals to and/or from of the end actuator 110. Additional details regarding the slip ring assembly can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. US Patent Application Serial No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. US Patent No. 9,345,481, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM is also incorporated in its entirety into the present invention by reference.

[00322] Referring again to Figure 3, the chassis 150 includes at least one, and preferably two, tapered fastening portions 152 formed therein, which are adapted to be received within corresponding fitting slots 507 formed therein. interior of a distal end of the structure 506. Each fitting slot 507 may be tapered or, in other words, approximately V-shaped to seatedly receive the fastening portions 152 thereof. As can also be seen in Figure 3, a drive shaft attachment pin 172 is formed at the proximal end of the firing drive shaft 170. When the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 is coupled to the grip assembly 500, the drive shaft attachment 172 is received in a firing drive shaft attachment cradle 542 formed at the distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member 540. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 also employs a clip system 180 for securely securing the drive shaft assembly 100 to the frame 506 of the grip assembly 500. In at least one form, for example, the clip system 180 includes a locking member or a locking fork 182 that is movably coupled to the chassis. 150. Locking fork 182 includes two proximally projecting locking pins 184 that are configured to releasably engage corresponding detents or locking grooves 509 in the distal mounting flange of frame 506. In various forms , the locking fork 182 is pulled in the proximal direction by the spring or pulling member. Actuation of the locking fork 182 may be accomplished by a locking button 186 that is slidably mounted to a locking actuator assembly that is mounted to the chassis 150. The locking button 186 may be forced in a proximal direction relative to the locking fork 182. As will be discussed in more detail below, the locking fork 182 can be moved to an unlocked position by pulling the locking knob 186 in the distal direction DD, which also causes the locking fork 182 rotates out of retaining engagement with the frame distal securing flange 506. When the locking fork 182 is in "retaining engagement" with the frame distal securing flange 506, the locking pins 184 are seated retainingly within corresponding detents or locking grooves 509 at the distal end of the structure 506. Additional details regarding the clip systems can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541.

[00323] Attachment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 to the grip assembly 500 will now be described with reference to Figure 3. To begin the coupling process, the practitioner can position the chassis 150 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 above or adjacent to the distal end of the frame 506 so that the tapered fastening portions 152 formed on the chassis 150 are aligned with the engagement slots 507 in the frame 506. The physician can then move the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 to the along an installation axis IA that is perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft SA to seat the tapered fastening portions 152 in "operational engagement" with the corresponding fitting receiver slots 507 at the distal end of the frame 506. In doing so , the drive shaft fixing pin 172 on the intermediate shot drive shaft 170 will also be seated in the cradle 542 on the longitudinally movable drive member 540 and the portions of the pin 516 on the closing link 514 will be seated on the corresponding hooks 162 on the movable closing member 160. As used herein, the term "operable engagement" in reference to two components means that the two components are engaged with each other in such a manner that, upon application of an actuating motion thereto, the components can perform the intended action, function and/or procedure.

[00324] Again referring to Figure 1, the surgical system 10 illustrated in that Figure includes four sets of interchangeable surgical tools 100, 200, 300 and 1000 that can each be effectively employed with the same set of handle 500 to perform different surgical procedures. The construction of an exemplary form of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 was briefly discussed above and is discussed in more detail in US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541. Various details regarding the interchangeable surgical tool sets 200 and 300 can be found in the various US patent applications that were filed on the same date as this document and which are incorporated herein by reference. Various details regarding the 1000 Interchangeable Surgical Tool Set will be discussed in more detail below.

[00325] As illustrated in Figure 1, each of surgical tool sets 100, 200, 300 and 1000 includes a pair of claws in which at least one of the claws is movable between open positions, in which tissue can be captured or manipulated between the two claws, and closed positions, in which the tissue is firmly retained between them. The movable gripper or movable grippers are moved between the open and closed positions by application of opening and closing motions applied to it(s) by the handle assembly or by the robotic or automated surgical system to which the surgical tool assembly is operatively attached. coupled. Additionally, each of the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool sets includes a firing member that is configured to cut tissue and fire staples from a staple cartridge that is held in one of the jaws in response to applied firing movements. at the same by the handle or assembly or robotic system. Each surgical tool set can be uniquely designed to perform a specific procedure, for example, to cut and clamp a specific type of tissue and a specific thickness of tissue within a certain area on the body. The closing, firing, and pivoting systems in the handle assembly 500 or the robotic system may be configured to generate axial control movements and/or rotary control movements depending on the type of closing, firing, and articulating system configuration employed in the handle assembly. surgical tool. In one arrangement, when a closure control system in the handle assembly or robotic system is actuated completely, one of the closure system control components which may, for example, comprise a closure tube assembly as described above, if moves axially from a non-actuated position to its fully actuated position. The axial distance in which the closure tube assembly moves from its non-actuated position to its fully actuated position may be referred to here as its "closing stroke length". Similarly, when a firing system in the grip assembly or robotic system is actuated completely, one of the firing system control components which may, for example, comprise the longitudinally movable actuating member as described above moves. axially from its non-actuated position to its fully actuated or triggered position. The axial distance that the longitudinally movable actuating member moves between its non-actuated position and its fully fired position may be called the "firing stroke length". For surgical tool assemblies employing articulating end actuator arrangements, the handle assembly or robotic system may employ joint control components that move axially through a "joint actuation stroke length." In many circumstances, the closing stroke length, firing stroke length, and linkage actuation stroke length are fixed for a given grip assembly or robotic system. Accordingly, each of the surgical tool assemblies must be capable of accommodating the control movements of the closing, firing and/or articulating components through each of its entire stroke lengths without placing undue stress on the surgical tool components that may lead to damage or catastrophic failure of the surgical tool set.

[00326] Now referring to Figures 4 to 10, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a surgical end actuator 1100 comprising an elongated channel 1102 that is configured to operatively support within it a staple cartridge 1110. The end actuator end 1100 may additionally include an anvil 1130 that is pivotally supported relative to the elongated channel 1102. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may further include a pivot joint 1200 and a pivot lock 1210 (Figures 5 and 8 a 10), which may be configured to releasably secure the end actuator 1100 in a desired pivot position relative to a geometric axis of the drive shaft. Details regarding the construction and operation of the 1210 articulation lock can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, which description is incorporated herein, by reference, in its entirety. Additional details relating to the articulation lock can also be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,196, filed February 9, 2016, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT, the complete description of which is incorporated herein by title of reference. As can be seen in Figure 7, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may additionally include a proximal housing or nozzle 1300 comprised of nozzle portions 1302, 1304 as well as an actuator wheel portion 1306 that is configured to be coupled to the assembled nozzle portions 1302, 1304 by press fits, pins, screws etc. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may additionally include a closure tube assembly 1400 that may be used to close and/or open the anvil 1130 of the end actuator 1100 as will be further discussed in more detail below. 8 and 9, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may include a central column assembly 1500 that may be configured to support the pivot lock 1210. In the illustrated arrangement, the central column assembly 1500 comprises a column dorsal or "elastic" frame member 1510 which will be described in greater detail below. A distal end portion 1522 of the elastic center column member 1510 is attached to a distal frame segment 1560 that operatively supports the pivot lock 1210 therein. As can be seen in Figures 7 and 8, the central column assembly 1500 is configured to, first, slideably support a firing member assembly 1600 therein and, second, sliderly support the tube. closure 1400 that extends around the central column assembly 1500. The central column assembly 1500 may also be configured to slideably support a proximal pivot driver 1700.

[00327] As can be seen in Figure 10, the distal frame segment 1560 is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel 1102 by an end actuator mounting assembly 1230. In one arrangement, for example, the distal end 1562 of the segment of distal structure 1560 has a pivot pin 1564 formed therein. The pivot pin 1564 is adapted to be pivotally received within a pivot hole 1234 formed in the pivot base portion 1232 of the end actuator mounting assembly 1230. The end actuator mounting assembly 1230 is secured to the proximal end 1103 of the elongated channel 1102 by means of a spring pin 1105 or other suitable member. Pivot pin 1564 defines a pivot axis B-B that is transverse to the axis of the drive shaft SA. See Figure 4. This arrangement facilitates pivoting (i.e., pivoting) displacement of the end actuator 1100 around the B-B axis of pivot relative to the central column assembly 1500.

[00328] Still referring to Figure 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the articulation driver 1700 has a distal end 1702 that is configured to operatively engage the articulation lock 1210. The articulation lock 1210 includes a articulation structure 1212 that is adapted to operatively engage a drive pin 1238 with the pivot base portion 1232 of the end actuator mounting assembly 1230. Additionally, a transverse link 1237 may be attached to the drive pin 1238 and the pivot structure 1212 to aid articulation. of the end actuator 1100. As indicated above, additional details relating to the operation of the pivot lock 1210 and the pivot structure 1212 can be found in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086, now the Patent Application Publication US No. 2014/0263541. More details regarding the end actuator and cross link assembly assembly can be found in US patent application Serial No. 15/019,245, filed on February 9, 2016, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference into the present invention. In various circumstances, the elastic center column member 1510 includes a proximal end 1514 that is pivotally supported on a chassis 1800. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end 1514 of the elastic center column member 1510 has a thread 1516 formed therein for threaded attachment to a center column bearing (not shown) that is configured to be supported within the chassis 1800. This arrangement facilitates rotary attachment of the resilient center column portion 1510 to the chassis 1800 so that the column assembly central 1500 can be selectively rotated around the geometric axis of the SA drive shaft in relation to the chassis 1800.

[00329] Referring primarily to Figure 7, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a movable closing member 1420 that is slidably supported within the chassis 1800 so that it can be moved axially relative thereto. In one form, the movable closure member 1420 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 1421 configured to be attached to the attachment pin 516, which is attached to the closure link assembly 514 on the grip assembly 500, as discussed. above. A proximal end 1412 of a segment of the proximal closure tube 1410 is coupled to the movable closure member 1420 for relative rotation with respect thereto. For example, a U-shaped connector 1424 is inserted into an annular slot 1414 in the proximal end 1412 of the proximal closure tube segment 1410 and is retained within the vertical slots 1422 in the movable closure member 1420. See Figure 7. This arrangement serves to secure the proximal closure tube segment 1410 to the movable closure member 1420 for axial displacement therewith, while enabling the closure tube assembly 1400 to rotate relative to the movable closure transport member 1420 around the geometric axis of the SA drive shaft. A closure spring (not shown) is seated over the proximal end 1412 of the proximal closure tube segment 1410 and serves to pull the closure tube assembly 1400 in the proximal PD direction, which may serve to rotate the closure trigger 512 about the handle assembly 500 (Figure 3) to the non-actuated position when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 is operatively coupled to the handle assembly 500.

[00330] As indicated above, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 includes a pivot joint 1200. Other interchangeable surgical tool sets, however, may not be capable of articulation. As can be seen in Figure 10, the upper and lower protrusions 1415, 1416 project distally from a distal end of the proximal closure tube segment 1410 to be movably coupled to an end actuator closure sleeve. or distal closure tube segment 1430 of the closure tube assembly 1400. As can be seen in Figure 10, the distal closure tube segment 1430 includes upper and lower protrusions 1434, 1436 that project proximally from an end proximal to it. An upper double pivot link 1220 includes proximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in the upper protuberances 1415, 1434 of the proximal closure tube segment 1410 and the distal closure tube segment 1430, respectively. Similarly, an upper double pivot link 1222 includes proximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in the upper protrusions 1416 and 1436 of the proximal closure tube segment 1410 and the distal closure tube segment 1430, respectively. As will be discussed in more detail below, distal and proximal axial translation of the closure tube assembly 1400 will result in the opening and closing of the anvil 1130 relative to the elongated channel 1102.

[00331] As mentioned above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 additionally includes a trigger member assembly 1600 that is supported to perform an axial displacement within the dorsal column assembly 1500. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger member assembly 1600 includes an intermediate firing drive shaft portion 1602, which is configured to connect to a distal cutting portion or cutting bar 1610. The firing member assembly 1600 may also be referred to in the present invention as a "second shaft." drive shaft" and/or a "second drive shaft assembly". As can be seen in Figures 7 through 10, the intermediate portion of the firing drive shaft 1602 may include a longitudinal slot 1604 at its distal end, which may be configured to receive a tab (not shown) at the proximal end of the cutting bar. 1610. The longitudinal slot 1604 and the proximal end of the cutting bar 1610 may be sized and configured to permit relative movement therebetween and may comprise a sliding joint 1612. The sliding joint 1612 may allow the drive shaft portion of intermediate firing 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600 be moved to pivot the end actuator 1100 without moving, or at least without substantially moving, the cutting bar 1610. Once the end actuator 1100 has been properly oriented, the portion of the intermediate firing drive shaft 1602 may be advanced distally until a proximal side wall of the longitudinal slot 1604 contacts the tab on the cutting bar 1610 in order to advance the cutting bar 1610 and fire a staple cartridge 1110 positioned in the interior of the elongated channel 1102. As can further be seen in Figures 8 and 9, the resilient central column member 1520 has an elongated opening or window 1525 within it to facilitate assembly and insertion of the intermediate portion of the firing drive shaft. 1602 in the elastic center column member 1520. When the intermediate portion of the firing drive shaft 1602 has been inserted therein, an upper frame segment 1527 may be engaged with the elastic center column member 1520 to enclose the intermediate portion therein. of the firing drive shaft 1602 and the cutting bar 1610. A more detailed discussion of the operation of the firing member assembly 1600 can be seen in US Patent Application Publication No. 13/803,086, now US Patent Application No. serial number 2014/0263541.

[00332] In addition to the foregoing, the interchangeable tool assembly 1000 may include a coupling assembly 1620, which may be configured to selectively and releasably couple the proximal hinge driver 1800 to the firing member assembly 1600 In one form, the coupling assembly 1620 comprises a locking ring or sleeve 1622 positioned around the firing member assembly 1600, wherein the locking sleeve 1622 can be rotated between an engaged position, wherein the locking sleeve 1622 1622 couples the pivot driver 1700 to the firing member assembly 1600, and a disengaged position in which the pivot driver 1700 is not operably coupled to the firing member assembly 1600. When the locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, distal movement of the trigger member assembly 1600 can move the pivot driver 1700 distally, and correspondingly, the proximal movement of the trigger member assembly 1600 can move the pivot driver 1700 proximally. When the locking sleeve 1622 is in its disengaged position, movement of the firing member assembly 1600 is not transmitted to the pivot driver 1700 and, as a result, the firing member assembly 1600 can move independently of the pivot driver. 1700. In various circumstances, the proximal pivot driver 1700 may be held in position by the pivot lock 1210 when the pivot driver 1700 is not being moved in the proximal or distal directions by the firing member assembly 1600.

[00333] Referring primarily to Figure 7, the locking sleeve 1622 may comprise a cylindrical, or at least substantially cylindrical, body including a longitudinal opening 1624 defined therein, configured to receive the firing member assembly 1600. The sleeve locking member 1622 may comprise diametrically opposed locking projections 1626, 1628 facing inwardly and an outwardly facing locking member 1629. The locking projections 1626, 1628 may be configured to be selectively engaged with the firing drive shaft intermediate portion 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600. More particularly, when the locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, the locking projections 1626, 1628 1626, 1628 are positioned within a drive notch 1605 defined in the intermediate portion of the firing drive shaft 1602 so that a distal propulsive force and/or a proximal pulling force can be transmitted from the member assembly. firing mechanism 1600 to the locking sleeve 1622. When the locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, the second locking member 1629 is received within a drive notch 1704 defined in the pivot driver 1700, so that the distal compressive force and/or the proximal tensile force applied to the locking sleeve 1622 can be transmitted to the pivot driver 1700. In effect, the assembly of the firing member 1600, the locking sleeve 1622 and the pivot driver 1700 will move together when locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position. On the other hand, when the locking sleeve 1622 is in its disengaged position, the locking protuberances 1626, 1628 may not be positioned within the drive notch 1605 of the intermediate portion of the firing drive shaft 1602 of the firing member assembly. 1600 and, as a result, a distal propulsive force and/or a proximal pulling force may not be transmitted from the firing member assembly 1600 to the locking sleeve 1622. Correspondingly, the distal compressive force and/or the pulling force Proximal pull may not be transmitted to the pivot driver 1700. In these circumstances, the firing member assembly 1600 may be slid proximally and/or distally relative to the locking sleeve 1622 and the proximal pivot driver 1700. The coupling assembly 1620 additionally includes a switching drum 1630 that interfaces with the locking sleeve 1622. Further details regarding the operation of the switching drum and locking sleeve 1622 can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086, currently US Patent Application Publication Serial No. 2014/0263541, and Serial No. 15/019,196. The switching drum 1630 may further comprise at least partially circumferential openings 1632, 1634 defined therein, which may receive circumferential bezels 1305 extending from the nozzle halves 1302, 1304 and permit relative rotation, but not translation. , between the switching drum 1630 and the proximal nozzle 1300. See Figure 6. Rotation of the nozzle 1300 to a point where the bezels reach the end of their respective slots 1632, 1634 in the switching drum 1630 will result in rotation of the switching drum 1630. 1630 switching around the SA-SA axis of the drive shaft. Rotation of the switching drum 1630 will ultimately result in movement of the locking sleeve 1622 between its engaged and disengaged positions. Thus, essentially, the nozzle 1300 can be employed to operatively engage and disengage the linkage drive system with the firing drive system in the various ways described in more detail in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086, currently Publication of US patent application no. 2014/0263541, and US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,196, which are incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties.

[00334] In the illustrated arrangement, the switching drum 1630 includes an L-shaped slot 1636 that extends into a distal opening 1637 in the switching drum 1630. The distal opening 1637 receives a transverse pin 1639 of a displacer plate 1638. In one example, the displacer plate 1638 is received within a longitudinal slot (not shown) that is provided in the locking sleeve 1622 to facilitate axial movement of the locking sleeve 1622 when engaged with the pivot driver 1700. More details regarding the operation of the displacement plate and switching drum arrangements can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 14/868,718, filed on September 28, 2015, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH SHAFT RELEASE, POWERED FIRING AND POWERED ARTICULATION , the description of which is incorporated herein by reference into the present invention.

[00335] Also as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the interchangeable tool assembly 1000 may comprise a slip ring assembly 1640 that may be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the end actuator 1100 and/or transmit signals to the end actuator 1100 and/or from it back to a microprocessor in the handle assembly or controller of the robotic system, for example. More details about the 1640 slip ring assembly and associated connectors can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541 and US Patent Application No. No. 15/019,196, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as well as in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/800,067 entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, currently U.S. Patent Application Publication serial no. 2014/0263552, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As also described in more detail in the aforementioned patent applications which are incorporated herein by reference, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may also comprise at least one sensor that is configured to detect the position of the switching drum 1630.

[00336] Referring again to Figure 7, the chassis 1800 includes at least one, and preferably two, tapered fastening portions 1802 formed therein, which are adapted to be received within corresponding fitting slots 507 formed therein. interior of the distal end portion of the structure 506 of the grip assembly 500, as discussed above. As can also be seen in Figure 7, a drive shaft securing pin 1605 is formed at the proximal end of the intermediate firing drive shaft 1602. As will be discussed in more detail below, when the surgical tool assembly is interconnected, 1000 is coupled to the grip assembly 500, the drive shaft attachment pin 1605 is received in a firing drive shaft attachment cradle 542 which is formed at the distal end of the longitudinal drive member 540. See Figure 3.

[00337] Various interchangeable surgical tool assemblies employ a locking system 1810 to removably couple the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to the frame 506 of the grip assembly 500. As can be seen in Figure 7, for example, at least In one form, the locking system 1810 includes a locking member or locking fork 1812 that is movably coupled to the chassis 1800. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the locking fork 1812 is U-shaped with two spaced downwardly extending legs 1814. The legs 1814 each have a pivot pin (not shown) formed therein, which are adapted to be received in corresponding holes 1816 formed in the chassis 1800. Such an arrangement facilitates the pivoting attachment of the locking fork 1812 to the chassis 1800. The locking fork 1812 may include two proximally projecting locking pins 1818 that are configured to releasably engage corresponding locking detents or grooves 509 at the distal end of the frame. 506 of the grip assembly 500. See Figure 3. In various forms, the locking fork 1812 is pulled in the proximal direction by a spring or pulling member 1819. Actuation of the locking fork 1812 can be done by a locking button 1820 which is slidably mounted to a lock actuator assembly 1822 that is mounted to the chassis 1800. The lock button 1820 may be forced in a proximal direction relative to the lock fork 1812. The lock fork 1812 may be moved to an unlocked position by pulling the locking knob 1820 in the distal direction, which also causes the locking fork 1812 to rotate out of retaining engagement with the distal end of the frame 506. When the locking fork 1812 is in "retaining engagement" with the distal end of the frame 506, the locking pins 1818 are retentively seated within corresponding detents or locking grooves 509 at the distal end of the frame 506.

[00338] In the illustrated arrangement, the locking fork 1812 includes at least one and preferably two locking hooks 1824 that are adapted to contact corresponding locking pin portions 1426 that are formed on the movable closing member 1420 When the movable closing member 1420 is in a non-actuated position, the locking fork 1812 may be rotated in a distal direction to unlock the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 from the grip assembly 500. When in this position, the locking hooks 1824 do not contact the locking pin portions 1426 on the closing transport member 1420. However, when the movable closing member 1420 is moved to an actuated position, the locking fork 1812 is prevented from moving. be rotated to an unlocked position. In other words, if the practitioner attempts to rotate the locking fork 1812 to an unlocked position or, for example, if the locking fork 1812 is inadvertently protruded or brought into contact in a way that would otherwise cause it to rotate Distally, the locking hooks 1824 on the locking fork 1812 contact the locking pins 1426 on the closing transport member 1420 and prevent movement of the locking fork 1812 to an unlocked position.

[00339] Still referring to Figure 10, the cutting bar 1610 may comprise a laminated beam structure that includes at least two beam layers. Such beam layers may comprise, for example, strips of stainless steel that are interconnected, for example, by welding or fastening together at their proximal ends and/or at other locations along their length. In alternative embodiments, the distal ends of the bands are not connected to allow the laminates or bands to spread relative to each other when the end actuator is hinged. Such an arrangement allows the cutting bar 1610 to be flexible enough to accommodate the end actuator pivot. Various arrangements of the laminated cutting bar are disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,245. As can also be seen in Figure 10, an intermediate support member 1614 is employed to provide lateral support to the cutting bar 1610 as it flexes to accommodate the surgical end actuator pivot 1100. More details regarding the intermediate support member and alternative cutting bar support arrangements are set forth in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,245. As can also be seen in Figure 10, a firing member or cutting member 1620 is attached to the distal end of the cutting bar 1610.

[00340] Figure 11 illustrates one form of a trigger member 1660 that may be employed with the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000. In an exemplary form, the trigger member 1660 comprises a body portion 1662 that includes a connecting element 1663 that extends proximally that is configured to be received in a correspondingly shaped connector opening 1614 at the distal end of the cutting bar 1610. See Figure 10. The connector 1663 may be retained within the connector opening 1614 by friction and/or welding. or suitable adhesive, etc. The body portion 1662 projects through an elongated slot 1104 in the elongated channel 1102 and terminates in a foot member 1664 that extends laterally on each side of the body portion 1662. As the firing member 1660 is driven distally through of the surgical staple cartridge 1110, the foot member 1664 moves within a passage 1105 in the elongated channel 1102 that is situated under the surgical staple cartridge 1110. As can be seen in Figure 11, one form of the firing member 1660 may also include central tabs, pins or laterally projecting retaining features 1680. As the firing member 1660 is driven distally through the surgical staple cartridge 1110, the central retaining features 1680 move over the inner surface 1106 of the elongated channel 1102. The body portion 1662 of the firing member 1660 additionally includes a cutting edge or tissue cutting feature 1666 that is disposed between a distally projecting hook feature 1665 and a distally projecting top nose portion 1670. As can further be seen in Figure 11, the firing member 1660 may additionally include two top tabs, pins, or anvil engagement features 1665 that extend laterally. As the firing member 1660 is actuated distally, a top portion of the body 1662 extends through a centrally disposed anvil slot 1138 and the upper anvil engagement features 1672 slide over corresponding projections 1136 formed on each side of the anvil slot. 1134. See Figures 13 and 14.

[00341] Again referring to Figure 10, the firing member 1660 is configured to operatively interface with a slider assembly 1120 that is operatively supported within the body 1111 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. The slider assembly 1120 is displaceable from sliding manner within the surgical staple cartridge body 1111 from a proximal starting position adjacent the proximal end 1112 of the cartridge body 1111 to an end position adjacent the distal end 1113 of the cartridge body 1111. The cartridge body 1111 operatively holds in It contains a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) that are aligned in rows on each side of a centrally disposed slit 1114. The centrally disposed slit 1114 allows the trigger member 1660 to pass therethrough and cut the tissue that is clamped. between the anvil 1130 and the staple cartridge 1110. The drivers are associated with corresponding pockets 1116 that open through the upper platform surface 1115 of the cartridge body. Each of the staple drivers supports one or more staples or surgical fasteners (not shown) therein. Slider assembly 1120 includes a plurality of angled or wedge-shaped cams 1122 wherein each cam 1122 corresponds to a particular row of fasteners or actuators situated on one side of slot 1114. In the illustrated example, one cam 1122 is aligned with a row of "dual" actuators that each support two clips or fasteners thereon and another cam 1122 is aligned with another row of "single" actuators on the same side of the slot 1114 that each operatively supports a single surgical clip or fastener thereon. Thus, in the illustrated example, when the surgical staple cartridge 1110 is "fired", there will be three lines of staples on each lateral side of the tissue cutting line. However, other cartridge and trigger configurations could also be employed to fire other staple/fastener arrangements. The slider assembly 1120 has a central body portion 1124 that is configured to be engaged by the hook portion 1665 of the firing member 1660. In this way, when the firing member 1660 is fired or actuated distally, the firing member 1660 also drives the slider assembly 1120 distally. As the firing member 1660 moves distally through the cartridge 1110, the tissue cutting feature 1666 cuts tissue that is trapped between the anvil assembly 1130 and the cartridge 1110 and the slider assembly 1120 drives the actuators upward in the cartridge. which drive corresponding clamps or fasteners into forming contact with the anvil assembly 1130.

[00342] In embodiments where the firing member includes a tissue cutting surface, it may be desirable for the elongated drive shaft assembly to be configured so as to prevent accidental advancement of the firing member unless a cartridge is inserted. unused staples is adequately supported in the elongated channel 1102 of the surgical end actuator 1100. If, for example, there is no staple cartridge present and the firing member is advanced distally through the end actuator, the 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 cut. be completely stapled, if it were stapled. It will be recognized that such occurrences could lead to undesirable catastrophic results during the surgical procedure. US Patent No. 6,988,649 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, US Patent No. 7,044,352 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, US Patent No. 7,380,695 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING and US Patent Application Serial No. 14/742,933 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS SPENT OR MISSING each disclose several provisions locking of the firing member. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[00343] An "unfired," "unspent," "fresh," or "new" 1110 cartridge means that the 1110 cartridge has all of its fasteners in their "ready to fire" positions. When in this position, the slider assembly 1120 is situated in its initial position. The new cartridge 1110 is seated within the elongated channel 1102 and may be retained there by snap-fit features on the cartridge body, which are configured to retainingly engage corresponding portions of the elongated channel 1102. Figures 15 and 18 illustrate a portion of the surgical end actuator 1100 with a new or unfired surgical staple cartridge 1110 seated therein. As can be seen in those Figures, the slider assembly 1120 is in the home position. To prevent the firing system from being activated and, more precisely, to prevent the firing member 1660 from being driven distally through the end actuator 1110 unless an unfired or new surgical staple cartridge has been properly seated within the elongated channel 1102, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 employs a firing member locking system generally designated as 1650.

[00344] Now referring to Figures 10 and 15 to 19, in one form, the firing member 1650 locking system includes a movable locking member 1652 that is configured to retainingly engage the firing member 1660 when a cartridge is fired. surgical clips 1110 is not properly seated within the elongate channel 1102. The locking member 1652 comprises at least one laterally moving locking portion 1654 which is configured to retainingly engage a corresponding portion of the firing member when the slider assembly 1120 is not present inside the cartridge 1110 in its initial position. In the illustrated arrangement, the locking member 1652 employs two laterally moving locking portions 1654 wherein each locking portion 1654 engages a laterally extending portion of the firing member 1660.

[00345] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 1652 comprises a generally U-shaped spring member in which each leg of the laterally movable locking portion 1654 extends from a central spring portion 1653 and is configured to move in lateral directions represented by "L" in Figures 18 and 19. It will be understood that the term "lateral directions" refers to directions that are transverse to the geometric axis of the SA drive shaft. The spring or locking member 1652 may be manufactured from high strength spring steel or similar material. The center spring portion 1653 may be seated within a slot 1236 in the end actuator mounting assembly 1230. See Figure 10. As can be seen in Figures 15 to 17, each of the legs and laterally movable locking portions 1654 has a distal end 1656 with a locking window 1658. When the locking member 1652 is in a locked position, the central retainer feature 1680 on each lateral side extends into the corresponding locking window 1658 to retentively prevent the firing member from be advanced axially and distally.

[00346] The operation of the firing member locking system will be explained with reference to Figures 15-19. Figures 15 and 18 illustrate a portion of the surgical end actuator 1100 with a new unfired cartridge 1110 suitably installed therein. As can be seen in these Figures, the slider assembly 1120 includes an unlocking feature 1126 that corresponds to each of the laterally movable locking portions 1654. In the illustrated arrangement, an unlocking feature 1126 is provided on or extends proximally from each of the central wedge-shaped cams 1122. In alternative arrangements, the unlocking feature 1126 may comprise a proximally projecting portion of the corresponding wedge-shaped cam 1122. As can be seen in Figure 18, when the slider assembly 1120 is in its initial position, the unlocking features 1124 engage and pull the corresponding locking portions 1654 laterally in a direction that is transverse to the geometric axis of the drive shaft SA. When the locking portions 1654 are in these unlocked orientations, the central features of the retainer 1680 are not in retaining engagement with their corresponding locking window 1658. When in these orientations, the firing member 1660 can be advanced distally and axially (fired). However, when a cartridge is not present in the elongated channel 1102 or the slide assembly has been moved out of its initial position (meaning the cartridge is partially or completely fired), the locking portions 1654 stretch laterally for retentional engagement with the cartridge. firing member 1660. When in this position, as illustrated in Figure 19, the firing member 1660 cannot be moved distally.

[00347] Figures 16 and 17 illustrate the retraction of the firing member 1660 back to the initial position after firing the cartridge 1110 and the actuation of the slider assembly 1120 distally. Figure 16 depicts the initial re-engagement of the retention feature 1680 to its corresponding locking window 1658. Figure 17 illustrates the retention feature in its locked position when the firing member 1660 has been fully retracted back to its initial position. al. To assist in lateral displacement of the locking portions 1654 when they are initially brought into contact by the proximally moving retention features 1680, each of the retention features 1680 may be provided with a laterally tapered end portion facing in a proximal direction. . Such a locking system prevents actuation of the firing member 1660 when a new unfired cartridge is not present or when a new unfired cartridge is present but has not been properly seated in the elongated channel 1102. Furthermore, the locking system can prevent that the physician distally advance the firing member in the event that a spent or partially fired cartridge has inadvertently been properly seated within the elongated channel. Another advantage that may be provided by the locking system 1650 is that, unlike other firing member locking arrangements that require movement of the firing member in and out of alignment with corresponding slots/passages in the staple cartridge , the firing member 1660 remains in alignment with the cartridge passages while in the locked and unlocked position. The locking portions 1654 are designed to move laterally into and out of engagement with corresponding sides of the firing member. Such lateral movement of the locking portions or portion is distinguishable from other locking arrangements that move in vertical directions to engage and disengage portions of the firing member.

[00348] Again referring to Figures 13 and 14, in one form, the anvil 1130 includes an elongated anvil body portion 1132 and a proximal anvil mounting portion 1150. The elongated anvil body portion 1132 includes an outer surface 1134 that defines two downwardly extending fabric stop members 1136 that are adjacent to the proximal anvil mounting portion 1150. The elongated anvil body portion 1132 also includes a lower side 1135 that defines an elongated anvil slot 1138. In the illustrated arrangement shown in Figure 14, the anvil slot 1138 is disposed centrally on the bottom side 1135. The bottom side 1135 includes three rows 1140, 1141, 1142 of clip-forming pockets 1143, 1144 and 1145 located on each side of the anvil slot. anvil 1138. Adjacent to each side of the anvil slot 1138 are two elongated anvil passages 1146. Each passage 1146 has a proximal ramp portion 1148. See Figure 13. As the firing member 1660 is advanced distally, the engagement features upper anvil passages 1632 initially enter corresponding proximal ramp portions 1148 and into corresponding elongated anvil passages 1146.

[00349] Returning to Figures 12 and 13, the anvil slot 1138, as well as the proximal ramp portion 1148, extend into the anvil mounting portion 1150. Put another way, the anvil slot 1138 bifurcates or divides the anvil mounting portion 1150 into two anvil mounting flanges 1151. The anvil mounting flanges 1151 are coupled together at their proximal ends by a connecting bridge 1153. The connecting bridge 1153 serves to provide support to the anvil mounting flanges 1153. anvil attachment 1151 and may serve to make the anvil mounting portion 1150 more rigid than the mounting portions of other anvil arrangements in which the anvil attachment flanges are not connected at their proximal ends. As can also be seen in Figures 12 and 14, the anvil slot 1138 has a wide portion 1139 to accommodate the upper portion and upper anvil engagement features 1632 of the firing member 1660.

[00350] As can be seen in Figures 13 and 20 to 24, each of the anvil attachment flanges 1151 includes a transverse mounting hole 1156 that is configured to receive a pivot pin 1158 (Figures 10 and 20) therethrough. The anvil mounting portion 1150 is pivotally secured to the proximal end 1103 of the elongated channel 1102 by a pivot pin 1158 extending through mounting holes 1107 in the proximal end 1103 of the elongated channel 1102 and the mounting hole 1156 in the anvil mounting portion 1150. This arrangement serves to pivotably affix the anvil 1130 to the elongated channel 1102 for selective pivoting displacement around a fixed geometric axis A-A of the anvil, which is transverse to the geometric axis of the drive shaft SA. See Figure 5. The anvil mounting portion 1150 also includes a cam surface 1152 that extends from a centered parking area of the firing member 1154 to the outer surface 1134 of the anvil body portion 1132.

[00351] In the illustrated arrangement, the anvil 1130 is moved between an open position and closed positions by axial advancement and retraction of the distal closure tube segment 1430. As will be discussed in more detail below, a distal end portion of the distal closure tube segment 1430. Distal closure tube 1430 has an internal cam surface formed thereon that is configured to cam engage the cam surface 1552 or cam surfaces formed thereon the anvil mounting portion 1150. Figure 22 illustrates a cam surface 1152a formed over the anvil mounting portion 1150 so as to establish a single contact path 1155a with the inner cam surface 1444, for example, over the distal closure tube segment 1430. Figure 23 illustrates a cam surface 1152b which is configured relative to the inner cam surface 1444 on the distal closure tube segment to establish two separate and distinct arcuate contact paths 1155b between the cam surface 1152 on the anvil mounting portion 1150 and the inner cam surface 1444 on the distal closure tube segment 1430. In addition to other potential advantages discussed in the present invention, such an arrangement may serve to better distribute closing forces from the distal closure tube segment 1430 to the anvil 1130. Figure 24 illustrates a cam 1152c that is configured with respect to the inner cam surface 1444 of the distal closure tube segment 1430 to establish three distinct contact zones 1155c and 1155d between the cam surfaces on the anvil mounting portion 1150 and the tube segment. distal closure 1430. Zones 1155c, 1155d establish larger areas of cam contact between the cam surface or cam surfaces on the distal closure tube segment 1430 and the anvil mounting portion 1150 and may serve to better distribute the closing forces for anvil 1130.

[00352] As the distal closure tube segment 1430 cam engages the anvil mounting portion 1150 of the anvil 1130, the anvil 1130 is rotated about the anvil axis AA, which results in pivoting movement of the distal end of the end 1133 of the elongated anvil body portion 1132 toward the surgical staple cartridge 1110 and the distal end 1105 of the elongated channel 1102. When the anvil body portion 1132 begins to rotate, it comes into contact with the tissue to be cut and stapled which is now positioned between the underside 1135 of the elongated anvil body portion 1132 and the platform 1116 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. When the anvil body portion 1132 is compressed onto the tissue, the anvil 1130 may experience considerable amounts of resistive forces. These resistive forces are overcome as the distal closure tube 1430 continues its distal advancement. However, depending on their magnitudes and points of application to the anvil body portion 1132, these resistive forces could tend to cause the anvil portions 1130 to flex, which may generally be undesirable. For example, such bending may cause misalignment between the firing member 1660 and the passages 1148, 1146 within the anvil 1130. In cases where the bending is excessive, such bending could significantly increase the amount of firing force required to fire the instrument. (i.e., driving the firing member 1660 through the tissue from its initial to final position). Such excessive firing force may result in damage to the end actuator, and/or the firing member, and/or the cutting bar, and/or the firing drive system components, etc. Therefore, it may be advantageous for the anvil to be constructed to resist such bending.

[00353] Figures 25 to 27 illustrate an alternative anvil embodiment that includes features that can improve the rigidity of the anvil body and its resistance to bending forces that can be generated during the closing and/or firing processes. The anvil 1130' may otherwise be of identical construction to the anvil 1130 described above except for the differences discussed in the present invention. As can be seen in these Figures, the anvil 1130' has an elongated anvil body 1132' which has an upper body portion 1165 which has an anvil cap 1170 attached thereto. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 25 to 27, the anvil cover 1170 is approximately rectangular in shape and has an outer perimeter of the cover 1172. The perimeter 1172 of the anvil cover 1170 is configured to be inserted through the correspondingly shaped opening 1137 formed in the portion of upper body 1165 and received in axially extending internal projecting portions 1139 formed therein. See Figure 27. The internal projecting portions 1139 are configured to support the corresponding long sides 1177 of the anvil cover 1170. In an alternative embodiment, the anvil cover 1170 may be slid over the internal projections 1139 through an opening (not shown) at the distal end 1133 of the anvil body 1132'. In yet another embodiment, no internal protruding portion is provided. The anvil body 1132 and the anvil cap 1170 may be manufactured from suitable metal that is conducive to welding. A first weld 1178 may extend around the entire perimeter of the lid 1172 of the anvil lid 1170 or may be situated only along the long sides 1177 of the anvil lid 1170 and not its distal end 1173 and/or proximal end 1175 The first weld 1178 may be continuous or may be discontinuous or intermittent. In those embodiments in which the first weld 1178 is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may be equally distributed along the long sides 1177 of the anvil cap 1170 or the weld segments may be more densely spaced closer to the distal ends of the long sides. 1177 or more densely spaced closer to the proximal ends of the long sides 1177. In still other arrangements, the welding segments may be more densely spaced in the central areas of the long sides 1177 of the anvil cover 1170.

[00354] Figures 28 to 30 illustrate an anvil cover 1170' that is configured to be "mechanically interlocked" to the anvil body 1132' as well as welded to the upper body portion 1165. In this embodiment, a plurality of retention formations 1182 is formed in the wall 1180 of the upper body portion 1165 that defines the opening 1137. As used in this context, the term "mechanically interlocked" means that the anvil cover will remain affixed to the elongated anvil body regardless of the orientation of the elongated anvil body and without any additional retention or fixation such as welding and/or adhesive, for example. The retaining formations 1182 may project into the opening 1137 from the wall of the opening 1180. The retaining formations 1182 may be integrally formed in the wall 1180 or otherwise secured thereto. The retaining formations 1182 are designed to frictionally engage a corresponding portion of the anvil cover 1170' and when it is installed in the opening 1137 to frictionally retain the anvil cover 1170' therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining formations 1182 project into the opening 1137 and are configured to be frictionally received within a correspondingly shaped engagement area 1184 formed on the outer perimeter 1172' of the anvil cover 1170'. In the illustrated arrangement, the retention formations 1182 only correspond to the long sides 1177' of the anvil cover 1170' and are not provided on the portions of the wall 1180 that correspond to the distal end 1173 or the proximal end 1175 of the anvil cover 1170'. In alternative arrangements, retention formations 1182 may also be provided on the portions of wall 1180 that correspond to the distal end 1173 and the proximal end 1175 of the anvil cap 1170 as well as its long sides 1177. In still other arrangements, the retention formations 1182 retention 1182 may be provided only on those portions of the wall 1180 that correspond to one or both of the distal and proximal ends 1173, 1175 of the anvil cap 1170'. In still other arrangements, retention formations 1182 may be provided only on those portions of the wall 1180 that correspond to the long sides 1177' and only one of the distal and proximal ends 1173, 1175 of the anvil cap 1170'. It will be further understood that the retaining protrusions in all of the aforementioned embodiments may alternatively be formed on the anvil lid with the engagement areas being formed on the elongated body of the anvil.

[00355] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 28 to 30, the retention formations 1182 are equally spaced or equally distributed along wall portions 1180 that correspond to the long sides 1177' of the anvil cover 1170'. In alternative embodiments, the retention formations 1182 may be more densely spaced closer to the distal ends of the long sides 1177, or more densely spaced closer to the proximal ends of their long sides 1177. Put another way, the spacing between these retention formations adjacent to the distal end, the proximal end, or both the distal and proximal ends may be less than the spacing of the formations located in the central portion of the anvil cap 1170. In still other arrangements, the retention formations 1182 may be wider. densely spaced in the central areas of the long sides 1177' of the anvil lid 1170'. Also in alternative embodiments, correspondingly shaped engagement areas 1184 may not be provided on the outer perimeter 1172' or on portions of the outer perimeter 1172' of the anvil cover 1170'. In other embodiments, the retention formations and correspondingly shaped engagement areas may be of different shapes and sizes. In alternative arrangements, the retention formations may be sized relative to the engagement areas so that there is no interference fit between them. In such arrangements, the anvil cover may be retained in position by welding, adhesive, etc.

[00356] In the illustrated example, a weld 1178' may extend around the entire perimeter 1172' of the anvil cover 1170' or the probe 1178' may be situated only along the long sides 1177' of the anvil cover 1170' and not its distal end 1173 and/or proximal end 1175. The weld 1178' may be continuous or discontinuous or intermittent. In those embodiments where the weld 1178' is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may be equally distributed along the long sides 1177' of the anvil cap 1170' or the weld segments may be more densely spaced closer to the distal ends of the long sides 1177' or more densely spaced closer to the proximal ends of the long sides 1177'. In still other arrangements, the welding segments may be more densely spaced in the central areas of the long sides 1177' of the anvil cover 1170'.

[00357] Figures 31 and 32 illustrate another anvil arrangement 1130'', which has an anvil cover 1170'' removably attached thereto. In the example shown, the anvil lid 1170'' is approximately rectangular in shape and has an outer lid perimeter 1172''. The outer perimeter of cap 1172'' is configured to be inserted through the correspondingly shaped opening 1137'' in the upper portion of the body 1165 of the anvil body 1132'', and received into axially extending internal projecting portions 1139'' and 1190'' formed there. See Figure 32. The projecting portions 1139'' and 1190'' are configured to support the corresponding long sides 1177'' of the anvil cover 1170''. In an alternative embodiment, the anvil cover 1170'' may be slid over the internal projections 1139'' and 1190'' through an opening (not shown) in the distal end 1133'' of the anvil body 1132'. The anvil body 1132'' and the anvil cover 1170'' may be manufactured from metallic material that is conducive to welding. A first weld 1178'' may extend around the entire perimeter 1172'' of the anvil cover 1170'' or may be situated only along the long sides 1177'' of the anvil cover 1170'' and not its end. distal 1173'' and/or proximal end (not shown). The 1178’’ weld can be continuous or discontinuous or intermittent. It will be understood that the continuous welding embodiment has greater weld surface area due to the irregularly shaped perimeter of the anvil cap 1170'', as compared to embodiments with straight perimeter sides such as the anvil caps shown in Figure 26, e.g. . In those embodiments where the weld 1178'' is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may be equally distributed along the long sides 1177'' of the anvil cap 1170'' or the weld segments may be more densely spaced closer to the distal ends of the long sides 1177'' or more densely spaced closer to the proximal ends of the long sides 1177''. In still other arrangements, the welding segments may be more densely spaced in the central areas of the long sides 1177'' of the anvil cover 1170''.

[00358] Still referring to Figures 31 and 32, the anvil cover 1170'' may be additionally welded to the anvil body 1132'' by a plurality of second discrete "deep" clamp welds 1192''. For example, each weld 1192'' may be placed at the bottom of a corresponding hole or opening 1194'' provided through the anvil cap 1170'' so that a distinct weld 1192'' may be formed along the body portion of anvil 1132'' between projections 1190'' and 1139''. See Figure 32. The welds 1192'' may be evenly distributed along the long sides 1177'' of the anvil cap 1170'' or the welds 1192'' may be more densely spaced closer to the distal ends of the long sides 1177'' or more densely spaced closer to the proximal ends of the long sides 1177''. In still other arrangements, the welds 1192'' may be more densely spaced in the central areas of the long sides 1177'' of the anvil cap 1170''.

[00359] Figure 33 illustrates another anvil cover 1170''' that is configured to be "mechanically interlocked to the anvil body 1132''' as well as welded to the upper body portion 1165. In this embodiment, a "tongue" arrangement groove" is employed along each long side 1177''' of the anvil lid 1170'''. In particular, a continuous or intermittent laterally extending flap 1195'" projects from each of the long sides 1177' ''of anvil cover 1170'''. Each flap 1195’’’ corresponds to an axial slot 1197’’’ formed in the body of the anvil 1132’’’. The anvil cover 1170''' is slid from an opening (not shown) in the distal end of the anvil body 1132''' to "mechanically" affix the anvil cover to the anvil body 1132''. The tabs 1195 ''' and slots 1197''' may be sized relative to each other to establish a sliding friction fit therebetween. Additionally, the anvil cover 1170''' may be welded to the anvil body 1132''' The anvil body 1132'' and the anvil cap 1170''' may be manufactured from metal that is conducive to welding. The weld 1178''' may extend around the entire perimeter 1172''' of the anvil cap 1170''' or may be situated only along the long sides 1177''' of the anvil cap 1170'''. The weld 1178''' may be continuous or discontinuous or intermittent. In those embodiments where the weld 1178''' is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may be equally distributed along the long sides 1177''' of the anvil cap 1170''' or the weld segments may be more densely spaced closer to the distal ends of the long sides 1177''' or more densely spaced closer to the proximal ends of the long sides 1177'''. In still other arrangements, the welding segments may be more densely spaced in the central areas of the long sides 1177''' of the anvil cap 1170'''.

[00360] The anvil embodiments described here with anvil covers can provide several advantages. One advantage, for example, can make the process of assembling the anvil and firing member assembly easier. That is, the firing member can be installed through the opening in the anvil body while the anvil is fixed to the elongated channel. Another advantage is that the top cover can improve the rigidity and resistance of the anvil to the aforementioned bending forces that may be experienced during tissue clamping. By resisting such bending, the frictional forces normally encountered by firing member 1660 can be reduced. In this way, the amount of firing force required to drive the firing member from its initial position to the final position in the surgical staple cartridge can also be reduced.

[00361] As indicated above, as the anvil 1130 begins to rotate, the anvil frame 1132 comes into contact with the tissue to be cut and stapled, which is positioned between the lower surface of the elongated anvil body 1132 and the platform of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. When the anvil body 1132 is compressed onto tissue, the anvil 1130 may experience considerable amounts of resistive forces. To continue the closing process, these resistive forces must be overcome by the distal closure tube segment 1430 as it comes into cam contact with the anvil mounting portion 1150. These resistive forces can generally be applied to the tube segment of distal closure tube 1430 in vertical directions, V which, if excessive, could cause the distal closure tube segment 1430 to expand or elongate in the vertical direction (distance ID in Figure 31 may increase). If the distal closure tube 1430 extends in vertical directions, the distal closure tube segment 1430 may not be able to effectively close the anvil 1130 and retain the anvil 1130 in the fully closed position. If this condition occurs, the firing member 1660 may encounter dramatically greater resistance which will then require greater triggering forces to advance the firing member distally.

[00362] Figures 34 and 35 illustrate a form of a closing member for applying a closing movement to a movable claw of a surgical instrument. In the illustrated arrangement, the closure member comprises, for example, a distal closure tube segment 1430 that has a closure body portion 1470. As discussed above, one form of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 is configured so as to facilitate the selective articulation of the surgical end actuator 1100. To facilitate this articulation, the distal closure tube segment 1430 is movably coupled to the proximal closure tube segment 1410 by means of an upper projection 1434 and a lower projection 1436 and by upper and lower double pivot links 1220 and 1222. See Figure 10. In one arrangement, the distal closure tube segment 1430 may be machined or otherwise formed from round bar manufactured from, for example, suitable metallic material . In the illustrated arrangement, the closure body 1470 has an outer surface 1431 and an inner surface 1433 that define an upper wall portion 1440 that has an upper wall cross-sectional thickness UWT and a lower wall portion 1442 that has a thickness of LWT bottom wall. The upper wall portion 1440 is located above the SA drive shaft and the lower wall portion 1442 is located below the SA drive shaft. The distal end 1441 of the upper wall portion 1440 has an internal cam surface 1444 formed thereon internally at a cam angle θ. Also in the illustrated embodiment, UWT > LWT serves to provide a longer internal cam surface 1444 than would otherwise be obtainable if the distal closure tube segment had a uniform wall thickness. A long inner cam surface may be advantageous for transferring closing forces to the cam surface(s) on the anvil mounting portion 1150. As can also be seen in Figures 34 and 35, the transition side walls 1446, 1448 which are located on each side of the drive shaft SA between the upper wall portion 1440 and the lower wall portion 1442 generally comprise vertically extending internal and flat sidewall surfaces 1451, 1453 which may be generally parallel to one another. the other. Each of the transition side walls 1446, 1448 has a wall thickness that changes from the upper wall thickness to the lower wall thickness.

[00363] In the illustrated arrangement, the distal closure tube segment 1430 also includes positive claw or anvil opening features 1462 that correspond to and project into each of the side walls 1446 and 1448. As can be seen in Figures 34 and 35, the anvil opening features 1462 are formed on a side mounting body 1460 that is sized to be received within a correspondingly shaped cavity 1447, 1449 machined or otherwise formed in the walls. transitional sides 1446, 1448 adjacent to the distal end 1438 of the distal closure tube segment 1430. Positive anvil opening features 1462 extend inwardly through corresponding openings 1450, 1452 in the transitional sidewalls 1446, 1448. In arrangement As illustrated, the side mounting bodies 1460 are welded to the distal closure tube segment 1430 with welds 1454. In addition to welds or alternatively to welds, the side mounting bodies 1460 may be retained in place with a mechanical/friction fit. tongue-in-groove arrangements, adhesive, etc.

[00364] Figures 36 to 41 illustrate an example of using the distal closure tube segment 1430 to move the anvil 1130 from a completely closed position to a completely open position. Figures 36 and 39 illustrate the position of the distal closure tube segment 1430 and, more particularly, the position of one of the positive anvil opening features 1462 when the distal closure tube segment 1430 is in the fully closed position. 36 , each of the positive anvil opening features 1462 is situated in a cavity 1164 that is established between the anvil opening ramps 1162 and the lower portion of the elongated channel 1102. When in this position, the positive anvil opening features 1462 do not contact the anvil mounting portion 1150 or at least do not apply any significant opening movements or forces thereto. Figures 37 and 40 illustrate the positions of the anvil 1130 and the distal closure tube segment 1430 upon initial application of an opening movement in the proximal direction PD to the distal closure tube segment 1430. As can be seen in Figure 37 , the positive claw opening features 1462 initially contacted the anvil opening ramps 1164 to cause the anvil 1130 to begin rotating to an open position. In the illustrated arrangement, each of the positive anvil opening features 1462 has a ramped or rounded distal end 1463 to facilitate better cam contact with the corresponding anvil opening system 1162. In Figures 38 and 41, the distal closure tube segment 1430 was retracted back to its fully retracted position, which caused the positive anvil opening features 1462 to be driven to the distal ends of the anvil opening ramps 1162 , which causes the anvil 1130 to be rotated to its fully open position as shown there. Other embodiments may not employ the positive claw opening features, but may rely on springs or other traction arrangements to pull the anvil to the open position when the distal closure tube segment has been retracted to its more proximal home position.

[00365] Figures 42 and 43 illustrate another closing member for applying closing movements to a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In this example, the closure member comprises a distal closure tube segment 1430' which may be similar to the distal closure tube segment 1430 without the positive anvil opening features. The distal closure tube segment 1430' has a closure body 1470' that has an outer surface 1440' and an inner surface 1433' that define an upper wall portion 1440' and a lower wall portion 1442'. As indicated above, it may be desirable to employ as large an internal cam surface 1444' as possible to maximize cam contact with the cam surface on the anvil mounting portion 1150 to effectively transfer closing forces thereto. Thus, the upper wall portion 1440' of the distal closure tube segment 1430' may have the thicker wall thickness UWT and the lower portion of the distal closure tube segment 1430' may have the thinner wall thickness. LWT. For reference purposes, the UWT and LWT are measured along a common reference line extending through a central geometric axis or point C of the distal closure tube segment 1430'. Thus, when UWT is diametrically opposite to LWT, UWT > LWT. Such wall thickness arrangements facilitate the formation of a longer inner cam surface 1444'.

[00366] As can be seen in the Figure. 43, the distal closure tube segment 1430' preferably has an outer surface 1431' that has a circular cross-sectional shape. The distal closure tube segment 1430' can be machined from a rolled solid bar. In the illustrated example, internal radius R1 from a first central axis Ainternal extends to the internal surface 1433' and external radius R2 from a second central geometric axis Aexternal extends to the external surface 1431'. In the illustrated example, the Ainternal geometric axis is shifted by the distance OR from an Aexternal geometric axis and R2> R1.

[00367] Figure 44 illustrates another closing member for applying closing movements to a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In this example, the closure member comprises a distal closure tube segment 1430'' that has a closure body 1470''. The closure body 1470'' has an outer surface 1431' and an inner surface 1433'' that define an upper wall portion 1440'' that has an upper wall thickness UWT and a lower wall portion 1442'' that has a bottom wall thickness LWT and two side wall portions 1435' that each have a side wall thickness SWT. In the illustrated example, UWT > LWT. Also, SWT>UWT. Thus, SWT > UWT>LWT. In the illustrated arrangement, the sidewall portions 1435' have the same SWT sidewall thickness. In other arrangements, the side wall portions 1435' may have different thicknesses. As can be seen in Figure 44, each side wall portion 1435' defines a vertically extending inner surface portion 1437'. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertically extending inner surface portions are approximately parallel to each other. Such thicker vertical sidewall portions 1435' can help prevent or at least minimize vertical elongation of the distal closure tube segment 1430'' when in use.

[00368] In the example represented in Figure 45, R1 and R2 are measured from a central point or common central geometric axis C and R1 > R2. Each of the sidewall portions 1435'' of the closure body portion 1470''' and the distal closure tube segment 1430'' that extend between the upper portion 1431'' and 1433'' have a wall thickness lateral SWT that is approximately equal to UWT at points along a horizontal reference line HR. The horizontal reference line HR is perpendicular to a vertical reference line VR extending through the central geometric axis C and along which the UWT and LWT can be measured and compared. This way, SWT=UWT. In other Examples, SWT, when measured along the horizontal reference line HR may be slightly less than UWT. The SWT may continue to decrease until the sidewall portions 1435' also change to the bottom portion 1433', which has a constant bottom wall thickness LWT. In this way, the inner side walls 1437'' also extend at an angle A2, when measured from a corresponding vertical reference axis VR', which is perpendicular to the horizontal reference axis HR and parallel to the vertical axis of VR reference.

[00369] Figure 46 illustrates another closing member for applying closing movements to a movable claw of a surgical instrument. In this example, the closure member comprises a distal closure tube segment 1430'' that has a closure body 1470'' that has a rounded outer surface 1431'' and a rectangular shaped internal passage 1439 that extends therethrough. . The outer surface 1431'' is located at a distance R from the center point or center axis C. When measured along a vertical reference axis VR extending through the center point or center axis C as shown , the upper wall thickness UWT is equal to the lower wall thickness LWT. When measured along a horizontal reference axis HR that extends through the center point or central axis C and that is perpendicular to the vertical reference axis VR, the SWT thicknesses of the sidewall portions 1437'' are greater than the upper wall and lower wall thicknesses UWT and LWT. Therefore, SWT is greater than UWT and LWT. Stated otherwise, the portion of the distal closure tube segment 1430'' situated above the horizontal reference line HR is a mirror image of the portion of the distal closure tube segment 1430'' situated below the horizontal reference line HR . In this example, the side portions 1437'' are thicker than the top and bottom wall portions and may tend to prevent or minimize the tendency for the distal closure tube segment to elongate in vertical directions. The inner cam surface may be formed at the distal end of the upper wall portion 1440''.

[00370] In the illustrated arrangement, the anvil 1130 is moved between the open and closed positions by distally advancing the distal closure tube segment 1430. As can be seen in Figure 41, when the anvil 1130 is in the fully open position, the ends distal 1163 of the anvil clamping flanges 1151 may extend above the platform surface 1116 of the staple cartridge 1110. When the closing process is initiated by advancing the distal closing tube segment distally in the distal direction DD, the Distal ends 1163 of the anvil fixation flanges 1151 extend beyond the platform surface 1116 of the staple cartridge 1110 to prevent tissue infiltration therebetween, which could hinder the closing process. See Figure 40. Once the anvil 1130 has been moved to the fully closed position by the distal closure tube segment 1430, the distal ends 1461 of the side mounting bodies on the distal closure tube segment 1430 further act as stop stops. fabric to prevent the fabric from infiltrating between them. See Figure 41.

[00371] Figure 47 depicts a portion of a surgical end actuator 110', which may be similar to the surgical end actuator 110 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 of Figures 1 and 2. In the example illustrated in Figure 47, the anvil 114 includes an elongated body portion 190 and an anvil mounting portion 192. The anvil mounting portion 192 comprises two spaced anvil mounting flanges 194 that project proximally from the elongated body portion 190. Each mounting flange anvil 194 has an outwardly extending pivot pin 196 therein. The swivel pins 196 are each movably received within a corresponding kidney-shaped slot or elongated arcuate swivel pin slot 197 which is provided in the elongate channel 112. When the anvil 114 is in a "fully open" position ", the swivel pins 196 are generally located in the lower portions 198 of the arcuate and elongated swivel pin slots 197. The anvil 114 may be moved to a closed position by distally advancing the distal closure tube segment 142 in the distal direction DD of so that the end 148 of the distal closure tube segment 142 slides over a cam surface 193 that is formed over the anvil mounting portion 192 of the anvil 114. As the distal end 148 of the distal closure tube segment 142 is advanced Distally along a cam surface 193 on the anvil mounting portion 192, the distal closure tube segment 142 causes the body portion 190 of the anvil 114 to rotate and move axially relative to the surgical staple cartridge 116. When the distal closure tube segment 142 reaches the end of its closing stroke, the distal end 148 of the distal closure tube segment 142 adjoins/contacts an abrupt anvil protrusion 191 and serves to position the anvil 114 so that the forming pockets (not shown) on the underside of the body portion 190 are properly aligned with the clips on the cartridge. The anvil protrusion 191 is defined between the cam surface 193 on the anvil mounting portion 192 and the elongated anvil body portion 190. Put another way, in this arrangement, the cam surface 193 does not extend to the outermost surface 195 of the anvil body 190. After the distal closure tube 142 has reached this fully extended position, any additional application of movements/forces closure to the anvil 114 may cause damage to the anvil and/or the components of the closure system. As can be seen in Figure. 47, in this arrangement, the closing force FH is parallel to the geometric axis of the drive shaft SA. The distance between a geometric axis or plane TA passing through the centers of the rotating pins 196 to the closing force vector FH is represented as the distance XR. This distance XR times the closing force FH represents a closing moment CM that is applied to the anvil 114.

[00372] Figures 48 and 49 illustrate closing force settings for an anvil 1130 of a surgical end actuator 1100 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000. As indicated above, the anvil swivel pins 1158 are pivotally mounted within of the holes 1154 in the elongated channel 1102. Unlike the anvil 114 described above, the anvil 1130 does not move axially. Instead, the anvil 1130 is constrained to rotate only about the anvil axis AA. As the distal closure tube segment 1430 is advanced in the distal direction DD under the horizontal closing force FH1, the interaction between the inner cam surface 1444 on the distal closure tube segment 1430 and the cam surface 1152 on the mounting portion of anvil 1150 causes the distal closure tube segment 1430 to experience a vertical closure force component VF. The resultant force vector FN experienced by the cam surface 1152 on the anvil mounting portion 1150 is "normal to" or perpendicular to the inner cam surface 1444. The angle θ in Figures 48 and 49 represents the angle of the cam surface 1152 as well as internal cam surface 1440 in relation to the horizontal. The distance between this resultant force vector FN and a geometric axis or plane TA extending through the centers of the rotating anvil pins 1158 is represented as moment arm MA. This moment arm distance MA times the resultant force vector FN represents a closing moment CM1 that is applied to anvil 1130. Therefore, in applications where horizontal closing forces FH=FH1, the actual amount of closing torque applied to anvil 1130 will be greater than the amount of closing torque applied to anvil 114 because MA > XR and therefore the closing moment applied to anvil 1130 will be greater than the closing moment applied to anvil 114. Figure 49 also illustrates the resistive forces established by the fabric during the closing process. FT represent the force generated by the tissue when the tissue is clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge. This "counter" moment MT which is applied to the anvil 1130 is equal to the distance XT between the fabric force TF and the geometric axis or plane TA extending through the centers of the anvil rotating pins 1158 times the fabric force TF. Therefore, in order to obtain a desired amount of anvil closure, CM1 needs to be greater than MT.

[00373] Again with reference to the example depicted in Figure 47, it can be seen that the firing bar 170 is attached to a firing member 174 which, when in an initial or unfired position, is situated within the elongated channel 112 and , more particularly, is situated in a position completely distal to the segment of the distal closure tube 142 in a position in which an upper portion 175 of the firing member 174 is in contact with a portion of the anvil 114. How the firing member 174 is situated in a position in which the upper portion 175 thereof may contact the anvil as the anvil 114 is moved to the closed position, such an arrangement may result in the need for greater closing forces to move the anvil 114 to a position completely or completely closed. Furthermore, when the firing system is activated, greater firing forces may be required to overcome frictional interference between the upper portion 175 of the firing member 174 and the anvil 114. On the other hand, as can be seen in the Figure. 48, in end actuator 1100, trigger member 1660 is "parked" in the parking area of trigger member 1154 that is within the distal closure tube segment 1430. When trigger member 1660 is situated within the parking the firing member 1154 within the distal closure tube segment 1430, it is unable to generate significant frictional forces with the anvil. Thus, one of the advantages that may be gained by parking the firing member 1660 completely within the segment of the distal closure tube 1430 may be the reduction of the amount of closure force required to close the anvil to a completely closed position. and/or a reduction in the amount of firing force required to advance the firing member from the initial position to the final position within the end actuator. Stated otherwise, parking the firing member 1660 such that the firing member 1660 is in a position completely proximal to the distal end of the distal closure tube segment 1430 and the inner cam surface 1444 thereof and in an initial position in which any frictional contact between the firing member and the anvil is eliminated or reduced, may ultimately require that smaller closing and firing forces be generated for operation of the end actuator.

[00374] As discussed above, excessive flexion of the anvil during the closing and firing processes can lead to the need for undesirably greater firing forces. Therefore, stricter anvil arrangements are generally desirable. Again with reference to Figures 20 and 21, another advantage that may be provided by the anvil 1130 and the elongated channel 1102 shown therein is that the anvil mounting portion 1150 of the anvil 1130 is generally more robust and therefore stiffer than other anvil and elongated canal arrangements. Figure 50 illustrates the use of stiffening stabilizers 199 between the anvil mounting flanges 194 and the elongated portion of the anvil body 190. Similar stabilizer arrangements may also be employed between the anvil mounting flanges 1151 and the anvil body 1132 of anvil 1130 to further accentuate the rigidity of the anvil.

[00375] As indicated above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes an elastic central column member 1520. As can be seen in Figures 6, 7, 7A, 8 and 51 to 54, the distal end portion 1522 of the elastic center column 1520 is separated from the proximal end portion 1524 of the elastic center column member 15 by a stretch feature 1530 formed in the elastic center column member 1520. Additionally, a stretch limiting insert member 1540 is supported with retention between the distal end portion 1522 and the proximal end portion 1524. In various arrangements, the elastic central column member 1520 may be manufactured from, for example, suitable polymeric material, rubber, etc. which has a modulus of elasticity designated as ME1 for reference purposes. The stretching feature 1530 may include a plurality of stretching cavities 1532. As can be seen in Figure 7A, the illustrated stretching feature 1530 includes four triangular-shaped stretching cavities 1532 that are arranged to define somewhat flexible wall segments 1534 between the same as. Other shapes and numbers of stretching cavities 1532 may be employed. Stretch cavities 1532 may be molded or machined into elastic center column member 1520, for example.

[00376] Still referring to Figures 6, 7 and 51 to 54, the stretch limiting insert element 1540 comprises a body portion 1541 that has a modulus of elasticity designated as ME2 for reference purposes. As can be seen in Figure 6, the body portion 1541 includes two downwardly extending mounting pins 1542 that are each configured to be seated in mounting cavities 1535 formed in the resilient central column member 1520. See Figure 7A. To provide the stretch limiting insert 1540 with a desired amount of stretchability and elasticity, the body portion 1541 in the illustrated arrangement is provided with a plurality of upper cavities 1543. The illustrated example includes four upper cavities 1543 that have relatively square or rectangular in shape and which are spaced to define flexible walls 1544 therebetween. Other embodiments may include other numbers and shapes of upper cavities. The body portion 1541 of the illustrated stretch limiter insert 1540 also includes a centrally disposed and downwardly projecting central pin portion 1545 that is configured to be seated in a central cavity 1536 above the stretch feature 1530. See Figure 7A. In the illustrated example, the center pin portion 1545 includes a pair of center passages 1546 which extend laterally therethrough to define a flexible wall 1547 therebetween.

[00377] Also in the illustrated example, the stretch limiting insertion element 1540 includes an elongated side cavity 1548 that is positioned on each side side of the body portion 1541. Only one side cavity 1548 can be seen in Figures 6 and 51 to 54 Each elongated side cavity 1548 is configured to support a corresponding stretch limiter 1550 therein. Thus, in the described example, two stretch stoppers 1550 are employed in the stretch stopper insert 1540. In at least one arrangement, the stretch stopper 1550 includes an elongated body portion 1552 terminating at each end with a pin. downwardly extending assembly 1554. Each mounting pin 1554 is received in a corresponding protrusion cavity 1549 formed in the body portion 1541. The stretch limiter may have a modulus of elasticity for ME3 reference purposes. In at least one arrangement, ME3 < ME2 < ME1.

[00378] The actuation of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 when operatively attached to the handle assembly 500 will now be described in greater detail with reference to Figures 51 to 54. Figure 51 illustrates the anvil 1130 in a position open. As can be seen in this Figure, the distal closure tube segment 1430 is in its home or non-actuated position and the positive anvil opening features 1462 have rotated the anvil 1130 to the open position. Furthermore, the firing member 1660 is in the non-actuated or home position, wherein the upper portion, including the top nose portion 1630, is parked in the firing member 1154 parking area of the anvil mounting portion 1150. When the indexable tool assembly 1000 is in its unactuated state, the stretch limiting insert 1540 is in its unstretched state. The axial length of the stretch limiting insert 1540 when in the unstretched state is represented by LUS in Figure 51. LUS represents the distance between a reference geometric axis corresponding to the proximal end of the body portion 1541 of the stretch limiting insert. stretch 1540 and a reference axis B that corresponds to the distal end of the body portion 1541, as shown in Figure 51. The axis labeled F corresponds to the location of the distal end of the staple cartridge 1110 that has been properly seated within the channel stretched 1102. It will be understood that when the tool assembly 1000 is in this unactuated state, the elastic central column element 1520 is in a relaxed unstretched state.

[00379] Figure 52 illustrates the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 after the closure drive system 510 has been activated as described above to drive the distal closure tube segment 1430 distally in the distal direction DD. As the distal closure tube segment 1430 moves distally, the cam surface 1444 at the distal end 1441 of the upper wall portion 1440 of the distal closure tube segment 1430 comes into cam contact with the cam surface 1152 on the mounting portion of the anvil 1150 and rotates the anvil 1130 to the closed position as shown. The closure drive system 510 moves the distal closure tube segment 1430 through its entire closing stroke distance and is then deactivated and the distal closure tube segment is axially locked or otherwise retained in that position by the system. of closure drive 510. As the distal closure tube segment 1430 contacts the anvil mounting portion 1150, the closing forces generated by the distal advancement of the distal closure tube segment 1430 over the anvil 1130 will also advance axially the anvil 1130 and the elongated canal 1102 in the distal direction DD. The stretch feature 1530 in the elastic center column 1520 will begin to stretch to accommodate this distal advancement of the elongated channel 1102 and the anvil 1130. The axis B shown in Figure 52 is a reference axis for the stretch limiting insert 1540 when in a relaxed or unstretched state. The geometric axis C corresponds to the end of the stretch limiting insert 1540 after the stretch limiting insert has been extended to its maximum elongated state. The distance Ls represents the maximum amount or length that the stretch limiting insert element 1540 can stretch. The geometric axis G corresponds to the location of the distal end of the surgical staple cartridge 1110 after the anvil 1130 has been moved to that "first" closed position. The distance LT between the geometric reference axes F and G represents the axial distance that the elongated channel 1102 and the anvil 1130 have traveled during the actuation of the closing drive system 510. This distance LT can be equal to the distance LS that the closing element stretch limiter insert 1540 was stretched during the closing process as limited by stretch limiter 1550.

[00380] Again referring to Figure 51, it can be noted that there is a space S between each mounting pin 1554 of the stretch limiter 1550 and the inner walls 1551 of each of the pin cavities 1549 before the closing process begins. . As can be seen in Figure 52, S spaces no longer exist. That is, each of the mounting pins 1554 is contiguous to its corresponding cavity wall 1549 in the stretch limiter insert 1540. In this way, the stretch limiter 1550 serves to limit the amount of stretching experienced by the stretch limiter insert member 1540. of stretch 1540, which in turn limits the amount of distal displacement of the elongated channel 1102 and anvil 1130 relative to the proximal end portion 1524 of the elastic central column 1520. The distal closure tube 1430 is axially locked in position by the closing drive 510. When in this position, the anvil 1130 is retained in a "first" closed position relative to the surgical staple cartridge 1110. Because the firing drive system 530 has not yet been actuated, the firing member 1660 has not moved and remains parked in the parking area of firing member 1154. The position of the lower side of anvil 1130 when in the "first" closed position is represented by the geometric axis K in Figures 52 and 53.

[00381] Figure 53 illustrates the position of the firing member 1660 after the firing drive system 530 has been initially activated. As can be seen in this Figure, the firing member 1660 has been advanced distally out of the parking area of the firing member 1154. The upper portion of the firing member 1660 and, more specifically, each of the upper anvil engagement features 1672 have entered the proximal ramp portion 1138 of the corresponding axial passage 1146 in the anvil 1130. At this point in the process, the anvil 1130 may be under considerable bending stress caused by tissue that is trapped between the underside of the anvil 1130 and the platform of the cartridge. clamps 1110. This bending stress, as well as the frictional resistance between the various portions of the firing member and anvil 1130 and the elongated channel 1102, serve to essentially retain the elongated channel 1102 and the distal closure tube segment in a static condition while the firing member 1660 is initially advanced distally. During this period of time, the amount of force required to fire the firing member 1660 or, put another way, the amount of force required to distally push the firing member 1660 through the tissue that is trapped between the anvil 1130 and the 1110 cartridge is increasing. See line 1480 in Figure 55. Also during this period of time, the stretch limiting insertion member is attempting to retract the elongated channel 1102 and the anvil 1130 in the proximal PD direction into the distal closure tube segment 1430. Once that the amount of friction between the firing member 1660 and the anvil 1130 and the elongated channel 1102 is less than the retraction force generated by the stretch limiting insertion element 1540, the stretch limiting insertion element 1540 will cause the The elongated channel 1102 and the anvil 1130 are pulled proximally further into the distal closure tube segment 1430. The position of the distal end 1113 of the staple cartridge 1110 after the elongated channel 1102 and the anvil 1130 have traversed the PD proximal direction is represented as the position of H in Figure 54. The axial distance that the elongated canal 1102 and the anvil 1130 have traveled in the proximal direction PD is represented as the distance I in Figure 54. This proximal movement of the anvil 1130 and the elongated canal 1102 inward of the distal closure tube segment 1430 will result in additional closing forces being applied to the anvil 1130 by the distal closure tube segment 1430. Line M in Figure 54 represents the "second" closed position of the anvil 1130. The distance between the position K and position M, which is represented as distance N, comprises the vertical distance that the distal end 1133 of the anvil body 1132 has traveled between the first closed position and the second closed position.

[00382] The application of additional closing forces to the anvil 1130 by the distal closing tube segment 1430 when the anvil 1130 is in the second closed position resists the amount of bending forces applied to the anvil 1130 by the tissue that is clamped between the anvil 1130 and the cartridge 1110. Such a condition may lead to better alignment between the passages in the anvil body 1130 and the firing member 1660 which may ultimately reduce the amount of frictional resistance that the firing member 1660 experiences as it continues to advancing distally through the end actuator 1100. In this way, the amount of firing force required to advance the firing member through balancing its firing stroke to the end position can be reduced. This reduction in firing force can be seen in the graph in Figure 55. The graph shown in Figure 55 compares the firing force (Energy) required to fire the firing member from the beginning to the end of the firing process. Line 1480 represents the amount of firing force required to move the firing member 1660 from its starting position to the end position when the end actuator 1100 is stapling tissue thereto. Line 1482, for example, represents the amount of firing force required to move the firing member of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 described above. Line 1482 represents the firing force required to move the firing member 174 from its initial position to its final position through the fabric that is secured to the end actuator 110 or 110'. As can be seen from this graph, the triggering forces required by both surgical tool sets 100, 1000 are substantially the same or very similar up to the point in time 1484 at which the elastic center column assembly 1510 of the tool set interchangeable 1000 results in an application of a second amount of closing force to the anvil. As can be seen from the graph in Figure 55, when the second amount of closing force is experienced by anvil 1130 (point 1484), the amount of closing force required to complete the firing process is less than the amount of closing force required to complete the closing process in tool set 100.

[00383] Figure 56 compares the amount of firing load required to move a firing member of various surgical end actuators from a start position (0,0) to an end position (1,0). The vertical axis represents the amount of firing load and the horizontal axis represents the percentage of distance the firing member traveled between the initial position (0,0) and the final position (1,0). Line 1490 represents the firing force required to fire, for example, the firing member of a surgical tool set 100 or similar tool set. Line 1492 represents the firing force required to fire the firing member of a surgical tool assembly that the various enhancements and configurations of the firing member that may be disclosed, for example, in US Patent Application Serial No. __________, titled STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH PRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS; power of attorney document no. END8047USNP/160195, and the other US patent applications mentioned above that were filed on the same date as this document and which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Line 1494 represents the firing force required to fire the firing member from its initial position to the final position of surgical tool assemblies employing at least some of the features and arrangements disclosed herein for stiffening the anvil. Line 1496 represents the firing force required to fire, for example, surgical tool sets employing the elastic central column arrangement and at least some of the features and arrangements disclosed herein for stiffening the anvil. As can be seen from this Figure, the surgical tool assembly employing the elastic central column arrangement and at least some of the anvil stiffening arrangements disclosed herein have a much lower trigger force requirement.

Examples

[00384] Example 1 - A surgical end actuator comprising a first claw that is configured to operatively support a surgical staple cartridge that operatively supports within it a cam assembly. The cam assembly is axially movable through the surgical staple cartridge to eject the surgical staples therefrom when the cam assembly is moved from a non-fired position to a fired position. A firing member is supported for axial movement within the surgical staple cartridge between a starting position that is proximal to the surgical staple cartridge and an end position within the staple cartridge upon applying firing and retracting movements thereto. A locking system is supported within the surgical end actuator and is pulled laterally for retaining side engagement with the firing member when the firing member is in the home position to thereby retain the firing member in the home position. . The locking system is configured to be pulled laterally out of the side retaining hitch when it contacts the cam assembly of a surgical staple cartridge that is seated within the first jaw and its cam assembly is in the untriggered position. .

[00385] Example 2 - The surgical end actuator of Example 1, wherein the firing member comprises a body portion comprising side sides and wherein the locking system comprises a locking member comprising at least one locking portion which is configured to retain laterally engage one of the corresponding lateral sides of the body portion when the firing member is in the home position.

[00386] Example 3 - The surgical end actuator of Example 2, wherein the locking member comprises a spring comprising two laterally moving locking portions.

[00387] Example 4 - The surgical end actuator of Example 3, wherein the firing member comprises a first retention feature projecting laterally from a first of the lateral sides of the body portion and a second retention feature which projects laterally from a second of the lateral sides of the body portion and wherein the two laterally moving locking portions comprise a first laterally moving locking arm that has a first distal end that is configured to detently engage the first retention feature a second laterally moving locking arm having a second distal end that is configured to detentively engage the second detent feature.

[00388] Example 5 - The surgical end actuator of Example 4, wherein the first distal end includes a first locking window that is configured to retain at least a portion of the first retention feature therein and wherein the second distal end includes a second locking window that is configured to receive for retention at least a portion of the second locking feature therein.

[00389] Example 6 - The surgical end actuator of examples 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, which additionally comprises a second claw that is held in a position adjacent to the first claw so that at least one of the first and second claws claws is selectively movable relative to the other of the first and second claws by applying opening and closing movements to at least one of the first and second claws.

[00390] Example 7 - The surgical end actuator of Example 6, wherein the second claw comprises an anvil.

[00391] Example 8 - The surgical end actuator of Example 7, wherein the anvil comprises an anvil body having an axial slot therein to allow a portion of the firing member to pass axially therethrough. The anvil body further includes an axial passage on each side of the axial slot.

[00392] Example 9 - The surgical end actuator of Example 8, wherein the firing member comprises a foot that is configured to slidely pass within a corresponding passage within the first claw and anvil engagement features that extend laterally extending laterally from an upper portion of the body of the firing member and are configured to pass through a corresponding portion of the axial passages within the anvil body and in which the first and second engaging features are located between the foot and the anvil engagement features.

[00393] Example 10 - A surgical stapling instrument comprising an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines a drive shaft geometric axis. An elongated channel is operatively coupled to said elongated drive shaft assembly. The stapling instrument further comprises a surgical staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body that is configured to be removably seated in the elongated channel. A cam assembly is supported within the cartridge body and is axially movable therethrough between an unfired position and a fired position. The surgical stapling instrument also comprises a firing member that is supported for axial movement within the surgical staple cartridge between a starting position that is proximal to the surgical staple cartridge and an end position within the surgical staple cartridge upon application of firing and retracting at the same time. A locking system is supported within the surgical stapling instrument and is pulled laterally into lateral retention engagement with the firing member when the firing member is in the home position to thereby retain the firing member in the home position. The locking system is configured to be pulled laterally out of the side retaining hitch when it contacts the cam assembly when the cam assembly is in the non-triggered position.

[00394] Example 11 - The surgical stapling instrument of Example 10, wherein the trigger member comprises a trigger member body comprising two lateral sides. The body of the firing member includes a fabric cutting feature. The locking system comprises a locking member comprising at least one locking portion that is movable in a lateral direction that is transverse to the geometric axis of the drive shaft at least one locking portion is configured to engage by lateral retention one of the sides corresponding sides of the firing member body when the firing member is in the home position.

[00395] Example 12 - The surgical stapling instrument of example 11, wherein the locking member comprises a U-shaped spring comprising a central spring portion and wherein at least one locking portion comprises a first locking portion movable extending from the central spring portion and corresponding to one of the lateral sides of the body of the firing member. A second movable locking portion extends from the central spring portion and corresponds to the other lateral side of the firing member body.

[00396] Example 13 - The surgical stapling instrument of example 12, wherein the trigger member further comprises a first retention feature projecting laterally from a first of the lateral sides of the body portion of the trigger member. A second retaining feature projects laterally from a second of the lateral sides of the body portion of the firing member and wherein the first movable locking portion includes a first distal end that is configured to retainingly engage the first retaining feature. and wherein the second movable locking portion includes a second distal end that is configured to retentionally engage the second retention feature.

[00397] Example 14 - The surgical stapling instrument of Example 13, wherein the first distal end includes a first locking window that is configured to receive for retention at least a portion of the first retention feature therein and wherein the second distal end includes a second locking window that is configured to receive for retention at least a portion of the second locking feature therein.

[00398] Example 15 - The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14, wherein the cam assembly comprises at least one unlocking feature that is configured to laterally pull the locking system laterally away from side detent engagement when the cam assembly is in the unfired position.

[00399] Example 16 - The surgical stapling instrument of example 13, wherein the cam assembly comprises a first unlocking feature that is configured to laterally pull the first distal end out of retention engagement with the first retention feature when the cam assembly is in the unfired position. A second unlocking feature is configured to laterally pull the second distal end out of detent engagement with the second detent feature when the cam assembly is in the untriggered position.

[00400] Example 17 - surgical end actuator comprising a first claw that is configured to operatively support a cartridge of surgical staples therein. A firing member is supported for axial movement within the surgical staple cartridge between a starting position that is proximal to the surgical staple cartridge and an end position within the staple cartridge upon applying firing and retracting movements thereto. The surgical end actuator further comprises means for retaining the firing member in the home position unless an unfired surgical staple cartridge having a cam assembly therein that is in an unfired position has been seated within the first claw. so that the cam assembly pulls the means for retaining out of retaining engagement with the firing member to thereby permit the firing member to be advanced axially through the surgical staple cartridge upon application of a firing motion to the firing member.

[00401] Example 18 - The surgical end actuator, according to Example 17, wherein the surgical end actuator defines a central geometric axis and wherein when the retention means is pulled out of the retention coupling by the assembly of cam, the retaining means moves laterally relative to the firing member in at least one direction that is laterally transverse to the central geometric axis.

[00402] Example 19 - The surgical end actuator of Example 18, wherein the firing member comprises two side sides and wherein the means for retention engage features on both side sides of the firing member.

[00403] Example 20 - The surgical end actuator of Example 19, wherein the means for retention comprises first and second retention portions that are pulled into engagement with one of the corresponding lateral sides of the trigger member when the trigger member is in the initial position and until it contacts the cam assembly so as to pull the first and second retaining portions in opposite lateral directions out of retaining engagement with the firing member.

[00404] Example 21 - An anvil for a surgical stapler. The anvil comprises an elongated anvil body comprising an upper body portion and a lower clip-forming surface. The anvil further comprises an anvil mounting portion that is adjacent to the elongated anvil body and is configured to movably support the anvil on a portion of the surgical stapler. An anvil cover is configured to be mechanically interlocked to the upper body portion of the elongated anvil body; at least one weld is provided between the anvil cover and the upper body portion of the elongated anvil body.

[00405] Example 22 - The anvil of example 21, wherein the upper body portion defines an opening through an upper surface thereof and the anvil cover is mechanically interlocked within the opening.

[00406] Example 23 - The anvil of Example 22, which further comprises a projection extending around at least a portion of the opening within the upper body portion and wherein the anvil cover is supported on the projection.

[00407] Example 24 - The anvil of examples 21, 22 or 23, wherein the anvil cover includes a perimeter and wherein at least one weld extends around at least a portion of the perimeter.

[00408] Example 25 - The anvil of examples 21, 22, 23 or 24, wherein the anvil cover comprises a proximal end and a distal end and two long sides extending between them and wherein at least one weld corresponds to at least a portion of each of the long sides.

[00409] Example 26 - The anvil of example 22, wherein the upper body portion forms a perimeter of the opening and wherein the upper body portion comprises a plurality of retaining formations formed on the perimeter of the opening and configured to engage by friction corresponding portions of the anvil cover when the anvil cover is positioned within the opening.

[00410] Example 27 - The anvil of Example 26, wherein corresponding portions of the anvil lid comprise engagement areas that are formed on a lid perimeter of the anvil lid and wherein each engagement area is shaped to engage by friction each corresponding retention formation.

[00411] Example 28 - The anvil of example 22, wherein the anvil cover comprises a proximal end and a distal end and two long sides extending between them and wherein the upper body portion forms a perimeter of the opening and includes a plurality of retaining formations that are formed on portions of the perimeter of the opening corresponding to at least portions of each of the long sides of the anvil cap for frictional engagement therewith.

[00412] Example 29 - The anvil of example 22, wherein the anvil cover comprises a proximal end and a distal end and two long sides extending between them and wherein the upper body portion defines an opening perimeter and in that the anvil further comprises at least one retaining formation on each long side of the anvil lid and is configured to frictionally engage corresponding portions of the opening perimeter for frictional engagement therewith.

[00413] Example 30 - The anvil of Examples 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28 or 29, wherein the anvil cover is interlocked to the upper body portion of the elongated anvil body in at least one tongue configuration in slot.

[00414] Example 31 - The anvil of examples 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30, wherein the anvil lid comprises a central lid body comprising a perimeter of the lid body and wherein the at least one weld comprises a first weld extending between at least a portion of the perimeter of the cap body and corresponding portions of the upper body portion of the anvil body and at least one second distinct weld extending between the body of central cover and the upper body portion of the anvil body.

[00415] Example 32 - The anvil of example 31, wherein at least one second distinct weld comprises a first plurality of second distinct welds spaced across the central lid body in a position adjacent to a long side thereof and a second plurality of second distinct welds spaced across the central cover body in a position adjacent to another long side thereof.

[00416] Example 33 - The anvil of Example 32, wherein the second spaced distinct welds of the first plurality are spaced closer together in a position adjacent to a distal end of the central cap body and wherein the second spaced distinct welds of the second plurality are spaced closer together in a position adjacent to the distal end of the central cap body.

[00417] Example 34 - The anvil of Example 32, wherein the second spaced distinct welds of the first plurality are spaced closer together in a position adjacent to a proximal end of the central cap body and wherein the second spaced distinct welds of the second plurality are spaced closer together in a position adjacent to the proximal end of the central cap body.

[00418] Example 35 - The anvil of Example 32, wherein the second distinctly spaced welds of the first plurality are spaced closer together in a position adjacent to a proximal end and a distal end of the central cap body and wherein the second Distinct spaced welds of the second plurality are spaced closer together in position adjacent to the proximal end and the distal end of the central cap body.

[00419] Example 36 - An anvil for a surgical stapler. The anvil comprises an elongated anvil body comprising an upper body portion and a lower clip-forming surface. An anvil mounting portion is provided in a position adjacent to the elongated anvil body and is configured to movably support the anvil on a portion of the surgical stapler. The anvil further comprises an anvil cap comprising a central anvil cap body and a cap perimeter extending therearound. A first weld is provided between at least a portion of the lid perimeter and the upper portion of the elongated anvil body portion and at least a second distinct weld extends between the central lid body and the upper body portion of the anvil body.

[00420] Example 37 - The anvil of example 36, in which the first weld extends intermittently around at least a portion of the lid perimeter.

[00421] Example 38 - The anvil of Examples 36 or 37, wherein the at least one second distinct weld comprises a first row of second distinct welds spaced across the central cap body and a second row of second distinct welds spaced across the body center cover.

[00422] Example 39 - An anvil for a surgical stapler. The anvil comprises an elongated anvil body comprising an upper body portion and a lower clip-forming surface. The elongated body of the anvil defines an opening that extends across an upper surface thereof. The anvil further comprises an anvil mounting portion that is adjacent to the elongated anvil body and is configured to movably support the anvil on a portion of the surgical stapler. An anvil cap is configured to be mechanically interlocked to the upper body portion of the elongated anvil body to fill the opening. The anvil lid comprises a central lid body and a lid perimeter extending thereabout; at least one first weld is provided between at least a portion of the lid perimeter and the upper body portion of the anvil body elongated by the At least one second distinct weld extends between the central cap body and the upper body portion of the anvil body.

[00423] Example 40 - The anvil of example 39, wherein the anvil lid is mechanically interlocked to the upper body portion of the elongated anvil body by a tongue-in-groove joint arrangement between the lid perimeter portions and the upper body of elongated anvil body.

[00424] Example 41 - A closing member for applying a closing movement to a movable claw of a surgical instrument. The closure member comprises a closure body defining an outer surface and an inner surface. The closure body further defines an upper portion comprising an upper wall thickness between the outer and inner surfaces and a lower portion comprising a lower wall thickness between the outer and inner surfaces, wherein the upper wall thickness differs from the thickness lower wall. A cam surface is formed on the upper portion for selective cam contact with a movable claw portion.

[00425] Example 42 - The closure member of Example 41, wherein the outer surface is a first radial distance from a first central geometric axis and wherein the inner surface is a second radial distance from a second geometric axis that is displaced relative to the first central geometric axis.

[00426] Example 43 - The closing member of Examples 41 or 42, in which the thickness of the upper wall is greater than the thickness of the lower wall.

[00427] Example 44 - The closure member of Examples 41, 42, or 43, wherein further comprises diametrically opposed sidewall portions extending between the upper portion and the lower portion and wherein the sidewall portions each have one, a side wall thickness that differs from the top wall thickness and the bottom wall thickness.

[00428] Example 45 - The closing member of example 44, in which the thickness of the side wall is greater than the thickness of the upper wall and the thickness of the lower wall.

[00429] Example 46 - The closure member of Examples 44 or 45, wherein the sidewall portion defines an inner sidewall and wherein the inner sidewall of one sidewall portion is parallel to the inner sidewall of the other portion side wall.

[00430] Example 47 - The closure member of example 43, wherein the upper wall thickness and the lower wall thickness are each measured along a common vertical geometric axis extending through a central geometric axis of the closing body.

[00431] Example 48 - The closing member of Examples 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 or 47, wherein the movable claw is movable from an open position to a closed position when the closing body comes into contact cam contact with the movable gripper portion when the closure body is moved in a first direction and wherein at least one other portion of the closure member is configured to move the movable gripper from the closed position to the open position when the movable gripper body is moved. closure is moved in a second direction.

[00432] Example 49 - The closure member of Example 48, which further comprises at least one positive claw opening feature that extends inwardly from the inner surface and is configured to contact another portion of the movable claw when the closing member is moved in the second direction to move the movable claw to the open position.

[00433] Example 50 - The closure member of Example 49, wherein each positive claw opening feature comprises at least two positive claw opening features that are diametrically opposed to each other and project inwardly from the inner surface .

[00434] Example 51 - The closure member of example 50, wherein at least one of the claw opening features extends from a mounting plate that is secured to a corresponding sidewall portion of the closure body that extends extends between the upper and lower portions.

[00435] Example 52 - A surgical instrument comprising a first and a second claws, wherein at least one of the first and second claws is movable relative to the other of the first and second claws between the open and closed orientations by the application of closing and opening movements to them. A closure body defines an outer surface and an inner surface as well as an upper portion comprising an upper wall thickness between the outer and inner surfaces and a lower portion comprising a lower wall thickness between the outer and inner surfaces. wherein the upper wall thickness differs from the lower wall thickness, and wherein the closure body comprises a cam surface that is formed on the upper portion for selective cam contact with a portion of one of at least one first and a second claws that are movable.

[00436] Example 53- The surgical instrument of Example 52, wherein the outer surface is situated at a first radial distance from a central geometric axis of the closure body and wherein the inner surface is situated at a second radial distance from from the central geometric axis and in which the first radial distance is greater than the second radial distance so that the upper wall thickness is greater than the lower wall thickness.

[00437] Example 54 - The surgical instrument of Examples 52 or 53, wherein it further comprises diametrically opposed sidewall portions extending between the upper portion and the lower portion and wherein the sidewall portions each have a thickness of side wall that differs from the thickness of the upper wall and the thickness of the lower wall.

[00438] Example 55 - The surgical instrument of examples 52, 53 or 54, in which the thickness of the side wall is equal to the thickness of the upper wall and is greater than the thickness of the lower wall.

[00439] Example 56 - The surgical instrument of examples 52, 53, 54 or 55, wherein each side wall portion defines an inner side wall surface and the inner side wall surfaces are not parallel to each other.

[00440] Example 57 - The surgical instrument of Examples 52, 53, 54, 55 or 56, wherein the upper wall thickness and the lower wall thickness are each measured along a common vertical geometric axis that extends through a center of the closure body.

[00441] Example 58 - The surgical instrument of Examples 52, 53, 54, 55, 55 or 57, wherein at least one of the first and second claws is movable from an open position to a closed position upon cam contact by the closure body when the closure body is moved in a first direction and wherein at least one other portion of the closure member is configured to move at least one of the first and second claws from the closed position to the open position when the closure member is moved in a second direction and wherein the closure member further comprises at least one positive claw opening feature that extends inwardly from the inner surface and is configured to contact another portion of at least one of the first and second claws when the closing member is moved in a second direction.

[00442] Example 59 - A closing member for applying a closing movement to a movable claw of a surgical instrument. The closure member comprises a hollow closure body defining an outer surface and an inner surface. The closure body further defines an upper portion comprising an upper wall thickness between the outer and inner surfaces and a lower portion comprising a lower wall thickness between the outer and inner surfaces wherein the upper and lower wall thicknesses are equal. and those in which the outer and inner surfaces define the side wall portions, each of which has a side wall thickness greater than the upper and lower wall thicknesses. A cam surface is formed on the upper portion for selective cam contact with a movable claw portion.

[00443] Example 60 - The closure member of example 59, wherein the inner surface defines a rectangular shaped passage extending through the closure body.

[00444] Example 61 - A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end actuator comprising a first claw and a second claw that is movably supported relative to the first claw, for selective movement between open and closed positions relative to the first claw. The surgical instrument further comprises a hollow closing member that is configured to move axially between a non-actuated position and closing positions in which the hollow closing member applies closing movements to the second movable claw. A closing system is configured to apply closing actuation movements to the hollow closing member. A firing member is supported for axial displacement between a starting position that is located completely within the hollow closing member and an end position within the surgical end actuator. A firing system is configured to selectively apply a firing movement to the firing member to cause the firing member to move from the initial position to the end position and wherein the closing system is actuable without actuating the triggering system. shooting.

[00445] Example 62 - The surgical instrument of example 61, wherein the second claw comprises a mounting portion that is pivotably fixed to the first claw for selective pivoting displacement relative thereto.

[00446] Example 63 - The surgical instrument of example 62, wherein the mounting portion on the second claw comprises a first cam surface and wherein the hollow closing member comprises a second cam surface that is configured for cam contact with the first cam surface.

[00447] Example 64 - The surgical instrument of Example 63, wherein the hollow closing member comprises a distal end and wherein the second cam surface comprises an internal cam surface that is formed in a position adjacent to the distal end.

[00448] Example 65 - The surgical instrument of examples 61, 62, 63 or 64, wherein the second claw comprises an anvil and wherein the first claw comprises a channel that is configured to operatively support within it a cartridge of surgical staples .

[00449] Example 66 - The surgical instrument of Example 65, wherein the trigger member comprises a trigger member body having at least one channel engagement feature and at least one anvil engagement feature thereon.

[00450] Example 67 - The surgical instrument of Examples 63, 64, 65 or 66, wherein the anvil comprises an elongated anvil body projecting from the mounting portion and wherein the elongated anvil body comprises a outer anvil and wherein the first cam surface extends to the outer surface of the anvil.

[00451] Example 68 - The surgical instrument of Examples 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 or 67, wherein the hollow closing member is configured to apply opening movements to the second claw by applying opening movements. opening actuation to the hollow closing member by the closing system.

[00452] Example 69 - The surgical instrument of Example 68, wherein the hollow closing member further comprises at least one positive claw opening feature thereon for selective contact with the second claw when opening actuation movements are applied to the closing member.

[00453] Example 70 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines a drive shaft geometric axis. A channel is operatively coupled to the elongated drive shaft and is configured to operatively support a cartridge of surgical staples therein. An anvil is movably coupled to the channel and is selectively movable between a completely open position and a completely closed position with respect to the channel. A closing member is configured to move axially between a non-actuated position and the actuated positions, wherein a distal end portion of the closing member comes into cam contact with the anvil to apply closing movements thereto. A closing system operationally interfaces with the closing member to selectively apply closing control movements thereto. A firing member is supported for axial displacement between a starting position in which the firing member is situated completely proximal to the distal end of the closing member and an end position. A firing system is configured to selectively apply a firing motion to the firing member to cause the firing member to move from the starting position to the ending position and wherein the closing system is actuable without actuating the firing system.

[00454] Example 71 - The surgical instrument of example 70, in which the anvil is fixed to the canal and is limited from rotating relative to it around an anvil geometric axis that is transverse to the geometric axis of the drive shaft.

[00455] Example 72 - The surgical instrument of examples 70 or 71, wherein the anvil comprises an anvil mounting portion that is pivotally coupled to the channel and includes a first cam surface thereon and wherein the closure member comprises a hollow closure tube comprising a distal end with a second internal cam surface thereon that is configured for cam contact with the first cam surface.

[00456] Example 73 - The surgical instrument of Examples 70, 71 or 72, wherein the trigger member comprises a trigger member body having at least one channel engagement feature and at least one anvil engagement feature the same.

[00457] Example 74 - The surgical instrument of Example 72, wherein the anvil comprises an elongated anvil body projecting from the mounting portion. The elongated anvil body comprises an outer anvil surface and wherein the first cam surface extends to the outer anvil surface.

[00458] Example 75 - The surgical instrument of Examples 70, 71, 72, 73 or 74 wherein the closure member comprises a hollow closure tube and wherein the firing member is completely situated within the hollow closure tube when the firing member is in the home position.

[00459] Example 76 - The surgical instrument of Examples 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 or 75 wherein the closing member further comprises at least one positive claw opening feature formed thereon for selective contact with the anvil when movements opening actuation are applied to the closing member.

[00460] Example 77 - A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end actuator comprising a first claw and a second claw that is movably supported relative to the first claw, for selective movement between open and closed positions relative to the first gripper by applying closing movements to a cam surface thereon. The surgical instrument further comprises an axially movable closing member comprising a closing cam surface that is configured to apply closing movements to the cam surface on the second claw. A firing member is supported for axial displacement between an initial position, wherein a tissue cutting surface is situated proximally to the closing cam surface on the closing member. The closing member and the firing member are selectively actuable independently of each other.

[00461] Example 78 - The surgical instrument of Example 77, wherein the second claw comprises a mounting portion that is pivotally coupled to the first claw and the mounting portion includes the cam surface thereon.

[00462] Example 79 - The surgical instrument of Examples 77 or 78, wherein the axially movable closure member and the mounting portion define a firing member parking area therebetween, wherein at least a portion of the firing member Firing is sustained when the firing member is in the home position.

[00463] Example 80 - The surgical instrument of Examples 77, 78 or 79, wherein the first claw comprises a channel and wherein the second claw comprises an anvil. The firing member comprises a firing member body having at least one channel engagement feature and at least one anvil engagement feature thereon.

[00464] Example 81 - A surgical instrument comprising an elastic central column assembly comprising a proximal central column portion and a distal central column portion that is elastically coupled to the proximal central column portion for axial movement relative to the same between a neutral position and an elongated position. A first claw is attached to the distal central column portion and a second claw is movably supported relative to the first claw for selective movement between open and closed positions relative to the first claw. A closing system is configured to apply a closing motion to the second claw to move the distal central column portion from the neutral position to the elongated position upon actuation thereof. A firing system is configured to axially advance a firing member from a starting position to an end position within the first claw upon actuation thereof and to allow the distal central column portion to return to the neutral position to thereby increase movement. of closure applied to the second claw.

[00465] Example 82 - The surgical instrument of example 81, wherein the closure system comprises a closure member that is configured for axial displacement relative to the distal central column portion from a non-actuated position that corresponds to the neutral position of the distal central column portion to a first closed position in which the distal central column portion is moved to the elongated position and the second claw is moved to a first of the closed positions.

[00466] Example 83 - The surgical instrument of Examples 81 or 82, in which the closing member is hollow and is configured to receive within it a mounting portion of the second claw.

[00467] Example 84 - The surgical instrument of Example 83, wherein the mounting portion has a first cam surface thereon and wherein the hollow closing member has a second cam surface thereon, which is configured to enter into cam contact with the first cam surface upon actuation of the closing system to move the second claw from the open position to the first closed position.

[00468] Example 85 - The surgical instrument of example 84, wherein movement of the distal central column portion from the elongated position to the neutral position increases cam contact between the first and second cam surfaces.

[00469] Example 86 - The surgical instrument of Examples 81, 82, 83, 84 or 85, wherein the distal central column portion is interconnected to the proximal central column portion by a stretchable central column portion.

[00470] Example 87 - The surgical instrument of example 86, wherein the elastic central column assembly further comprises means for restricting the stretchable central column portion to a predetermined amount of stretch.

[00471] Example 88 - The surgical instrument of Example 87, wherein the means for restraint comprises a stretchable body member that is sized to extend between the distal central column portion and the proximal central column portion and means for limiting the stretchable body to a predetermined amount of stretch.

[00472] Example 89 - The surgical instrument of Example 88, wherein the stretchable body member includes a first modulus of elasticity and wherein the means for limiting comprises at least one stretch limiting element that is supported by the stretchable body and includes a second modulus of elasticity that is smaller than the first modulus of elasticity.

[00473] Example 90 - A surgical instrument comprising an elastic central column assembly that is configured to elongate between a first neutral position and a second elongated position. A first clamp is attached to the elastic central column assembly. A second claw is movably supported relative to the first claw for selective movement between open and closed positions relative to the first claw. The surgical instrument further comprises a closing system comprising a closing member that is configured to apply a first amount of closing force to the second claw to move the second claw from the open position to a first closed position and lengthen the central column assembly. elastic until the second elongated position. A firing member is supported for axial displacement between a starting position and an ending position within the first claw. A firing system operatively interfaces with the firing member to selectively advance the firing member from the start position to the end position such that movement of the firing member from the start to the end position causes the elastic center column to move toward the first neutral position, which causes the closing member to apply a second amount of closing force to the second claw and thereby move the second claw to a second closed position.

[00474] Example 91 - The surgical instrument of example 90, wherein the second claw comprises a mounting portion that is pivotably secured to the first claw for pivoting displacement between the open and closed positions.

[00475] Example 92 - The surgical instrument of Example 91, wherein the mounting portion has a first cam surface thereon and wherein the closure member has a second cam surface thereon, which is configured to contact cam surface with the first cam surface by actuating the closing system to move the second claw from the open position to the first closed position.

[00476] Example 93 - The surgical instrument of examples 89, 90 or 91, wherein movement of the elastic central column assembly from the second elongated position to the first neutral position increases cam contact between the first and second cam surfaces .

[00477] Example 94 - A surgical instrument comprising an elastic central column assembly comprising a proximal central column portion and a distal central column portion that is elastically coupled to the proximal central column portion for axial movement relative to the same between a neutral position and an elongated position. An elongated channel is configured to operatively support a surgical staple cartridge therein. The elongated channel is attached to the distal central column portion. An anvil is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel for selective pivoting displacement about a fixed pivot axis between open and closed positions relative to the elongated channel. A closing system is configured to apply closing movements to the anvil and move the distal central column portion from the neutral position to the elongated position. A firing system is configured to axially advance a firing member from a starting position to an end position within the elongated channel upon actuation thereof, thereby allowing the distal central column portion to return to the neutral position to thereby increase movement. closure applied to the anvil.

[00478] Example 95 - The surgical instrument of Example 94, wherein the distal central column portion is interconnected to the proximal central column portion by a stretchable central column portion.

[00479] Example 96 - The surgical instrument of Examples 94 or 95, wherein the elastic central column assembly further comprises a stretch limiting insertion element comprising a body member that is sized to extend between the central column portion distal and proximal central column portion and means for limiting the body to a predetermined amount of stretch.

[00480] Example 97 - The surgical instrument of example 96, in which the body member is manufactured from an elastomeric material and in which the limiting means are manufactured from metal.

[00481] Example 98 - The surgical instrument of example 97, wherein the body member comprises a first mounting pin formed therein, which is configured for mounting engagement with the proximal central column portion and a second mounting pin. - tag formed therein which is configured for mounting engagement with the distal central column portion and wherein the limiting means comprise at least one stretch limiter comprising an elongate body extending between the first and second mounting pins and includes first and second mounting ends, wherein the first end is movably received within a cavity in the first mounting pin and wherein the second end is movably received in a second cavity in the second mounting pin .

[00482] Example 99 - The surgical instrument of examples 94, 95, 96, 97 or 98, wherein an anvil mounting portion is pivotally secured to the elongated channel and includes a first cam surface and wherein the closure comprises a closure member that includes a second cam surface that is configured for cam contact with the first cam surface upon actuation of the closure system to move the second claw from the open position to the first closed position.

[00483] Example 100 - The surgical instrument of examples 94, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99, in which movement of the distal central column portion from the elongated position to the neutral position increases cam contact between the first and second cam surfaces.

[00484] Example 101- A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end actuator comprising a first claw and a second claw that is movably supported relative to the first claw for selective pivoting movement relative to the first claw about a geometric axis fixed pivot between an open position and closed positions. A firing member is movably supported for selective axial displacement within at least one of the first and second claws between a starting position and an ending position. The firing member comprises a body portion and a first flange assembly projecting from the body portion and configured to slidably engage the first claw. A second flange assembly projects from the body portion and is configured to slidably engage the second claw. The surgical instrument also comprises an elongated drive shaft assembly that is operatively coupled to the surgical end actuator. The elongated drive shaft assembly comprises a firing system that operatively interfaces with the firing member to axially selectively move the firing member between the start and end position. A closing system operationally interfaces with the second gripper to move the second gripper between the open and closed positions without actuating the firing system and the firing member.

[00485] Example 102- The surgical instrument of Example 101, wherein the elongated drive shaft assembly defines a geometric axis of the drive shaft and wherein the fixed pivot geometric axis is transverse to the geometric axis of the drive shaft.

[00486] Example 103 - The surgical instrument of Examples 101 or 102, in which the closing system is configured to cam engage the second claw when the closing system is applying closing movements thereto.

[00487] Example 104 - The surgical instrument of Example 103, wherein the second claw comprises a first cam surface and wherein the closure system comprises an axially movable closure member that is supported for selective axial displacement relative to the second claw . The closure member comprises a second cam surface that is configured for cam engagement with the first cam surface.

[00488] Example 105 - The surgical instrument of Example 102, wherein the second claw comprises a mounting portion that is pivotably coupled to the first claw around the pivot axis. The mounting portion includes the first cam surface.

[00489] Example 106 - The surgical instrument of Examples 101, 102, 103, 104 or 105, wherein the axially movable closure member and the mounting portion define a firing member parking area therebetween, wherein at least At least one portion of the firing member is supported when the firing member is in the home position.

[00490] Example 107 - The surgical instrument of Example 104, wherein the closure member comprises a closure body defining an outer surface and an inner surface. The closure body further defines an upper portion comprising an upper wall thickness between the outer and inner surfaces and a lower portion comprising a lower wall thickness between the outer and inner surfaces, wherein the upper wall thickness differs from the thickness of lower wall, and wherein the second cam surface is formed over the upper portion for selective cam contact with the first cam surface.

[00491] Example 108 - The surgical instrument of Example 107, wherein the outer surface is a first radial distance from a first central geometric axis and wherein the inner surface is a second radial distance from a second central geometric axis which is displaced relative to the first central geometric axis.

[00492] Example 109 - The surgical instrument of Example 107, in which the second upper wall thickness is greater than the lower wall thickness.

[00493] Example 110 - The surgical instrument of Example 107, wherein the closure member further comprises diametrically opposed sidewall portions extending between the upper portion and the lower portion and wherein the sidewall portions have each one, a side wall thickness that differs from the top wall thickness and the bottom wall thickness.

[00494] Example 111 - The surgical instrument of example 110, in which the thickness of the side wall is greater than the thickness of the upper wall and the thickness of the lower wall.

[00495] Example 112 - The surgical instrument of Example 110, wherein each sidewall portion defines an inner sidewall and wherein the inner sidewall of one of the sidewall portions is parallel to the inner sidewall of the other wall portion side.

[00496] Example 113 - The surgical instrument of Examples 104, 106 or 107, in which the closing member is hollow and is configured to receive within it a mounting portion of the second claw.

[00497] Example 114 - The surgical instrument of Examples 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112 or 113, in which the first claw comprises a channel and in which the second claw comprises an anvil.

[00498] Example 115 - The surgical instrument of Examples 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113 or 114, wherein the firing member additionally comprises a firing surface fabric cut over the body portion.

[00499] Example 116 - A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end actuator comprising a first claw and a second claw that is movably supported relative to the first claw for selective pivoting movement relative to the first claw about a geometric axis fixed pivot between an open position and closed positions. A firing member is movably supported for selective axial displacement within at least one of the first and second claws between a starting position and an ending position. The firing member comprises a body portion and a first flange assembly projecting from the body portion and configured to slidably engage the first claw. A second flange assembly projects from the body portion and is configured to slidably engage the second claw. An elongated drive shaft assembly is operatively coupled to the surgical end actuator and comprises a firing means for selectively axially moving the firing member between the start and end position and a closing means for moving the second claw between the open and end positions. closed without actuating the firing means.

[00500] Example 117 - The surgical instrument of Example 116, wherein the elongated drive shaft assembly defines a geometric axis of the drive shaft and wherein the fixed pivot geometric axis is transverse to the geometric axis of the drive shaft.

[00501] Example 118 - The surgical instrument of Examples 116 or 117, wherein the first claw comprises a channel and wherein the second claw comprises an anvil.

[00502] Example 119 - A surgical instrument comprises an elongated channel that is configured to operatively support a cartridge of surgical staples therein. An anvil is movably supported to the elongated channel for selective pivoting displacement relative thereto about a fixed pivot axis between an open position and closed positions. A firing member is movably supported for selective axial displacement within the elongated channel between a first starting position and an end position. The firing member comprises a body portion and a first flange assembly projecting therefrom and configured to slidably engage the elongated channel. A second flange assembly projects from the body portion and is configured to slidingly engage the anvil. An elongated firing bar is coupled to the body portion and is configured for axial displacement relative to the elongated channel in response to firing motions applied thereto by a firing motion source. A closing member is supported for selective axial displacement relative to the anvil to move the anvil between the open position and the closed position in response to closing movements applied thereto by a source of closing movements so that the anvil is movable between the open and closed positions without moving the firing member.

[00503] Example 120 - The surgical instrument of Example 119, wherein the trigger member comprises a tissue cutting surface on the body portion.

[00504] Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are driven by an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein may be induced in any suitable manner. In various examples, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be induced, for example, by a manually operated trigger. In certain cases, the engines disclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a robotically controlled system. Furthermore, any of the end actuators and/or tool assemblies presented in the present invention can be used with a robotic surgical instrument system. US Patent Application Serial No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now US Patent No. 9,072,535, for example, discloses several examples of a robotic surgical instrument system in more detail.

[00505] The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in connection with the implantation and deformation of staples; however, the embodiments described in the present invention are not limited in this way. Several modalities are envisaged, which implement fasteners in addition to staples, such as claws or tacks, for example. Furthermore, various embodiments are contemplated which utilize any suitable means for sealing the tissue. For example, an end actuator, in accordance with various embodiments, may comprise electrodes configured to heat and seal the tissue. Likewise, for example, an end actuator in accordance with certain embodiments, may apply vibrational energy to seal the tissue.

[00506] The totality of the revelations of:

[00507] - US Patent No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE, which was granted on April 4, 1995;

[00508] - US Patent No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STA PLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which was granted on February 21, 2006;

[00509] - US Patent No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, which was granted on September 9, 2008;

[00510] - US Patent No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS, which was granted on December 16, 2008;

[00511] - US Patent No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRU MENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which was granted on March 2, 2010;

[00512] - US Patent No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STA PLING INSTRUMENTS, which was granted on July 13, 2010;

[00513] - US Patent No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE, which was granted on March 12, 2013;

[00514] - US Patent Application Serial No. 11/343,803, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES; currently US Patent No. 7,845,537;

[00515] - US Patent Application Serial No. 12/031,573, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed on February 14, 2008;

[00516] - US Patent Application Serial No. 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;

[00517] - US Patent Application Serial No. 12/235,782, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now US Patent No. 8,210,411;

[00518] - 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;

[00519] - US Patent Application Serial No. 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;

[00520] - US Patent Application Serial No. 12/893,461, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE, filed on September 29, 2012, currently US Patent No. 8,733,613;

[00521] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed on February 28, 2011, currently US Patent No. 8,561,870;

[00522] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, currently US Patent No. 9,072,535;

[00523] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/524,049, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, filed on June 15, 2012; currently US Patent No. 9,101,358;

[00524] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on March 13, 2013, currently US Patent No. 9,345,481;

[00525] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on March 13, 2013, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552;

[00526] - US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM, filed on January 31, 2006; It is

[00527] - US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR, filed on April 22, 2010, now US Patent No. 8,308,040, are incorporated herein by reference.

[00528] Although various devices have been described herein in connection with certain embodiments, modifications and variations of these embodiments can be implemented. Specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Therefore, the specific features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in conjunction with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the structures of the features or characteristics of one or more other embodiments, without limitation. Furthermore, 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 given functions. The aforementioned description and the following embodiments are intended to encompass all such modifications and variations.

[00529] The devices disclosed herein may be designed so that they are discarded after a single use, or may be designed so that they are used multiple times. In either case, however, a device can be refurbished for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination of steps including, but not limited to, disassembly of the device followed by cleaning or replacing specific parts of the device and subsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, a reconditioning facility and/or surgical team may disassemble a device and, after cleaning and/or replacing particular parts of the device, the device may be reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will understand that reconditioning a device may use a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. The use of these techniques, as well as the resulting refurbished device, are all within the scope of the present application.

[00530] The devices disclosed herein can be processed prior to 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, and/or high-energy electrons. Radiation can kill bacteria on the instrument and in the 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. A device may also be sterilized using any other known technique, including, but not limited to, beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide and/or water vapor.

[00531] Although this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the description. It is therefore intended that this application covers any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention using its general principles.

[00532] Any patent, publication or other descriptive material, in whole or in part, which is said to be incorporated into the present invention by way of reference, is incorporated into the present invention only to the extent that the incorporated materials do not conflict with existing definitions, statements or other descriptive material presented in this description. Accordingly, and to the extent necessary, the description as explicitly set forth 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 existing definitions, statements, or other descriptive material set forth herein is incorporated herein only to the extent there is no conflict between the material incorporated and the existing description material.

Claims (5)

1. Surgical end actuator comprising: a surgical staple cartridge (1110); a first claw configured to operatively support the surgical stapler cartridge (1110), the surgical stapler cartridge (1110) operatively supporting a cam assembly thereon, the cam assembly being axially movable through the surgical stapler cartridge (1110) to ejecting surgical clamps therefrom when the cam assembly is moved from a non-fired position to a fired position; a firing member (1660) supported for axial movement within the surgical staple cartridge (1110) between a starting position proximal to the surgical staple cartridge (1110) and an end position within the staple cartridge (1110) upon applications of firing and retracting the same, the body of the firing member (1660) comprising two sides; characterized by the fact that it comprises a locking system (1650) supported within the surgical end actuator, the locking system (1650) comprising a U-shaped spring, the U-shaped spring comprising first and second locking portions (1654) and a central spring portion (1653), wherein each locking portion (1654) extends from the central spring portion (1653), the locking portions (1654) being biased into retaining engagement with the firing member (1660), wherein the first locking portion (1654) is configured to retentively engage one side of the body of the firing member (1660) and the second locking portion (1654) is configured to retentively engage the other side of the body of the firing member (1660), when the firing member (1660) is in the home position to thereby retain the firing member (1660) in the home position, the locking portions (1654) are configured to be inclined outwardly. of the retaining engagement when contacted by the cam assembly of the surgical staple cartridge (1110) which is seated within the first claw and the cam assembly is in the unfired position. 2. Surgical end actuator according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a second claw that is supported adjacent to the first claw so that at least one of the first and second claws is selectively movable relative to to the other of the first and second claws by applying opening and closing movements to at least one of the first and second claws. 3. Surgical end actuator according to claim 2, characterized in that the second claw comprises an anvil (114). 4. Surgical end actuator according to claim 3, characterized in that the anvil (114) comprises: an anvil body (1132'); an axial slot (1197''') in the anvil body (1132') configured to allow a portion of the firing member (1660) to pass axially therethrough; and an axial passage (1146) within the anvil body (1132') on each side of the axial slot (1197'''). 5. The surgical end actuator of claim 4, wherein the firing member (1660) comprises: a foot configured to slidely pass within a corresponding passage within the first claw; and anvil engagement features (1672) extending from an upper portion of the firing member body (1660) and configured to pass through a corresponding axial passage (1146) among the axial passages (1146) within the anvil body (1132') and wherein the first and second engagement features (1672) are located between the foot and the anvil engagement features (1672).