BR112019012274B1 - SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATED CLOSING AND TRIP SYSTEMS - Google Patents

Abstract

This is a surgical instrument with separate actuable closing and triggering systems to close a movable jaw and actuate a firing member. In one form, the surgical instrument comprises an elastic back assembly that includes a proximal back portion and a distal back portion that is elastically coupled to the proximal back portion for axial movement relative thereto between a neutral position and an elongated position. so that, during actuation of the trigger system, it results in an increased application of closing movements to the movable claw without actuating the closing system.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[002] Several characteristics of the modalities described here, along with their advantages, can be understood according to the description presented below, considered in conjunction with the attached drawings, as shown 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 sets of interchangeable surgical tools of Figure 1 operatively coupled to the handle set of Figure 1;

[005] Figure 3 is an exploded assembly 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 perspective view in partial cross-section of the interchangeable surgical tool set of Figure 4;

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

[009] Figure 7 is an exploded assembly 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 center 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 tip actuator of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 4 to 8;

[0013] Figure 10 is an exploded assembly view of the surgical tip 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 one embodiment of a trigger 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 may 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 tip actuator and a drive shaft portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 4 with an unused surgical staple cartridge or not fired properly seated with an elongated channel from the surgical end actuator;

[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 portion of the drive shaft of Figure 16 after the firing member has been fully retracted back to the starting position;

[0021] Figure 18 is a top cross-sectional view of the surgical end actuator and a portion of the drive shaft shown in Figure 15 with an unused or unfired surgical staple cartridge properly 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 the Figure. 4;

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

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

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

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

[0030] Figure 27 is an end view in cross section of the anvil of Figure 25;

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

[0035] Figure 32 is an end perspective view in cross section of the anvil of Figure 31;

[0036] Figure 33 is a perspective view of the end in cross section of another embodiment of anvil;

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

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

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

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

[0041] Figure 38 is another partial cross-sectional view of the interchangeable surgical tool set 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 set of Figure 36;

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

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

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

[0046] Figure 43 is an end view in cross-section of the closure member of Figure 42;

[0047] Figure 44 is an end view in cross section of another embodiment of closure member;

[0048] Figure 45 is an end view in cross section of another embodiment of closure member;

[0049] Figure 46 is an end view in cross section 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 the surgical end actuator portions 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 an underside 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, in which the anvil is in the first closed position and a firing member of the end actuator surgical same moved distally out of a starting position;

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

[0058] Figure 55 is a graphical comparison of trigger energy versus time for different sets of interchangeable surgical tools; It is

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

[0060] Matching reference characters indicate matching parts across the various views. The exemplifications described herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The applicant for 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 SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF; power of attorney document no. END7980USNP/160155;

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

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

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

[0066] - US Patent Application Serial No., entitled LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES; power of attorney document no. 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 for 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 no. 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 no. END7987USNP/160162;

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

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

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

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

[0075] - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASE A JAW OPENING DISTANCE; power of attorney document no. END7992USNP/160167;

[0076] - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE; power of attorney document no. 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 no. END7994USNP/160169;

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

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

[0080] - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES; power of attorney document no. 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 no. 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 for 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 No. END8013USNP/160175;

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

[0086] - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL; power of attorney document No. END8016USNP/160178;

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

[0088] - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER; power of attorney document No. 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 No. END8019USNP/160181;

[0090] - US Patent Application Serial No., entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT; power of attorney document No. 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 No. END8021USNP/160183;

[0092] - US Patent Application Serial No., entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE; power of attorney document No. 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 assignee 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 No. END8038USNP/160186;

[0096] - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS; power of attorney document no. 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 No. END8041USNP/160189;

[0098] - US Patent Application Serial No., entitled BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS; power of attorney document no. 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 no. END8043USNP/160191;

[00100] - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES; power of attorney document no. END8045USNP/160193;

[00101] - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS; power of attorney document no. END8047USNP/160195;

[00102] - US Patent Application Serial No., entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS; power of attorney document No. END8048USNP/160196;

[00103] - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS; power of attorney document No. END8050USNP/160198;

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

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

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

[00107] - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS; power of attorney document No. 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 no. END8056USNP/160204;

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

[00110] - US Patent Application Serial No. __, entitled CLOSURE MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; power of attorney document no. 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 no. END8000USNP/160208;

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

[00115] - US Patent Application Serial No., entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES; power of attorney document No. 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 no. END8003USNP/160211;

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

[00118] - US Patent Application serial number, 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 no. 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 No. 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 No. END8010USNP/160218;

[00125] - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT; power of attorney document No. 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 No. END8024USNP/160221;

[00129] - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; power of attorney document No. END8025USNP/160222;

[00130] - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; power of attorney document no. 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 No. END8027USNP/160224;

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

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

[00134] US Patent Application Serial No., titled AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; power of attorney document no. 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 No. 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 no. END8032USNP/160229;

[00137] US Patent Application Serial No., entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT; power of attorney document no. 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 no. 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 no. 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 no. 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 for 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 for 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 for 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 for 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 for 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 ARTICULATION 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 for 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 for 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 ARRANGEMENTS;

[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 ARTICULATABLE 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 ARTICULATABLE 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 for 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 publication of US Patent Application No. 2016/0256184;

[00207] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,795, entitled MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, currently publication of US Patent Application 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 Publication US Patent Application 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 Publication US Patent Application No. 2016/0256153;

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

[00212] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,817, entitled NTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, currently publication of US Patent Application 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 Publication US Patent Application 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 Publication US Patent Application 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 for 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 Publication of US Patent Application 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 US 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, titled POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249909;

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

[00227] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,541, titled 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 for 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 Publication of US Patent Application 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 INSTRUMENTS, 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 Publication US Patent Application 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 Publication US Patent Application 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 for 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 INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246472;

[00243] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,338, entitled THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, 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 Publication US Patent Application No. 9,358,003;

[00245] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,460, titled 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 TROCAR, currently US Patent No. 9,468,438;

[00248] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,518, titled 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 for 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 US 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, titled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION 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, titled MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263554;

[00258] - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,066, titled 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 for 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 for this application also holds the following patent applications that were filed on March 26, 2014 and which are each incorporated herein by way of reference in their respective entireties:

[00265] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,106, titled 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, titled INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272572;

[00275] - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,133, titled 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, titled 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 for this application also holds the following patent applications that were filed on September 5, 2014 and which are each incorporated herein by way of 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, titled 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, titled LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066913.

[00289] The applicant for this application also holds the following patent applications that were filed on April 9, 2014 and which are each incorporated herein by way of 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 US 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, titled 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, titled 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, titled MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305992.

[00299] The applicant for this application also holds the following patent applications that were filed on April 16, 2013 and which are each incorporated herein by way of 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, fabrication and general use of the modalities described in the descriptive report and illustrated in the attached drawings. Well-known operations, components and elements have not been described in detail, so as not to obscure the modalities described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated in the present invention are non-limiting examples and, therefore, it is to be understood that the specific structural and functional details disclosed in the present invention may be representative and illustrative. Variations and alterations may be made thereto without deviating from the scope of the embodiments.

[00306] The terms "comprises" (and any form of comprises, such as "comprises" and "which comprises"), "has" (and any form of has, such as "has" and "which has"), "includes" (and any form of includes, such as "includes" and "which includes") and "contains" (and any form of contains, such as "contains" and "which contains") are unrestricted linking verbs. As a result, a surgical system, device or apparatus that "comprises", "has", "includes" or "contains" one or more elements has those one or more elements, but is not limited to having only those one or more elements . Similarly, an element of a system, device or surgical apparatus that "comprises", "has", "includes" or "contains" one or more features has those one or more features, but is not limited to having only those one or more features. or more features.

[00307] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used in the present invention with reference to a physician who manipulates the gripping portion of the surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the physician, and the term "distal" refers to the portion located away from the physician. It will also be understood that, for the sake of convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "up" and "down" may be used in the present invention in connection with the drawings. However, surgical instruments can be used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

[00308] Several 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 a number of surgical procedures and applications, including, for example, in connection with open surgical procedures. As this Detailed Description advances, the reader will further understand that the various instruments disclosed herein may 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 instruments may be inserted directly into a patient's body or may be inserted through an access device that has a working channel through which the end actuator and elongated drive shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

[00309] The surgical stapling system may comprise a drive shaft and an end actuator that extends from the drive shaft. The end actuator comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first gripper comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however, other embodiments are envisaged in which a staple cartridge is not removable, or at least readily replaceable, from the first jaw. The second gripper comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second claw pivots with respect to the first claw around a geometric axis of the cover; however, other embodiments are envisaged in which the first claw is pivotal with respect to the second claw. The surgical stapling system further comprises a pivot joint configured to allow the end actuator to be pivoted or pivoted relative to the drive shaft. The end actuator is rotatable about a pivot axis that extends through the pivot joint. Other embodiments are envisaged which do not include a pivot 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 tissue to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved towards the staple cartridge to compress and secure the tissue against the platform. Thereafter, staples removablely stored in the cartridge body can be implanted into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein, wherein the staples are removablely stored in the staple cavities. The staple 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 pockets are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple cavities and staples 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, for ejecting 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. Triggers are movable between their non-triggered positions and their positions triggered 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 clamps supported thereon, towards the anvil.

[00312] In addition to the above, the slider is moved distally by a trigger member. The trigger 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 trigger member further comprises a first cam that engages the first jaw and a second cam that engages the second claw. As the trigger 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 trigger member also comprises a knife configured to make an incision in 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 ahead 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 seen in that Figure, an example of the surgical system 10 includes four sets of interchangeable surgical tools 100, 200, 300 and 1000 that are adapted for interchangeable use with a set of handle 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, interchangeable surgical tool sets can be effectively employed with a tool drive set of a robotically controlled or automated surgical system. For example, the surgical tool assemblies disclosed herein may 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 a form of an interchangeable surgical tool set 100 that is operatively coupled to the handle set 500. Figure 3 illustrates the attachment of the interchangeable surgical tool set 100 to the handle set 500. The arrangement and the Attachment methods depicted in Figure 3 may also be employed in connection with attaching any of the interchangeable surgical tool sets 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 clinician. As will be briefly discussed below, the handle assembly 500 operatively supports a plurality of drive systems that are configured to generate and apply various control motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100, 200, 300 and/or 1000 that is operationally attached 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 can operatively support a "first" drive system or closing drive system, generally designated 510, which can be employed to apply closing and opening motions to 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 can include an actuator in the form of a closing trigger 512, pivotally supported by the frame 506. This arrangement enables the closure 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 closure trigger 512 can be easily rotated in one direction. initial or "non-actuated" position to an "actuated" position and, more particularly, to a fully compressed or fully actuated position. In various forms, the closure drive system 510 further includes a set of closure links 514 which is pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 512 or otherwise operationally interfaces therewith. As will be discussed in more detail below, in the illustrated example, the locking linkage assembly 514 includes a transverse attachment pin 516 that facilitates attachment to a corresponding drive system on the surgical tool assembly. In use, to actuate the closure drive system, the clinician presses closure trigger 512 toward pistol grip portion 504. As described in more detail in U.S. Patent Application No. Serial No. 14/226,142 entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM, currently U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015/0272575, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, when the clinician fully presses closure trigger 512 to reaches the full closing stroke, the closing trigger system is configured to lock the 512 closing trigger in the fully engaged or fully depressed position. When the clinician wishes to unlock the closure trigger 512 to allow it to be forced into the non-actuated position, the clinician simply activates a closure release button assembly 518 that allows the closure trigger to return to the non-actuated position. Close release button 518 may also be configured to interface with various sensors that communicate with a microcontroller 520 in grip assembly 500 to track the position of closure trigger 512. Additional details relating to configuration and operation of the button assembly 518 closure release can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575.

[00316] In at least one form, the handle assembly 500 and the structure 506 can operationally support another drive system called in the present invention a firing drive system 530, which is configured to apply firing movements to corresponding portions of the interchangeable surgical tool set that is attached to it. As described in detail in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, the trigger drive system 530 may employ an electric motor (not shown in Figures 1 to 3) that is located in the pistol grip portion 504 of the assembly. handle size 500. In various forms, the motor can 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 cordless 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 hold a plurality of Lithium Ion ("LI") batteries or other suitable batteries therein. Several batteries, which can be connected in series, can be used as the power source 522 for the surgical system 10. Furthermore, the power source 522 can 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 "DD" direction. 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 "PD" direction. Handle assembly 500 may include a switch 513 which may be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor by power source 522 or to otherwise control the motor. Handle assembly 500 may also include a sensor or sensors (not shown) that is/are configured to sense the position of drive member 540 and/or the direction in which drive member 540 is being moved. The actuation of the motor can be controlled by a trigger trigger 532 (Figure 1) pivotally held in the grip assembly 500. The trigger trigger 532 can be rotated between an unactuated position and an actuated position. Fire trigger 532 may be biased to the non-actuated position by means of a spring or other biasing arrangement so that, when the clinician releases fire trigger 532, it can be rotated or otherwise returned to position. position not actuated by spring or bias arrangement. In at least one form, the firing trigger 532 can be positioned "far" from the closing trigger 512, as discussed above. As discussed in U.S. patent application publication No. 2015/0272575, grip assembly 500 can be equipped with a fire trigger safety button (not shown) to prevent inadvertent actuation of fire trigger 532. When closing trigger 512 is in the non-actuated position, the safety button is contained in the grip assembly 500, where the clinician 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 trigger trigger 532 can be fired. When the clinician presses the closing trigger 512, the safety button and firing trigger 532 pivot downwards to a position where they can then be manipulated by the clinician.

[00318] In at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 can have a rack of teeth (not shown) formed therein for engaged engagement with a corresponding drive gear arrangement (not shown) that interfaces with the motor . 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 clinician to manually retract longitudinally movable actuating member 540 if the motor becomes disabled. The rescue assembly may include a lever or ejection handle assembly which is stored within the handle assembly 500 under a removable door 550. The lever is configured to be manually pivoted into ratcheting engagement with the teeth on actuating member 540 This way, the clinician can manually retract drive member 540 using the rescue grip assembly to engage drive member 5400 in the proximal "PD" direction. US Patent Application No. of Serial 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 to the present invention, discloses salvage arrangements and other components, arrangements and systems that may also be employed with the various surgical tool sets disclosed in the present invention.

[00319] Turning now to Figure 2, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 includes a surgical tip actuator 110 comprising a first jaw and a second jaw. In one arrangement, the first claw comprises an elongated channel 112 that is configured to operatively hold a cartridge of surgical staples 116 therein. The second gripper comprises an anvil 114 that is pivotally supported relative to the elongated channel 112. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 also includes a lockable pivot joint 120 that can be configured to releasably secure the end actuator 110 in a desired position relative to an SA drive shaft. Details regarding the various constructions and operation of the end actuator 110, pivot joint 120, and pivot latch are set forth in US 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 be further seen in Figures 2 and 3, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 can include a proximal housing or mouthpiece 130 and a closure tube assembly 140 that can be used to close and/or open the anvil 114 of the actuator. end 110. As discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, the closure tube assembly 140 is movably supported on a center column 145 that supports the pivot actuator arrangement 147 to apply pivot motions to the pivot. surgical end actuator 110. The center column 145 is configured to first slide a trigger bar 170 therein and secondly slide a lock tube assembly 140 that extends therein. around the center column 145. In various circumstances, the center 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 center column 145 is attached to a dorsal bearing (not shown) that is configured to be supported within frame 150. This arrangement facilitates pivotal attachment of column 145 to frame 150 so that column 145 can be selectively rotated about a shaft axis drive SA in relation to frame 150.

[00320] Referring mainly to Figure 3, the interchangeable surgical tool set 100 includes a movable closing element 160 that is slidably supported within the chassis 150, so that it can be moved axially with respect to it. As seen in Figure 3, the movable closure member 160 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 162 configured to be attached to the attachment pin 516, which is attached to the closure 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 therewith. Thus, when hooks 162 are hooked over pin 516, actuation of closing trigger 512 will result in axial movement of movable closing member 160 and ultimately closing tube assembly 140 in central column 145. closure tube (not shown) can be seated on the closure tube assembly 140 and serves to pull the closure tube 140 in the proximal "PD" direction, which can serve to rotate the closure trigger 512 to the non-actuated position when the assembly drive shaft assembly 100 is operatively coupled to handle assembly 500. In use, closure tube assembly 140 is translated distally (DD direction) to close anvil 114, for example, in response to actuation of closure trigger 512. The closure tube assembly 140 includes a distal closure tube segment 142 that is pivotally attached 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 hits a proximal surface or protrusion 115 on the anvil 114, the anvil 114 is pivoted closed. Further details regarding closing the anvil 114 can be found in U.S. patent application publication 114. No. 2014/0263541, previously mentioned, 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 proximally translating the distal closure tube segment 142. The distal closure tube segment 142 has a horseshoe-shaped opening 143 therein that defines a return flap that extends extends downwardly (not shown) which cooperates with an anvil tab 117 formed at the proximal end of anvil 114 to rotate 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 set 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 firing drive shaft that is configured for attachment to a distal cutting portion or cutting bar that is configured for axial displacement through surgical tip actuator 110. In at least one arrangement, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 includes an assembly coupling assembly (not shown) which can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the linkage driver to the firing bar 170. Additional details regarding the characteristics and operation of the coupling assembly can be found in the US 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, distal movement of trigger bar 170 can move the pivot driver arrangement 147 distally, and correspondingly, proximal movement of trigger bar 170 can move the trigger bar 170. arrangement of pivot driver 147 proximally. When the coupling assembly is in its disengaged position, the movement of the trigger bar 170 is not transmitted to the pivot driver arrangement 147 and, as a result, the trigger rod 170 can move independently of the pivot driver arrangement 147 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 end actuator 110 and/or transmit signals to and/or from 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 by reference to the present invention.

[00322] With reference 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 the corresponding fitting slots 507 formed in the inside a distal end of frame 506. Each socket slot 507 may be tapered, or in other words roughly V-shaped, to seatly receive the fastening portions 152 therein. As can also be seen in Figure 3, a drive shaft attachment pin 172 is formed at the proximal end of the trigger drive shaft 170. When the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 is coupled to the handle assembly 500, the trigger pin drive shaft attachment 172 is received in a trigger drive shaft attachment cradle 542 formed at the distal end of longitudinally movable drive member 540. Interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 also employs a clip system 180 to securely fasten releasably the drive shaft assembly 100 to the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. In at least one form, for example, the clip system 180 includes a locking member or locking fork 182 that is movably coupled to the chassis 150. Locking yoke 182 includes two proximally projecting locking pins 184 that are configured to releasably engage with corresponding locking detents or grooves 509 in the frame's distal attachment flange 506. In various forms, the locking yoke latch 182 is pulled in the proximal direction by the spring or the pulling member. The actuation of the locking fork 182 may be effected by a locking knob 186 that is slidably mounted on a locking actuator assembly that is mounted on the chassis 150. The locking knob 186 is biased in a proximal direction relative to to locking fork 182. As will be discussed in more detail below, locking fork 182 can be moved to an unlocked position by pulling locking knob 186 in the distal DD direction, which also causes locking fork 182 to rotate out of retention engagement with the distal attachment flange of frame 506. When the locking yoke 182 is in "retention engagement" with the distal attachment flange of frame 506, the locking pins 184 are seated with retention within the corresponding detents or locking grooves 509 at the distal end of frame 506. Additional details regarding the clip systems can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541.

[00323] The attachment of the interchangeable surgical tool set 100 to the handle set 500 will now be described with reference to Figure 3. To start the coupling process, the physician can position the chassis 150 of the interchangeable surgical tool set 100 above or adjacent to the distal end of frame 506 such that the tapered attachment portions 152 formed in frame 150 are aligned with the mating slots 507 in frame 506. The physician can then move the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 along an axis installation geometry IA that is perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft SA to seat the tapered fastening portions 152 in "operating engagement" with the corresponding mating receiving slots 507 at the distal end of the frame 506. attachment of the drive shaft 172 to the intermediate firing drive shaft 170 will also seat in the cradle 542 on the longitudinally movable drive member 540 and the pin portions 516 in the closing link 514 will seat in the corresponding hooks 162 on the movable closing element 160 As used in the present invention, the term "operable engagement" in reference to two components means that the two components are engaged together in such a way that, upon application of an actuating motion thereto, the components can perform the action, function and/or intended 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 interchangeable surgical tool set 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 the present document and which are incorporated herein by reference. Various details pertaining to the Interchangeable Surgical Tool Set 1000 will be discussed in more detail below.

[00325] As illustrated in Figure 1, each of the sets of surgical tools 100, 200, 300 and 1000 includes a pair of jaws in which at least one of the jaws is movable between open positions, in which the tissue can be captured or manipulated between the two jaws, and the closed positions, in which the tissue is firmly held between them. The Movable Jaw or Movable Jaws are moved between the open and closed positions by applying opening and closing motions applied to it(s) by the Grip Assembly or by the Robotic or Automated Surgical System to which the Surgical Tool Assembly is operatively coupled. Additionally, each of the interchangeable surgical tool sets illustrated 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 firing motions applied thereto. by the handle or assembly or by the 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 specific thickness of tissues within a specific area on the body. The closing, releasing and articulating systems in the grip assembly 500 or the robotic system can be configured to generate axial control movements and/or rotary control movements depending on the type of configuration of the closing, releasing and articulating system employed in the closing assembly. surgical tool. In one arrangement, when a closure control system in the grip assembly or robotic system is fully actuated, one of the closure system control components which may, for example, comprise a closure tube assembly as described above, if moves axially from an unactuated position to its fully actuated position. The axial distance that the closing tube assembly moves between its non-actuated position to its fully actuated position may be referred to here as its "closing stroke length". Similarly, when a triggering system in the grip assembly or robotic system is fully actuated, one of the triggering system control components which may, for example, comprise the longitudinally movable triggering 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 unactuated position and its fully fired position may be called the "firing stroke length". For surgical tool sets that employ pivotable end actuator arrangements, the grip assembly or robotic system may employ linkage control components that move axially through a "linkage drive stroke length." In many circumstances, the length of the closing stroke, the length of the firing stroke, and the length of the linkage actuating stroke are fixed for a given grip assembly or robotic system. As such, each of the surgical tool sets must be able to accommodate the control movements of the closing, firing, and/or articulating components through each of their entire stroke lengths without placing undue stress on the surgical tool components that could lead to damage or catastrophic failure of the surgical tool set.

[00326] Now referring to Figures 4 to 10, the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 includes a surgical end actuator 1100 comprising an elongated channel 1102 that is configured to operatively support a staple cartridge 1110 therein. end 1100 may further include an anvil 1130 that is pivotally supported relative to elongated channel 1102. Interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may further include a pivot joint 1200 and a pivot latch 1210 (Figures 5 and 8-10) , which may be configured to releasably secure end actuator 1100 in a desired pivotal position relative to an axis of the drive shaft. Details regarding the construction and operation of the 1210 hinge 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, whose description is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Additional details relating to the hinge 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 full description of which is incorporated herein by way of of reference. As seen in Figure 7, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 can further include a proximal housing or mouthpiece 1300 comprised of the mouthpiece portions 1302, 1304 as well as an actuator wheel portion 1306 that is configured to be coupled to the portions. of mounted nozzle 1302, 1304 by press fittings, pins, screws etc. Interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 can additionally include a closure tube assembly 1400 that can be used to close and/or open anvil 1130 of end actuator 1100 as will be further discussed in more detail below. Referring now primarily to Figures 8 and 9, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may include a center column assembly 1500 that may be configured to support the pivot latch 1210. In the illustrated arrangement, the center column assembly 1500 comprises a column dorsal or "springy" frame member 1510 which will be described in greater detail below. A distal end portion 1522 of elastic center column member 1510 is attached to a distal frame segment 1560 that operatively supports pivot latch 1210 thereon. As can be seen in Figures 7 and 8, the center column assembly 1500 is configured to, firstly, slidely support a firing member assembly 1600 therein and, secondly, slideably support the tube. closure 1400 that extends around the center column assembly 1500. The center column assembly 1500 may also be configured to slideably support a proximal pivot driver 1700.

[00327] As 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 frame 1560 has a pivot pin 1564 formed therein. Pivot pin 1564 is adapted to be pivotally received within a pivot hole 1234 formed in pivot base portion 1232 of end actuator mounting assembly 1230. 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 drive shaft SA. See Figure 4. This arrangement facilitates pivotal displacement (i.e., pivoting) of end actuator 1100 about pivot axis B-B relative to center column assembly 1500.

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

[00329] Referring primarily to Figure 7, the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 includes a movable closing element 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 handle assembly 500, as discussed. above. A proximal end 1412 of a proximal closure tube segment 1410 is coupled to the movable closure member 1420 for relative rotation therewith. 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 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 element 1420 for axial displacement therewith, while allowing the closure tube assembly 1400 to rotate relative to the movable closure carriage element 1420 around the geometry 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 noted above, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 includes an articulating joint 1200. Other interchangeable surgical tool sets, however, may not be capable of articulation. As seen in Figure 10, the upper and lower protuberances 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 segment. of the distal closure tube 1430 of the closure tube assembly 1400. As seen in Figure 10, the distal closure tube segment 1430 includes upper and lower protuberances 1434, 1436 that project proximally from a proximal end of the same. 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 protuberances 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 with respect to the elongated channel 1102.

[00331] As mentioned above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 further includes a trigger member assembly 1600 that is supported to perform axial displacement within the dorsal column assembly 1500. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger member assembly 1600 includes an intermediate trigger shaft portion 1602 which is configured to connect to a distal cutting portion or cutter bar 1610. The trigger 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 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 cutterbar. 1610. The longitudinal slot 1604 and the proximal end of the cutterbar 1610 may be sized and configured to allow relative movement therebetween and may comprise a sliding joint 1612. The sliding joint 1612 may allow the drive shaft portion to intermediate trigger 1602 of the trigger member assembly 1600 is moved to pivot the end actuator 1100 without moving, or at least substantially moving, the cutter bar 1610. Once the end actuator 1100 has been properly oriented, the portion of the intermediate firing drive shaft 1602 can be advanced distally until a proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot 1604 contacts the tab on the cutterbar 1610 in order to advance the cutterbar 1610 and fire a staple cartridge 1110 positioned in the inside the elongated channel 1102. As can be further seen in Figures 8 and 9, the elastic center column member 1520 has an elongated aperture or window 1525 therein to facilitate assembly and insertion of the intermediate portion of the firing drive shaft 1602 on 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 can be engaged with the elastic center column member 1520 to enclose the intermediate portion within it. of the firing member shaft 1602 and the cutter bar 1610. A more detailed discussion of the operation of the firing member assembly 1600 can be seen in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 13/803,086, now U.S. 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 pivot driver 1800 to the trigger member assembly 1600. In one form , the coupling assembly 1620 comprises a ring or locking sleeve 1622 positioned around the trigger member assembly 1600, where the locking sleeve 1622 is pivotable between an engaged position, where the locking sleeve 1622 engages the driver linkage 1700 to the triggering member assembly 1600, and a disengaged position in which the linkage driver 1700 is not operably coupled to the triggering member assembly 1600. When the locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, the Distal movement of trigger member assembly 1600 can move pivot driver 1700 distally, and correspondingly proximal movement of trigger member assembly 1600 can move pivot driver 1700 proximally. When locking sleeve 1622 is in its disengaged position, movement of trigger member assembly 1600 is not transmitted to link driver 1700 and, as a result, trigger member assembly 1600 can move independently of link driver 1700. In various circumstances, the proximal pivot driver 1700 can 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 trigger 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 locking sleeve 1622 may comprise diametrically opposite inwardly facing locking projections 1626, 1628 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 1622 locking pins 1626, 1628 are positioned within a drive slot 1605 defined in the intermediate portion of the trigger drive shaft 1602 such that a distal driving force and/or a proximal pulling force can be transmitted from the member assembly trigger 1600 to locking sleeve 1622. When locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, second locking member 1629 is received within a drive notch 1704 defined in pivot driver 1700 so that the force of distal compression and/or proximal pulling force applied to locking sleeve 1622 can be transmitted to pivot driver 1700. In effect, trigger member assembly 1600, locking sleeve 1622, and 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 protrusions 1626, 1628 may not be positioned within the driving notch 1605 of the firing drive shaft intermediate portion 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600 and, as a result, a distal pushing force and/or a proximal pulling force may not be transmitted from the trigger 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 pivot driver 1700. In these circumstances, trigger member assembly 1600 may be slid proximally and/or distally relative to locking sleeve 1622 and proximal pivot driver 1700. Coupling assembly 1620 it additionally includes a keying drum 1630 that interfaces with the locking sleeve 1622. More details regarding the operation of the keying drum and the locking sleeve 1622 can be found in US Patent Application No. Serial 13/803,086, currently US Patent Application Publication No. of Serial No. 2014/0263541, and Serial No. 15/019.196. The keying drum 1630 may further comprise at least partially circumferential openings 1632, 1634 defined therein, which may receive circumferential crimps 1305 extending from the nozzle halves 1302, 1304 and permit relative rotation, but not translation, between the keying drum 1630 and the proximal nozzle 1300. See Figure 6. Rotation of the nozzle 1300 to a point where the collets reach the end of their respective slots 1632, 1634 in the keying drum 1630 will result in rotation of the keying drum 1630 around the SA-SA axis of the drive shaft. Rotation of keying drum 1630 will ultimately result in movement of locking sleeve 1622 between its engaged and disengaged positions. Thus, essentially, the mouthpiece 1300 can be employed to operationally 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 US Patent Application Publication 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 keying barrel 1630 includes an L-shaped slot 1636 that extends into a distal opening 1637 in the keying barrel 1630. The distal opening 1637 receives a transverse pin 1639 of an offset plate 1638. In one example, offset plate 1638 is received within a longitudinal slot (not shown) that is provided in locking sleeve 1622 to facilitate axial movement of locking sleeve 1622 when engaged with pivot driver 1700. More Details pertaining to the operation of the shifter plate and switching drum arrangements can be found in U.S. Patent Application No. of Serial 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 to the present invention.

[00335] Also as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the interchangeable tool set 1000 can comprise a slip ring set 1640 that can be configured to conduct electrical power to the end actuator 1100 and/or from it and/or transmit signals to end actuator 1100 and/or from there back to a microprocessor in the grip assembly or robotic system controller, for example. More details on the slip ring assembly 1640 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. of Serial 15/019,196, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their respective entireties as well as in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/800,067 entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, currently US Patent Application Publication serial number 2014/0263552, which is hereby incorporated 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 keying 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 the corresponding fitting slots 507 formed in the inside the distal end portion of the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500, as discussed above. As can also be seen in Figure 7, a drive shaft attachment 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 interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 is coupled to the handle assembly 500, the drive shaft attachment pin 1605 is received in a trigger drive shaft attachment cradle 542 that is formed at the distal end of the longitudinal drive member 540. See Figure 3.

[00337] Various sets of interchangeable surgical tools employ a locking system 1810 to removablely couple the set of interchangeable surgical tools 1000 to the structure 506 of the grip set 500. As can be seen in Figure 7, for example, in at least In one way, locking system 1810 includes a locking member or locking fork 1812 that is movably coupled to chassis 1800. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, locking fork 1812 is U-shaped with two spaced apart legs that extend down 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. locking yoke 1812 to chassis 1800. Locking yoke 1812 may include two proximally projecting locking pins 1818 that are configured to releasably engage with corresponding locking detents or grooves 509 at the distal end of frame 506 of 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. on a lock actuator assembly 1822 that mounts to chassis 1800. Lock knob 1820 can be biased in a proximal direction with respect to locking fork 1812. Locking fork 1812 can be moved to an unlocked position by pulling the lock locking knob 1820 in the distal direction, which also causes locking fork 1812 to rotate out of retention engagement with the distal end of frame 506. When locking fork 1812 is in "retention engagement" with the end Distal to frame 506, locking pins 1818 are retentively seated within corresponding locking detents or grooves 509 at the distal end of 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 come into contact with portions of corresponding locking pins 1426 that are formed in the movable closing element 1420 When the movable locking element 1420 is in a non-actuated position, the locking fork 1812 can be rotated in a distal direction to unlock the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 from the handle assembly 500. lock pin 1824 do not contact the lock pin portions 1426 on the locking carriage 1420. However, when the movable locking member 1420 is moved into an actuated position, the locking yoke 1812 is prevented from being rotated into a position. unlocked position. In other words, if the clinician 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 might otherwise cause it to rotate distally, locking hooks 1824 on locking fork 1812 make contact with locking pins 1426 on locking carriage 1420 and prevent movement of locking fork 1812 to an unlocked position.

[00339] Still referring to Figure 10, the cutterbar 1610 may comprise a laminated beam structure that includes at least two layers of beam. Such bundle layers may comprise, for example, stainless steel bands which are interconnected, for example by welding or clamping 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 pivoted. Such an arrangement allows cutter bar 1610 to be flexible enough to accommodate the end actuator linkage. Various laminated cutterbar arrangements 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 cutterbar 1610 as it flexes to accommodate the surgical end actuator pivot 1100. Alternative cutterbar support arrangements are disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,245. As can also be seen in Figure 10, a trigger member or cutting member 1620 is attached to the distal end of the cutter bar 1610.

[00340] Figure 11 illustrates a form of a trigger member 1660 that can be employed with the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000. In an exemplary form, the trigger member 1660 comprises a body portion 1662 that includes a connecting element A proximally extending connector 1663 that is configured to be received into a matched connector aperture 1614 at the distal end of cutter bar 1610. See Figure 10. Connector 1663 may be retained within connector aperture 1614 by friction and/or welding or suitable adhesive, etc. Body portion 1662 projects through an elongated slot 1104 in elongated channel 1102 and terminates in a foot member 1664 that extends laterally on each side of body portion 1662. As firing member 1660 is driven distally through of the surgical staple cartridge 1110, the foot element 1664 travels within a passage 1105 in the elongated channel 1102 that is located under the surgical staple cartridge 1110. As can be seen in Figure 11, one shape of the firing member 1660 can be also include center tabs, pins, or laterally projecting retainer features 1680. As firing member 1660 is driven distally through surgical staple cartridge 1110, central retaining features 1680 move over inner surface 1106 of elongated channel 1102. Body portion 1662 of firing member 1660 further 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 further seen in Figure 11, the trigger member 1660 can additionally include two top tabs, pins or anvil engagement features 1665 that extend laterally. As trigger member 1660 is actuated distally, a top portion of body 1662 extends through a centrally disposed anvil slot 1138 and upper anvil engaging 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 trigger member 1660 is configured to interface operationally 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 ending position adjacent the distal end 1113 of the cartridge body 1111. The cartridge body 1111 operatively supports in within it are 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 firing 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 which open through the upper platform surface 1115 of the cartridge body. Each of the staple drivers holds one or more surgical clips or fasteners (not shown) therein. Slider assembly 1120 includes a plurality of inclined or wedge-shaped cams 1122 with each cam 1122 corresponding to a particular row of fasteners or drivers located on one side of slot 1114. In the illustrated example, a cam 1122 is aligned with a row of "dual" drivers each holding two clasps or fasteners therein and another cam 1122 is aligned with another row of "single" drivers on the same side of slot 1114 each operatively holding a single surgical clamp or fastener in it. Thus, in the illustrated example, when the surgical staple cartridge 1110 is "fired", there will be three rows of staples on each lateral side of the tissue cut line. However, other cartridge and trigger configurations could also be employed to fire other clip/fastener arrangements. Slider assembly 1120 has a central body portion 1124 that is configured to be engaged by hook portion 1665 of firing member 1660. In this way, when firing member 1660 is fired or actuated distally, firing member 1660 will also drives slider assembly 1120 distally. As trigger member 1660 moves distally through cartridge 1110, tissue cutting feature 1666 cuts tissue that is trapped between anvil assembly 1130 and cartridge 1110 and slider assembly 1120 actuates the actuators upward on the cartridge. which actuate the corresponding clamps or fasteners in forming contact with the 1130 anvil assembly.

[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 firing cartridge is unused staple is properly held in the elongated channel 1102 of the surgical tip actuator 1100. If, for example, no staple cartridge is present and the trigger 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 it may not be. be completely stapled, if stapled. It will be recognized that such occurrences could lead to undesirable catastrophic outcomes 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 various provisions trigger member lock. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference in its 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, slider assembly 1120 is situated in its home position. The new cartridge 1110 is seated within the elongated channel 1102 and can be retained there by press fit features on the cartridge body which are configured to retainably 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 activating, and more precisely, to prevent firing member 1660 from being distally fired through end actuator 1110 unless an unfired or new surgical staple cartridge has been properly seated within the trigger elongated channel 1102, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 employs a trigger member locking system generally designated 1650.

[00344] Referring now to Figures 10 and 15 to 19, in one form, the firing member locking system 1650 includes a movable locking member 1652 that is configured to retainably engage the firing member 1660 when a firing cartridge is surgical clips 1110 is not properly seated within the elongated channel 1102. The locking member 1652 comprises at least one laterally movable locking portion 1654 that is configured to retainably engage a corresponding portion of the firing member when the trigger assembly is engaged. slider 1120 is not present inside the cartridge 1110 in its initial position. In the illustrated arrangement, locking member 1652 employs two laterally movable locking portions 1654 with each locking portion 1654 engaging a laterally extending portion of firing member 1660.

[00345] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 1652 comprises a generally U-shaped spring member in which each leg 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 those directions which are transverse to the axis of the drive shaft SA. Spring or locking member 1652 can be fabricated 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 laterally movable leg locking portions 1654 has a distal end 1656 with a locking window 1658. When the locking element 1652 is in a locked position, the central retaining feature 1680 on each lateral side extends into the corresponding locking window 1658 to prevent the trigger member from being trapped. 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 tip actuator 1100 with a new unfired cartridge 1110 properly installed therein. As seen in these Figures, the slider assembly 1120 includes a release feature 1126 that corresponds to each of the laterally movable locking portions 1654. In the illustrated arrangement, a release feature 1126 is provided over or extends proximally from each of the central wedge cams 1122. In alternative arrangements, the unlocking feature 1126 may comprise a proximally projecting portion of the corresponding wedge cam 1122. As can be seen in Figure 18, when the slider assembly 1120 is in its initial position, the unlocking means 1124 engage and pull the corresponding locking portions 1654 laterally in a direction that is transverse to the axis of the drive shaft SA. When locking portions 1654 are in these unlocked orientations, the center features of retainer 1680 are not in retaining engagement with their corresponding locking window 1658. When in these orientations, firing member 1660 can be distally and axially advanced (fired). However, when a cartridge is not present in the elongated channel 1102 or the slider assembly has been moved out of its initial position (meaning that the cartridge is partially or completely fired), the locking portions 1654 extend laterally into retention engagement with the trigger member 1660. When in this position, as illustrated in Figure 19, trigger 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 driving the slider assembly 1120 distally. Figure 16 depicts the initial re-engagement of retention feature 1680 to its corresponding locking window 1658. Figure 17 illustrates the retention feature in its locked position when firing member 1660 has been fully retracted back to its initial position. To aid in lateral displacement of the locking portions 1654 when they are initially brought into contact by the proximally movable retention features 1680, each of the retention features 1680 may be provided with a laterally tapered, proximally facing end portion. . 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 the clinician to distally advance the firing member in the event that a spent or partially fired cartridge has inadvertently been properly seated within the elongated channel. A further advantage that can be provided by the locking system 1650 is that, unlike other firing member locking arrangements which require movement of the firing member in and out of alignment with corresponding slots/passages in the staple cartridge , trigger member 1660 remains in alignment with the cartridge passages while in the locked and unlocked position. Locking portions 1654 are designed to move laterally into engagement 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 which move in vertical directions to engage and disengage portions of the firing member.

[00348] Referring again 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 an underside 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 underside 1135. The underside 1135 includes three rows 1140, 1141, 1142 of staple 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 ports 1632 initially enter corresponding proximal ramp portions 1148 and within 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 assembly portion 1150. In other words, the anvil slot 1138 bifurcates or divides the anvil mounting portion 1150 into two anvil attachment flanges 1151. The anvil attachment flanges 1151 are coupled together at their proximal ends by a connecting bridge 1153. The connecting bridge 1153 serves to provide support for the 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 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) through it. The anvil mounting portion 1150 is pivotally attached to the proximal end 1103 of the elongated channel 1102 by a pivot pin 1158 that extends 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 pivotally attach the anvil 1130 to the elongated channel 1102 for selective pivotal displacement about a fixed axis A-A of the anvil that is transverse to the axis of the drive shaft SA. See Figure 5. Anvil mounting portion 1150 also includes a cam surface 1152 extending from a centered parking area of trigger member 1154 to outer surface 1134 of anvil body portion 1132.

[00351] In the illustrated arrangement, the anvil 1130 is moved between an open position and closed positions by axially advancing and retracting the distal closure tube segment 1430. As will be discussed in more detail below, a distal end portion of the Distal closure tube 1430 has an internal cam surface formed thereon which is configured to cam-engage cam surface 1552 or cam surfaces formed on anvil mounting portion 1150. Figure 22 illustrates a cam surface 1430 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 that 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 can serve to better distribute the closing forces from the distal closure tube segment 1430 to the anvil 1130. cam 1152c that is configured relative 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 cam tube segment 1152c. Distal closure 1430. Zones 1155c, 1155d establish greater 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 closing tube segment 1430 cam engages the anvil mounting portion 1150 of the anvil 1130, the anvil 1130 is rotated around the axis AA of the anvil, which results in pivotal movement of the distal end from the end 1133 of the elongated body portion of the anvil 1132 toward the surgical staple cartridge 1110 and the distal end 1105 of the elongated channel 1102. As the body portion of the anvil 1132 begins to rotate, it contacts the tissue to be cut and stapled that is now positioned between the underside 1135 of the elongated portion of the anvil body 1132 and the platform 1116 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. When the anvil body portion 1132 is compressed over the tissue, the anvil 1130 can 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 body portion of the anvil 1132, these resistive forces could tend to cause the anvil portions 1130 to flex, which may generally be undesirable. For example, such bending can cause misalignment between firing member 1660 and passages 1148, 1146 within anvil 1130. In cases where bending is excessive, such bending could significantly increase the amount of firing force required to fire the instrument. (ie, driving trigger member 1660 through the fabric from its initial to final position). Such excessive triggering force could result in damage to the end actuator, and/or the triggering member, and/or the cutterbar, and/or the trigger 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 form of anvil 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. Anvil 1130' may otherwise be identical in construction to anvil 1130 described above except for the differences discussed in the present invention. As can be seen from these Figures, the anvil 1130' has an elongated anvil body 1132' that has an upper body portion 1165 that has an anvil cap 1170 attached thereto. In the embodiment shown in Figures 25 to 27, the anvil cap 1170 is approximately rectangular in shape and has an outer perimeter of the cap 1172. The perimeter 1172 of the anvil cap 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 projections 1139 are configured to support the corresponding long sides 1177 of the anvil cover 1170. In an alternative embodiment, the anvil cover 1170 can 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 fabricated from a suitable metal that is suitable for welding. A first weld 1178 may extend around the entire perimeter of the cap 1172 of the anvil cap 1170 or it may be located only along the long sides 1177 of the anvil cap 1170 and not its distal end 1173 and/or proximal end 1175 The first weld 1178 may be continuous or it may be discontinuous or intermittent. In those embodiments where the first weld 1178 is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments can be evenly distributed along the long sides 1177 of the anvil cap 1170 or the weld segments can 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 weldment segments may be more densely spaced in the central areas of the long sides 1177 of the anvil cap 1170.

[00354] Figures 28 to 30 illustrate an anvil cap 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 defining the opening 1137. As used in this context, the term "mechanically interlocked" means that the anvil cap will remain attached to the anvil elongate body regardless of the orientation of the anvil elongate body and without any retention or additional fastening such as welding and/or adhesive, for example. Retention formations 1182 may project inwardly into opening 1137 from wall of opening 1180. Retention formations 1182 may be formed integrally with wall 1180 or otherwise attached thereto. The retaining formations 1182 are designed to frictionally engage a corresponding portion of the anvil cap 1170' and when it is installed in the opening 1137 to frictionally retain the anvil cap 1170' therein. In the illustrated embodiment, retention formations 1182 project into opening 1137 and are configured to be frictionally received within a correspondingly shaped engagement area 1184 formed on the outer perimeter 1172' of anvil cap 1170'. In the illustrated arrangement, the retaining formations 1182 only correspond to the long sides 1177' of the anvil cap 1170' and are not provided on the wall portions 1180 that correspond to the distal end 1173 or the proximal end 1175 of the anvil cap 1170'. In alternative arrangements, retention formations 1182 may also be provided on portions of wall 1180 corresponding to distal end 1173 and proximal end 1175 of anvil cap 1170 as well as its long sides 1177. retainer 1182 may be provided only on the portions of wall 1180 that correspond to one or both of the distal and proximal ends 1173, 1175 of the anvil cap 1170'. In yet other arrangements, retention formations 1182 may be provided only on the portions of wall 1180 that correspond to long sides 1177' and only one of the distal and proximal ends 1173, 1175 of anvil cap 1170'. It will be further understood that the retaining protuberances in all of the aforementioned embodiments may alternatively be formed on the anvil cap with the engagement areas being formed on the elongate 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 cap 1170'. In alternative embodiments, the retention formations 1182 can 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. Stated another way, the spacing between these retention formations retention formations adjacent to the distal end, the proximal end, or both the distal and proximal ends can 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 can be more densely spaced in the central areas of the long sides 1177' of the anvil cap 1170'. Also in alternate embodiments, the 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 cap 1170'. In other embodiments, the retention formations and correspondingly shaped engagement areas may be provided with different shapes and sizes. In alternative arrangements, the retention formations may be dimensioned relative to the engagement areas so that there is no interference fit therebetween. In such arrangements, the anvil cover can be held in position by welding, adhesive, etc.

[00356] In the illustrated example, a weld 1178' can extend around the entire perimeter 1172' of the anvil cover 1170' or the probe 1178' can be located 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' can be continuous or discontinuous or intermittent. In those embodiments where the weld 1178' is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may be evenly 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 long sides 1177'. In yet other arrangements, the weld segments may be more densely spaced in the central areas of the long sides 1177' of the anvil cap 1170'.

[00357] Figures 31 and 32 illustrate another anvil arrangement 1130'', which has an anvil cover 1170'' removablely attached thereto. In the example shown, the anvil cap 1170'' is approximately rectangular in shape and has an outer cap perimeter 1172''. The lid outer perimeter 1172'' is configured to be inserted through the correspondingly shaped opening 1137'' in the upper body portion 1165 of the anvil body 1132'', and received in axially extending inner protruding portions 1139'' and 1190'' formed there. See Figure 32. Protruding portions 1139'' and 1190'' are configured to support corresponding long sides 1177'' of anvil cap 1170''. In an alternative embodiment, the anvil cap 1170'' can 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 cap 1170'' may be fabricated from a metallic material that is conducive to welding. A first weld 1178'' may extend around the entire perimeter 1172'' of the anvil cover 1170'' or it may be located 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 appreciated that the continuous solder embodiment has greater solder surface area due to the irregularly shaped perimeter of the anvil cap 1170'' compared to the straight perimeter sided embodiments like the anvil caps shown in Figure 26, for example. . In those embodiments where the weld 1178'' is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may be evenly 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 long sides 1177'' or more densely spaced closer to proximal ends of long sides 1177''. In yet other arrangements, the weld segments may be more densely spaced in the central areas of the long sides 1177'' of the anvil cap 1170''.

[00358] Still referring to Figures 31 and 32, the anvil cap 1170'' can be additionally welded to the anvil body 1132'' by a plurality of second discrete "deep" fastening 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 bosses 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 yet 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 in groove" is employed along each long side 1177''' of the anvil cap 1170'''. In particular, a continuous or intermittent laterally extending tab 1195'' projects from each of the long sides 1177' '' of anvil cover 1170'''. Each tab 1195''' corresponds to an axial slot 1197''' formed in the anvil body 1132'''. Anvil cap 1170''' is slid from an opening (not shown) in the distal end of anvil body 1132''' to "mechanically" attach the anvil cap to anvil body 1132'". Tabs 1195 ''' and slots 1197''' can be sized with respect to each other to establish a sliding friction fit therebetween. Furthermore, the anvil cap 1170''' can be welded to the anvil body 1132''' The body of the anvil 1132'' and the anvil cover 1170''' may be manufactured from a metal that is suitable for welding. The weld 1178''' may extend around the entire perimeter 1172''' of anvil cap 1170''' or may be situated only along the long sides 1177''' of 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 evenly 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 proximal ends of long sides 1177'''. In yet other arrangements, the weld 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 herein with anvil caps can provide several advantages. One advantage, for example, can make the process of assembling the anvil and firing member assembly easier. That is, the trigger member can be installed through the opening in the anvil body while the anvil is attached to the elongated channel. A further advantage is that the top cap can improve the rigidity and resistance of the anvil to the aforementioned bending forces that can 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 its final position on the surgical staple cartridge can also be reduced.

[00361] As indicated above, as the anvil 1130 begins to rotate, the anvil structure 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 pressed against tissue, the anvil 1130 can experience considerable amounts of resistive forces. To continue the closing process, these resistive forces need to be overcome by the distal closing 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 distal closure tube segment 1430 in vertical directions, V which, if excessive, could cause 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, trigger member 1660 may encounter dramatically greater resistance which will then require greater trigger forces to distally advance the trigger member.

[00362] Figures 34 and 35 illustrate a form of a closing member to apply 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 having a closure body portion 1470. As discussed above, a shape of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 is configured to facilitate Selective articulation of the surgical end actuator 1100. To facilitate such 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 a upper and lower dual 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 fabricated from, for example, metallic material. adequate. 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 having a UWT upper wall cross-sectional thickness and a lower wall portion 1442 having a thickness of UWT. bottom wall LWT. The upper wall portion 1440 is located above the drive shaft SA and the lower wall portion 1442 is located below the drive shaft SA. Distal end 1441 of upper wall portion 1440 has an inner cam surface 1444 formed thereon inner at a cam angle θ. Also in the illustrated embodiment, UWT > LWT which serves to provide a longer inner cam surface 1444 than would otherwise be obtainable if the distal closing tube segment had a uniform wall thickness. A long internal cam surface can be advantageous for transferring the closing forces to the cam surface(s) on the anvil mounting portion 1150. As can also be seen in Figures 34 and 35, the transitional side walls 1446, 1448 that are located on each side of the drive shaft SA between the upper wall portion 1440 and the lower wall portion 1442 comprise generally vertically extending inner, planar sidewall surfaces 1451, 1453 that may be generally parallel to one another. the other. Each of the transitional sidewalls 1446, 1448 has a wall thickness that changes from the top wall thickness to the bottom 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 sidewalls 1446 and 1448. As 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. transition sides 1446, 1448 adjacent distal end 1438 of distal closure tube segment 1430. Positive anvil opening features 1462 extend inwardly through corresponding openings 1450, 1452 in transition side walls 1446, 1448. Illustrated, side mounting bodies 1460 are welded to distal closure tube segment 1430 with welds 1454. In addition to welds or alternatively to welds, side mounting bodies 1460 can be held 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 closing tube segment 1430 to move the anvil 1130 from a fully closed position to a fully 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. In the illustrated example, an anvil opening ramp 1162 is formed on the underside of each of the anvil attachment flanges 1151. When anvil 1130 and distal closure tube segment 1430 are in their fully closed positions shown in Figure 36 , each of the positive anvil opening features 1462 is located 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 movement or opening forces thereto. Figures 37 and 40 illustrate the positions of anvil 1130 and distal closure tube segment 1430 upon initial application of an opening motion in the proximal PD direction to distal closure tube segment 1430. As seen in Figure 37 , positive jaw opening features 1462 initially contacted anvil opening ramps 1164 to cause 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 closing tube segment 1430 has been retracted back to its fully retracted position, which causes the positive anvil opening features 1462 to be engaged for 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 modalities may not employ the positive jaw opening features, but may rely on springs or other pulling arrangements to pull the anvil into the open position when the distal closure tube segment has been retracted to its most proximal starting position.

[00365] Figures 42 and 43 illustrate another closing member to apply closing movements to a mobile claw 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' having an outer surface 1440' and an inner surface 1433' that define an upper wall portion 1440' and a lower wall portion 1442'. As noted above, it may be desirable to employ as large an inner cam surface 1444' as possible to maximize cam contact with the cam surface on anvil mounting portion 1150 to thereby effectively transfer closing forces thereto. Thus, the upper wall portion 1440' of the distal closure tube segment 1430' can be provided with the thickest UWT wall thickness and the lower portion of the distal closure tube segment 1430' can be provided with the thinnest wall thickness. LWT. For reference purposes, the UWT and LWT are measured along a common reference line that extends through a central axis or point C of the distal closure tube segment 1430'. Thus, when UWT is diametrically opposed to LWT, UWT > LWT. Such wall thickness arrangements facilitate the formation of a longer inner cam surface 1444'.

[00366] As can be seen in 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 solid rolled bar. In the illustrated example, inner radius R1 from a first center axis Ainner extends to inner surface 1433' and outer radius R2 from a second center axis Aouter extends to outer surface 1431'. In the illustrated example, the Ainternal geometry axis is offset by the OR distance of an Aexternal geometry axis and R2 > R1.

[00367] Figure 44 illustrates another closing member to apply closing movements to a mobile claw of a surgical instrument. In this example, the closure member comprises a distal closure tube segment 1430'' having 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'' having a UWT upper wall thickness and a lower wall portion 1442'' having a UWT upper wall thickness. bottom wall thickness LWT and two sidewall portions 1435' that each have a sidewall thickness SWT. In the illustrated example, UWT > LWT. Also, SWT>UWT. Thus, SWT > UWT>LWT. In the illustrated arrangement, sidewall portions 1435' have the same sidewall thickness SWT. In other arrangements, sidewall portions 1435' may have different thicknesses. As seen in Figure 44, each sidewall 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 to avoid or at least minimize the 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 side wall portions 1435'' of the closure body portion 1470''' and the distal closure tube segment 1430'' extending between the upper portion 1431'' and 1433'' have a wall thickness lateral SWT that is approximately equal to the UWT at points along a horizontal reference line HR. The horizontal reference line HR is perpendicular to a vertical reference line VR which extends through the central geometry axis C and along which UWT and LWT can be measured and compared. In this way, SWT=UWT. In other Examples, SWT, when measured along the HR horizontal reference line, may be slightly less than UWT. The SWT can continue to decrease until the sidewall portions 1435' also change to the bottom portion 1433', which has a constant bottom wall thickness LWT. Thus, 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 reference axis of VR reference.

[00369] Figure 46 illustrates another closing member to apply closing movements to a mobile claw of a surgical instrument. In this example, the closure member comprises a distal closure tube segment 1430'' having a closure body 1470'' having a rounded outer surface 1431'' and a rectangular shaped inner passageway 1439 extending 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 that extends through the center point or center axis C as shown , the UWT top wall thickness is equal to the LWT bottom wall thickness. When measured along a horizontal reference axis HR that extends through the center point or center axis C and that is perpendicular to the vertical reference axis VR, the SWT thicknesses of the side wall portions 1437'' are greater than UWT and LWT top wall and bottom wall thicknesses. In this way, SWT is greater than UWT and LWT. Stated another way, the portion of the distal closing tube segment 1430'' located above the horizontal reference line HR is a mirror image of the portion of the distal closing tube segment 1430'' located 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 segment of the distal closure tube 1430. As seen in Figure 41, when the anvil 1130 is in the fully open position, the ends The distal ends 1163 of the anvil attachment flanges 1151 may extend above the platform surface 1116 of the staple cartridge 1110. When the closing process is initiated by distally advancing the distal closing tube segment in the distal DD direction, the distal ends 1163 of the clamping flanges of the anvil 1151 extend beyond the platform surface 1116 of the staple cartridge 1110 so as to prevent tissue infiltration therebetween, which could hinder the closing process. See Figure 40. Once the anvil 1130 has been moved into 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 still act as stop stops. fabric to prevent fabric from seeping between them. See Figure 41.

[00371] Figure 47 represents a portion of a surgical end actuator 110', which may be similar to the surgical end actuator 110 of the interchangeable surgical tool set 100 of Figures 1 and 2. In the example illustrated in Figure 47, the anvil 114 includes an elongate body portion 190 and an anvil mounting portion 192. Anvil mounting portion 192 comprises two spaced apart anvil mounting flanges 194 projecting proximally from the elongated body portion 190. Each mounting flange anvil 194 has an outwardly extending pivot pin 196 on it. The pivot pins 196 are each movably received within a corresponding kidney-shaped slot or elongated arcuate pivot pin slot 197 which is provided in the elongated channel 112. When the anvil 114 is in a "fully open" position ", the pivot pins 196 are generally located in the lower portions 198 of the elongated arcuate pivot pin slots 197. The anvil 114 can be moved into 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 closure stroke, the distal end 148 of the distal closure tube segment 142 adjoins/contacts an abrupt anvil projection 191 and serves to position the anvil 114 so that forming pockets (not shown) on the underside of body portion 190 are properly aligned with the clips on the cartridge. The anvil projection 191 is defined between the cam surface 193 on the anvil mounting portion 192 and the elongated anvil body portion 190. Stated 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 further application of closure to anvil 114 can cause damage to the anvil and/or 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 from an axis or plane TA passing through the centers of the pivot 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 the closing force settings for an anvil 1130 of a surgical end actuator 1100 of the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000. As indicated above, the anvil swivel pins 1158 are pivotally mounted within of holes 1154 in elongated channel 1102. Unlike anvil 114 described above, anvil 1130 does not move axially. Rather, 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 DD direction under the horizontal closure 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 cam surface 1152 on anvil mounting portion 1150 is "normal to" or perpendicular to inner cam surface 1444. Angle θ in Figures 48 and 49 represents the angle of cam surface 1152 as well as inner cam surface 1440 with respect to horizontal. The distance between this resultant force vector FN and an axis or plane TA that extends through the centers of the anvil pivot pins 1158 is represented as the 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. Thus, 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 tissue 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 that is applied to the anvil 1130 is equal to the distance XT between the fabric force TF and the axis or plane TA that extends through the centers of the anvil pivot 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 non-firing position, is situated within the elongated channel 112 and more particularly, it is located completely distal to the distal closure tube segment 142 at a position in which an upper portion 175 of the trigger member 174 is in contact with a portion of the anvil 114. How the trigger member 174 is located in a position in which the upper portion 175 thereof can contact the anvil as the anvil 114 is moved into the closed position, such an arrangement may result in greater closing forces being required to move the anvil 114 into a closed 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 seen in the Figure. 48, on end actuator 1100, firing member 1660 is "parked" in the firing member parking area 1154 that is within distal closure tube segment 1430. When firing member 1660 is located within the firing area, parking the trigger 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 can be gained by parking the trigger member 1660 completely within the distal closing tube segment 1430 can be to reduce the amount of closing force required to close the anvil to a fully closed position and/or 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 another way, parking the trigger member 1660 so that the trigger member 1660 is fully proximal to the distal end of the distal closure tube segment 1430 and the inner cam surface 1444 therein 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 lower closing and firing forces be generated for operation of the end actuator.

[00374] As discussed above, excessive flexing of the anvil during the closing and firing processes can lead to the need for undesirably higher firing forces. Therefore, more rigid anvil arrangements are generally desirable. With reference again to Figures 20 and 21, another advantage that can 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 more rigid than other anvil and elongated channel arrangements. Figure 50 illustrates the use of stiffening webs 199 between the anvil mounting flanges 194 and the elongated portion of the anvil body 190. Similar web arrangements may also be employed between the anvil attachment flanges 1151 and the anvil body 1132 of the 1130 anvil to further accentuate the rigidity of the anvil.

[00375] As indicated above, the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 includes an elastic center column member 1520. As 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 elastic center column member 15 by a stretch feature 1530 formed in elastic center column member 1520. Additionally, a stretch limiting insert 1540 is retainably held between the distal end portion 1522 and the proximal end portion 1524. In various arrangements, the elastic center column element 1520 may be fabricated from, for example, a suitable polymeric material, rubber, etc.; which has an elastic modulus designated as ME1 for reference purposes. Stretch feature 1530 may include a plurality of stretch cavities 1532. As seen in Figure 7A, illustrated stretch feature 1530 includes four triangular shaped stretch cavities 1532 that are arranged to define somewhat flexible wall segments 1534 between the same. Other shapes and numbers of stretch cavities 1532 may be employed. Stretch cavities 1532 can 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 restrictor insert 1540 comprises a body portion 1541 having a modulus of elasticity designated as ME2 for reference purposes. As seen in Figure 6, body portion 1541 includes two downwardly extending mounting pins 1542 that are each configured to seat in mounting cavities 1535 formed in elastic center column member 1520. See Figure 7A. To provide stretch limiting insert 1540 with a desired amount of extensibility and elasticity, 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 are relatively shaped. square or rectangular and which are spaced to define flexible walls 1544 therebetween. Other embodiments may include other numbers and shapes of upper wells. The body portion 1541 of the illustrated stretch limiting insert 1540 also includes a centrally disposed downwardly projecting central pin portion 1545 that is configured to seat in a central cavity 1536 above the stretch feature 1530. See Fig. Figure 7A. In the illustrated example, center pin portion 1545 includes a pair of center passages 1546 extending laterally therethrough to define a flexible wall 1547 therebetween.

[00377] Also in the illustrated example, the stretch limiting insert 1540 includes an elongated side cavity 1548 that is positioned on each lateral 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 hold a corresponding stretch limiter 1550 therein. Thus, in the described example, two stretch restrictors 1550 are employed in the stretch restrictor insert 1540. In at least one arrangement, the stretch restrictor 1550 includes an elongated body portion 1552 that terminates at each end with a pin. downwardly extending assembly 1554. Each assembly pin 1554 is received in a corresponding boss cavity 1549 formed in body portion 1541. The stretch limiter may have a modulus of elasticity for reference purposes of ME3. In at least one arrangement, ME3 < ME2 < ME1.

[00378] The performance of the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 when operationally attached to the handle set 500 will now be described in greater detail with reference to Figures 51 to 54. Figure 51 illustrates the anvil 1130 in an open position. As seen in this Figure, the distal closing 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 parking area 1154 of the anvil mounting portion 1150. When the interchangeable tooling 1000 is in its unactuated state, the stretch limiting insert 1540 is in its unstretched state. The axial length of the stretch restrictor insert 1540 when in the unstretched state is represented by LUS in Figure 51. LUS represents the distance between a reference axis that corresponds to the proximal end of the body portion 1541 of the stretch restrictor 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 identified as F corresponds to the location of the distal end of the staple cartridge 1110 that has been properly seated within the channel elongated 1102. It will be understood that when the tool assembly 1000 is in this unactuated state, the elastic center column member 1520 is in a relaxed unstretched state.

[00379] Figure 52 illustrates the interchangeable surgical tool set 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 DD direction. 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 at the bottom portion. anvil assembly 1150 and rotates anvil 1130 to the closed position as shown. The closing drive system 510 moves the distal closing tube segment 1430 through its full closing stroke distance and then is deactivated and the distal closing tube segment is axially locked or otherwise retained in that position by the system. closing drive 510. As distal closure tube segment 1430 contacts anvil mounting portion 1150, closure forces generated by distally advancing distal closure tube segment 1430 over anvil 1130 will also advance axially the anvil 1130 and the elongated channel 1102 in the distal DD direction. Stretch feature 1530 on elastic center post 1520 will begin to stretch to accommodate this distal advancement of elongated channel 1102 and anvil 1130. Axis B shown in Figure 52 is a reference axis for stretch limiting insert 1540 when in a relaxed or unstretched state. The axis C corresponds to the end of the stretch restrictor insert 1540 after the stretch restrictor insert has been extended to its maximum elongated state. The distance Ls represents the maximum amount or length that the stretch limiting insert 1540 can elongate. The 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 travel during the actuation of the closing actuation 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 with reference 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 start of the closing process . As can be seen in Figure 52, the S spaces no longer exist. That is, each of the mounting pins 1554 is adjacent to its corresponding cavity wall 1549 in the stretch restrictor insert 1540. In this way, the stretch limiter 1550 serves to limit the amount of elongation experienced by the restrictor insert. of stretching 1540, which in turn limits the amount of distal displacement of the elongated channel 1102 and the anvil 1130 relative to the proximal end portion 1524 of the elastic center column 1520. The distal closure tube 1430 is axially locked into position by the locking system. closing drive 510. When in this position, the anvil 1130 is retained in a "first" closed position with respect to the surgical staple cartridge 1110. Because the firing drive system 530 has not yet been actuated, the firing member 510 1660 has not moved and remains parked in the parking area of firing member 1154. The position of the underside of anvil 1130 when in the "first" closed position is represented by axis K in Figures 52 and 53.

[00381] Figure 53 illustrates the position of the trigger member 1660 after the trigger drive system 530 has been initially triggered. As seen in this Figure, the trigger member 1660 has been advanced distally out of the parking area of the trigger member 1154. The upper portion of the trigger member 1660, and more specifically, each of the upper anvil engagement features 1672 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 cartridge platform. clips 1110. This bending stress, as well as the frictional resistance between the various portions of the trigger member and anvil 1130 and the elongated channel 1102, serve to essentially retain the elongated channel 1102 and the distal closure tube segment in one static condition while trigger member 1660 is initially advanced distally. During this period of time, the amount of force required to fire firing member 1660 or, stated another way, the amount of force required to distally push firing member 1660 through the tissue that is trapped between anvil 1130 and the cartridge 1110 is increasing. See line 1480 in Figure 55. Also during this time period, the stretch limiting insert is attempting to retract the elongated channel 1102 and anvil 1130 in the proximal PD direction into the distal closure tube segment 1430. If the amount of friction between the trigger member 1660 and the anvil 1130 and the elongated channel 1102 is less than the retraction force generated by the stretch limiting insert 1540, the stretch limiting insert 1540 will cause the elongated channel 1102 and 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 anvil 1130 have traveled in the proximal PD direction is represented as the position of H in Figure 54. The axial distance that the elongated channel 1102 and the anvil 1130 travel in the proximal direction PD is represented as the distance I in Figure 54. This proximal movement of the anvil 1130 and the elongated channel 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. The M line in Figure 54 represents the "second" closed position of the anvil 1130. K and the position M, which is represented as the distance N, comprises the vertical distance that the distal end 1133 of the anvil body 1132 travels 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 trapped between the anvil 1130 and the cartridge 1110. Such a condition can lead to better alignment between the passages in the anvil body 1130 and the firing member 1660 which can ultimately reduce the amount of frictional resistance that the firing member 1660 experiences as it continues to fire. advanced distally through end actuator 1100. In this way, the amount of firing force required to advance the firing member through balancing its firing stroke to the final 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 trigger force required to move trigger member 1660 from its initial position to its final position when end actuator 1100 is stapling tissue thereon. Line 1482, for example, represents the amount of firing force required to move the firing member of the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 described above. Line 1482 represents the trigger force required to move trigger member 174 from its initial position to its final position through the fabric that is secured to end actuator 110 or 110'. As can be seen from this graph, the firing forces required by both sets of surgical tools 100, 1000 are substantially the same or very similar up to the point in time 1484 when the elastic center column set 1510 of the tool set interchangeable 1000 results in a second amount of closing force being applied to the anvil. As can be seen from the graph of Figure 55, when the second amount of closing force is experienced by the 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 close process in toolkit 100.

[00383] Figure 56 compares the amount of firing load required to move a firing member of multiple surgical end actuators from a start position (0.0) to a stop position (1.0). The vertical axis represents the amount of firing load, and the horizontal axis represents the percentage of the distance the firing member traveled between the start position (0.0) and the end 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 than the various firing member enhancements and configurations that may be disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS; power of attorney document no. END8047USNP/160195, and the other US Patent Applications referenced above which 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 sets 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 center 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 center column arrangement and at least some of the anvil stiffening arrangements disclosed herein have a much lower firing force requirement.

Examples

[00384] Example 1 - A surgical end actuator comprising a first claw that is configured to operatively support a cartridge of surgical staples that operatively supports a cam assembly inside. The cam assembly is movable axially 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 an initial position that is proximal to the surgical staple cartridge and an end position within the staple cartridge by applying firing and retracting motions thereto. A locking system is held within the surgical end actuator and is laterally pulled into engagement of retaining sides with the trigger member when the trigger member is in the home position to thereby retain the trigger member in the home position. The locking system is configured to pull laterally out of the side retention engagement 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 non-firing position. .

[00385] Example 2 - The surgical end actuator of Example 1, wherein the firing member comprises a body portion comprising lateral sides and wherein the locking system comprises a locking member comprising at least one locking portion laterally movable being configured to laterally retainably engage one of the corresponding lateral sides of the body portion when the firing member is in the initial 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 trigger member comprises a first retaining feature laterally projecting from a first one of the lateral sides of the body portion and a second retaining feature projecting laterally from a second one of the lateral sides of the body portion and wherein the two laterally moving locking portions comprise a first laterally moving locking arm having a first distal end that is configured to engage retaining the first retention feature a laterally movable second locking arm having a second distal end that is configured to retain the second retention feature.

[00388] Example 5 - The surgical end actuator of Example 4, in which the first distal end includes a first locking window that is configured to receive by retention at least a portion of the first retention feature therein and in which the second The distal end includes a second locking window that is configured to receive by retaining 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 is selectively movable relative to one another of the first and second claws by applying opening and closing motions 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 trigger member comprises a foot that is configured to slide in a corresponding passageway within the first claw and anvil engagement features that extend laterally extending laterally from an upper portion of the trigger member body and are configured to pass through a corresponding portion of the axial passages within the anvil body and wherein the first and second engagement features are located between the foot and anvil hitch 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 releasably 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 trigger member that is supported for axial movement within the surgical staple cartridge between an initial position that is proximal to the surgical staple cartridge and an end position within the surgical staple cartridge upon application of reciprocating motions. release and retraction at the same time. A locking system is held within the surgical stapling instrument and is laterally pulled into lateral retention engagement with the trigger member when the trigger member is in the home position to thereby retain the trigger member in the home position. The interlock system is configured to pull laterally out of the side retention engagement when it contacts the cam assembly when the cam assembly is in the non-fired 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 trigger member body includes a fabric cutting feature. The locking system comprises a locking member comprising at least one locking portion which is movable in a lateral direction which is transverse to the geometric axis of the drive shaft, at least one locking portion being configured to laterally retain one of the locks. corresponding lateral 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 that extends from the central spring portion and corresponds 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 retaining feature projecting laterally from a first one of the lateral sides of the body portion of the trigger member. A second retention feature projects laterally from a second of the lateral sides of the body portion of the trigger member and wherein the first movable locking portion includes a first distal end that is configured to retainably engage the first retention feature. and wherein the second movable locking portion includes a second distal end that is configured to retainably engage the second retaining feature.

[00397] Example 14 - The surgical stapling instrument of Example 13, in which the first distal end includes a first locking window that is configured to receive by retention at least a portion of the first retention feature therein and in which the second The distal end includes a second locking window that is configured to receive by retaining 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, in which the cam assembly comprises at least one unlocking feature that is configured to laterally pull the locking system laterally out of engagement side detent when the cam assembly is in the non-triggered 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 non-triggered position. A second release feature is configured to laterally pull the second distal end out of retention engagement with the second retention feature when the cam assembly is in the non-firing position.

[00400] Example 17 - Surgical end actuator comprising a first gripper that is configured to operatively hold a cartridge of surgical staples therein. A firing member is supported for axial movement within the surgical staple cartridge between an initial position that is proximal to the surgical staple cartridge and an end position within the staple cartridge by applying firing and retracting motions thereto. The surgical end actuator further comprises means for retaining the firing member in the initial position unless an unfired surgical staple cartridge having a cam assembly therein that is in an unfired position has been seated within the first jaw. such that the cam assembly pulls the means for retaining out of retaining engagement with the trigger member to thereby allow the trigger member to be axially advanced through the surgical staple cartridge upon application of a triggering motion to the trigger member. firing member.

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

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

[00403] Example 20 - The surgical end actuator of Example 19, wherein the means for retaining comprises the first and second retaining portions that are pulled into engagement with one of the corresponding side 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 triggering 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 staple forming surface. The anvil further comprises an anvil mounting portion that is adjacent the elongated anvil body and is configured to movably support the anvil over 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, at least one weld is provided between the anvil cap and the upper body portion of the elongated anvil body.

[00405] Example 22 - The anvil of example 21, in which 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 in which the anvil cover is supported on the projection.

[00407] Example 24 - The anvil of examples 21, 22 or 23, in which the anvil cover includes a perimeter and in which 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, in which the anvil cap comprises a proximal end and a distal end and two long sides extending between them and in which at least one weld corresponds to at least a portion of each of the long sides.

[00409] Example 26 - The anvil of example 22, in which the upper body portion forms a perimeter of the opening and in which 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 cap when the anvil cap is positioned within the opening.

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

[00411] Example 28 - The anvil of example 22, in which the anvil cap comprises a proximal end and a distal end and two long sides extending between them and in which 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 aperture that correspond 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, in which the anvil cover comprises a proximal end and a distal end and two long sides that extend between them and in which 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 cap and is configured to frictionally engage corresponding portions of the aperture perimeter for frictional engagement therewith.

[00413] Example 30 - The anvil of Examples 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28 or 29, in which 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, in which the anvil lid comprises a central lid body that comprises a perimeter of the lid body and wherein the at least one weld comprises a first weld extending between at least a perimeter portion of the cap body and corresponding portions of the upper body portion of the anvil body, at least one second distinct weld extending between the body of center 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 adjacent to a long side thereof and a second plurality of second distinct welds spaced across the center cap body in a position adjacent to the other long side thereof.

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

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

[00418] Example 35 - The anvil of Example 32, in which the second spaced distinct welds of the first plurality are spaced closer to each other in a position adjacent to a proximal end and a distal end of the central cap body and in which the second Spaced distinct welds of the second plurality are spaced closest to each other adjacent to the proximal end and distal end of the center 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 staple forming surface. An anvil mounting portion is provided adjacent the elongated anvil body and is configured to movably support the anvil over a portion of the surgical stapler. The anvil further comprises an anvil cap comprising a central anvil cap body and a cap perimeter extending around it. A first weld is provided between at least a portion of the lid perimeter and the upper portion of the elongate anvil body portion. at least one second, distinct weld extends between the center cap 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, in which 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 cap.

[00422] Example 39 - An anvil for a surgical stapler. The anvil comprises an elongated anvil body comprising an upper body portion and a lower staple forming surface. The elongated body of the anvil defines an opening extending through an upper surface thereof. The anvil further comprises an anvil mounting portion that is adjacent the elongated anvil body and is configured to movably support the anvil over 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 aperture. The anvil cap comprises a central cap body and a cap perimeter extending therearound, at least a first weld is provided between at least a portion of the cap perimeter and the upper body portion of the elongated anvil body. , at least one second distinct weld extends between the center cap body and the upper body portion of the anvil body.

[00423] Example 40 - The anvil of example 39, in which the anvil cover 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 portion upper body of elongated anvil body.

[00424] Example 41 - A closing member to apply 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 inner wall thickness. bottom wall. A cam surface is formed in the upper portion for selective cam contact with a movable jaw portion.

[00425] Example 42 - The closure member of Example 41, where the outer surface is a first radial distance from a first central geometric axis and where the inner surface is a second radial distance from a second geometric axis center that is offset with respect to the first central 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 closing member of Examples 41, 42, or 43, wherein it additionally comprises diametrically opposed side wall portions extending between the upper portion and the lower portion and wherein the side wall portions have each 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 side wall thickness is greater than the top wall thickness and the bottom wall thickness.

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

[00430] Example 47 - The closing member of example 43, in which the upper wall thickness and the lower wall thickness are each measured along a common vertical axis that extends through a central axis of the closing body.

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

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

[00433] Example 50 - The closing member of Example 49, in which 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 closing member of example 50, in which at least one of the jaw opening features extends from a mounting plate that is attached to a corresponding side wall portion of the closing body that extends extends between the upper and lower portions.

[00435] Example 52 - A surgical instrument comprising a first and a second claw, in which at least one of the first and second claws is movable in relation to the other of the first and second claws between the open and closed orientations by means of 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 the at least one first and one second claws that are movable.

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

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

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

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

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

[00441] Example 58 - The surgical instrument of Examples 52, 53, 54, 55, 55 or 57, in which 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 body closure is moved in a second direction and wherein the closure member further comprises at least one positive claw opening feature extending inwardly from the inner surface and configured to contact another portion of at least one of the the first and second grips when the closure member is moved in a second direction.

[00442] Example 59 - A closing member to apply 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 side wall portions, each having a side wall thickness greater than the top and bottom wall thicknesses. A cam surface is formed in the upper portion for selective cam contact with a movable jaw portion.

[00443] Example 60 - The closure member of example 59, in which the inner surface defines a rectangular shaped passage that extends 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 in relation to the first claw, for selective movement between the open and closed positions in relation to the first claw. The surgical instrument further comprises a hollow closure member that is configured to move axially between an unactuated position and closure positions in which the hollow closure member applies closure movements to the second movable jaw. A closing system is configured to apply closing actuating motions to the hollow closing member. A trigger member is supported for axial displacement between an initial position that is located completely within the hollow closure member and an final position within the surgical end actuator. A triggering system is configured to selectively apply a triggering motion to the triggering member to cause the triggering member to move from the initial position to the final position and wherein the closing system is actuable without actuating the triggering system.

[00445] Example 62 - The surgical instrument of example 61, in which the second claw comprises a mounting portion that is pivotally attached to the first claw for selective pivotal displacement in relation to it.

[00446] Example 63 - The surgical instrument of example 62, in which the mounting portion on the second claw comprises a first cam surface and in which 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, with the hollow closure member comprising a distal end and wherein the second cam surface comprises an inner cam surface which is formed adjacent to the distal end.

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

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

[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 surface of 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, in which the hollow closing member is configured to apply opening movements to the second claw by applying movement of opening actuation to the hollow closure member by the closure system.

[00452] Example 69 - The surgical instrument of Example 68, wherein the hollow closing member additionally comprises at least one positive jaw opening feature therein for selective contact with the second jaw 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 elongate drive shaft and 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 relative 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 cams into contact with the anvil to apply closing movements thereto. A closure system operationally interfaces with the closure member to selectively apply closure control moves to it. A trigger member is supported for axial displacement between an initial position in which the trigger member is located fully proximal to the distal end of the closure member and a final position. A triggering system is configured to selectively apply a triggering motion to the triggering member to cause the triggering member to move from the initial position to the final position and wherein the closing system is actuable without actuating the triggering system.

[00454] Example 71 - The surgical instrument of example 70, in which the anvil is fixed to the channel and is limited to rotate in relation 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 therein and wherein the closing member comprises a hollow closure tube comprising a distal end with a second inner cam surface thereover which 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 engaging feature and at least one anvil engaging feature on 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 elongate 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 in which the closure member comprises a hollow closure tube and in which the trigger member is completely located within the hollow closure tube when the firing member is in the starting position.

[00459] Example 76 - The surgical instrument of Examples 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 or 75 in which the closing member additionally comprises at least one positive claw opening feature formed therein for selective contact with the anvil when movements opening actuations 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 in relation to the first claw, for selective movement between the open and closed positions in relation to the first gripper by applying closing motions to a cam surface thereon. The surgical instrument further comprises an axially movable closure member comprising a closure cam surface that is configured to apply closure movements to the cam surface on the second jaw. A trigger member is supported for axial displacement between a home position, wherein a tissue cutting surface is located proximal to the closing cam surface on the closing member. The closing member and the triggering member are selectively actuatable 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 therein.

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

[00463] Example 80 - The surgical instrument of Examples 77, 78 or 79, in which the first claw comprises a channel and in which the second claw comprises an anvil. The trigger member comprises a trigger member body having at least one channel engaging feature and at least one anvil engaging feature therein.

[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 thereto between a neutral position and a stretched position. A first claw is attached to the distal center 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 center column portion from the neutral position to the elongated position upon actuation thereof. A trigger system is configured to axially advance a trigger member from an initial position to a final position within the first jaw upon actuation thereof and to allow the distal center 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, in which 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 from the distal center column portion to a first closed position wherein the distal center column portion is moved to the elongated position and the second gripper 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 an assembly portion of the second claw inside it.

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

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

[00469] Example 86 - The surgical instrument of Examples 81, 82, 83, 84 or 85, in which 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 center column assembly further comprises means for restricting the stretchable center column portion to a predetermined amount of stretch.

[00471] Example 88 - The surgical instrument of Example 87, in which the means for restricting comprise a stretchable body member that is sized to extend between the distal central column portion and the proximal central column portion and means to limit the body stretchable to a predetermined amount of elongation.

[00472] Example 89 - The surgical instrument of Example 88, in which the stretchable body member includes a first modulus of elasticity and in which 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 less 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 claw is attached to the elastic center column assembly. A second gripper is movably supported relative to the first gripper for selective movement between open and closed positions relative to the first gripper. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure system comprising a closure member that is configured to apply a first amount of closing force to the second jaw to move the second jaw from the open position to a first closed position and to elongate the central column assembly. stretch to the second elongated position. A trigger member is supported for axial displacement between an initial position and an end position within the first jaw. A triggering system operationally interfaces with the triggering member to selectively advance the triggering member from the starting position to the final position such that movement of the triggering member from the starting to ending 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 jaw and thereby move the second jaw to a second closed position.

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

[00475] Example 92 - The surgical instrument of Example 91, in which the mounting portion has a first cam surface on it and in which the closing member has a second cam surface on it, which is configured to contact cam with the first cam surface upon actuation of the closure system to move the second jaw from the open position to the first closed position.

[00476] Example 93 - The surgical instrument of examples 89, 90 or 91, in which the movement of the elastic central column assembly from the second elongated position to the first neutral position increases the 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 thereto between a neutral position and a stretched position. An elongated channel is configured to operatively hold a surgical staple cartridge therein. The elongated channel is attached to the distal center column portion. An anvil is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel for selective pivotal 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 center column portion from the neutral position to the elongated position. A trigger system is configured to axially advance a trigger member from an initial position to a final position within the elongated channel upon actuation thereof, thereby allowing the distal center column portion to return to a neutral position to thereby increase movement. seal applied to the anvil.

[00478] Example 95 - The surgical instrument of Example 94, in which 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 insert comprising a body member that is sized to extend between the distal central column portion and the proximal center column portion and means for limiting the body to a predetermined amount of elongation.

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

[00481] Example 98 - The surgical instrument of example 97, in which 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 formed therein which is configured for assembly engagement with the distal center post portion and wherein the limiting means comprises at least one stretch restrictor 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 recess in the first mounting pin and wherein the second end is movably received in a second recess in the second mounting pin.

[00482] Example 99 - The surgical instrument of examples 94, 95, 96, 97 or 98, in which an anvil mounting portion is pivotally attached to the elongated channel and includes a first cam surface and in which the closure comprises a closure member including 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 the movement of the distal central column portion from the elongated position to the neutral position increases the cam contact between the first and second 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 in relation to the first claw for selective pivotal movement in relation to the first claw around a geometric axis fixed pivot between an open position and closed positions. A trigger member is movably supported for selective axial displacement within at least one of the first and second jaws between an initial position and an end position. The trigger member comprises a body portion and a first flange assembly projecting from the body portion and configured to slideably engage the first jaw. A second flange assembly projects from the body portion and is configured to slideably engage the second jaw. The surgical instrument also comprises an elongated drive shaft assembly which is operatively coupled to the surgical end actuator. The elongated drive shaft assembly comprises a trigger system that interfaces operatively with the trigger member to axially selectively move the trigger member between the start and end position. A closure system operationally interfaces with the second jaw to move the second jaw between the open and closed positions without actuating the trigger system and the trigger member.

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

[00487] Example 104 - The surgical instrument of Example 103, in which the second claw comprises a first cam surface and in which the closure system comprises an axially movable closure member that is supported for selective axial displacement with respect 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, in which the second claw comprises a mounting portion that is pivotally coupled to the first claw about 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, in which the axially movable closing member and the mounting portion define a firing member parking area therebetween, in which at least at least a 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, in which 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 bottom wall, and wherein the second cam surface is formed on the upper portion for selective cam contact with the first cam surface.

[00491] Example 108 - The surgical instrument of Example 107, in which the outer surface is a first radial distance from a first central axis and in which the inner surface is a second radial distance from a second central axis which is displaced with respect to the first central 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 closing member further comprises diametrically opposed side wall portions extending between the upper portion and the lower portion and wherein the side wall portions each have, 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 lateral wall thickness is greater than the upper wall thickness and the lower wall thickness.

[00495] Example 112 - The surgical instrument of Example 110, in which each side wall portion defines an inner side wall and in which the inner side wall of one of the side wall portions is parallel to the inner side wall 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 an assembly portion of the second claw inside it.

[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, in which the trigger member additionally comprises a surface of 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 pivotal movement relative to the first claw around a geometric axis fixed pivot between an open position and closed positions. A trigger member is movably supported for selective axial displacement within at least one of the first and second jaws between an initial position and an end position. The trigger member comprises a body portion and a first flange assembly projecting from the body portion and configured to slideably engage the first jaw. A second flange assembly projects from the body portion and is configured to slideably engage the second jaw. An elongated drive shaft assembly is operatively coupled to the surgical end actuator and comprises a trigger means for axially selectively moving the trigger member between the initial and final position and a closing means for moving the second gripper between the open and closed positions. closed without actuating the triggering means.

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

[00501] Example 118 - The surgical instrument of Examples 116 or 117, in which the first claw comprises a channel and in which 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 pivotal displacement relative to it around a fixed pivot axis between an open position and closed positions. A trigger member is movably supported for selective axial displacement within the elongated channel between a first start position and an end position. The trigger member comprises a body portion and a first flange assembly projecting therefrom and configured to slideably engage the elongated channel. A second flange assembly projects from the body portion and is configured to slideably engage the anvil. An elongated trigger bar is coupled to the body portion and is configured for axial displacement relative to the elongated channel in response to trigger motions applied thereto by a source of trigger motions. 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 such that the anvil is movable between open and closed positions without moving the trigger 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 here 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 triggered, for example, by a manually operated trigger. In certain instances, the motors disclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a robotically controlled system. Furthermore, any of the end actuators and/or tool assemblies disclosed in the present invention can be used with a robotic surgical instrument system. US Pat.

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

[00506] All descriptions 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 STAPLING 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 INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which was granted on March 2, 2010;

[00512] - US Patent No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING 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 publication of US Patent Application No. 2014/0263552;

[00526] - Publication of US Patent Application 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 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 way in one or more embodiments. Therefore, specific features, structures, or features illustrated or described in conjunction with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features or feature structures of one or more other embodiments, without limitation. Additionally, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component can be replaced by multiple components and multiple components can be replaced by a single component to perform one or more specified functions. The aforementioned description and embodiments are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.

[00529] The devices disclosed herein can be designed so that they are discarded after a single use, or can 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, device disassembly followed by cleaning or replacement of specific device parts and subsequent device reassembly. In particular, a reconditioning facility and/or surgical team can disassemble a device and, after cleaning and/or replacing particular parts of the device, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will understand that refurbishing a device can use a variety of techniques to disassemble, clean/replace, and reassemble. The use of these techniques, as well as the resulting refurbished device, are all within the scope of this application.

[00530] The devices disclosed here 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, sealed container, such as a plastic bag or TYVEK. 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 in the instrument and container. The sterilized instrument can then be stored in a sterile container. The sealed container can keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in the medical facility. 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 can be further modified within the spirit and scope of the description. It is therefore intended that this application cover 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 way of reference. Any material, or portion thereof, incorporated herein by reference but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other descriptive materials presented herein, is incorporated herein only to the extent that there is no conflict between the material incorporated and existing descriptive material.

Claims (14)

1. Surgical instrument (1000) characterized in that it comprises: an elastic back assembly (1500) comprising a proximal back portion (1524) and a distal back portion (1522) that is elastically coupled to the proximal back portion (1524) for axial movement relative to it between a neutral position and an elongated position; a first claw (1102) attached to the distal back portion (1522); a second gripper (1130) movably supported relative to the first gripper (1102) for selective movement between open and closed positions relative to the first gripper (1102); a closing system (1400) configured to apply a closing movement to the second claw (1130) and to move the distal dorsum portion (1522) from the neutral position to the elongated position upon actuation thereof; and a firing system (1600) configured to axially advance a firing member (1660) from an initial position to an end position within the first gripper (1102) upon actuation thereof and to allow the distal dorsum portion (1102) to be engaged. 1522) returns to the neutral position in order to increase the closing movement applied to the second claw (1130). 2. Surgical instrument (1000) according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure system (1400) comprises a closure member (1430) configured for axial displacement with respect to the distal back portion (1522) to from an unactuated position corresponding to the neutral position of the distal dorsum portion (1522) to a first closed position, wherein the distal dorsum portion (1522) is moved to the elongated position and the second gripper (1130) is moved for a first of the closed positions. 3. Surgical instrument (1000), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the closing member (1430) is hollow and is configured to receive in its interior a mounting portion (1150) of the second claw ( 1130). 4. Surgical instrument (1000) according to claim 3, characterized in that the mounting portion (1150) has a first cam surface (1152) thereon and that the hollow closing member (1430) has a second cam surface (1444) therein configured to cam contact the first cam surface (1152) upon actuation of the closure system (1400) to move the second jaw (1130) from the open position to the first position closed. 5. Surgical instrument (1000), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the distal dorsum portion (1522) is interconnected to the proximal dorsum portion (1524) by a central dorsum portion (1530 ) extensible, and wherein the elastic back assembly (1500) further comprises means (1540) for restricting the extensible central back portion (1530) to a predetermined amount of stretch. 6. Surgical instrument (1000), according to claim 5, characterized in that the means (1540) for restricting comprise: an extensible body member (1541) sized to extend between the distal back portion (1522) and the proximal back portion (1524); and means (1550) for limiting the extensible body to a predetermined amount of elongation. 7. Surgical instrument (1000) according to claim 6, characterized in that the extensible body member (1541) includes a first modulus of elasticity and in which the means (1550) for limiting comprise at least one limiting element of extension supported by the extensible body member (1541) and includes a second modulus of elasticity that is less than the first modulus of elasticity. 8. Surgical instrument (1000), according to claim 1, characterized in that the first claw (1102) comprises an elongated channel (1102) configured to operatively support a cartridge of surgical staples (1110) in it, the channel elongated (1102) attached to the distal back portion (1522); and wherein the second gripper (1130) comprises an anvil pivotally coupled to the elongated channel (1102) for selective pivotal displacement about a fixed rotary axis between open and closed positions with respect to the elongated channel (1102). 9. Surgical instrument (1000), according to claim 8, characterized in that the distal back portion (1522) is interconnected to the proximal back portion (1524) by an extensible central back portion (1530). 10. Surgical instrument (1000) according to claim 9, characterized in that the elastic back assembly (1500) further comprises means (1540) for restricting the extensible central back portion (1530) to a predetermined amount of stretching, comprising: an extensible body member (1541) sized to extend between the distal back portion (1522) and the proximal back portion (1524); and means (1550) for limiting the extensible body to a predetermined amount of elongation. 11. Surgical instrument (1000), according to claim 10, characterized in that the extensible body member (1541) is manufactured from an elastomeric material and in which the means (1540) of limitation are manufactured from of metal. 12. Surgical instrument (1000) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the extensible body member (1541) comprises: a first mounting pin (1542) formed therein configured for mounting engagement with the proximal dorsum portion (1524); and a second mounting pin (1542) formed thereon, configured for mounting engagement with the distal back portion (1522) and wherein the means (1550) for limiting comprises at least one extension limiter comprising an elongated body (1552 ) extending between the first and second mounting pins (1542) and including first and second mounting ends (1554), the first end (1554) movably received within a cavity (1549) in the first pin (1542) and wherein the second end (1554) is movably received in a second recess (1549) in the second mounting pin (1542). 13. Surgical instrument (1000) according to claim 8, characterized in that a mounting portion (1150) of the anvil is pivotally attached to the elongated channel (1102) and includes a first cam surface (1152) thereon and wherein the closure system (1400) comprises a closure member (1430) including a second cam surface (1444) thereon which is configured to cam contact the first cam surface (1152) upon actuation of the closure system (1400) to move the second claw (1130) from the open position to the closed position. 14. Surgical instrument (1000), according to any one of claims 4 and 8 to 13, characterized in that the movement of the distal dorsum portion (1522) from the elongated position to the neutral position increases the cam contact between the first and second cam surfaces (1152, 1444).

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