BR112019012522A2 - clawed surgical instruments that pivot around a fixed geometry axis and include separate and separate locking and firing systems - Google Patents

Abstract

It is a surgical instrument with first and second jaws that are pivotally supported relative to one another for pivoting displacement around a fixed pivot geometry between the open and closed positions. A firing member is movably supported for selective axial displacement between the start and end positions within at least one of the jaws and is configured to engage both jaws when the jaws are in a closed position. a firing system interfaces with the firing member to selectively axially move the firing member between the start and end positions, and a closing system that interfaces with at least one of the jaws to move the claw between open and closed positions without triggering the firing system.

Description

Invention Patent Descriptive Report for SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLAWS THAT ARE PIVOTING AROUND A FIXED GEOMETRIC AXIS AND INCLUDING SEPARATE AND DIFFERENT CLOSING AND SHOOTING SYSTEMS.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various arrangements, to surgical instruments for stapling and cutting, and staple cartridges for use with them, which are designed to staple and cut fabric.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0002] Several characteristics of the modalities described here, together with their advantages, can be understood according to the description presented below, considered together with the attached drawings, as shown below:

[0003] Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a surgical system comprising a handle set and multiple sets of interchangeable surgical tools that can be used with it;

[0004] Figure 2 is a perspective view of one of the sets of interchangeable surgical tools of Figure 1 operationally coupled to the handle set of Figure 1;

[0005] Figure 3 is an exploded view of portions of the handle assembly and the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 1 and 2;

[0006] Figure 4 is a perspective view of another of the sets of interchangeable surgical tools represented in Figure 1;

[0007] Figure 5 is a perspective view in partial cross section of the interchangeable surgical tool set of Figure 4;

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2/141 [0008] Figure 6 is another perspective view in partial cross section of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool set Figures 4 and 5;

[0009] Figure 7 is an exploded view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool set of Figures 4 to 6;

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

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

[0012] Figure 9 is a perspective view in cross section of a portion of the surgical end actuator of the interchangeable surgical tool set of Figures 4 to 8;

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

[0014] Figure 11 is a perspective view, a side elevation view and a frontal elevation view of a trigger member modality that can be used in the interchangeable surgical tool set of Figure 10;

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

[0016] Figure 13 is a side elevation view in cross section 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 side elevation view in cross section of a portion of a surgical end actuator and a portion of the drive shaft of the surgical tool set

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3/141 interchangeable from Figure 4 with a surgical staple cartridge not worn or fired properly seated with an elongated channel of the surgical end actuator;

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

[0020] Figure 17 is another view in lateral elevation in cross section of the surgical end actuator and a portion of the driving shaft of Figure 16 after the firing member has been completely retracted back to the initial 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 uns worn or not fired surgical staple cartridge properly seated with an elongated channel of the 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 on it, 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 set of Figure. 4;

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

[0025] Figure 22 is a rear perspective view of an anvil assembly portion of an anvil modality;

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

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4/141 [0027] Figure 24 is a rear perspective view of an anvil assembly portion of another anvil embodiment;

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

[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 anvil modality;

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

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

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

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

[0036] Figure 33 is an end perspective view in cross section of another anvil modality;

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

[0038] Figure 35 is a side elevation view in cross section of the modality of the closing member of Figure 34;

[0039] Figure 36 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an interchangeable surgical tool set showing a position of an anvil assembly portion.

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5/141 an anvil in a completely closed position and a firing member thereof in an initial 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 in 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 view in lateral elevation in cross section of another modality of closing member;

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

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

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

[0049] Figure 46 is an end view in cross section of another embodiment of a closing member;

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

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

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6/141 [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 on the underside of an anvil modality;

[0054] Figure 51 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool set 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 set 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 set of Figure 51 at the beginning of the firing process, where the anvil is in the first closed position and a firing member of the end actuator surgical procedure moved distally out of an initial position;

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

[0058] Figure 55 is a graphical comparison between firing energy as a function of time for different sets of interchangeable surgical tools; and [0059] Figure 56 is a graphical representation of the firing force improvements and comparisons of firing loads as a function of the percentage of firing distance that their firing member has traveled for four different sets of interchangeable surgical tools.

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7/141 [0060] The corresponding reference characters indicate the corresponding parts through the various views. The exemplifications described herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications should not be considered to limit 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 totalities:

- US Patent Application No., entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF; Power of attorney document number END7980USNP / 160155;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; Power of attorney document number END7981USNP / 160156;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS; Power of attorney document number END7982USNP / 160157;

- US Patent Application Serial No., SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF; Power of attorney document number END7983USNP / 160158;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES; Power of attorney document number END7984USNP / 160159; and

- US Patent Application Serial No., titled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR; Power of attorney document number END7985USNP / 160160.

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8/141 [0062] 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 totalities:

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN; Power of attorney document number END7986USNP / 160161;

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

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS; Power of attorney document number END7988USNP / 160163;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES; Power of attorney document number END7989USNP / 160164;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN; Proxy document number END7990USNP / 160165;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS; Power of attorney document number END7991USNP / 160166;

- US Patent Application Serial No., SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR

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INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE; Power of attorney document number END7992USNP / 160167;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE; Power of attorney document number END7993USNP / 160168;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled FIRING MEMBERS WITH ΝΟΝ-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS; Proxy document number END7994USNP / 160169;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS; Proxy document number END7995USNP / 160170;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS; Proxy document number END7996USNP / 160171;

- US Patent Application Serial No., SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES; Proxy document number END7997USNP / 160172;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT; Proxy document number END7998USNP / 160173; and

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN; Power of attorney document number END7999USNP / 160174.

[0063] 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 way of

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10/141 reference in their respective total ages:

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT; Power of attorney document number END8013USNP / 160175;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES; Power of attorney document number END8014USNP / 160176;

- US Patent Application Serial No., SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL; Power of attorney document number END8016USNP / 160178;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN; Power of attorney document number END8017USNP / 160179;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER; Proxy document number END8018USNP / 160180;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND / OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT; Power of attorney document number END8019USNP / 160181;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT; Power of attorney document number END8020USNP / 160182;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT; Power of attorney document number END8021USNP / 160183;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled

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FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE; Proxy document number END8022USNP / 160184; and

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE; Power of attorney document number END8023USNP / 160185.

[0064] 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 totalities:

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS; Power of attorney document number END8038USNP / 160186;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS; Power of attorney document number END8039USNP / 160187;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT; Power of attorney document number END8041USNP / 160189;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS; Power of attorney document number END8042USNP / 160190;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled CLOSURE MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS; Power of attorney document number END8043USNP / 160191;

- US Patent Application Serial No., SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE

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CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS; Power of attorney document number END8044USNP / 160192;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES; Proxy document number END8045USNP / 160193;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS; Power of attorney document number END8047USNP / 160195;

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

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS; Power of attorney document number END8050USNP / 160198;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled FIRING MEMBER PIN ANGLE; Power of attorney document number END8051USNP / 160199;

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

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES; Power of attorney document number END8053USNP / 160201;

- US Patent Application Serial No., SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY

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PROCESSORS; Power of attorney document number END8054USNP / 160202;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH; Power of attorney document number END8057USNP / 160205;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled

CLOSURE MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; No. of the document in letter of attorney END8058USNP / 160206; and - US Patent Application Serial No. , entitled

FIRING MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS; Power of attorney document number END8059USNP / 160207.

[0065] 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 totalities:

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES; Proxy document number END8000USNP / 160208;

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

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES; Power of attorney document number END8002USNP / 160210;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; Power of attorney document number END8003USNP / 160211;

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- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES; Power of attorney document number END8004USNP / 160212; and

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; Power of attorney document number END8005USNP / 160213.

[0066] 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 totalities:

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT; Power of attorney document number END8006USNP / 160214;

- 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 number END8007USNP / 160215

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS; Power of attorney document number END8008USNP / 160216;

- 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 number END8009USNP / 160217;

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- US Patent Application Serial No., SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM; Proxy document number END8010USNP / 160218;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT; Power of attorney document number END8011USNP / 160219; and

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS; Power of attorney document number END8012USNP / 160220.

[0067] 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 by reference in their respective totalities:

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; Proxy document number END8024USNP / 160221;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; Power of attorney document number END8025USNP / 160222;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; Power of attorney document number END8026USNP / 160223;

- US Patent Application Serial No., SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES; Power of attorney document number END8027USNP / 160224;

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- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; Power of attorney document number END8028USNP / 160225;

- 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 number END8029USNP / 160226;

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No., SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS; Proxy document number END8032USNP / 160229;

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

US Patent Application Serial No., entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT

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PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK; Power of attorney document number END8034USNP / 160231;

- 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; Proxy document number END8035USNP / 160232;

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION; Power of attorney document number END8036USNP / 160233; and

- US Patent Application Serial No., entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES; Power of attorney document number END8037USNP / 160234.

[0068] 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 totalities:

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 191.807, entitled STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES;

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 191,788, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES; and

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

[0069] 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 totalities:

- US Industrial Design Patent Application Serial No. 29 / 569,218, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER;

- US Industrial Design Patent Application Serial No. 29 / 569,227, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER;

- US Industrial Design Patent Application Serial No. 29 / 569,259, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE; and

- US Industrial Design Patent Application Serial No. 29 / 569,264, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE;

[0070] 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 totalities:

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

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

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

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

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

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

- 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;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 089,309, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM; and

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

[0071] The applicant for this application also holds the US Patent applications identified below, which were filed on 31

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December 21/141, 2015, which are each incorporated in this document for reference in their entirety, respectively:

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 984,525, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

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

[0072] The applicant for this application also holds the US Patent applications identified below, which were filed on February 9, 2016, which are each incorporated into this document for reference in their respective totalities:

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

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

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

- 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;

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 019,227, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS;

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 019,230, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS; and

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

[0073] The applicant for this application also holds the US Patent applications identified below, which were filed on February 12, 2016, which are each incorporated in this document for reference in their entirety, respectively:

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 043,275, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 043,289, entitled

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MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.

[0074] 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 totalities:

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 742,925, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS;

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 742,914, entitled MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

- 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;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 742,885, entitled DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

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

[0075] 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 totalities:

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 640,746, entitled

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POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256184;

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

- 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;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- 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; and

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

[0076] 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 totalities:

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

- 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 US Patent Application Publication 2016/0249915;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 633,560, entitled SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND / OR

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CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249910;

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

- 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;

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

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 633,541, entitled MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249927; and

- 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.

[0077] 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 totalities:

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- US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 574,478, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174977;

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 575,139, entitled DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174978.

- 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;

- 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;

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 575,154, entitled

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SSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174973;

- 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. and

- 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.

[0078] 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 totalities:

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 782,295, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246471;

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 782,338, entitled THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0249557;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 782,499, entitled ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY

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ARRANGEMENT, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 9,358,003;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 782,460, entitled MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246478;

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 782,518, entitled CONTROL METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475;

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

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

[0079] 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 totalities:

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,193, entitled

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CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, currently US Patent No. 9,332,987;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,053, entitled INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now, US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263564;

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,210, entitled SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263538;

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,066, entitled DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263565;

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,159, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0277017.

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31/141 [0080] The applicant for this application also holds the following patent application that was filed on March 7, 2014 and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety:

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

[0081] 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 reference in their respective totalities:

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

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

- 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;

- 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;

- 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;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 226,093, entitled

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FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272569;

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

- 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;

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

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

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

- 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;

- 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;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 226,111, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272583; and

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

[0082] 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 reference in their respective totalities:

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

- 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;

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

- 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;

- 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;

- 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;

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

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

[0083] 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 reference in their respective total ages:

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 248,590, entitled MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS, now, US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305987;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 248,581, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305989;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 248,595, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now, US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305988;

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 248,584, entitled

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MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS, now, US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305994;

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 248,607, entitled MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305992.

[0084] The applicant for this application also holds the following patent applications that were filed on April 16, 2013 and which are each incorporated by reference in their respective total ages:

- US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 812,365, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR;

- US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 812,376, entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER;

- US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 812,382, entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP;

- US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 812,385, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL; and

- US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 812,372,

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36/141 titled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR.

[0085] Numerous specific details are presented to provide a complete understanding of the structure, function, manufacture and general use of the modalities described in the specification 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 modalities described and illustrated in the present invention are non-limiting examples and, therefore, it can be understood that the specific structural and functional details disclosed in the present invention can be representative and illustrative. Variations and changes can be made to this, without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0086] The terms comprise (and any form of understand, as you understand and understand), have (and any form of have, as have and have), include (and any form of include, include and include) and contains (and any form of contains, as contains and that contains) are unrestricted link verbs. As a result, a surgical system, device or apparatus that comprises, has, includes or contains one or more elements has those one or more elements, but is not limited to having only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a surgical system, device or apparatus that comprises, has, includes or contains one or more resources has those one or more resources, but is not limited to having only those one or more resources.

[0087] The terms proximal and distal are used in the present invention with reference to a physician who handles the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term proximal refers to

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37/141 portion closest to the doctor, and the term distal refers to the portion located opposite the doctor. It will also be understood that, for the sake of convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as vertical, horizontal, up and down can be used in the present invention with respect to drawings. However, surgical instruments can be used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and / or absolute.

[0088] Various devices and exemplifying 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 relation to open surgical procedures. With the advancement of this Detailed Description, the reader will also understand that the various instruments disclosed here can be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or perforation formed in tissue, etc. Functional portions or portions of the instrument end actuator can be inserted directly into a patient's body or can be inserted via an access device that has a working channel through which the end actuator and the elongated drive shaft surgical instrument can be advanced.

[0089] The surgical stapling system can 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 modalities are provided for in which a staple cartridge is not removable, or when

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38/141 less readily replaceable, from the first claw. The second claw comprises an anvil configured to deform the staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second claw is pivoting relative to the first claw around a geometric axis of the lid; however, other modalities are foreseen in which the first claw is pivoting in relation to the second claw. The surgical stapling system additionally comprises an articulation joint configured to allow the end actuator to be rotated or articulated in relation to the drive shaft. The end actuator is rotatable about a geometric pivot axis that extends through the pivot joint. Other modalities are foreseen that do not include an articulation joint.

[0090] The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a platform that extends between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of the fabric to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the fabric. The anvil is moved towards the staple cartridge to compress and secure the fabric against the platform. After that, the staples removably stored in the cartridge body can be implanted in the fabric. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein, in which the staples are removably 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 cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple cavities and staples may be possible.

[0091] The clamps are supported by clamp actuators

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39/141 in the cartridge body. The actuators are movable between a first position, or non-triggered position, and a second position, or triggered position, to eject the clamps from the clamp cavities. The drivers are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer that extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient members configured to secure the cartridge body and retain the retainer in the cartridge body. The actuators are movable between their non-triggered positions and their positions triggered by a slider. The slide 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 actuators and lift the actuators, and the staples held therein, towards the anvil.

[0092] In addition to the above, the slider is moved distally by a firing member. The firing member is configured to be in contact with the slide and push the slide towards the distal end. The longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member further comprises a first meat that engages the first claw and a second meat that engages the second claw. As the firing member is advanced distally, the first meat and the second meat can control the distance, or fabric span, between the staple cartridge platform and the anvil. The firing member also comprises a knife configured to make an incision in the tissue captured between the anvil and the staple cartridge. It is desirable for the knife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the inclined surfaces, so that the clamps are ejected in front of the knife.

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40/141 [0093] Figure 1 depicts a motor-driven surgical system 10 that can be used to perform a variety of different surgical procedures. As can be seen in that Figure, an example of surgical system 10 includes four sets of interchangeable surgical tools 100, 200, 300 and 1000 that are adapted for interchangeable use with a handle set 500. Each set of interchangeable surgical tools 100, 200, 300 and 1000 can be designed for use in connection with the performance of one or more specific surgical procedures. In another type of surgical system, interchangeable surgical tool sets can be effectively employed with a tool drive set from a robotically controlled or automated surgical system. For example, the surgical tool sets disclosed herein can be used with various robotic systems, instruments, components and methods, for example, but not limited to those disclosed in US Patent No. 9,072,535, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, which is hereby incorporated by reference, in its entirety.

[0094] Figure 2 illustrates a shape of an interchangeable surgical tool set 100 that is operationally 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 The fastening process shown in Figure 3 can also be used in connection with the fastening of 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 handle assembly 500 may comprise a handle housing 502 that includes a portion of

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41/141 504 pistol grip that can be wielded and handled by the doctor. As will be briefly discussed below, the handle set 500 operationally supports a plurality of drive systems, which are configured to generate and apply various control movements to the corresponding portions of the interchangeable surgical tool set 100, 200, 300 and / or 1000 that is operationally attached to it.

[0095] Now with reference to Figure 3, the handle assembly 500 may also include a frame 506 that operationally supports a plurality of drive systems. For example, frame 506 can operationally support a first drive system or closing drive system, generally referred to as 510, which can be used to apply closing and opening movements to the interchangeable surgical tool set 100, 200 , 300 and 1000 that is fixed or operationally coupled to the handle assembly 500. In at least one form, the closing drive system 510 may include an actuator in the form of a closing trigger 512, articulated supported by the frame 506 This arrangement allows the closing trigger 512 to be manipulated by a physician, so that when the physician grips the pistol grip portion 504 of the grip assembly 500, the closing trigger 512 can be easily rotated from an initial position. or not actuated to an actuated position and, more particularly, to a completely compressed position or completely to tuada. In various forms, the closing drive system 510 additionally includes a set of closing links 514, which is pivotally coupled to the closing trigger 512 or otherwise operationally interfaces with it. As will be discussed in more detail below, in the illustrated example,

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42/141 the set of closing links 514 includes a cross fixation pin 516 which facilitates the attachment to a corresponding drive system in the surgical tool set. In use, to activate the closing drive system, the physician presses the closing trigger 512 towards the pistol grip portion 504. As described in more detail in US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 226,142, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM, currently Publication of Patent Application 2015/0272575, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, when the doctor completely presses the closing trigger 512 to reach the entire closing course, the system Closing actuator is configured to lock the closing trigger 512 in the fully actuated or fully depressed position. When the clinician wishes to unlock the closing trigger 512 to allow it to be forced into the unacted position, the physician simply activates a set of closing release button 518 that allows the closing trigger to return to the unacted position. The lock release button 518 can also be configured to interact with various sensors that communicate with a microcontroller 520 in the handle assembly 500 to track the position of the lock trigger 512. Additional details related to the configuration and operation of the button assembly closing release numbers 518 can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575. [0096] In at least one form, the handle assembly 500 and the frame 506 can operationally support another drive system called in the present invention a trigger drive system 530, which is configured to apply trigger movements to the corresponding portions of the interchangeable surgical tool set that is attached to it. According

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43/141 described in detail in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, the 530 trigger drive system may employ an electric motor (not shown in Figures 1 to 3) which is located in the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle set 500. In various forms, the motor can be a drive motor with direct current brushes, with a maximum speed of approximately 25,000 RPM, for example. In other arrangements, the motor may include a brushless motor, a wireless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor or any other suitable electric motor. The motor can be powered by a power source 522 which, in one form, can comprise a removable power unit. The power unit can 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 522 power source for the surgical system 10. In addition, the 522 power source can be replaceable and / or rechargeable.

[0097] The electric motor is configured to drive axially a longitudinally movable driving 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 driving member 540 will be driven axially in the distal direction DD. When the electric motor is driven in the opposite direction of rotation, the longitudinally movable driving member 540 will be driven axially in the proximal direction PD. The handle assembly 500 may include a key 513 that can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor by the power source 522 or to control the motor in another way. The handle set 500 can also include a sensor or sensors (not shown) that is / are configured to detect the position of the

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44/141 drive member 540 and / or the direction in which drive member 540 is being moved. The motor drive can be controlled by a trigger trigger 532 (Figure 1) pivotally held in the handle assembly 500. The trigger trigger 532 can be rotated between an unacted position and an acted position. The trigger trigger 532 can be moved to the unacted position by means of a spring or other propensity arrangement so that when the physician releases the trigger trigger 532, it can be rotated or, otherwise, returned to the position not acted by means of the spring or the bias arrangement. In at least one way, the trigger trigger 532 can be positioned away from the closing trigger 512, as discussed above. As discussed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, the grip handle 500 can be equipped with a trigger trigger safety button (not shown) to prevent inadvertent triggering of the trigger trigger 532. When the trigger closing mechanism 512 is in the unactivated position, the safety button is contained in the handle set 500, where the doctor cannot readily access it and move it between a safety position, which prevents the trigger trigger 532 from operating, and a firing position at which trigger trigger 532 can be fired. When the doctor presses the closing trigger 512, the safety button and the trigger trigger 532 pivot down to a position where they can then be manipulated by the doctor.

[0098] In at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 may have a toothed rack (not shown) formed thereon for engagement with a corresponding drive gear arrangement (not shown) that interfaces with the motor . Additional details related to the resources can be found in the Publication of

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45/141

US Patent Application No. 2015/0272575. At least one form also includes a rescue set that is configured to allow the physician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 540 if the engine is disabled. The rescue set may include a lever or ejection handle assembly that is stored inside the handle assembly 500 under a removable door 550. The lever is configured to be manually pivoted in ratchet engagement with the teeth on the drive member 540 In this way, the physician can manually retract drive member 540 using the rescue grip assembly to engage drive member 5400 in the proximal direction PD. US Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 249,117, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, currently US Patent No. 8,608,045, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference in the present invention, discloses provisions rescue and other components, arrangements and systems that can also be employed with the various sets of surgical tools disclosed in the present invention.

[0099] Turning now to Figure 2, the interchangeable surgical tool set 100 includes a surgical end actuator 110 comprising a first jaw and a second jaw. In one arrangement, the first jaw comprises an elongated channel 112 which is configured to operationally support a surgical staple cartridge 116 within it. The second claw comprises an anvil 114 which is pivotally supported in relation to the elongated channel 112. The interchangeable surgical tool set 100 also includes a lockable articulated joint 120 that can be configured to releasably secure the end actuator

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46/141

110 in a desired position in relation to an SA drive shaft. Details regarding the various constructions and the operation of the end actuator 110, the joint joint 120 and the joint lock are presented in US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803.086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, currently Publication US Patent Application No. 2014/0263541, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As can also be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the interchangeable surgical tool set 100 may include a proximal housing or nozzle 130 and a closing tube assembly 140 that can be used to close and / or open the anvil 114 of the actuator. end 110. As discussed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, the closing tube assembly 140 is movably supported on a central column 145 that supports the hinge actuator arrangement 147 to apply hinge movements to the surgical end actuator 110. The central column 145 is configured to, firstly, slide a firing bar 170 inwardly and, secondly, to slide the closure tube assembly 140 that extends around central column 145. In various circumstances, central column 145 includes a proximal end that is swiveled on a chassis 150. See Figure 3. In an arrangement, for example, the proximal end of the central column 145 is attached to a dorsal bearing (not shown) that is configured to be held within the chassis 150. This arrangement facilitates the swivel attachment of the column 145 to the chassis 150, so that the column 145 can be selectively rotated about a geometric axis of the drive axis SA in relation to the chassis 150.

[0100] Referring mainly to Figure 3, the set of

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47/141 interchangeable surgical tool 100 includes a movable locking element 160 that is slidably supported within the chassis 150, so that it can be moved axially with respect to it. As can be seen in Figure 3, the movable closing element 160 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 162 configured to be attached to the fixing pin 516, which is attached to the closing link assembly 514 in the handle assembly 500. A proximal closing tube segment 146 of the closing tube assembly 140 is coupled to the closing moving element 160 for relative rotation with respect to it. In this way, when the hooks 162 are hooked on the pin 516, the actuation of the closing trigger 512 will result in the axial movement of the closing mobile element 160 and, finally, of the closing tube assembly 140 in the central column 145. A spring of closure (not shown) can be seated on the closing tube assembly 140 and serves to pull the closing tube 140 in the proximal direction PD, which can serve to rotate the closing trigger 512 to the unacted position when the shaft assembly drive unit 100 is operationally coupled to the handle assembly 500. In use, the assembly of the closing tube 140 is translated distally (direction DD) to close the anvil 114, for example, in response to the actuation of the closing trigger 512. The assembly of the closing tube 140 includes a distal closing tube segment 142 that is pivotally attached to a distal end of a proximal closing tube segment 146. The segment distal closure tube 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 reaches a proximal surface or protrusion 115 on anvil 114, anvil 114 is closed by

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48/141 pivot. Further details regarding the closure of anvil 114 can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, mentioned above, and will be discussed in more detail below. As also described in detail in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, the anvil 114 is opened by proximally translating the distal closing tube segment 142. The distal closing tube segment 142 has a shaped opening horseshoe 143 therein defining a downwardly extending return flap (not shown) that 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 closing tube assembly 140 is in its most proximal or unactivated position.

[0101] As indicated above, the interchangeable surgical tool set 100 additionally includes a firing bar 170 which is supported to perform an axial displacement within the central column of the drive shaft 145. The firing 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 the surgical end actuator 110. In at least one arrangement, the interchangeable surgical tool set 100 includes a set coupling (not shown) that can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the hinge actuator to the firing bar 170. Further 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, the distal movement of the firing bar 170 can move the arrangement of the

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49/141 hinge actuator 147 distally and correspondingly, the proximal movement of the firing bar 170 can move the hinge actuator 147 arrangement proximally. When the coupling assembly is in its disengaged position, the movement of the firing bar 170 is not transmitted to the arrangement of the hinge actuator 147 and, as a result, the firing bar 170 can move independently of the arrangement of the hinge actuator 147 The interchangeable surgical tool set 100 may also include a slip ring assembly (not shown) that can be configured to conduct electrical energy to and / or from end actuator 110 and / or transmit signals to and / or from of 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 hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. US Patent No. 9,345,481, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM is also incorporated in its entirety into the present invention by reference.

[0102] Again with reference 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 inside the corresponding slot 507 formed in the interior of a distal end of the frame 506. Each slot 507 can be tapered or, in other words, have an approximate V shape to seat the fastening portions 152 thereon. As can also be seen in Figure 3, a drive shaft fixation pin 172 is formed in the

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50/141 proximal end of the trigger drive shaft 170. When the interchangeable surgical tool set 100 is coupled to the grip set 500, the drive shaft fixation pin 172 is received in a drive shaft fixation cradle of trigger 542 formed at the distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member 540. The interchangeable surgical tool set 100 also employs a clamp system 180 to reliably secure the drive shaft assembly 100 to the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. In at least one shape, for example, the clamp system 180 includes a locking member or a locking fork 182 that is movably coupled to the chassis 150. The locking fork 182 includes two locking pins that project proximally 184 that are configured to releasably engage the corresponding holders or locking grooves 509 on the fixing flange distal connection of structure 506. In various forms, the locking fork 182 is pulled in the proximal direction by the spring or the pulling member. The actuation of the locking fork 182 can be done by a locking button 186 that is slidably mounted on a locking actuator assembly that is mounted on the chassis 150. The locking button 186 can be forced in a proximal direction in relation to to the locking fork 182. As will be discussed in more detail below, the locking fork 182 can be moved to an unlocked position by pulling the locking button 186 in the distal direction DD, which also causes the locking fork 182 to rotate out of the retaining latch with the fixing flange distal to the frame 506. When the locking fork 182 is in the retaining latch with the fixing flange distal to the frame 506, the locking pins 184 are seated with retention within the holders or corresponding locking grooves 509 at the distal end of the

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51/141 structure 506. Additional details regarding clamp systems can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541.

[0103] 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 doctor can position the frame 150 of the interchangeable surgical tool set 100 above or adjacent at the distal end of the frame 506 so that the tapered clamping portions 152 formed in the frame 150 are aligned with the slot slots 507 in the frame 506. The physician can then move the interchangeable surgical tool set 100 along an axis installation geometry IA that is perpendicular to the geometric axis of the drive shaft SA to seat the tapered fixing portions 152 in operational engagement with the corresponding slot receiving slots 507 at the distal end of the frame 506. When doing this, the fixing pin of the drive axis 172 on the intermediate trip drive axis 170 will also be the seated in the cradle 542 on the longitudinally movable driving member 540 and the pin portions 516 on the closing link 514 will be seated on the corresponding hooks 162 on the closing mobile element 160. As used in the present invention, the term operable hitch in reference to two components it means that the two components are connected to each other in such a way that, by applying a movement of actuation to them, the components can perform the desired action, function and / or procedure.

[0104] Again with reference 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 used with the same handle set 500

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52/141 to perform different surgical procedures. The construction of an exemplary form of the 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 interchangeable surgical tool sets 200 and 300 can be found in the various US Patent applications that were filed on the same date as this document and which have been incorporated herein by reference. Various details regarding the 1000 interchangeable surgical tool set will be discussed in more detail below.

[0105] As shown in Figure 1, each of the surgical tool sets 100, 200, 300 and 1000 includes a pair of claws in which at least one of the claws is movable between the open positions, in which the tissue can be captured or manipulated between the two claws, and the closed positions, in which the fabric is firmly retained between them. The movable claw or movable claws are moved between the open and closed positions by applying opening and closing movements applied to it (s) by the handle set or by the robotic or automated surgical system to which the surgical tool set is operationally coupled. In addition, each of the interchangeable surgical tool sets illustrated includes a firing member that is configured to cut the tissue and to trigger staples from a staple cartridge that is held in one of the jaws in response to firing movements applied to it by the handle set or by the robotic system. Each surgical tool set can be designed exclusively to perform a specific procedure, for example, to cut and secure a specific type of tissue and a specific thickness of tissue within a certain area on the body. The closing, firing and

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53/141 articulation in the handle set 500 or in 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, firing and articulation system used in the surgical tool set. In one arrangement, when a closure control system in the handle assembly or robotic system is fully engaged, one of the control components of the closure system that can, for example, comprise a closure tube assembly as described above, if moves axially from an unacted position to its fully acted position. The axial distance at which the closing tube assembly moves from its unacted position to its fully acted position can be called here as its length of the closing stroke. Similarly, when a firing system in the handle assembly or in the robotic system is fully activated, one of the components of the firing system control which can, for example, comprise the longitudinally movable driving member, as described above, moves axially from its unactivated position to its fully actuated or fired position. The axial distance that the longitudinally movable drive member moves between its unacted position and its fully fired position can be called the trigger stroke length. For surgical tool sets employing articulating end actuator arrangements, the handle set or robotic system may employ components of the joint control that move axially across a length of the joint drive stroke. In many circumstances, the length of the closing stroke, the length of the firing stroke and the length of the pivoting stroke are fixed to one

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54/141 determined handle set or robotic system. Thus, each set of surgical tools must be able to accommodate the control movements of the closing, firing and / or articulation components through each of their entire stroke lengths without placing undue stress on the components of the surgical tool that lead to damage or catastrophic failure of the surgical tool set.

[0106] Now with respect to Figures 4 to 10, the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 includes a surgical end actuator 1100 comprising an elongated channel 1102 which is configured to operationally support a 1110.0 end actuator clamp cartridge 1100.0 inside may additionally include an anvil 1130 which is pivotally supported in relation to the elongated channel 1102. The interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 may further include a hinge joint 1200 and a hinge lock 1210 (Figures 5 and 8 to 10), which it can be configured to release the end actuator 1100 in a desired articulated position in relation to a geometric axis of the drive axis. Details regarding the construction and operation of the 1210 joint 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 The description is hereby incorporated, as a reference, in its entirety. Additional details related to the articulation lock can also be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 019,196, filed on February 9, 2016, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT, the full description of which is incorporated herein of reference. How can be

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55/141 seen in Figure 7, the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 may additionally include a proximal housing or nozzle 1300 composed of the nozzle portions 1302, 1304 as well as an actuator wheel portion 1306 which is configured to be coupled to the portions of the nozzle mounted 1302,1304 by pressure fittings, pins, screws etc. The interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 may additionally include a closing tube assembly 1400 that can be used to close and / or open anvil 1130 of end actuator 1100 as will be discussed further in more detail below. Primarily with reference now to Figures 8 and 9, the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 may include a center column assembly 1500 that can be configured to support hinge lock 1210. In the illustrated arrangement, the center column assembly 1500 comprises a column dorsal or elastic structure member 1510 which will be described in more detail below. A distal end portion 1522 of the elastic central column member 1510 is attached to a segment of distal structure 1560 that operationally supports hinge lock 1210 thereon. As can be seen in Figures 7 and 8, the central column assembly 1500 is configured to, firstly, slide a set of trigger member 1600 in its interior and, secondly, to slide the tube closure 1400 that extends around the center column assembly 1500. The center column assembly 1500 can also be configured to slide a 17x proximal articulation actuator.

[0107] As can be seen in Figure 10, the distal structure segment 1560 is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel 1102 by an end actuator assembly set 1230. In an arrangement, for example, the distal end 1562 of the segment in

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56/141 distal structure 1560 has a pivot pin 1564 formed therein. The pivot pin 1564 is adapted to be pivotally received inside a pivot hole 1234 formed in the pivot base portion 1232 of the end actuator mounting set 1230. The end actuator mounting set 1230 is fixed to the proximal end 1103 of the elongated channel 1102 by means of a spring pin 1105 or other suitable member. The pivot pin 1564 defines a geometric axis of articulation B-B that is transversal to the geometric axis of the drive axis SA. See Figure 4. This arrangement facilitates the pivoting displacement (that is, the articulation) of the end actuator 1100 around the geometric axis B-B of articulation in relation to the central column assembly 1500.

[0108] Still referring to Figure 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the articulation actuator 1700 has a distal end 1702 that is configured to operationally engage the articulation lock 1210. The articulation lock 1210 includes an articulation structure 1212 which is adapted to operationally engage a drive pin 1238 on the pivot base portion 1232 of end actuator mounting assembly 1230. In addition, a cross link 1237 can be connected to drive pin 1238 and hinge structure 1212 to assist articulation of end actuator 1100. As noted above, additional details related to the operation of hinge lock 1210 and hinge structure 1212 can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,086, now Patent Application Publication US No. 2014/0263541. Further details regarding the end actuator and cross link assembly set can be found in US Patent application Serial No. 15 / 019.245, filed on February 9, 2016, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION, the description of which is on here

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57/141 incorporated by reference in the present invention. In various circumstances, the elastic central column member 1510 includes a proximal end 1514 which is swiveled on a chassis 1800. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end 1514 of the elastic central column member 1510 has a thread 1516 formed for threaded attachment to a central column bearing (not shown) that is configured to be held within the 1800 chassis. This arrangement facilitates the swivel attachment of the elastic central column portion 1510 to the 1800 chassis, so that the column assembly center 1500 can be selectively rotated around the geometric axis of the drive shaft SA in relation to the chassis 1800.

[0109] Referring mainly 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 with respect to it. In one form, the movable locking element 1420 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 1421 configured to be attached to the locking pin 516, which is attached to the locking link set 514 in the grip set 500, as discussed above. A proximal end 1412 of a segment of the proximal closing tube 1410 is coupled to the movable closing element 1420 for relative rotation with respect to it. For example, a U-shaped connector 1424 is inserted into an annular slot 1414 at the proximal end 1412 of the segment of the proximal closing tube 1410 and is retained within the vertical slots 1422 in the closing mobile element 1420. See Figure 7. This arrangement serves to fix the segment of the proximal closing tube 1410 to the closing mobile element 1420 for axial displacement with it, at the same time as

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58/141 allows the closing tube assembly 1400 to rotate in relation to the closing mobile transport element 1420 around the geometric axis of the drive axis SA. A closing spring (not shown) is seated on the proximal end 1412 of the segment of the proximal closing tube 1410 and serves to pull the closing tube assembly 1400 in the proximal direction PD, which can serve to rotate the closing trigger 512 on the handle set 500 (Figure 3) to the unacted position when the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 is operationally coupled to the handle set 500.

[0110] As indicated above, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 includes an articulated joint 1200. Other interchangeable surgical tool sets, however, may not be capable of pivoting. As can be seen in Figure 10, the upper and lower protuberances 1415, 1416 protrude distally from a distal end of the segment of the proximal closing tube 1410 to be movably coupled to a closing sleeve of the end or segment actuator of the distal closing tube 1430 of the closing tube assembly 1400. As can be seen in Figure 10, the distal closing tube segment 1430 includes the 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 the corresponding holes in the upper protrusions 1415, 1434 of the proximal closing tube segment 1410 and the distal closing tube segment 1430, respectively. Similarly, an upper double pivot link 1222 includes proximal and distal pins that engage the corresponding holes in the upper protrusions 1416 and 1436 of the proximal closing tube segment 1410 and the tube segment

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59/141 of distal closure 1430, respectively. As will be discussed in more detail below, the distal and proximal axial translation of the closing tube assembly 1400 will result in the opening and closing of the anvil 1130 in relation to the elongated channel 1102.

[0111] As mentioned above, the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 additionally includes a firing member set 1600 that is supported to perform axial displacement within the back column set 1500. In the illustrated embodiment, the firing member set 1600 includes a firing drive shaft intermediate portion 1602, which is configured to connect to a distal cutting portion or cutting bar 1610. The firing member assembly 1600 can also be called in the present invention a second firing axis drive and / or a second drive shaft assembly. As can be seen in Figures 7 to 10, the intermediate portion of the firing drive axis 1602 can include a longitudinal slot 1604 at its distal end, which can be configured to receive a flap (not shown) at the proximal end of the cutter bar 1610. The longitudinal slot 1604 and the proximal end of the cutter bar 1610 can be sized and configured to allow relative movement between them and may comprise a sliding joint 1612. The sliding joint 1612 can allow the drive shaft portion of intermediate firing 1602 of firing member assembly 1600 is moved to articulate end actuator 1100 without moving, or at least substantially moving, cutter bar 1610. Once end actuator 1100 has been properly oriented, the portion of the intermediate firing drive shaft 1602 can be advanced distally to a proximal side wall of the longitudinal slot 1604 contact the flap on the cutter bar 1610 in order to advance the cutter bar 1610 and fire

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60/141 a staple cartridge 1110 positioned inside the elongated channel 1102. As can be seen in Figures 8 and 9, the elastic central column member 1520 has an elongated opening or window 1525 inside it to facilitate assembly and installation. insertion of the intermediate portion of the trigger drive shaft 1602 into the member of the elastic central column 1520. When the intermediate portion of the trigger drive shaft 1602 has been inserted into it, an upper segment of the structure 1527 can be engaged with the column member elastic center 1520 to enclose the intermediate portion of the firing drive shaft 1602 and the cutter bar 1610 in itself. A more detailed discussion of the operation of the firing member assembly 1600 can be seen in US Patent Application Publication No. 13 / 803,086, now US Patent Application Serial No. 2014/0263541.

[0112] In addition to the above, the interchangeable tool set 1000 can include a coupling set 1620, which can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the proximal articulation actuator 1800 to the set of the firing member 1600. In one form , the coupling assembly 1620 comprises a locking ring or sleeve 1622 positioned around the firing member assembly 1600, where the locking sleeve 1622 can be rotated between an engaged position, where the locking sleeve 1622 engages the driver pivot 1700 to the firing member 1600, and a disengaged position, in which the pivot driver 1700 is not operably coupled to the firing member 1600. When locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, the distal movement of the firing member assembly 1600 can move the hinge actuator 1700 distally and, correspondingly, the proximal movement of the the firing member 1600 can move the trigger

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61/141 articulation 1700 proximally. When locking sleeve 1622 is in its disengaged position, movement of the firing member 1600 is not transmitted to the hinge driver 1700 and, as a result, the firing member 1600 can move independently of the hinge trigger 1700. In various circumstances, the proximal pivot trigger 1700 can be held in position by pivot lock 1210 when pivot trigger 1700 is not being moved in the proximal or distal directions by the firing member assembly 1600. [0113] With reference principally to Figure 7, the locking sleeve 1622 may comprise a cylindrical body, or at least substantially cylindrical, including a longitudinal opening 1624 defined therein, configured to receive the assembly of the firing member 1600. The locking sleeve 1622 can comprise projections of lock 1626, 1628 diametrically opposite inward and a lock member 1629 facing outward. Locking projections 1626, 1628 can 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 projections locking elements 1626, 1628 are positioned within a drive notch 1605 defined in the middle portion of the trigger drive shaft 1602, so that a distal thrust force and / or a proximal pull force can be transmitted from the member assembly trigger 1600 for locking sleeve 1622. When locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, the second locking member 1629 is received inside a drive notch 1704 defined in the hinge driver 1700, so that the force distal compression and / or the proximal traction force applied to the locking sleeve

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1622 can be transmitted to the hinge driver 1700. In effect, the trigger member 1600, locking sleeve 1622 and hinge 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 inside the drive notch 1605 of the intermediate portion of the trigger drive shaft 1602 of the trigger member assembly 1600 and, as a result, a distal thrust force and / or a proximal pull force may not be transmitted from the firing member assembly 1600 to the locking sleeve 1622. Correspondingly, the distal pressing force and / or the pulling force proximal traction may not be transmitted to the 1700 hinge driver. In these circumstances, the firing member assembly 1600 can be slid proximally and / or distally from the locking sleeve 1622 and the 1700 proximal hinge driver. The 1620 coupling assembly additionally includes a 1630 switching drum that interfaces with the 1622 locking sleeve. operation of the switching drum and locking sleeve 1622 can be found in US Patent application N ^Q. serial number 13 / 803,086, currently US Patent Application Publication N ^Q. Serial No. 2014/0263541, and Serial No. 15 / 019.196. The switching drum 1630 can additionally comprise at least partially circumferential openings 1632, 1634 defined therein, which can receive circumferential sockets 1305 extending from the nozzle halves 1302, 1304 and allow relative rotation, but not translation, between the switching barrel 1630 and the proximal nozzle 1300. See Figure 6. The rotation of the nozzle 1300 to a point where the crimps reach the end of their respective slits 1632,1634

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63/141 on switching drum 1630 will result in rotation of switching drum 1630 around the SA-SA geometry axis of the drive axis. The rotation of the switching drum 1630 will ultimately result in the movement of the locking sleeve 1622 between its engaged and disengaged positions. In this way, essentially, the nozzle 1300 can be used to operationally engage and disengage the articulation drive system with the trigger drive system in the various ways described in more detail in US 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 hereby incorporated by reference in their respective entirety.

[0114] In the illustrated arrangement, the switching barrel 1630 includes an L-shaped slot 1636 that extends into a distal opening 1637 in the switching barrel 1630. The distal opening 1637 receives a transverse pin 1639 from a displacement plate 1638. In one example, the displacement plate 1638 is received within a longitudinal slot (not shown) that is provided in the locking sleeve 1622 to facilitate axial movement of the locking sleeve 1622 when engaged with the 1700 pivoting actuator. More details referring to the operation of the displacement plate and switching drum provisions can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 868,718, filed on September 28, 2015, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH SHAFT RELEASE, POWERED FIRING AND POWERED ARTICULATION , the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference in the present invention.

[0115] Also as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the interchangeable tool set 1000 may comprise a slip ring set 1640 that can be configured to conduct electrical energy

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64/141 to the end actuator 1100 and / or from and / or transmit signals to the end actuator 1100 and / or from it back to a microprocessor in the handle assembly or robotic system controller, for example. More details on the 1640 slip ring assembly and associated connectors can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,086, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541 and US Patent Application No. Serial No. 15 / 019.196, each of which has been incorporated herein by reference in its respective entirety 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 No. 2014/0263552, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. As also described in more detail in the aforementioned patent applications which have been incorporated herein by reference, the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 may also comprise at least one sensor which is configured to detect the position of the switching barrel 1630.

[0116] Again with reference 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 inside the corresponding slot cracks 507 formed in the interior of 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 fixing pin 1605 is formed at the proximal end of the intermediate trigger drive shaft 1602. As will be discussed in more detail below, when the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 is attached to the handle set 500, the pin for fixing the drive shaft 1605 is received in a cradle

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65/141 fixing the trigger drive shaft 542 which is formed at the distal end of the longitudinal drive member 540. See Figure 3.

[0117] Various sets of interchangeable surgical tools employ an 1810 locking system to removably attach the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 to the frame 506 of the handle set 500. As can be seen in Figure 7, for example, at least In one way, the locking system 1810 includes a locking member or locking fork 1812 that is movably coupled to the chassis 1800. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the locking fork 1812 has a U shape with two spaced legs that extend downwards 1814. The legs 1814 each have a pivot pin (not shown) formed therefrom, which are adapted to be received in corresponding holes 1816 formed in the 1800 frame. This arrangement facilitates the pivoting attachment of the fork 1812 locking to the 1800 chassis. The 1812 locking fork may include two locking pins that protrude proximally 1818 which are configured to release reliably to the corresponding holders or locking grooves 509 at the distal end of the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. See Figure 3. In various ways, the locking fork 1812 is pulled in the proximal direction by a spring or member traction 1819. The actuation of the 1812 locking fork can be done by a 1820 locking button that is slidably mounted on a 1822 lock actuator assembly that is mounted on the 1800 chassis. The 1820 locking button can be forced into a proximal direction in relation to the locking fork 1812. The locking fork 1812 can be moved to an unlocked position by pulling the locking button 1820 in the distal direction, which also causes the locking fork

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1812 pivot out of the retaining latch with the distal end of the frame 506. When the locking fork 1812 is in latching engagement with the distal end of the frame 506, the locking pins 1818 are seated with retention within the holders or grooves corresponding latches 509 at the distal end of the frame 506.

[0118] In the illustrated arrangement, the locking fork 1812 includes at least one and, preferably, two locking hooks 1824 which are adapted to come into contact with corresponding locking pin portions 1426 which are formed in the closing mobile element 1420 When the closing mobile element 1420 is in an unactivated position, the locking fork 1812 can be rotated in a distal direction to unlock the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 from the handle set 500. When in this position, the locking hooks locking 1824 do not come into contact with the locking pin portions 1426 on the closing transport element 1420. However, when the moving closing element 1420 is moved to an actuated position, the locking fork 1812 is prevented from being rotated to a unlocked position. In other words, if the doctor tries to turn the 1812 locking fork to an unlocked position or, for example, if the 1812 locking fork is inadvertently raised or brought into contact in a way that could otherwise cause it to rotate distally, the locking hooks 1824 on the locking fork 1812 make contact with the locking pins 1426 on the closing transport element 1420 and prevent the movement of the locking fork 1812 to an unlocked position.

[0119] Still referring to Figure 10, the cutting bar 1610 can comprise a laminated beam structure that includes at least

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67/141 two layers of beam. Such beam layers may comprise, for example, stainless steel strips which are interconnected, for example, by welding or fixing joints at their proximal ends and / or at other locations along their length. In alternative embodiments, the distal ends of the strips are not connected to allow the laminates or strips to spread out relative to each other when the end actuator is pivoted. Such an arrangement allows the cutter bar 1610 to be flexible enough to accommodate the articulation of the end actuator. Various provisions of the laminated cutter bar are disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 019,245. As can also be seen in Figure 10, an intermediate support member 1614 is employed to provide lateral support to the cutter bar 1610 as it flexes to accommodate the articulation of the surgical end actuator 1100. More details related to the intermediate support member and the Alternative cutter support arrangements are presented in US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 019,245. As can also be seen in Figure 10, a firing member or cutting member 1620 is attached to the distal end of the cutting bar 1610.

[0120] Figure 11 illustrates a shape of a firing member 1660 that can be used with the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000. In an exemplary form, firing member 1660 comprises a body portion 1662 that includes a connecting element Proximally extending 1663 which is configured to be received in an opening of the correspondingly shaped connector 1614 at the distal end of the cutter bar 1610. See Figure 10. The connector 1663 can be retained within the connector opening 1614 by friction and / or welding or suitable adhesive, etc. Body portion 1662 projects through an elongated slot 1104 in the channel

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68/141 elongated 1102 and ends at a foot element 1664 that extends laterally on each side of the body portion 1662. As the firing member 1660 is driven distally through the surgical staple cartridge 1110, the foot element 1664 moves within a passage 1105 in the elongated channel 1102 which is located under the surgical staple cartridge 1110. As can be seen in Figure 11, a shape of the firing member 1660 may also include central flaps, pins or retaining features 1680 that protrude laterally. As the firing member 1660 is driven distally through the surgical staple cartridge 1110, the central retaining features 1680 travel over the inner surface 1106 of the elongated channel 1102. The body portion 1662 of the firing member 1660 additionally includes a cutting edge or tissue cutting feature 1666 which is disposed between a distally projecting hook feature 1665 and a distally projecting top nose portion 1670. As can be seen further in Figure 11, firing member 1660 can additionally include two top flaps, pins, or 1665 anvil hitch features that extend laterally. As the firing member 1660 is driven distally, a top portion of the body 1662 extends through an anvil slit 1138 centrally arranged and the upper anvil engaging features 1672 slide over corresponding protrusions 1136 formed on each side of the anvil slit 1134. See Figures 13 and 14.

[0121] Again with reference to Figure 10, the firing member 1660 is configured to interface operationally with a slide assembly 1120 that is operationally supported within the body 1111 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110.0 slide assembly 1120 is slidably displaceable inside the 1111 surgical staple cartridge body from an initial position

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69/141 proximal adjacent to the proximal end 1112 of the cartridge body 1111 to a final position adjacent to the distal end 1113 of the cartridge body 1111. The cartridge body 1111 operationally supports within it a plurality of clip drivers (not shown) that are aligned in rows on each side of a centrally arranged slot 1114. The centrally arranged slot 1114 allows the firing member 1660 to pass through it and cut the fabric that is stuck between the anvil 1130 and the staple cartridge 1110. The drivers they are associated with corresponding pockets 1116 that open through the upper platform surface 1115 of the cartridge body. Each of the clamp actuators holds one or more clamps or surgical clips (not shown) on it. Slider assembly 1120 includes a plurality of inclined or wedge-shaped meat 1122 in which each meat 1122 corresponds to a particular line of fasteners or actuators located on one side of slit 1114. In the illustrated example, meat 1122 is aligned with a line of double actuators that each hold two clamps or fasteners in the same and another meat 1122 is aligned with another line of single actuators on the same side of the slit 1114 that each operationally support a single surgical clamp or fastener in the same . Thus, in the illustrated example, when the 1110 surgical staple cartridge is fired, there will be three staple lines on each side of the tissue cut line. However, other cartridge and driver configurations could also be employed to trigger other clip / fastener arrangements. The slide assembly 1120 has a central body portion 1124 that is configured to be engaged by the hook portion 1665 of the firing member 1660. Thus, when the firing member 1660 is fired or driven distally, the firing member 1660

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70/141 also drives the 1120 slide assembly distally. As the firing member 1660 moves distally through the cartridge 1110, the fabric cutting feature 1666 cuts the fabric that is stuck between the anvil assembly 1130 and the cartridge 1110 and the slide assembly 1120 drives the triggers upward in the cartridge that activate the corresponding clamps or fasteners in formation contact with the 1130 anvil set.

[0122] In embodiments where the firing member includes a fabric cutting surface, it may be desirable for the elongated drive shaft assembly to be configured to prevent accidental advancement of the firing member, unless a firing cartridge unused staples is adequately supported in the elongated channel 1102 of surgical end actuator 1100. If, for example, no staple cartridge is present and the firing member is distally advanced through the end actuator, the tissue would be cut but not stapled . Similarly, if a staple cartridge used (that is, 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 fabric would be cut, but it may not be fully stapled if it were stapled. It will be recognized that such occurrences could lead to undesirable catastrophic results during the surgical procedure. US Patent No. 6,988,649 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, US Patent No. 7,044,352 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, US Patent No. 7,380,695 entitled SUR 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

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LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS SPENT OR MISSING each reveal several trigger member locking arrangements. Each of these patents is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0123] An unshot, uns worn, fresh or new 1110 cartridge means that the 1110 cartridge has all of its fasteners in their positions ready to be fired. When in this position, the 1120 slide assembly is located in its initial position. The new cartridge 1110 is seated within the elongated channel 1102 and can be retained there by snap-fit features on the cartridge body, which are configured to engage corresponding portions of the elongated channel 1102 by retention. Figures 15 and 18 illustrate a portion of the surgical end actuator 1100 with a new or unloaded surgical staple cartridge 1110 seated there. As can be seen in those Figures, the slide assembly 1120 is in the starting position. To prevent the trigger system from being activated and, more precisely, to prevent the trigger member 1660 from being driven distally through the end actuator 1110a unless an untapped or new surgical staple cartridge has been properly seated inside the channel elongated 1102, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 employs a trigger member locking system generically designated as 1650.

[0124] Now with reference to Figures 10 and 15 to 19, in one form, the locking member of the firing member 1650 includes a movable locking member 1652 which is configured to engage by locking the firing member 1660 when a surgical clamps 1110 are not properly seated within the elongated channel 1102. Locking member 1652 comprises at least

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72/141 minus a laterally movable locking portion 1654, which is configured to engage by locking a corresponding portion of the firing member when the slide assembly 1120 is not present inside the cartridge 1110 in its initial position. In the illustrated arrangement, the locking member 1652 employs two laterally moving locking portions 1654 wherein each locking portion 1654 engages a laterally extending portion of the firing member 1660.

[0125] In the illustrated embodiment, locking member 1652 comprises a general U-shaped spring member where 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 directions that are transversal to the geometric axis of the drive axis SA. The 1652 spring or locking member can be manufactured from high-strength spring steel or similar material. The central spring portion 1653 can be seated within a slot 1236 in the end actuator assembly set 1230. See Figure 10. As can be seen in Figures 15 to 17, each of the legs laterally movable 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 side extends into the corresponding locking window 1658 to prevent retention by the firing member be advanced axially and distally.

[0126] 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 1100 surgical end actuator with a new, non-triggered cartridge 1110 properly installed in the

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73/141 same. As can be seen in these Figures, the slide assembly 1120 includes an unlocking feature 1126 that corresponds to each of the laterally movable locking portions 1654. In the illustrated arrangement, an unlocking feature 1126 is provided over or extends proximally from each of the central wedge-shaped meat 1122. In alternative arrangements, the unlocking feature 1126 may comprise a portion projecting proximally to the corresponding wedge-shaped meat 1122. As can be seen in Figure 18, when the slide assembly 1120 is in its initial position, the unlocking features 1124 engage and pull the corresponding locking portions 1654 laterally in a direction that is transverse to the geometric axis of the drive shaft SA. When locking portions 1654 are in these unlocked orientations, the central features of retainer 1680 are not in locking engagement with their corresponding locking window 1658. When in these orientations, firing member 1660 can be advanced distally and axially (fired). However, when a cartridge is not present in the elongated channel 1102 or the slide assembly has been moved out of its initial position (meaning that the cartridge is partially or completely fired), the locking portions 1654 stretch laterally for retention engagement with the firing member 1660. When in this position, as shown in Figure 19, firing member 1660 cannot be moved distally.

[0127] Figures 16 and 17 illustrate the retraction of the firing member 1660 back to the initial position after firing of the cartridge 1110 and the actuation of the slide assembly 1120 distally. Figure 16 represents the initial re-engagement of the retention feature 1680 to its corresponding locking window 1658. Figure 17 illustrates the retention feature in its locked position when the firing member 1660

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74/141 has been fully retracted back to its starting position. To aid in the lateral displacement of the locking portions 1654 when they are initially brought into contact by the proximally moving retention features 1680, each of the retention features 1680 can be provided with a laterally tapered end portion and facing in the proximal direction . Such a locking system prevents the triggering member 1660 from acting when a new, unexplored cartridge is not present or when a new, unexplored cartridge is present, but has not been properly seated in the elongated channel 1102. In addition, the locking system can prevent that the physician advances the firing member distally in the event that a spent or partially fired cartridge has been inadvertently properly seated within the elongated channel. A further advantage that can be provided by the locking system 1650 is that, unlike other locking arrangements of the firing member which require movement of the firing member to and from alignment with the corresponding slots / passages in the staple cartridge , the firing member 1660 remains in alignment with the cartridge passages while in the locked and unlocked position. The locking portions 1654 are designed to move laterally for engagement and out of engagement with the corresponding sides of the firing member. Such lateral movement of the locking portions or portion is distinguishable from other locking arrangements that move in vertical directions to engage and disengage portions of the firing member.

[0128] Again with reference to Figures 13 and 14, in one form, anvil 1130 includes an elongated anvil body portion 1132 and a proximal anvil assembly portion 1150. The elongated anvil body portion 1132 includes an outer surface 1134 which defines two fabric stop members extending to

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75/141 low 1136 which are adjacent to the proximal anvil mounting portion 1150. The elongated anvil body portion 1132 also includes an underside 1135 which defines an elongated anvil slot 1138. In the illustrated arrangement shown in Figure 14, the slot anvil 1138 is centrally arranged on the bottom side 1135. The bottom side 1135 includes three rows 1140, 1141, 1142 of staple forming pockets 1143, 1144 and 1145 located on each side of the anvil slit 1138. Adjacent to each side of the slit anvil 1138 are two elongated anvil passages 1146. Each pass 1146 has a proximal ramp portion 1148. See Figure 13. As the firing member 1660 is distally advanced, the upper anvil engaging features 1632 initially enter the ramp portions corresponding proximal 1148 and within the corresponding elongated anvil passages 1146.

[0129] Returning to Figures 12 and 13, the anvil slot 1138, as well as the proximal ramp portion 1148, extend into the anvil mounting portion 1150. In other words, the anvil slot 1138 forks or divides the anvil mounting portion 1150 into two anvil fixing flanges 1151. The anvil fixing flanges 1151 are coupled together at their proximal ends by a connection bridge 1153. The connection bridge 1153 serves to support the connection flanges anvil fixing 1151 and can serve to make the anvil mounting portion 1150 more rigid than the mounting portions of other anvil arrangements where the anvil fixing 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 the upper anvil engaging features 1632 of the firing member 1660.

[0130] As can be seen in Figures 13 and 20 to 24, each of the

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76/141 anvil fixing flanges 1151 includes a cross 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 secured to the proximal end 1103 of the elongated channel 1102 by a pivot pin 1158 that extends through mounting holes 1107 at the proximal end 1103 of the elongated channel 1102 and the mounting hole 1156 in the anvil mounting portion 1150. This arrangement serves to pivot anvil 1130 to the elongated channel 1102 for selective pivoting displacement around a fixed AA axis of the anvil, which is transverse to the geometric axis of the drive shaft SA. See Figure 5. The anvil mounting portion 1150 also includes a cam surface 1152 that extends from a centralized parking area of the firing member 1154 to the outer surface 1134 of the anvil body portion 1132.

[0131] In the illustrated arrangement, the anvil 1130 is moved between an open position and closed positions by means of the axial advance and retraction of the segment of the distal closing tube 1430. As will be discussed in more detail below, a distal end portion of the segment of the distal closing tube 1430 has an internal meat surface formed on it that is configured to cam engage the meat surface 1552 or the meat surfaces formed on the anvil mounting portion 1150. Figure 22 illustrates a meat surface 1152a formed on the anvil mounting portion 1150 so as to establish a single contact path 1155a with the inner meat surface 1444, for example, on the distal closing tube segment 1430. Figure 23 illustrates a meat surface 1152b which is configured in relation to the internal meat surface 1444 in the segment of the distal closing tube to establish two trajectories separate arched contact ways

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77/141 and distinct 1155b between the cam surface 1152 in the anvil mounting portion 1150 and the inner cam surface 1444 in the distal closing pipe segment 1430. In addition to other potential advantages discussed in the present invention, such an arrangement can serve to better distribute the closing forces of the distal closing pipe segment 1430 to the anvil 1130. Figure 24 illustrates a meat surface 1152c that is configured with respect to the internal meat surface 1444 of the distal closing pipe segment 1430 to establish three distinct contact zones 1155c and 1155d between the meat surfaces on the anvil mounting portion 1150 and the distal closing tube segment 1430. Zones 1155c, 1155d establish larger areas of meat contact between the meat surface or the meat surfaces on the distal closing pipe segment 1430 and the anvil mounting portion 1150 and can serve as distr better assign the closing forces to the 1130 anvil.

[0132] As the distal closing tube segment 1430 engages with meat to the anvil mounting portion 1150 of the anvil 1130, the anvil 1130 is rotated around the geometric axis AA of the anvil, resulting in the pivoting movement of the distal end from the end 1133 of the elongated body portion of the anvil 1132 towards the surgical staple cartridge 1110 and the distal end 1105 of the elongated channel 1102. When the body portion of the anvil 1132 begins to rotate, it comes into contact with the tissue to be cut and stapled which is now positioned between the bottom side 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 on the fabric, the anvil 1130 can experiment considerable amounts of resistive forces. These resistive forces are overcome as the closing tube

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78/141 distal 1430 continues its distal advance. 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 portions of the anvil 1130 to flex, which can generally be undesirable. For example, such flexion can cause misalignment between the firing member 1660 and the passages 1148, 1146 inside the anvil 1130. In cases where the flexion is excessive, such flexion could significantly increase the amount of firing force required to fire the instrument. (ie, trigger the firing member 1660 through the fabric from its initial to the final position). Such excessive firing force may result in damage to the end actuator, and / or the firing member, and / or the cutter bar, and / or the components of the firing system, etc. Thus, it may be advantageous for the anvil to be constructed in such a way as to resist such bending. [0133] Figures 25 to 27 illustrate an alternative anvil modality that includes features that can improve the stiffness 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 the anvil 1130 described above except for the differences discussed in the present invention. As can be seen in these Figures, anvil 1130 'has an elongated anvil body 1132' which has an upper body portion 1165 which has an anvil cap 1170 attached to it. In the embodiment shown in Figures 25 to 27, the anvil lid 1170 is approximately rectangular in shape and has an outer perimeter of the lid 1172. The perimeter 1172 of the anvil lid 1170 is configured to be inserted through the correspondingly shaped opening 1137 formed in the portion upper body 1165 and received in internal protruding portions that extend axially 1139 formed there. See Figure 27. The 1139 internal projecting portions are configured to

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79/141 hold 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 projecting portion is provided. The anvil body 1132 and the anvil cover 1170 can be manufactured from suitable metal that is conducive to welding. A first weld 1178 may extend around the entire perimeter of the lid 1172 of the anvil lid 1170 or may be located only along the long sides 1177 of the anvil lid 1170 and not its distal end 1173 and / or proximal end 1175 The first weld 1178 can be continuous or it can be discontinuous or intermittent. In those embodiments where the first weld 1178 is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments can be equally 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 welding segments can be more densely spaced in the central areas of the long sides 1177 of the anvil cover 1170.

[0134] Figures 28 to 30 illustrate an anvil cover 1170 'which 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 retaining formations 1182 are formed on the wall 1180 of the upper body portion 1165 which defines the opening 1137. As used in this context, the term mechanically interlocked means that the anvil cover will remain attached to the elongated body of the anvil regardless of the orientation of the elongated body of the anvil and without any retention or additional fixation as

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80/141 welding and / or adhesive, for example. Retention formations 1182 may project inwardly into opening 1137 from the wall of opening 1180. Retention formations 1182 may be integrally formed in wall 1180 or otherwise attached to it. The retention formations 1182 are designed to frictionally engage a corresponding portion of the anvil cover 1170 'and when it is installed in the opening 1137 to friction the anvil cover 1170' in its interior. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention formations 1182 project into the opening 1137 and are configured to be received by friction within a correspondingly shaped hitch area 1184 formed at the outer perimeter 1172 'of the anvil cover 1170'. In the illustrated arrangement, the retaining formations 1182 only correspond to the long sides 1177 'of the anvil cover 1170' and are not provided in the portions of the wall 1180 that correspond to the distal end 1173 or the proximal end 1175 of the anvil cover 1170 '. In alternative arrangements, the retaining formations 1182 can also be provided in the portions of the wall 1180 that correspond to the distal end 1173 and the proximal end 1175 of the anvil cover 1170 as well as its long sides 1177. In still other arrangements, the formations of retainer 1182 can be provided only in the portions of the wall 1180 that correspond to one or both of the distal and proximal ends 1173, 1175 of the anvil cover 1170 '. In still other arrangements, retaining formations 1182 can be provided only in the portions of the wall 1180 which correspond to the long sides 1177 'and only one of the distal and proximal ends 1173, 1175 of the anvil cover 1170'. It will also be understood that the retaining protrusions in all the aforementioned modalities can alternatively be formed on the anvil cover with the engagement areas being formed on the elongated body of the anvil.

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81/141 [0135] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 28 to 30, the retaining formations 1182 are equally spaced or evenly distributed along portions of wall 1180 corresponding to the long sides 1177 'of the anvil cover 1170'. In alternative embodiments, the retention formations 1182 may be more densely spaced closer to the distal ends of the long sides 1177, or more densely spaced closer to the proximal ends of their long sides 1177. In other words, the spacing between these formations of retention adjacent to the distal end, proximal end or both distal and proximal ends may be less than the spacing of the formations located in the central portion of the anvil cover 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 cover 1170'. Also in alternative embodiments, the correspondingly shaped hitch areas 1184 may not be provided on the outer perimeter 1172 'or on portions of the outer perimeter 1172' of the anvil cover 1170 '. In other modalities, the retention formations and the correspondingly shaped hitch areas can be provided with different shapes and sizes. In alternative arrangements, the retention formations can be dimensioned in relation to the hitch areas so that there is no interference fit between them. In such arrangements, the anvil cover can be held in position by welding, adhesive, etc.

[0136] In the illustrated example, a weld 1178 'may extend around the entire perimeter 1172' of the anvil cover 1170 'or the probe 1178' may be located only along the long sides 1177 'of the anvil cover 1170' and not its distal end 1173 and / or proximal end 1175. Weld 1178 'can be continuous or discontinuous or intermittent. In those modalities where the solder

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1178 'is discontinuous or intermittent, the welding segments can be evenly distributed along the long sides 1177' of the anvil cap 1170 'or the welding 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 welding segments can be more densely spaced in the central areas on the long sides 1177 'of the anvil cover 1170'.

[0137] Figures 31 and 32 illustrate another anvil arrangement 1130, which has an anvil cover 1170 removably attached thereto. In the example shown, the anvil lid 1170 is approximately rectangular in shape and has an outer perimeter of the lid 1172. The outer perimeter of the lid 1172 is configured to be inserted through the correspondingly shaped opening 1137 in the upper portion of the body 1165 of the anvil body. 1132, and received in internal protruding portions that extend axially 1139 and 1190 formed there. See Figure 32. The protruding portions 1139 and 1190 are configured to support the corresponding long sides 1177 of the anvil cover 1170. In an alternative embodiment, the anvil cover 1170 can be slid over the internal projections 1139 and 1190 through an opening ( not shown) at the distal end 1133 of the anvil body 1132 '. The anvil body 1132 and the anvil cover 1170 can be manufactured from metallic material that is conducive to welding. A first weld 1178 can extend around the entire perimeter 1172 of the anvil cover 1170 or it can be located only along the long sides 1177 of the anvil cover 1170 and not its distal end 1173 and / or proximal end (not shown) ). Welding 1178 can be continuous or discontinuous or intermittent. It will be understood that the welding mode

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83/141 continuous has a larger weld surface area due to the irregularly shaped perimeter of the anvil cover 1170, compared to the modalities with straight perimeter sides such as the anvil covers shown in Figure 26, for example. In those embodiments where the weld 1178 is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments can be equally 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 welding segments can be more densely spaced in the central areas of the long sides 1177 of the anvil cover 1170.

[0138] Still with reference to Figures 31 and 32, the anvil cover 1170 can be additionally welded to the anvil body 1132 by a plurality of second discrete deep fixing welds 1192. For example, each weld 1192 can be placed on the bottom of a corresponding hole or opening 1194 provided through the anvil cap 1170 so that a distinct weld 1192 can be formed along the portion of the anvil body 1132 between the ridges 1190 and 1139. See Figure 32. The welds 1192 can be equally distributed along the long sides 1177 of the anvil cover 1170 or the welds 1192 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 welds 1192 can be more densely spaced in the central areas on the long sides 1177 of the anvil cover 1170.

[0139] Figure 33 illustrates another anvil cover 1170 'that is configured to be mechanically interlocked to the anvil body

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1132 'as well as welded to the upper body portion 1165. In this embodiment, a grooved tongue arrangement is employed along each long side 1177' of the anvil cover 1170 '. In particular, a flap that extends laterally continuously or intermittently 1195 'projects from each of the long sides 1177' of the anvil cover 1170 '. Each flap 1195 'corresponds to an axial slot 1197' formed in the anvil body 1132 '. The anvil cover 1170 'is slid out of an opening (not shown) at the distal end of the anvil body 1132' to mechanically affix the anvil cover to the anvil body 1132 '. The flaps 1195 'and slots 1197' can be dimensioned in relation to each other to establish a sliding friction fit between them. In addition, the anvil cover 1170 'can be welded to the body of the anvil 1132'. The anvil body 1132 and the anvil cover 1170 'can be manufactured from metal that is conducive to welding. The weld 1178 'can extend around the entire perimeter 1172' of the anvil cover 1170 'or it can be located only along the long sides 1177' of the anvil cover 1170 '. Welding 1178 'can be continuous or discontinuous or intermittent. In those embodiments where the weld 1178 'is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments can be equally 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 long sides 1177'. In still other arrangements, the welding segments can be more densely spaced in the central areas on the long sides 1177 'of the anvil cover 1170'.

[0140] The anvil modalities described here with anvil caps can provide several advantages. An advantage, for

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85/141 example, can make the process of assembling the anvil and the firing member assembly easier. That is, the firing member can be installed through the opening in the anvil body while the anvil is attached to the elongated channel. Another advantage is that the top cover can improve the anvil's stiffness and resistance to the aforementioned bending forces that can be experienced during tissue clamping. By resisting such bending, the frictional forces normally encountered by the firing member 1660 can be reduced. In this way, the amount of firing force required to drive the firing member from its initial position to the final position on the surgical staple cartridge can also be reduced.

[0141] 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 compressed on the tissue, the anvil 1130 can experience considerable amounts of resistive forces. To continue the closing process, these resistive forces must be overcome by the distal closing pipe segment 1430 as it comes into contact with the anvil 1150 mounting portion. These resistive forces can generally be applied to the pipe segment distal closure tube 1430 in vertical directions, V which, if excessive, could cause the distal closure tube segment 1430 to expand or lengthen in the vertical direction (the ID distance in Figure 31 may increase). If the distal closing tube 1430 extends in the vertical directions, the distal closing tube segment 1430 may not be effectively able to close the anvil 1130 and retain the anvil 1130 in the fully closed position. If this condition occurs, trigger member 1660 can

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86/141 encounters dramatically greater resistance which then will require greater firing forces to advance the firing member distally.

[0142] Figures 34 and 35 illustrate a way for a closing member to apply a closing movement to a moving jaw of a surgical instrument. In the illustrated arrangement, the closing member comprises, for example, a distal closing tube segment 1430 having a closing body portion 1470. As discussed above, a shape of the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 is configured to facilitate the selective joint of the surgical end actuator 1100. To facilitate this articulation, the distal closing tube segment 1430 is movably coupled to the proximal closing tube segment 1410 by means of an upper projection 1434 and a lower projection 1436 and by double upper and lower pivot links 1220 and 1222. See Figure 10. In one arrangement, the distal closing pipe segment 1430 can be machined or otherwise formed from a round bar made from, for example, suitable metal material . In the illustrated arrangement, the closing body 1470 has an outer surface 1431 and an inner surface 1433 that defines an upper wall portion 1440 that has a thickness in upper wall cross section UWT and a lower wall portion 1442 that has a thickness of 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. The distal end 1441 of the upper wall portion 1440 has an inner cam surface 1444 formed thereon at a cam angle Θ. Also in the illustrated embodiment, UWT> LWT which serves to provide a longer internal meat surface 1444 than could otherwise be obtained if the segment of the distal closing tube had a thickness of

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87/141 uniform wall. A long internal meat surface can be advantageous for transferring the closing forces to the meat surface (s) in the anvil mounting portion 1150. As can also be seen in Figures 34 and 35, the transition side walls 1446,

1448 which are located on each side of the drive shaft SA between the upper wall portion 1440 and the lower wall portion 1442 generally comprise vertically extending inner and flat side wall surfaces 1451, 1453 which can be generally parallel to each other . The transition side walls 1446, 1448 each have a wall thickness that changes from the upper wall thickness to the lower wall thickness.

[0143] In the illustrated arrangement, the distal closing tube segment 1430 also includes positive claw or anvil opening features 1462 that correspond to each of the side walls 1446 and 1448 and project into it. As can be seen in Figures 34 and 35, the opening features of the anvil 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 transition side walls 1446, 1448 adjacent to the distal end 1438 of the distal closing tube segment 1430. The positive anvil opening features 1462 extend inward through corresponding openings 1450, 1452 in the walls transition sides 1446, 1448. In the illustrated arrangement, the side mounting bodies 1460 are welded to the distal closing pipe segment 1430 with welds 1454. In addition to the welds or alternatively to the welds, the side mounting bodies 1460 can be retained in the place with a mechanical / friction fit, grooved tongue arrangements, adhesive, etc.

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88/141 [0144] Figures 36 to 41 illustrate an example of using the distal closing tube segment 1430 to move the anvil 1130 from a completely closed position to a completely open position. Figures 36 and 39 illustrate the position of the distal closing tube segment 1430 and, more particularly, the position of one of the positive anvil opening features 1462 when the distal closing tube segment 1430 is in the fully closed position. In the illustrated example, an anvil 1162 opening ramp is formed on the underside of each of the anvil fixing flanges 1151. When the anvil 1130 and the distal closing tube segment 1430 are in their completely 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 opening ramps of the anvil 1162 and the lower portion of the elongated channel 1102. When in that position, the positive anvil opening features 1462 are not come into contact with the anvil mounting portion 1150 or at least do not apply any significant opening movements or forces to them. Figures 37 and 40 illustrate the positions of the anvil 1130 and the distal closing tube segment 1430 by initially applying an opening movement in the proximal direction PD to the distal closing tube segment 1430. As can be seen in Figure 37 , the positive 1462 jaw opening features initially came into contact with the anvil 1164 opening ramps to cause the anvil 1130 to start rotating to an open position. In the illustrated arrangement, each of the positive anvil opening features 1462 has a ramp or rounded distal end 1463 to facilitate better meat contact with the corresponding anvil opening system 1162. In Figures 38 and 41, the distal closing tube segment 1430 has been retracted back into position

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89/141 completely retracted, which caused the positive anvil opening features 1462 to be driven to the distal ends of the opening ramps of the anvil 1162, which causes the anvil 1130 to be rotated to its fully open position, as shown there. Other modalities may not employ the positive claw opening features, but may rely on springs or other traction arrangements to pull the anvil into the open position when the distal closing tube segment has been retracted to its most proximal initial position.

[0145] Figures 42 and 43 illustrate another closing member for applying closing movements to a moving claw of a surgical instrument. In this example, the closing member comprises a distal closing tube segment 1430 'which may be similar to the distal closing tube segment 1430 without the positive anvil opening features. The distal closing tube segment 1430 'has a closing body 1470' having an outer surface 1440 'and an inner surface 1433' which define an upper wall portion 1440 'and a lower wall portion 1442'. As indicated above, it may be desirable to employ an internal meat surface 1444 'as large as possible to maximize cam contact with the meat surface in the anvil mounting portion 1150 to thereby effectively transfer the closing forces to it. In this way, the upper wall portion 1440 'of the distal closing pipe segment 1430' can be provided with the thickest wall thickness UWT and the lower portion of the distal closing pipe segment 1430 'can have the thinner wall thickness LWT. For reference purposes, the UWT and LWT are measured along a common reference line that extends through a central geometric axis or point C of the distal closing pipe segment 1430 '. That way, when UWT is

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90/141 diametrically opposed to LWT, UWT> LWT. Such wall thickness arrangements facilitate the formation of a longer internal flesh surface 1444 '.

[0146] As can be seen in the Figure. 43, the distal closing tube segment 1430 'preferably has an outer surface 1431' having a circular cross-sectional shape. The distal closing tube segment 1430 'can be machined from a laminated solid bar. In the illustrated example, inner radius Ri from a first central geometric axis Ainterno extends to the inner surface 1433 'and the outer radius R2 from a second central geometric axis Aexterno extends to the outer surface 1431'. In the illustrated example, the Ainterno geometric axis is displaced by the OR distance of an external βίΧΟ geometric and R2> Ri.

[0147] Figure 44 illustrates another closing member for applying closing movements to a moving claw of a surgical instrument. In this example, the closing member comprises a distal closing pipe segment 1430 that has a closing body 1470. The closing body 1470 has an outer surface 1431 'and an inner surface 1433 that defines an upper wall portion 1440 that has an upper wall thickness UWT and a lower wall portion 1442 which has a lower wall thickness LWT and two side wall portions 1435 'which each have a SWT side wall thickness. In the illustrated example, UWT> LWT. In addition, SWT> UWT. Thus, SWT> UWT> LWT. In the illustrated arrangement, the side wall portions 1435 'have the same side wall thickness SWT. In other arrangements, the side wall portions 1435 'can be of different thickness. As can be seen in Figure 44, each side wall portion 1435 'defines a vertically extending inner surface portion 1437'. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal surface portions that extend

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91/141 vertically are approximately parallel to each other. Such thicker vertical side wall portions 1435 'can help to prevent or at least minimize the vertical elongation of the distal closing tube segment 1430 when in use.

[0148] In the example shown in Figure 45, Ri 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 closing body portion 1470 'and the distal closing pipe segment 1430 extending between the upper portion 1431 and 1433 have a side wall thickness SWT that is approximately equal to the UWT in points along a horizontal HR reference line. The horizontal reference line HR is perpendicular to a vertical reference line VR that extends through the central geometric axis C and along which the UWT and LWT can be measured and compared. Thus, SWT = UWT. In other Examples, SWT, when measured along the horizontal reference line HR may be slightly less than the UWT. The SWT may continue to decrease until the sidewall portions 1435 'also change to the lower portion 1433', which has a constant lower wall thickness LWT. In this way, the internal 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 VR .

[0149] Figure 46 illustrates another closing member for applying closing movements to a moving jaw of a surgical instrument. In this example, the closing member comprises a distal closing pipe segment 1430 that has a closing body 1470 that has a rounded outer surface 1431 and a rectangular shaped inner passage 1439 that extends

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92/141 through it. The outer surface 1431 is situated at a distance R from the central geometric point or the central geometric axis C. When measured along a vertical reference axis VR that extends through the central point or central geometric axis C as shown, the UWT upper wall thickness is equal to LWT lower wall thickness. When measured along a horizontal reference axis HR that extends through the central point or central axis C and is perpendicular to the vertical reference axis VR, the SWT thicknesses of the side wall portions 1437 are greater than the thicknesses the upper wall and the lower wall UWT and LWT. Thus, the SWT is larger than UWT and LWT. In other words, 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 upper and lower wall portions and may tend to avoid or minimize the tendency for the distal closing pipe segment to stretch in vertical directions. The inner flesh surface can be formed at the distal end of the upper wall portion 1440.

[0150] In the illustrated arrangement, the anvil 1130 is moved between the open and closed positions by distally advancing the distal closing tube segment 1430. As can be seen in Figure 41, when the anvil 1130 is in the fully open position, the ends distal 1163 of the anvil fixing flanges 1151 can extend above the platform surface 1116 of the staple cartridge 1110. When the closing process is initiated by distal advancing the segment of the distal closing tube in the distal direction DD, the distal ends 1163 of the anvil fixing flanges 1151 se

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93/141 extend beyond the platform surface 1116 of the staple cartridge 1110 to thereby prevent tissue infiltration between them, which could hinder the closing process. See Figure 40. Once the anvil 1130 has been moved to the fully closed position by the distal closing tube segment 1430, the distal ends 1461 of the side mounting bodies on the distal closing tube segment 1430 still act as fabric to prevent the fabric from seeping between them. See Figure 41.

[0151] 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 elongated body portion 190 and an anvil assembly portion 192. The anvil assembly portion 192 comprises two spaced anvil mounting flanges 194 that project proximally from the elongated body portion 190. Each mounting flange anvil 194 has a swivel pin extending out 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 rotating pins 196 are generally located in the lower portions 198 of the arched and elongated rotating pin slots 197. The anvil 114 can be moved to a closed position by distal advancing the segment of the distal closing tube 142 in the distal direction DD so that the end 148 of the distal closing tube segment 142 slides over a meat surface 193 that is formed over the anvil assembly portion 192 of the anvil 114. Depending on the end

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Distal 94/141 148 of the distal closing tube segment 142 is distally advanced along a cam surface 193 in the anvil mounting portion 192, the distal closing tube segment 142 causes the body portion 190 of the anvil 114 rotate and move axially in relation to the surgical staple cartridge 116. When the distal closing tube segment 142 reaches the end of its closing stroke, the distal end 148 of the distal closing tube segment 142 is contiguous / enters in contact with an abrupt anvil protrusion 191 and serves to position the anvil 114 so that the forming pockets (not shown) on the underside of the body portion 190 are properly aligned with the clips on the cartridge. The anvil protrusion 191 is defined between the meat surface 193 on the anvil assembly portion 192 and the elongated anvil body portion 190. In other words, in this arrangement, the meat surface 193 does not extend to the outer surface 195 of the anvil body 190. After the distal closing tube 142 has reached this fully extended position, any additional application of movements / forces of closing to the anvil 114 can cause damage to the anvil and / or the components of the closing system. As can be seen in the Figure. 47, in this arrangement, the closing force Fh is parallel to the geometric axis of the drive axis SA. The distance between a geometric axis or plane Ta that passes through the centers of the rotating pins 196 to the closing force vector Fh is represented as the distance Xr. This distance Xr times the closing force Fh represents a closing moment Cm that is applied to the anvil 114.

[0152] 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 rotating pins 1158 are

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95/141 hingedly mounted within the holes 1154 in the elongated channel 1102. Unlike the anvil 114 described above, the anvil 1130 does not move axially. Instead, the anvil 1130 is constrained to rotate only about the anvil geometric axis AA. As the segment of the distal closing tube 1430 is advanced in the distal direction DD under the horizontal closing force Fhi, the interaction between the inner meat surface 1444 in the segment of the distal closing tube 1430 and the meat surface 1152 in the mounting portion anvil 1150 causes the distal closing tube segment 1430 to experience a vertical closing force component Vf. The resulting force vector Fn experienced by the meat surface 1152 on the anvil mounting portion 1150 is normal to or perpendicular to the internal meat surface 1444. The angle Θ in Figures 48 and 49 represents the angle of the meat surface 1152 as well as internal meat surface 1440 in relation to the horizontal. The distance between this resulting force vector Fn and a geometric or plane axis Ta that extends through the centers of the anvil pivot pins 1158 is represented as the moment arm Ma. This distance from the moment arm Ma times the resulting force vector Fn represents a closing moment Cmi that is applied to the anvil 1130. Thus, in applications where the horizontal closing forces Fh = Fhi, the actual amount of closing torque applied to the 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 trapped between the anvil and the staple cartridge. This moment of counter Mt which is applied to anvil 1130 is equal to

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96/141 distance Χτ between the force of the fabric Tf and the geometric or plane axis Ta that extends through the centers of the rotating pins of the anvil 1158 times the force of the fabric Tf. Thus, in order to obtain a desired amount of anvil closure, Cmi needs to be greater than Mt.

[0153] Again with reference to the example shown in Figure 47, it can be seen that the firing bar 170 is fixed to a firing member 174 which, when in an initial or non-firing position, is located inside the elongated channel 112 and , more particularly, it is situated in a position completely distal to the segment of the distal closing tube 142 in a position in which an upper portion 175 of the firing member 174 is in contact with a portion of the anvil 114. As the firing member 174 is located in a position in which the upper portion 175 thereof can come into contact with the anvil as the anvil 114 is moved to the closed position, such an arrangement may result in the need for greater closing forces to move the anvil 114 to a position completely or completely closed. In addition, when the firing system is activated, greater firing forces may be required to overcome the frictional interference between the upper portion 175 of the firing member 174 and the anvil 114. On the other hand, as can be seen in the Figure. 48, on end actuator 1100, firing member 1660 is parked in the parking area of firing member 1154 which is within the distal closing tube segment 1430. When firing member 1660 is located within the parking area of the firing member 1154 within the distal closing tube segment 1430, it is unable to generate significant frictional forces with the anvil. Thus, one of the advantages that can be obtained by parking the trigger member 1660 completely inside the

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97/141 segment of the distal closing tube 1430 may be a reduction in the amount of closing force required to close the anvil to a completely closed position and / or a reduction in the amount of firing force required to advance the firing member from the position start to the final position inside the end actuator. In other words, the parking of the firing member 1660 so that the firing member 1660 is in a position completely proximal to the distal end of the distal closing tube segment 1430 and the inner flesh surface 1444 therein and in an initial position in which any frictional contact between the firing member and the anvil is eliminated or reduced, it may ultimately require that lower closing and firing forces are generated for the operation of the end actuator.

[0154] As discussed above, excessive anvil bending during the closing and firing processes can lead to the need for undesirably greater firing forces. Thus, more rigid anvil arrangements are generally desirable. Again with reference 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, in general, more robust and therefore more rigid than other anvil and elongated channel arrangements. Figure 50 illustrates the use of stiffening interlinings 199 between the anvil mounting flanges 194 and the elongated portion of the anvil body 190. Similar interlining arrangements can also be employed between the anvil fixing flanges 1151 and the anvil body 1132 anvil 1130 to further accentuate the stiffness of the anvil.

[0155] As indicated above, the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 includes an elastic center column member 1520. As can be seen in Figures 6, 7, 7A, 8 and 51 to 54, the portion of

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98/141 distal end 1522 of elastic central column member 1520 is separated from the proximal end portion 1524 of elastic central column member 15 by a stretch feature 1530 formed on the elastic central column member 1520. In addition, an insertion element stretch limiter 1540 is supported with retention between the distal end portion 1522 and the proximal end portion 1524. In various arrangements, the elastic central column element 1520 can be manufactured from, for example, suitable polymeric material, rubber, etc. which has a modulus of elasticity designated as MEi for reference purposes. The drawing feature 1530 can include a plurality of drawing holes 1532. As can be seen in Figure 7A, the illustrated drawing feature 1530 includes four drawing holes with triangular shape 1532 which are arranged to define somewhat flexible wall segments 1534 between the same as. Other shapes and numbers of 1532 stretch cavities can be used. Stretch cavities 1532 can be molded or machined in the elastic central column member 1520, for example.

[0156] Still referring to Figures 6, 7 and 51 to 54, the stretch limiting insert 1540 comprises a body portion 1541 which has an elasticity module designated as ME2 for reference purposes. As can be seen in Figure 6, the body portion 1541 includes two downwardly extending mounting pins 1542 which are each configured to be seated in mounting cavities 1535 formed in the elastic central column element 1520. See Figure 7A. To provide the stretch limiting insert 1540 with a desired amount of extensibility and elasticity, the body portion 1541 in the illustrated arrangement is provided with a plurality of upper cavities 1543. The illustrated example includes four upper cavities

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1543 which have a relatively square or rectangular shape and are spaced to define flexible walls 1544 between them. Other modalities may include other numbers and shapes of upper cavities. The body portion 1541 of the illustrated stretch limiting insert 1540 also includes a centrally arranged, downwardly projected central pin portion 1545 that is configured to be seated in a central cavity 1536 above the stretch feature 1530. See Figure 7A. In the illustrated example, the center pin portion 1545 includes a pair of central passages 1546 that extend laterally through it to define a flexible wall 1547 between them.

[0157] Also in the illustrated example, the stretch limiting insert 1540 includes an elongated side cavity 1548 that is positioned on each side of the body portion 1541. Only one side cavity 1548 can be seen in Figures 6 and 51 to 54 Each elongated lateral cavity 1548 is configured to hold a corresponding stretch limiter 1550 therein. Thus, in the example described, two stretch stop 1550 are employed on the stretch stop insert 1540. In at least one arrangement, the stretch stop 1550 includes an elongated body portion 1552 that ends at each end with a lock pin. downward extending assembly 1554. Each mounting pin 1554 is received in a corresponding protrusion cavity 1549 formed in body portion 1541. The stretch limiter may have an elasticity module for reference purposes of ME3. In at least one provision, ME3 <ME2 <ME1. [0158] 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 anvil 1130 in

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100/141 an open position. As can be seen in this Figure, the segment of the distal closing tube 1430 is in its initial or unacted position and the positive anvil opening features 1462 have turned the anvil 1130 to the open position. In addition, firing member 1660 is in the unactivated or initial position, wherein the upper portion, including top nose portion 1630, is parked in the parking area of firing member 1154 of anvil mounting portion 1150. When the interchangeable tool set 1000 is in its unactivated state, the stretch limiting insert 1540 is in its unstretched state. The axial length of the stretch limiting insertion element 1540 when in the non-stretched state is represented by Lus in Figure 51. Lus represents the distance between a reference geometric axis that corresponds to the proximal end of the body portion 1541 of the limiting insertion element stretch 1540 and a reference axis B that corresponds to the distal end of 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 unactivated state, the elastic central column element 1520 is in a relaxed non-stretched state.

[0159] Figure 52 illustrates the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 after the closing drive system 510 has been activated, as described above to drive the distal closing tube segment 1430 distally in the distal DD direction. As the distal closure tube segment 1430 moves distally, the flesh 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 flesh surface 1152

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101/141 on the anvil assembly portion 1150 and rotate the anvil 1130 to the closed position as shown. The closing drive system 510 moves the distal closing tube segment 1430 across its entire 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 actuator 510. As the distal closing tube segment 1430 comes into contact with the anvil mounting portion 1150, the closing forces generated by the distal advancing segment of the distal closing tube 1430 on the anvil 1130 will also advance axially anvil 1130 and elongated channel 1102 in the distal direction DD. The stretch feature 1530 on the elastic center column 1520 will begin to stretch to accommodate this distal advance of the elongated channel 1102 and the anvil 1130. The geometric axis B shown in Figure 52 is a reference geometric axis for the stretch limiting insert 1540 when in a relaxed or unstretched state. The geometric axis C corresponds to the end of the stretch limiting insert 1540 after the stretch limiting insert has been extended to its maximum elongated state. The distance L _s represents the maximum amount or length that the stretch limiting insert 1540 can elongate. The geometric axis G corresponds to the location of the distal end of the surgical staple cartridge 1110 after the anvil 1130 has been moved to that first closed position. The distance Lt between the reference geometry axes F and G represents the axial distance that the elongated channel 1102 and the anvil 1130 traveled during the actuation of the closing drive system 510. This distance Lt can be equal to the distance Ls that the stretch limiter 1540 insert was stretched during the closing process as limited by stretch limiter 1550.

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102/141 [0160] Again with reference to Figure 51, it can be noted that there is a space S between each mounting pin 1554 of 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, spaces S no longer exist. That is, each of the mounting pins 1554 adjoins its corresponding cavity wall 1549 in the stretch limiter insert 1540. In this way, the stretch limiter 1550 serves to limit the amount of elongation experienced by the limiter insert stretch 1540, which in turn limits the amount of distal displacement of the elongated channel 1102 and the anvil 1130 with respect to the proximal end portion 1524 of the elastic central column 1520. The distal closing tube 1430 is axially locked in position by the closing drive 510. When in this position, the anvil 1130 is held in a first closed position in relation to the surgical staple cartridge 1110. Because the trigger drive system 530 has not yet been actuated, the trigger member 1660 does not has moved and remains parked in the parking area of shooting member 1154. The position on the bottom side of the anvil 1130 when in the first closed position it is represented by the geometric axis K in Figures 52 and 53.

[0161] Figure 53 illustrates the position of the firing member 1660 after the firing trigger system 530 was initially triggered. As can be seen in this Figure, the firing member 1660 has been advanced distally out of the parking area of firing member 1154. The upper portion of firing member 1660 and, more specifically, each of the upper anvil engaging features 1672 entered the proximal ramp 1138 portion of the corresponding axial passage 1146 on the anvil 1130. At that point

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103/141 process, the anvil 1130 may be under considerable bending stress caused by the fabric that is trapped between the underside of the anvil 1130 and the staple cartridge platform 1110. This bending stress, as well as the resistance to friction between the various portions of the firing member and anvil 1130 and the elongated channel 1102 serve to essentially retain the elongated channel 1102 and the distal closing tube segment in a static condition while the firing member 1660 is initially distally advanced. During this period of time, the amount of force needed to fire the firing member 1660 or, to put it another way, the amount of force needed to push the firing member 1660 distally through the fabric that is trapped between the anvil 1130 and the cartridge 1110 is increasing. See line 1480 in Figure 55. Also during this time, the stretch limiting insert is attempting to retract elongated channel 1102 and anvil 1130 in the proximal direction PD into the distal closure tube segment 1430. Once Since the amount of friction between the firing member 1660 and the anvil 1130 and the elongated channel 1102 is less than the retraction force generated by the stretch limiting insert 1540, the stretch limiting insert 1540 will cause the elongated channel 1102 and anvil 1130 are pulled proximally further into the segment of the distal closing tube 1430. The position of the distal end 1113 of the staple cartridge 1110 after the elongated channel 1102 and the anvil 1130 have traveled in the proximal direction PD is represented as the position of H in Figure 54. The axial distance that the elongated channel 1102 and the anvil 1130 traveled in the proximal direction PD is represented as the distance I in Figure 54. This proximal movement of the anvil 1130 and the elongated channel 1102 into the segment of the distal closing tube 1430 will result in the application of additional closing forces to the anvil 1130 by the

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104/141 segment of the distal closing tube 1430. Line M in Figure 54 represents the second closed position of anvil 1130. The distance between position K and position M, which is represented as distance N, comprises the vertical distance that the distal end 1133 of the anvil body 1132 traveled between the first closed position and the second closed position.

[0162] 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 fabric that is trapped between the anvil 1130 and cartridge 1110. Such a condition can lead to a 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 firing member 1660 experiences while it continues to advance distally via end actuator 1100. In this way, the amount of firing force required to advance the firing member by balancing its firing stroke to the end position can be reduced. This reduction in the firing force can be seen in the graph in Figure 55. The graph shown in Figure 55 compares the firing force (Energy) required to fire the firing member from the beginning to the end of the firing process. Line 1480 represents the amount of firing force required to move firing member 1660 from its initial position to its final position when end actuator 1100 is stapling the fabric 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 firing force required to move firing member 174 from its initial position to its final position through the fabric that is attached to the end actuator

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105/141

110 or 110 '. As can be seen from this graph, the firing forces required by the two for 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 in the graph in Figure 55, when the second amount of closing force is experienced by anvil 1130 (point 1484), the amount of closing force required to complete the firing process is less than the amount of closing force required to complete the closing process on tool set 100.

[0163] Figure 56 compares the amount of firing load required to move a firing member of several surgical end actuators from an initial position (0.0) to an end position (1.0). The vertical geometric axis represents the amount of firing load and the horizontal geometric axis represents the percentage of the distance that the firing member traveled between the starting position (0.0) and the ending 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 set than the various enhancements and configurations of the firing member that can be revealed, for example, in US Patent Application Serial No., entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS; Power of Attorney Document No. END8047USNP / 160195, and the other US Patent applications mentioned above that were filed on the same date as this document and which have been incorporated herein by way of

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106/141 reference in its 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 that employ at least some of the features and arrangements disclosed herein for the stiffening of the anvil. Line 1496 represents the firing force required to fire, for example, sets of surgical tools that employ the elastic central column arrangement and at least some of the features and arrangements disclosed here for stiffening the anvil. As can be seen in this Figure, the surgical tool set employing the elastic central column arrangement and at least some of the anvil stiffening arrangements disclosed here have a much lower firing force requirement.

Examples [0164] Example 1 - A surgical end actuator that comprises a first jaw that is configured to operationally support a surgical clamp cartridge that operationally supports a set of meat. The cam assembly is axially movable through the surgical clamp cartridge to eject the surgical clamps therefrom when the cam assembly is moved from a non-triggered position to a triggered 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 movements to it. A locking system is supported inside the surgical end actuator and is pulled laterally to engage the sides with retention with the firing member, when the firing member is in the initial position to thus retain the firing member in the initial position. The locking system is

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107/141 configured to be pulled laterally out of the side retaining latch when it comes into contact with the meat assembly of a surgical staple cartridge that is seated within the first jaw and its meat assembly is in the non-triggered position. [0165] Example 2 - The surgical end actuator in Example

1, wherein the firing member comprises a body portion comprising side sides and the locking system comprises a locking member comprising at least one laterally moving locking portion which is configured to engage laterally with retention a corresponding sides of the body portion when the firing member is in the home position. [0166] Example 3 - The surgical end actuator in Example

2, wherein the locking member comprises a spring comprising two laterally moving locking portions. [0167] Example 4 - The surgical end actuator in Example

3, wherein the firing member comprises a first retaining feature that projects laterally from a first between the lateral sides of the body portion and a second retaining feature that projects laterally from a second between the lateral sides of the body portion and wherein the two laterally moving locking portions comprise a first laterally moving locking arm which has a first distal end which is configured to engage the first retaining feature by retention a second locking arm which it moves laterally which has a second distal end which is configured to engage the second retention feature by retention. [0168] Example 5 - The surgical end actuator in Example

4, wherein the first distal end includes a first locking window which is configured to receive by retention at least a portion of the first retention feature therein and wherein the

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The second distal end includes a second locking window which is configured to receive by retaining at least a portion of the second locking feature therein.

[0169] Example 6 - The surgical end actuator of examples 1,2, 3, 4 or 5, which additionally comprises a second jaw which is held adjacent to the first jaw so that at least one of the first and second jaws claws is selectively movable in relation to the other between the first and the second claws by applying opening and closing movements to at least one between the first and the second claws.

[0170] Example 7 - The surgical end actuator in Example

6, wherein the second claw comprises an anvil.

[0171] Example 8 - The surgical end actuator in Example

7, wherein the anvil comprises an anvil body that has an axial slot therein to allow a portion of the firing member to pass axially through it. The anvil body additionally includes an axial passage on each side of the axial slot.

[0172] Example 9 - The surgical end actuator in Example

8, wherein the firing member comprises a foot that is configured to slide in a corresponding passage within the first jaw and anvil engaging features extending laterally extending laterally from an upper body portion of the firing member and are configured to pass through a corresponding portion of the axial passages within the anvil body and in which the first and second engaging features are located between the foot and the engaging features of the anvil.

[0173] Example 10 - A surgical stapling instrument comprising an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines a drive shaft geometric axis. An elongated channel

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109/141 is operationally coupled to said elongated drive shaft assembly. The stapling instrument further comprises a surgical staple cartridge that comprises a cartridge body that is configured to be removably seated in the elongated channel. A cam assembly is held within the cartridge body and is axially movable through it between an unstressed position and a triggered position. The surgical stapling instrument also comprises a firing member that is sustained 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 by applying firing and retracting it. A locking system is supported inside the surgical stapling instrument and is pulled laterally to engage by lateral retention with the firing member, when the firing member is in the initial position to thus retain the firing member in the initial position. The locking system is configured to be pulled laterally out of the side retaining hitch when it comes into contact with the meat assembly when the meat assembly is in the non-triggered position.

[0174] Example 11-0 surgical stapling instrument of Example 10, wherein the firing member comprises a firing member body comprising two side sides. The body of the firing member includes a tissue cutting feature. The locking system comprises a locking member comprising at least one locking portion that is movable in a lateral direction that is transverse to the geometric axis of the drive axis at least one locking portion is configured to engage by lateral retention on one side corresponding sides of the firing member body when the firing member is in the home position.

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110/141 [0175] Example 12-0 surgical stapling instrument of example 11, wherein the locking member comprises a U-shaped spring comprising a central spring portion and at least one locking portion comprising a first movable locking portion that extends from the central spring portion and corresponds to one of the lateral sides of the firing member body. A second movable locking portion extends from the central spring portion and corresponds to the other side of the firing member body.

[0176] Example 13-0 surgical stapling instrument of example 12, wherein the firing member additionally comprises a first retention feature which projects laterally from a first between the lateral sides of the firing member body portion. A second retention feature projects laterally from a second of the side sides of the body portion of the firing member and wherein the first movable locking portion includes a first distal end which is configured to engage by retention the first retention feature and wherein the second movable locking portion includes a second distal end which is configured to engage by retention the second retention feature. [0177] Example 14-0 surgical stapling instrument of Example 13, wherein the first distal end includes a first locking window which 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 which is configured to receive by retaining at least a portion of the second locking feature therein.

[0178] Example 15-0 surgical stapling instrument of Examples 10,11,12,13 or 14, where the meat assembly comprises at least one unlocking feature that is configured to

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111/141 laterally pull the locking system laterally out of the side retaining latch when the meat assembly is in the non-triggered position.

[0179] Example 16-0 surgical stapling instrument of example 13, in which the meat assembly comprises a first unlocking feature that is configured to laterally pull the first distal end out of the retaining latch with the first retaining feature when the meat set is in the non-triggered position. A second unlocking feature is configured to laterally pull the second distal end out of the retaining engagement with the second retaining feature when the cam assembly is in the non-triggered position.

[0180] Example 17 - Surgical end actuator that comprises a first jaw that is configured to operationally support a surgical staple cartridge in it. 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 movements to it. The surgical end actuator further comprises means for retaining the firing member in the initial position unless an unstrung surgical staple cartridge that has a cam assembly in it that is in an unstrung position has been seated within the first claw so that the cam assembly pulls the retaining means out of the retaining engagement with the firing member to thus allow the firing member to be advanced axially through the surgical staple cartridge by applying a firing motion to the firing member.

[0181] Example 18-0 surgical end actuator, according

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112/141 with Example 17, in which the surgical end actuator defines a central geometric axis and in which when the holding means is pulled out of the holding coupling by the cam assembly, the holding means moves laterally in relation to the firing member in at least one direction that is laterally transverse to the central geometric axis.

[0182] Example 19-0 surgical end actuator of Example 18, wherein the firing member comprises two side sides and the retaining means engaging resources on both side sides of the firing member.

[0183] Example 20 - The surgical end actuator of Example 19, wherein the holding means comprises the first and the second holding portions which are pulled in engagement with one of the corresponding side sides of the firing member when the firing member it is in the initial position and until it comes in contact with the meat set in order to pull the first and second retaining portions in opposite lateral directions out of the retaining engagement with the firing member.

[0184] 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 assembly portion that is adjacent to the elongated anvil body and is configured to movably support the anvil over a portion of the surgical stapler. An anvil cover is configured to be mechanically interlocked to the upper body portion of the elongated anvil body at least one weld is provided between the anvil cover and the upper body portion of the elongated anvil body.

[0185] Example 22 - The anvil of example 21, where the portion of

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113/141 upper body defines an opening through its upper surface and the anvil cover is mechanically interlocked within the opening.

[0186] Example 23 - The anvil of Example 22, which further comprises a protrusion which extends around at least a portion of the opening within the upper body portion and in which the anvil cover is supported on the protrusion.

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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 that extend between them and in which at least one weld corresponds at least a portion of each of the long sides.

[0189] Example 26 - The anvil of example 22, where the upper body portion forms a perimeter of the opening and the upper body portion comprises a plurality of retaining formations formed at the perimeter of the opening and configured to engage by friction corresponding portions of the anvil cover when the anvil cover is positioned inside the opening.

[0190] Example 27 - The anvil of Example 26, in which the corresponding portions of the anvil cover comprise engagement areas that are formed in a perimeter of the anvil cover lid and in which each engagement area is shaped to engage by friction each corresponding retention formation.

[0191] Example 28 - The anvil of example 22, in which the anvil cover 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 an

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114/141 plurality of retention formations that are formed in portions of the perimeter of the opening that correspond at least to portions of each of the long sides of the anvil cover for friction engagement with them.

[0192] Example 29 - The anvil of example 22, in which the anvil cover comprises a proximal end and a distal end and two long sides extending between them and where the upper body portion defines an opening perimeter and in that the anvil additionally comprises at least one retaining formation on each long side of the anvil cover and is configured to frictionally engage the corresponding portions of the opening perimeter for frictional engagement therewith.

[0193] Example 30 - The anvil of Examples 21,22, 23, 26, 27, 28 or 29, in which the anvil lid is interlocked to the upper body portion of the anvil body elongated in at least one tongue configuration in slot.

[0194] Example 31 - The anvil of examples 21,22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30, wherein the anvil cover comprises a central cover body comprising a perimeter of the cover body and wherein at least one weld comprises a first weld that extends between at least a portion of the perimeter of the lid body and corresponding portions of the upper body portion of the anvil body at least one separate second weld extends between the lid body center and the upper body portion of the anvil body.

[0195] Example 32 - The anvil of example 31, in which at least one second distinct weld comprises a first plurality of second distinct welds spaced through the central cover body in a position adjacent to a long side thereof and a second plurality of seconds distinct welds spaced across the body

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115/141 of central cover adjacent to another long side of it. [0196] Example 33 - The anvil of Example 32, in which the second separate welds spaced from the first plurality are spaced closer to each other in a position adjacent to a distal end of the central cover body and in which the second separate welds spaced from the second plurality are spaced closer to each other in a position adjacent to the distal end of the central cover body.

[0197] Example 34 - The anvil of Example 32, in which the second separate welds spaced from the first plurality are spaced closer to each other in a position adjacent to a proximal end of the central cover body and in which the second separate welds spaced from the second plurality are spaced closer to each other in a position adjacent to the proximal end of the central cover body.

[0198] Example 35 - The anvil of Example 32, in which the second separate welds spaced from the first plurality are spaced closer to each other in a position adjacent to a proximal end and a distal end of the central cover body and in which the second distinct welds spaced from the second plurality are spaced closer to each other in a position adjacent to the proximal end and the distal end of the central cover body. [0199] 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 assembly portion is provided adjacent to the elongated anvil body and is configured to mobilely support the anvil over a portion of the surgical stapler. The anvil additionally comprises an anvil cover which comprises a central anvil cover body and a perimeter of

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116/141 cover that extends around it. A first weld is provided between at least a portion of the lid perimeter and the upper portion of the elongated anvil body portion and at least a separate second weld extends between the central lid body and the upper body portion of the anvil body.

[0200] Example 37 - The anvil of example 36, in which the first weld extends intermittently around at least a portion of the cover perimeter.

[0201] Example 38 - The anvil of Examples 36 or 37, wherein the at least one second separate weld comprises a first row of second separate welds spaced through the central cover body and a second row of second distinct welds spaced through the body with central cover.

[0202] 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 anvil's elongated body defines an opening that extends across its upper surface. The anvil further comprises an anvil assembly portion that is adjacent to the elongated anvil body and is configured to movably support the anvil over a portion of the surgical stapler. An anvil cover is configured to be mechanically interlocked to the upper body portion of the elongated anvil body to fill the opening. The anvil lid comprises a central lid body and a lid perimeter that extends around it at least a first weld is provided between at least a portion of the lid perimeter and the upper body portion of the anvil body elongated by the at least one second distinct weld extends between the central cover body and the upper body portion of the anvil body.

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117/141 [0203] Example 40 - The anvil of example 39, in which the anvil lid is mechanically interlocked to the upper body portion of the anvil body elongated by a grooved tongue joint arrangement between the lid perimeter portions and the elongated anvil upper body portion.

[0204] Example 41 - A closing member to apply a closing movement to a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. The closing member comprises a closing body that defines an outer surface and an inner surface. The closing 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, where the upper wall thickness differs from the thickness bottom wall. A meat surface is formed in the upper portion for selective meat contact with a portion of the movable jaw.

[0205] Example 42 - The closing 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 in relation to the first central geometric axis.

[0206] Example 43 - The closing member of Examples 41 or 42, where the thickness of the upper wall is greater than the thickness of the lower wall.

[0207] Example 44 - The closing member of Examples 41, 42, or 43, in which it further comprises diametrically opposed side wall portions extending between the upper and the lower portion and in which the side wall portions have each one, a side wall thickness that differs from the upper wall thickness and the lower wall thickness.

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118/141 [0208] Example 45 - The closing member of example 44, in which the thickness of the side wall is greater than the thickness of the upper wall and the thickness of the lower wall.

[0209] Example 46 - The closing member of Examples 44 or 45, wherein the side wall portion defines an internal side wall and where the internal side wall of one side wall portion is parallel to the internal side wall of the other portion side wall.

[0210] Example 47 - The closing member of example 43, in which the thickness of the upper wall and the thickness of the lower wall are each measured along a common vertical geometric axis that extends through a central geometric axis of the closing body. [0211] Example 48 - The closing member of Examples 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 or 47, in which the movable jaw is movable from an open position to a closed position when the closing body comes into contact cam contact with the movable claw portion when the closing body is moved in a first direction and in which at least another portion of the closing member is configured to move the movable claw from the closed position to the open position when the closing body closing is moved in a second direction.

[0212] Example 49 - The closing member of Example 48, which additionally comprises at least one positive jaw opening feature which extends inwardly from the inner surface and is configured to contact 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.

[0213] Example 50 - The closing member of Example 49, wherein each positive jaw opening feature comprises at least two positive jaw opening features that are diametrically opposed to each other and project inwardly from the inner surface .

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119/141 [0214] Example 51 - The closing member of example 50, in which at least one of the claw opening features extends from a mounting plate that is attached to a corresponding side wall portion of the body closure that extends between the upper and lower portions.

[0215] Example 52 - A surgical instrument comprising a first and a second claw, in which at least one between the first and the second claw is movable in relation to the other between the first and the second claw between the open and closed orientations by means of the application of closing and opening movements to them. A closing 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 in that the closing body comprises a meat surface that is formed on the upper portion for selective meat contact with a portion of one of at least one first and one second claws that are movable.

[0216] 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 where the inner surface is located at a second radial distance a from the central geometric axis and where the first radial distance is greater than the second radial distance so that the upper wall thickness is greater than the lower wall thickness.

[0217] Example 54 - The surgical instrument of Examples 52 or 53, in which it additionally comprises diametrically opposed side wall portions extending between the upper portion and the

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120/141 lower portion and wherein the side wall portions each have a side wall thickness that differs from the thickness of the upper wall and the thickness of the lower wall.

[0218] Example 55 - The surgical instrument of examples 52, 53 or 54, in which the thickness of the side wall is equal to the thickness of the upper wall and is greater than the thickness of the lower wall.

[0219] Example 56 - The surgical instrument of examples 52, 53, 54 or 55, in which each side wall portion defines a surface of the internal side wall and the surfaces of the internal side wall are not parallel to each other.

[0220] 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 geometric axis that extends through a center of the closing body.

[0221] Example 58 - The surgical instrument of Examples 52, 53, 54, 55, 55 or 57, in which at least one of the first and second jaws is movable from an open position to a closed position by means of contact by the closing body when the closing body is moved in a first direction and in which at least another portion of the closing member is configured to move at least one of the first and second claws from the closed position to the open position when the closing body The closure is moved in a second direction and the closing member further comprises at least one positive claw opening feature that extends inwardly from the inner surface and is configured to contact another portion of at least one of the first and second jaws when the closing member is moved in a second direction.

[0222] Example 59 - A closing member to apply a

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121/141 closing movement to a mobile claw of a surgical instrument. The closing member comprises a hollow closing body that defines an outer surface and an inner surface. The closing 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 where the upper and lower wall thicknesses are equal and those in which the outer and inner surfaces define the sidewall portions, where each has a sidewall thickness greater than the upper and lower wall thicknesses. A meat surface is formed in the upper portion for selective meat contact with a portion of the movable jaw.

[0223] Example 60 - The closing member of example 59, where the inner surface defines a rectangular shaped passage that extends through the closing body.

[0224] Example 61 - A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end actuator comprising a first jaw and a second jaw which is movably supported in relation to the first jaw, for selective movement between the open and closed positions in relation to the first claw. The surgical instrument further comprises a hollow closing member which is configured to move axially between an unactivated position and closing positions in which the hollow closing member applies closing movements to the second movable jaw. A closing system is configured to apply closing actuation movements to the hollow closing member. A firing member is supported for axial displacement between an initial position that is located completely within the hollow closing member and an end position within the surgical end actuator. A system

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122/141 firing is configured to selectively apply a firing motion to the firing member to cause the firing member to move from the start position to the end position and in which the closing system is operable without triggering the firing system. .

[0225] Example 62 - The surgical instrument of example 61, in which the second jaw comprises an assembly portion that is pivotally fixed to the first jaw for selective pivoting displacement in relation to it.

[0226] Example 63 - The surgical instrument of example 62, wherein the mounting portion on the second claw comprises a first cam surface and the hollow closing member comprises a second cam surface which is configured for cam contact with the first surface of meat.

[0227] Example 64 - The surgical instrument of Example 63, the hollow closing member comprising a distal end and wherein the second meat surface comprises an internal meat surface that is formed adjacent to the distal end.

[0228] 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 surgical staple cartridge .

[0229] Example 66 - The surgical instrument of Example 65, wherein the firing member comprises a firing member body that has at least one channel engaging feature and at least one anvil engaging feature.

[0230] Example 67 - The surgical instrument of Examples 63, 64, 65 or 66, in which the anvil comprises an elongated anvil body projecting from the mounting portion and in which the elongated anvil body comprises a surface of external anvil and in

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123/141 that the first meat surface extends to the outer surface of the anvil.

[0231] 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 movements of opening actuation to the hollow closing member by the closing system.

[0232] Example 69 - The surgical instrument of Example 68, in which the hollow closing member additionally comprises at least one positive jaw opening feature in it for selective contact with the second jaw when the opening actuation movements are applied to the closing member.

[0233] Example 70 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated drive shaft assembly that defines a drive shaft geometric axis. A channel is operationally coupled to the elongated drive shaft and is configured to operationally support a surgical staple cartridge in it. An anvil is movably coupled to the channel and is selectively movable between a completely open position and a completely closed position in relation to the channel. A closing member is configured to move axially between an unactivated position and the acted positions, in which a distal end portion of the closing member comes into cam contact with the anvil to apply closing movements to it. A closing system interfaces operationally with the closing member to selectively apply closing control movements to it. A firing member is supported for axial displacement between an initial position where the firing member is located completely proximal to the distal end of the closing member and a final position. A trigger system is configured

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124/141 to selectively apply a firing motion to the firing member to cause the firing member to move from the starting position to the final position and in which the closing system is operable without activating the firing system.

[0234] Example 71-0 surgical instrument of example 70, in which the anvil is fixed to the channel and is limited to rotate with respect to it around an anvil axis which is transverse to the geometric axis of the drive axis.

[0235] Example 72 - The surgical instrument of examples 70 or

71, wherein the anvil comprises an anvil mounting portion which is pivotally coupled to the channel and includes a first meat surface thereon and wherein the closing member comprises a hollow closing tube comprising a distal end with a second internal meat surface on top of that which is configured for cam contact with the first meat surface.

[0236] Example 73 - The surgical instrument of Examples 70, 71 or 72, wherein the firing member comprises a firing member body that has at least one channel engaging feature and at least one anvil engaging feature in the same.

[0237] Example 74 - The surgical instrument of Example 72, in which the anvil comprises an elongated anvil body projecting from the assembly portion. The elongated anvil body comprises an outer anvil surface and the first meat surface extends to the outer anvil surface.

[0238] Example 75 - The surgical instrument of Examples 70, 71,

72, 73 or 74 in which the closing member comprises a hollow closing tube and in which the firing member is completely located within the hollow closing tube when the firing member is in the starting position.

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125/141 [0239] 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 thereon for selective contact with the anvil when opening actuation movements are applied to the closing member.

[0240] Example 77 - A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end actuator comprising a first jaw and a second jaw which is movably supported in relation to the first jaw, for selective movement between the open and closed positions in relation to the first claw by applying closing movements to a meat surface on it. The surgical instrument further comprises an axially movable closing member comprising a closing cam surface which is configured to apply closing movements to the cam surface over the second claw. A firing member is supported for axial displacement between an initial position, where a tissue cutting surface is located proximal to the closing meat surface on the closing member. The closing member and the firing member are selectively operable independently of each other.

[0241] Example 78 - The surgical instrument of Example 77, wherein the second jaw comprises a mounting portion which is pivotally coupled to the first jaw and the mounting portion includes the flesh surface thereon.

[0242] 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 between them, in which at least a portion of the shooting member firing is sustained when the firing member is in the home position.

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126/141 [0243] Example 80 - The surgical instrument of Examples 77, 78 or 79, wherein the first claw comprises a channel and the second claw comprises an anvil. The firing member comprises a firing member body that has at least one channel engaging feature and at least one anvil engaging feature therein.

[0244] 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 in relation to it between a neutral position and an elongated position. A first claw is attached to the distal central column portion and a second claw is movably supported in relation to the first claw for selective movement between the open and closed positions in relation to the first claw. A closing system is configured to apply a closing movement to the second claw to move the central column portion distal from the neutral position to the elongated position by acting on them. A firing system is configured to axially advance a firing member from an initial position to an end position within the first claw upon actuation and to allow the distal central column portion to return to the neutral position, thereby increasing movement lock applied to the second claw.

[0245] Example 82 - The surgical instrument of example 81, in which the closure system comprises a closing member that is configured for axial displacement in relation to the distal central column portion from an unacted position that corresponds to the neutral position from the distal central column portion to a first closed position where the distal central column portion is moved to

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127/141 the elongated position and the second claw is moved to a first of the closed positions.

[0246] Example 83 - The surgical instrument of Examples 81 or

82, wherein the closing member is hollow and is configured to receive an assembly portion of the second jaw inside.

[0247] Example 84 - The surgical instrument of Example 83, in which the mounting portion has a first meat surface on it and in which the hollow closing member has a second meat surface thereon, which is configured to come into contact with cam contact with the first meat surface by actuation of the closing system to move the second claw from the open position to the first closed position.

[0248] Example 85 - The surgical instrument of example 84, in which the movement of the central column portion from the elongated position to the neutral position increases the contact between the first and second surfaces of the meat.

[0249] Example 86 - The surgical instrument of Examples 81.82,

83, 84 or 85, wherein the distal central column portion is interconnected to the proximal central column portion by a stretchable central column portion.

[0250] Example 87 - The surgical instrument of example 86, wherein the elastic central column assembly further comprises means for restricting the stretch central column portion to a predetermined amount of stretch.

[0251] Example 88 - The surgical instrument of Example 87, wherein the means for restraint comprises a stretchable body member that is sized to extend between the distal central column portion and the proximal central column portion and means for limiting the body stretchable at a predetermined amount of elongation.

[0252] Example 89 - The surgical instrument of Example 88, in which

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The stretch body member includes a first elasticity module and wherein the means for limitation comprises at least one stretch limiting element which is supported by the stretching body and includes a second elasticity module which is less than the first elasticity module. elasticity.

[0253] Example 90 - A surgical instrument comprising an elastic central column assembly that is configured to stretch between a first neutral position and a second elongated position. A first claw is attached to the elastic central column assembly. A second jaw is movably supported in relation to the first jaw for selective movement between the open and closed positions in relation to the first jaw. The surgical instrument further comprises a closing system comprising a closing member that is configured to apply a first amount of closing force to the second jaw to move the second jaw from the open position to a first closed position and to lengthen the central column assembly elastic to the second elongated position. A firing member is supported for axial displacement between a start position and an end position within the first gripper. A firing system interfaces operationally with the firing member to selectively advance the firing member from the starting position to the final position so that the movement of the firing member from the starting to the final position causes the elastic central column to move towards the first neutral position, which causes the closing member to apply a second amount of closing force to the second claw and thus move the second claw to a second closed position. [0254] Example 91 - The surgical instrument of example 90, in which the second jaw comprises a mounting portion that is pivotally attached to the first jaw for pivoting displacement between the open and closed positions.

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129/141 [0255] Example 92 - The surgical instrument of Example 91, in which the mounting portion has a first surface of flesh on it and in which the closing member has a second surface of flesh on it, which is configured to contacting the cam with the first meat surface by actuation of the closing system to move the second claw from the open position to the first closed position.

[0256] 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 flesh contact between the first and the second meat surfaces .

[0257] 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 in relation to it between a neutral position and an elongated position. An elongated channel is configured to operationally support a surgical staple cartridge inside. The elongated channel is attached to the distal central column portion. An anvil is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel for selective pivoting displacement around a fixed pivot geometric axis between the open and closed positions in relation to the elongated channel. A closing system is configured to apply closing movements to the anvil and move the central column portion distal from the neutral to the elongated position. A firing system is configured to axially advance a firing member from a starting position to a final position within the elongated channel by acting on it, thus allowing the distal central column portion to return to the neutral position, thereby increasing movement closure applied to the anvil.

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130/141 [0258] Example 95 - The surgical instrument of Example 94, wherein the distal central column portion is interconnected to the proximal central column portion by a stretchable central column portion.

[0259] 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 central column portion and means for limiting the body to a predetermined amount of stretch. [0260] 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.

[0261] Example 98 - The surgical instrument of example 97, in which the body member comprises a first mounting pin formed on it, which is configured for mounting engagement with the proximal central column portion and a second mounting pin formed therein that is configured for mounting engagement with the central distal column portion and in which the limiting means comprise at least one stretch limiter comprising an elongated body extending between the first and the second mounting pins and includes the first and the second mounting ends, where the first end is movably received within a cavity in the first mounting pin and the second end is movably received in a second cavity in the second mounting pin.

[0262] 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 surface of meat and where the closure system comprises a closing member that includes a second surface of meat that is

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131/141 configured for contacting meat with the first surface of meat by actuation of the closing system to move the second claw from the open position to the first closed position.

[0263] Example 100-0 surgical instrument of examples 94, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99, in which the movement of the central column portion distal from the elongated to the neutral position increases the flesh contact between the first and the second meat surfaces.

[0264] Example 101 - A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end actuator comprising a first jaw and a second jaw which is movably supported in relation to the first jaw for selective pivoting movement in relation to the first jaw around a geometric axis fixed pivot between an open position and closed positions. A firing member is movably supported for selective axial displacement within at least one of the first and second jaws between an initial position and an end position. The firing member comprises a body portion and a first flange assembly that protrudes from the body portion and is configured to slidably engage the first jaw. A second flange assembly protrudes from the body portion and is configured to slide the second gripper in a sliding way. The surgical instrument also comprises an elongated drive shaft assembly that is operationally coupled to the surgical end actuator. The elongated drive shaft assembly comprises a firing system that interfaces operationally with the firing member to selectively move the firing member axially between the start and end position. A closing system interfaces operationally with the second claw to move the second claw between the open and closed positions without acting on the firing system and the firing member.

[0265] Example 102- The surgical instrument of Example 101, in

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132/141 that the elongated drive shaft assembly defines a geometric axis of the drive axis and where the fixed pivot geometric axis is transversal to the geometric axis of the drive axis.

[0266] Example 103-0 surgical instrument of Examples 101 or 102, in which the closing system is configured to cam the second claw when the closing system is applying closing movements to them.

[0267] Example 104-0 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 closing member which is supported for selective axial displacement with respect to the second claw . The closing member comprises a second cam surface which is configured for cam engagement with the first cam surface.

[0268] Example 105-0 the surgical instrument of Example 102, wherein the second jaw comprises an assembly portion that is pivotally coupled to the first jaw around the pivot geometric axis. The assembly portion includes the first meat surface.

[0269] Example 106-0 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 between them, in which at least at least a portion of the firing member is held when the firing member is in the home position.

[0270] Example 107-0 the surgical instrument of Example 104, wherein the closing member comprises a closing body that defines an outer surface and an inner surface. The closing body further defines an upper portion comprising an upper wall thickness between the external and internal surfaces and

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133/141 a lower portion comprising a lower wall thickness between the outer and inner surfaces, where the upper wall thickness differs from the lower wall thickness, and where the second meat surface is formed on the upper portion for the selective meat contact with the first meat surface.

[0271] Example 108-0 surgical instrument of Example 107, wherein the outer surface is a first radial distance from a first central geometry axis and where the inner surface is a second radial distance from a second central geometry axis which is offset in relation to the first central geometric axis.

[0272] Example 109-0 surgical instrument of Example 107, wherein the second upper wall thickness is greater than the lower wall thickness.

[0273] Example 110-0 surgical instrument of Example 107, wherein the closing member further comprises diametrically opposed side wall portions extending between the upper and lower portion and where the side wall portions each have, a sidewall thickness that differs from the thickness of the upper wall and the thickness of the lower wall.

[0274] Example 111-0 Example 110 surgical instrument, in which the thickness of the side wall is greater than the thickness of the upper wall and the thickness of the lower wall.

[0275] Example 112-0 surgical instrument of Example 110, where each side wall portion defines an internal side wall and where the internal side wall of one of the side wall portions is parallel to the internal side wall of the other wall portion side.

[0276] Example 113-0 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.

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134/141 [0277] Example 114-0 surgical instrument of Examples 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112 or 113, wherein the first jaw comprises a channel and in that the second claw comprises an anvil.

[0278] Example 115-0 surgical instrument of Examples 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113 or 114, wherein the firing member further comprises a surface of cutting fabric over the body portion.

[0279] Example 116 - A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end actuator comprising a first jaw and a second jaw which is movably supported in relation to the first jaw for selective pivoting movement in relation to the first jaw around a geometric axis fixed pivot between an open position and closed positions. A firing member is movably supported for selective axial displacement within at least one of the first and second jaws between an initial position and an end position. The firing member comprises a body portion and a first flange assembly that protrudes from the body portion and is configured to slidably engage the first jaw. A second flange assembly protrudes from the body portion and is configured to slide the second gripper in a sliding way. An elongated drive shaft assembly is operatively coupled to the surgical end actuator and comprises a firing means for selectively moving the firing member axially between the start and end position and a closing means for moving the second claw between the open and closed without triggering the trigger.

[0280] Example 117-0 surgical instrument of Example 116, where the elongated drive shaft assembly defines a drive axis geometry and where the pivot geometric axis

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135/141 fixed is transversal to the geometric axis of the drive axis.

[0281] Example 118-0 the surgical instrument of Examples 116 or 117, wherein the first claw comprises a channel and the second claw comprises an anvil.

[0282] Example 119 - A surgical instrument comprises an elongated channel that is configured to operationally support a surgical staple cartridge in it. An anvil is movably supported by the elongated channel for selective pivoting displacement with respect to it around a fixed pivot geometric axis between an open position and closed positions. A firing member is movably supported for selective axial displacement within the elongated channel between a first start position and an end position. The firing member comprises a body portion and a first flange assembly that protrudes from it and is configured to slidably engage the elongated channel. A second flange assembly protrudes from the body portion and is configured to slide the anvil into engagement. An elongated firing bar is coupled to the body portion and is configured for axial displacement in relation to the elongated channel in response to firing movements applied to it by a source of firing movements. A closing member is supported for selective axial displacement with respect to the anvil to move the anvil between the open position and the closed position in response to the closing movements applied to it by a source of closing movements so that the anvil is mobile between the open and closed positions without moving the firing member.

[0283] Example 120-0 surgical instrument of Example 119, wherein the firing member comprises a tissue cutting surface over the body portion.

[0284] Many of the surgical instrument systems described here

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136/141 are driven by an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be induced in any suitable manner. In several examples, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be induced, for example, by a manually operated trigger. In certain cases, the motors disclosed in this document may comprise a portion or portions of a robotically controlled system. In addition, any of the end actuators and / or tool sets shown in the present invention can be used with a robotic surgical instrument system. US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now US Patent No. 9,072,535, for example, reveals several examples of a robotic surgical instrument system in more detail.

[0285] The surgical instrument systems described here have been described in connection with the implantation and deformation of the clamps; however, the embodiments described in the present invention are not limited in this way. Several modalities are foreseen, which implant fasteners in addition to staples, like claws or tacks, for example. In addition, several modalities are contemplated, which use any suitable means to seal the fabric. For example, an end actuator, according to various modalities, may comprise electrodes configured to heat and seal the tissue. Likewise, for example, an end actuator according to certain modalities, can apply vibrational energy to seal the tissue.

[0286] The entire descriptions of:

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

- US Patent No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING

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137/141

INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which was granted on February 21, 2006;

- 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;

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

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

- US Patent No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which was granted on July 13, 2010;

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

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

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

- 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;

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 249,117, entitled

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POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, now US Patent No. 8,608,045;

- 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;

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

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

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

- 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;

- 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;

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

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

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

[0287] Although several devices have been described here in connection with certain modalities, modifications and variations of these modalities can be implemented. Specific features, structures or characteristics can be combined in any suitable way in one or more modalities. Therefore, the specific resources, structures or characteristics illustrated or described in conjunction with a modality can be combined, in whole or in part, with the structures of the resources or characteristics of one or more other modalities, without limitation. In addition, where materials are revealed for certain components, other materials can be used. In addition, according to various modalities, a single component can be replaced by multiple components and multiple components can be replaced by a single component, to perform one or more specific functions. The aforementioned description and the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.

[0288] The devices disclosed here 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 reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include

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140/141 any combination of steps including, but not limited to, disassembly of the device followed by cleaning or replacement of specific parts of the device and subsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, a reconditioning facility and / or surgical staff 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 reconditioning 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.

[0289] The devices disclosed here can be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument can be obtained and, if necessary, cleaned. The instrument can then be sterilized. In a sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and the instrument can then be placed in a radiation field that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, X-rays and / or high-energy electrons. Radiation can kill bacteria on the instrument and the container. The sterile instrument can then be stored in a sterile container. The sealed container can keep the instrument sterile until it is opened at the medical facility. A device can 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. [0290] 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 intended, therefore, that this application covers any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention with the use of its general principles.

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141/141 [0291] Any patent, publication or other description material, in whole or in part, which is said to be incorporated into the present invention by reference, is incorporated into the present invention only to the extent that the incorporated materials do not conflict with existing definitions, statements or other description material presented in this description. Accordingly, and to the extent necessary, the description as explicitly presented herein replaces any conflicting material incorporated by reference to the present invention. Any material, or portion thereof, which is incorporated herein by reference, but which conflicts with the definitions, statements, or other description materials contained herein, will be incorporated here only insofar as there is no conflict between the material and the existing description material.

Claims (20)

1. Surgical instrument characterized by the fact that it comprises: a surgical end actuator, comprising: a first claw; a second claw movably supported in relation to said first claw for selective pivoting displacement in relation to said first claw around a fixed pivot geometric axis between an open position and closed positions; a firing member movably supported for selective axial displacement in at least one of said first and second jaws between an initial position and an end position, wherein said firing member comprises: a body portion; a first flange assembly projecting from said body portion and configured to slidably engage said first claw; and a second flange assembly projecting from said body portion and configured to slide said second jaw in a sliding manner and wherein said surgical instrument additionally comprises: a set of elongated drive shaft operatively coupled to said surgical end actuator and comprising: a firing system which interfaces operationally with said firing member to selectively move said firing member axially between said starting and ending positions; and a closing system that makes operational interface with said second claw to move said second claw between said open and closed positions without activating said firing system and the Petition 870190066456, of 7/15/2019, p. 146/191 2/6 firing member. 2. Surgical instrument, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said elongated drive axis set defines a geometric axis of the drive axis and in which said fixed pivot geometric axis is transversal to said geometric axis of the drive shaft. 3. Surgical instrument, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said closing system is configured to engage said second claw when said closing system is applying closing movements to it. 4. Surgical instrument, according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that said second claw comprises a first flesh surface on it and in which said closure system comprises an axially movable closing member supported for selective axial displacement in With respect to said second claw, said closing member comprising a second cam surface configured for cam engagement with said first cam surface. 5. Surgical instrument according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that said second claw comprises a mounting portion pivotally coupled to said first claw around said geometric pivot axis, said mounting portion including the said first surface of meat in it. 6. Surgical instrument, according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that said axially movable closing member and said mounting portion define a parking area of the firing member between them, in which at least a portion of the said firing member is supported when said firing member is in said starting position. Petition 870190066456, of 7/15/2019, p. 147/191 3/6 7. Surgical instrument according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that said closing member comprises a closing body that defines an external surface and an internal surface, said closing body additionally defining an upper portion comprising a upper wall thickness between said outer and inner surfaces, and a lower portion comprising a lower wall thickness between said outer and inner surfaces, wherein said upper wall thickness differs from said lower wall thickness and in which the second meat surface is formed in said upper portion for selective meat contact with said first meat surface. 8. Surgical instrument, according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that said external surface is a first radial distance from a first central axis and in which said internal surface is a second radial distance from a second central axis which is offset from said first central axis. 9. Surgical instrument, according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that said upper wall thickness is greater than said lower wall thickness. 10. Surgical instrument according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that said closing member additionally comprises diametrically opposed side wall portions that extend between said upper portion and said lower portion and in which each of said sidewall portions have a sidewall thickness that differs from said upper wall thickness and said lower wall thickness. 11. Surgical instrument, according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that said side wall thickness is greater than said upper wall thickness and said lower wall thickness. Petition 870190066456, of 7/15/2019, p. 148/191 4/6 12. Surgical instrument, according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that each said side wall portion defines an internal side wall and wherein said internal side wall of one of said side wall portions is parallel to said side wall internal of said other side wall portion. 13. Surgical instrument, according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that said closing member is hollow and is configured to receive inside it a mounting portion of said second claw. 14. Surgical instrument, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said first claw comprises a channel and in which said second claw comprises an anvil. 15. Surgical instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that said firing member additionally comprises a surface for cutting tissue in said body portion. 16. Surgical instrument characterized by the fact that it comprises: a surgical end actuator, comprising: a first claw; a second claw movably supported in relation to said first claw for selective pivoting displacement in relation to said first claw around a fixed pivot geometric axis between an open position and closed positions; a firing member movably supported for selective axial displacement in at least one of said first and second jaws between an initial position and an end position, wherein said firing member comprises: a body portion; a first flange assembly that protrudes from said Petition 870190066456, of 7/15/2019, p. 149/191 5/6 body portion and configured to slide said first claw; and a second flange assembly projecting from said body portion and configured to slide said second jaw in a sliding manner and wherein said surgical instrument additionally comprises: a set of elongated drive shaft operatively coupled to said surgical end actuator and comprising: firing means for selectively moving said firing member axially between said starting and ending positions; and closing means for moving said second claw between said open and closed positions without triggering said firing means. 17. Surgical instrument, according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that said elongated drive axis set defines a geometric axis of the drive axis and in which said fixed pivot geometric axis is transversal to said geometric axis of the drive shaft. 18. Surgical instrument, according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that said first claw comprises a channel and in which said second claw comprises an anvil. 19. Surgical instrument characterized by the fact that it comprises: an elongated channel configured to support a surgical staple cartridge inside; an anvil movably supported in relation to said elongated channel for selective pivoting displacement in relation to said elongated channel around a fixed pivot geometric axis between an open position and closed positions; a mobile-supported firing member for Petition 870190066456, of 7/15/2019, p. 150/191 6/6 selective axial displacement in the elongated channel between a starting position and an ending position, wherein said firing member comprises: a body portion; a first flange assembly projecting from said body portion and configured to slidably engage said elongated channel; and a second flange assembly that protrudes from said body portion and configured to slide said anvil in a sliding manner and wherein said surgical instrument additionally comprises: an elongated firing bar coupled to said body portion and configured for axial displacement with respect to said elongated channel in response to firing movements applied thereto by a source of firing movements; and a closing member supported for selective axial displacement with respect to said anvil to move the anvil between said open position and the closed position in response to the closing movements applied to it by a source of closing movements so that said anvil be movable between the open and closed positions without moving said firing member. 20. Surgical instrument according to claim 19, characterized in that said firing member additionally comprises a tissue cutting surface in said body portion.