BR112019027333A2 - pocket staple formation provisions - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an end actuator. The end actuator can include a staple cartridge that comprises a staple that comprises a first leg. The end actuator can also include an anvil comprising a clip compression surface, wherein a plurality of pockets is defined on the fabric compression surface, wherein said plurality of pockets comprises a pocket comprising a first leg configured for form the first leg. The first shell may comprise a first side side, a second side side and an intermediate bottom to the first side side and the second side side, where the bottom defines a depth in relation to the tissue compression surface, and where the depth varies longitudinally along the length of the bottom. The first shell may also comprise side walls that extend from the respective side sides to the bottom, where the side walls are defined by fully curved surfaces.

Description

Invention Patent Descriptive Report for "CLAMP TRAINING POCKET DEVICES".

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 for stapling and cutting tissue.

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 that comprises 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 coupled operatively to the handle set of Figure 1;

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

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

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

[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 an 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 front elevation view of a trigger member that can be used in the interchangeable surgical tool set of Figures 4 to 10;

[0015] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an anvil that can be used in the interchangeable surgical tool set of Figures 4 to 11;

[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 of a drive shaft portion of the interchangeable surgical tool set of Figure 4 with a surgical staple cartridge.

not worn properly seated inside a lengthened channel of the surgical end actuator;

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

[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 its 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 surgical clamp cartridge seated properly with an elongated actuator channel. surgical end worshiper;

[0022] Figure 19 is another top cross-sectional view of the surgical end actuator of Figure 15 with a cartridge of fired surgical clips mounted thereon, which 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, according to at least one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 23 is a rear perspective view of an anvil assembly portion of another anvil, according to at least one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 24 is a rear perspective view of an anvil assembly portion of another anvil according to at least one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 25 is a perspective view of an anvil according to at least one 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 stool according to at least one modality;

[0032] Figure 29 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil style 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 according to at least one 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 according to at least one embodiment;

[0037] Figure 34 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a staple forming pocket arrangement comprising a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket, where each forming pocket comprises a surface of for-

mation that has an entry zone and an exit zone that comprise different radii of curvature;

[0038] Figure 35 is a plan view of the staple-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 34;

[0039] Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view of the staple-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 34 taken along line 36-36 in Figure 35;

[0040] Figure 37 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 34 taken along line 37-37 in Figure 35;

[0041] Figure 38 is a cross-sectional view of the staple-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 34 taken along line 38-38 in Figure 35;

[0042] Figure 39 is a cross-sectional view of the staple-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 34 taken along line 39-39 in Figure 35;

[0043] Figure 40 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a staple-forming pocket arrangement comprising a proximal-forming pocket, a distal-forming pocket and primary side walls, in which each pocket formation comprises a pair of contoured side walls;

[0044] Figure 41 is a plan view of the staple-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 40;

[0045] Figure 42 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 40 taken along line 42-42 in Figure 41;

[0046] Figure 43 is a cross-sectional view of the staple-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 40 taken along line 43-43 in Figure 41;

[0047] Figure 44 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 40 taken along line 44-44 in Figure 41;

[0048] Figure 45 is a cross-sectional view of the staple-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 40 taken along line 45-45 in Figure 41;

[0049] Figure 46 represents a clamp formed with the formation pocket arrangement of Figure 40 in a fully formed configuration, in which the clamp came into contact with the formation pockets in an aligned state;

[0050] Figure 47 represents a clamp formed with the formation pocket arrangement of Figure 40 in a fully formed configuration, in which the clamp came into contact with the formation pockets in an unaligned state;

[0051] Figure 48 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a staple-forming pocket arrangement comprising a proximal-forming pocket and a distal-forming pocket;

[0052] Figure 49 is a perspective view in cross section of a portion of the staple-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 48;

[0053] Figure 50 is a plan view of the staple-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 48;

[0054] Figure 51 is a cross-sectional view of the staple-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 48 taken along line 51-51 in Figure 50;

[0055] Figure 52 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 48 taken along line 52-52 in Figure 50;

[0056] Figure 53 is a cross-sectional view of the staple formation pocket arrangement of Figure 48 taken along line 53-53 in the transition zone of the distal formation pocket in Figure

50;

[0057] Figure 54 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 48 taken along line 54-54 in the exit area of the distal formation pocket of Figure 50;

[0058] Figure 54A is a partial negative view of a forming pocket of the staple forming pocket arrangements of Figure 48, wherein the negative partial view comprises several slices taken in multiple planes along the forming pocket, which are perpendicular to a fabric-facing surface of the staple-forming pocket arrangement and to a pocket geometric axis of the staple-forming pocket arrangement;

[0059] Figure 54B is a table comprising the dimensions of the slices of Figure 54A, which are identified in Figure 54A;

[0060] Figure 54C is a cross-sectional view of the formation pocket layout of Figure 48 taken along a pocket geometry axis of the formation pocket layout of Figure 48, wherein various dimensions of the pocket layout training are identified therein;

[0061] Figure 55 is a perspective view in cross-section of a staple-forming pocket arrangement comprising a proximal-forming pocket and a distal-forming pocket;

[0062] Figure 56 is a plan view of the staple-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 55;

[0063] Figure 57 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 55, taken along line 57-57 in Figure 56;

[0064] Figure 58 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 55 taken along line 58-58 in Figure 56;

[0065] Figure 59 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp-forming pocket of Figure 55 taken along line 59-59 in the transition zone of the clamp-forming pocket of Figure 56;

[0066] Figure 60 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 55 taken along line 60-60 in the outward forming area of the distal forming pocket of Figure 56;

[0067] Figure 60A is a partial negative view of a formation pocket of the clip-forming pocket arrangements of Figure 55, wherein the negative partial view comprises several slices taken in multiple planes along the formation pocket. perpendicular to a fabric-facing surface of the staple-forming pocket arrangement and to a pocket geometric axis of the staple-forming pocket arrangement;

[0068] Figure 60B is a table comprising the dimensions of the slices of Figure 60A, which are identified in Figure 60A;

[0069] Figure 60C is a cross-sectional view of the formation pocket layout of Figure 55 taken along a pocket geometry axis of the formation pocket layout of Figure 55, in which various dimensions of the pocket layout training are identified therein;

[0070] Figure 61 is a perspective view in cross section of a clamp-forming pocket arrangement comprising a proximal-forming pocket and a distal-forming pocket;

[0071] Figure 62 is a plan view of the staple-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 61;

[0072] Figure 63 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 61 taken along line 63-63 in Figure 62;

[0073] Figure 64 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 61 taken along line 64-64 in the entry formation zone in the distal training pocket of Figure 62;

[0074] Figure 65 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 61 taken along line 65-65 in the entry formation zone in the distal training pocket of Figure 62;

[0075] Figure 66 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp-forming pocket of Figure 61 taken along line 66-66 in the transition zone of the clamp-forming pocket of Figure 62;

[0076] Figure 67 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp-forming pocket arrangement of Figure 61 taken along line 67-67 in the outlet formation zone of the distal formation pocket of Figure 62;

[0077] Figure 67A is a partial negative view of a formation pocket of the staple forming pocket arrangements of Figure 61, wherein the negative partial view comprises several slices taken in multiple planes along the formation pocket. perpendicular to a fabric-facing surface of the staple-forming pocket arrangement and to a pocket geometric axis of the staple-forming pocket arrangement;

[0078] Figure 67B is a table comprising the dimensions of the slices of Figure 67A, which are identified in Figure 67A;

[0079] Figure 67C is a cross-sectional view of the formation pocket layout of Figure 61 taken along a pocket geometry axis of the formation pocket layout of Figure 61, wherein various dimensions of the pocket layout training are identified therein;

[0080] Figure 68 is a plan view of a clamp formed with the formation pocket arrangement of Figure 55 in a fully formed configuration, in which the clamp came into contact with the formation pockets in an unaligned state;

[0081] Figure 69 is an elevation view of the clamp of Figure 68;

[0082] Figure 70 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a surgical end actuator with several removed components, which represents an anvil and a staple cartridge having a plurality of staples, which additionally represents the actuator. end holder in a closed position in which a uniform tissue gap is defined between the staple cartridge and the anvil, and which additionally represents staples fired from the staple cartridge and formed at a uniform height by forming pockets on the anvil;

[0083] Figure 71 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a surgical end actuator with several removed components, which represents an anvil and a staple cartridge having a plurality of staples, in which the anvil comprises a staggered tissue compression surface, which further represents the end actuator in a closed position in which a variable fabric gap is defined between the staple cartridge and the anvil, and which additionally represents the staples fired from the staple cartridge staples and formed at a uniform height by forming pockets on the anvil;

[0084] Figure 72 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a surgical end actuator with several removed components, which represents an anvil and a staple cartridge having a plurality of staples and a tissue compression surface. stepped, which additionally represents the end actuator in a closed position in which a gap of variable fabric is defined between the staple cartridge and the anvil, and which additionally represents the staples fired from the staple cartridge and formed at a uniform height by training pockets on the anvil;

[0085] Figure 73 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a surgical end actuator with several removed components, which represents an anvil and a staple cartridge having a plurality of staples, in which the anvil and the staple cartridge comprises scaling tissue compression surfaces, which further represents the end actuator in a closed position in which a variable fabric gap is defined between the staple cartridge and the anvil, and which additionally represents staples fired from the staple cartridge and formed at a uniform height by forming pockets on the anvil;

[0086] Figure 74 is a perspective view in partial cross-section of a joint joint for a surgical tool set with several components removed, which represents the joint joint in a non-articulated position;

[0087] Figure 75 is a plan view in partial cross section of the articulation joint of Figure 74 in the non-articulated configuration;

[0088] Figure 76 is a plan view in cross section of the articulation joint of Figure 74 in a partially articulated configuration;

[0089] Figure 77 is a plan view in partial cross section of the articulation joint of Figure 74 in a fully articulated configuration; and

[0090] Figure 77A is a detailed view of a reinforcement feature of the articulation joint of Figure 74 in the fully articulated configuration of Figure 77.

[0091] Corresponding reference characters indicate 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

[0092] 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 number, entitled SURGICAL ANVIL MANUFACTURING METHODS; Attorney document number END8165USNP / 170079M; - US Patent Application serial number, entitled SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS; Attorney document number END8168USNP / 170080; - US Patent Application serial number, entitled SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS; Attorney document number END8170USNP / 170081; - US Patent Application serial number, entitled SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS; Attorney Document No. No. END8164USNP / 170082; - US Patent Application serial number, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS; Attorney's Document No. No. END8169USNP / 170083; - US Patent Application serial number, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS; Attorney document number END8167USNP / 170085; - US Patent Application serial number, entitled ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS; document number

Attorney's Office END8166USNP / 170087; e - US Patent Application serial number, entitled ARTICULATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; Attorney document number END8171USNP / 170088.

[0093] The applicant for this application holds the following US Patent Applications that were filed on December 21, 2016, and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective totalities: - US Patent Application No. series 15 / 386,185, entitled

SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 386,230, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 386,221, entitled LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 386,209, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 386,198, entitled

LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 386,240, entitled

SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,939, entitled

STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,941, entitled SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGE-

MENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ARTICULATION

AND FIRING SYSTEMS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,943, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,950, entitled SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,945, entitled

STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,946, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,951, entitled

SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,953, entitled METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,954, entitled FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FE-ATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,955, entitled

SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,948, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,956, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEA-TURES;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,958, entitled

SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS

FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,947, entitled

STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN.

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,896, entitled

METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,898, entitled

STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,899, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTRROL; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,901, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COM- PRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,902, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,904, entitled

STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND / OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,905, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,907, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFEC- TOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,908, entitled

FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,909, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FU-SE; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,920, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,913, entitled ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE / FASTENERS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,914, entitled

METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT

TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,893, entitled BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,929, entitled

CLOSURE MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS

FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,911, entitled URGICAL STAPLE / FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUAL- TABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,927, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,917, entitled

STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,900, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRI-MARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,931, entitled NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGE- MENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS / FASTENERS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,915, entitled FIRING MEMBER PIN ANGLE; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,897, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZO- NED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,922, entitled

SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,924, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCES-SORS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,912, entitled

SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE

ABOUT A FIXED AXIS AND INCLUDE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,910, entitled ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,906, entitled FIRING MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 386,188, entitled STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 386,192, entitled

STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 386,206, entitled

STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 386,226, entitled DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING AS- SEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 386,222, entitled

SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 386,236, entitled

CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DISPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,887, entitled

METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,889, entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RE-

TRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM "; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,890, entitled

SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,891, entitled

SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO

ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,892, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATA-

BLE INTO AN ARTICULATION STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,894, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,895, entitled

SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION TOCK LOCKOUTS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,916, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,918, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,919, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,921, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE / FASTENER CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEM- BER LOCKOUT FEATURES; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,923, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,925, entitled JAW ACTUATED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING AD- VANCEMENT OF A FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFEC-

TOR UNLESS AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,926, entitled

AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,928, entitled

PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOVABLE JAW AND ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,930, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERA-

TING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END

EFFECTOR JAWS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,932, entitled

ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,933, entitled

ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,934, entitled

ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END

EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,935, entitled LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGE- MENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION; e - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,936, entitled

ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES.

[0094] 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 STAM-PED STAPLES; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 191.807, entitled STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAM-PED STAPLES; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 191,834, entitled "STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SA-

ME "; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 191,788, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES; and - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 191,818, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STA- PLE ROWS.

[0095] 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: - Patent Application for Industrial Design US 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".

[0096] The applicant for this application holds the following patent applications that were filed on April 1, 2016 and which are each incorporated 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 RECONFI- GURABLE GRIP PORTION; - 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 SUR-

GICAL 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 SE- LECTIVE 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 COM- PRESSION 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 ATTACH- MENT LOCKOUT; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 089,210, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRID-GE 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 ANNU- LAR 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 STA- PLE / FASTENERS; - 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 TIS-SUE 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.

[0097] The applicant for this application also holds the US Patent Applications identified below, which were filed on December 31, 2015, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective totalities. : - 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".

[0098] The applicant for this application also holds the US Patent Applications identified below, which were filed on February 9, 2016, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective totalities: - Application for US Patent 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 "; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 019.215, entitled" SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICU- LATION 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 number 15 / 019.230 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FL- RING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS"; and - US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 019,245, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS".

[0099] The applicant for this application also holds the US Patent Applications identified below, which were filed on February 12, 2016, which are each incorporated by reference in their respective totalities: - 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 "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS".

[0100] The applicant for this application holds the following patent applications that were filed on June 18, 2015 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective totalities: - US Patent Application US Serial No. 14 / 742,925, titled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367256; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 742,941, entitled

SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367248; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 742,914, entitled MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367255; - 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, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367254; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 742,885, entitled DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR AR-TICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0367246; e - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 742,876, entitled

PUSH / PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATA- BLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367245.

[0101] 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 "POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER", now 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, now 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, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256154; - US Patent Application No. 14 / 640,935, entitled OVER-LAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYS- TEM TO MEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION, now 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, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256153; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 640,859, entitled TIME DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETER- MINE STABILITY, CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES, now US Patent Application Publication No.

2016/0256187; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 640,817, entitled

INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now 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; now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256155; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 640,837, entitled SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING, now, US Patent Application Publication 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, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256160; - US Patent Application No. 14 / 640,799, entitled SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A RO- TATABLE SHAFT, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256162; e - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 640,780, entitled

SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING, now, US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256161.

[0102] 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 No. US series 14 / 633,576, entitled

SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION, now 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, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249915; - US Patent Application serial number US 14 / 633,560, entitled SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND / OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES, now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0249910; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 633,566, entitled CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTI- ONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY, now US 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, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249916; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 633,542, entitled RREINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249908; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 633,548, entitled POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249909; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 633,526, entitled ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249945; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 633,541, entitled

MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY, now 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, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249917.

[0103] The applicant for this application holds the following patent applications that were filed on December 18, 2014 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective totalities: - US Patent Application No. series 14 / 574,478, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULA- TABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIERING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER, now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0174977; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 574,483, entitled

SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS, now, US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174969; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 575,139, entitled DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INS- TRUMENTS, now, US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174978; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 575,148, entitled LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEM- BLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, now 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, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174972; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 575,143, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRAN- GEMENTS, now, US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174983; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 575,117, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFEC- TORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0174975; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 575,154, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFEC- TORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGE-MENTS, now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0174973; - US Patent Application 14 / 574,493, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULA- TION SYSTEM, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174970; e - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 574,500, entitled

SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174971.

[0104] The applicant for this application holds the following patent applications that were filed on March 1, 2013 and which are each incorporated 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 INS- TRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0249557; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 782,499, entitled

ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMERNT, now US Patent No. 9,358,003; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 782,460, entitled MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent No. 9,554,794; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 782,358, entitled JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent No. 9,326,767; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 782,481, entitled

STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR SENSOR, now US Patent No. 9,468,438; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 782,518, entitled "CONTROL METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH RE-MOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 782,375, entitled

ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM, now US Patent No. 9,398,911; e - US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 782,536, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP, now US Patent No.

9,307,986.

[0105] The applicant for this application also holds the following patent applications that were filed on March 14, 2013 and which are each incorporated by reference in their respective totalities: - US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,097, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FLERING DRIVE", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263542; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,193, entitled CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now 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 AR-TICULATION LOCK", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,210, entitled "SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYS- TEM 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 13 / 803,066, entitled DRIVE

TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent No. 9,629,623; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,117, entitled

ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED CABLE-BASED SURGICAL END EF-FECTORS, now US Patent No. 9,351,726; - US Patent Application 13 / 803,130, entitled DRIVE

TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now 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.

[0106] 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 MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now US Patent No. 9,629,629.

[0107] 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 2015/0272581; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 226,094, entitled "VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGE / 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 DETACHA- BLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES", now, US Patent Application Publication 2015/0272579;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 226,093, entitled "FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication 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 - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 226,125, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT ", now, US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280384.

[0108] The applicant for this application also holds the following patent applications that were filed on September 5, 2014 and which are each incorporated 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 published

US Patent Application citation 2016/0066909; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 479,110, entitled POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRID-GE, now, 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; - 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.

[0109] The applicant for this application also holds the following patent applications that were filed on April 9, 2014 and which are each incorporated by reference in their respective totalities: - US Patent Application No. series 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 FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OU-TPUT, now US Patent No. 9,649,110; - 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 STAPLE / FASTENER, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309666; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 248,591, entitled TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305991; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 248,584, entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH

ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS ", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305994; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 248,587, entitled POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER / FASTENER, now published US Patent Application 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; e - Application US Patent Serial No. 14 / 248,607, entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305992.

[0110] The applicant of the present application also holds the following patent applications that were filed on April 16, 2013 and which are each incorporated by reference in their respective totalities: - US Provisional Patent Application serial number 61 / 812.365, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR"; - US Provisional Patent Application serial number 61 / 812,376, entitled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER";

- US Provisional Patent Application serial number 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 AC- TUATION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL"; and - US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 812,372, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR".

[0111] Numerous specific details are presented to provide a complete understanding of the structure, function, manufacturing 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 deviating from the scope of the claims.

[0112] The terms "understands" (and any form of understanding, such as "understands" and "that understands"), "has" (and any form of has, such as "has" and "that has"), " includes "(and any form of includes, such as" includes "and" which includes ") and" contains "(and any form of contains, such as" contains "and" which contains ") are unrestricted linking verbs. As a result, a surgical system, device or apparatus that "comprises", "has", "includes" or "contains" one or more elements has those one or more elements, but is not limited to having only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a 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.

[0113] 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 the portion closest to the doctor, and the term "distal" refers to the portion located in the opposite direction to 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.

[0114] Various devices and exemplary 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 hole, through an incision or perforation formed in fabric, etc. . Functional portions or portions of the instrument's 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 shaft elongated actuation of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

[0115] The surgical stapling system may comprise a drive shaft and an end actuator that extends from the drive shaft. The end actuator comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first claw comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into, and removable from, the first jaw; however, other modes are provided for in which a staple cartridge is not removable, or at least readily replaceable, from the first gripper. The second claw comprises an anvil configured to deform the clamps 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 articulation axis that extends through the articulation joint. Other modalities are provided that do not include an articulation joint.

[0116] 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 the first side of the fabric to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on the 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.

[0117] The clamps are supported by clamp actuators on the cartridge body. The actuators are movable between a first position, or a non-triggered position, and a second position, or a triggered position, to eject the clips from the clip cavities. The drivers are retained on 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 seal on the cartridge body. The actuators are mobile between their non-triggered positions and their positions triggered by a slide. The slider is movable between a proximal position adjacent to the proximal end and a distal position adjacent to the distal end. The slider comprises a plurality of inclined surfaces configured to slide under the actuators and lift the actuators, and the clamps supported on it, towards the anvil.

[0118] In addition to the above, the slider is moved distally by a firing member. The firing member is configured to contact 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 also comprises a first cam that engages with the first claw and a second cam that engages with the second claw. As the firing member is advanced distally, the first cam and the second cam can control the distance, or fabric gap, between the staple cartridge platform and the anvil. The firing member also comprises a knife configured to make an incision in the tissue captured between the anvil and the staple cartridge. It is desirable 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.

[0119] Figure 1 depicts a motor-driven surgical system 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 interchangeable surgical tool sets 100, 200, 300 and 1000 that are adapted for interchangeable use with a handle set 500. Each interchangeable surgical tool set 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 instrument sets disclosed herein can be used with various robotic systems, instruments, components and methods such as those disclosed in US Patent No. 9,072,535, but not limited to them, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DE- PLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS ", which is incorporated by reference, in its entirety.

[0120] 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 fixing arrangement and process shown in Figure 3 can also be used in connection with fixing any

either one 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 compartment 502 that includes a pistol grip handle portion 504 that can be held and handled by the physician. As will be briefly discussed below, the cable assembly 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.

[0121] 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, structure 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 tool set. interchangeable surgical tool 100, 200, 300 and 1000 which is fixed or operationally coupled to the cable assembly 500. In at least one form, the closing drive system 510 may include an actuator in the form of a closing trigger 512 , supported in an articulated manner by frame 506. This arrangement allows the closing trigger 512 to be manipulated by a doctor, so that when the doctor holds the pistol grip portion 504 of the cable assembly 500 , the closing trigger 512 can be easily rotated from an initial or "not actuated" position to an "acted" position and, more particularly, to a fully compressed or fully actuated position. 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 interfaces with it. As will be discussed in more detail below, the closing link assembly 514 includes a transverse fixing pin 516 that facilitates attachment to a corresponding drive system in the surgical tool set. To activate the closing drive system, the doctor 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, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575 which is incorporated herein by way of In its entirety, the closing drive system is configured to lock the closing trigger 512 in the fully depressed or fully actuated position when the doctor fully presses the closing trigger 512 to obtain the full closing stroke. When the clinician wishes to unlock the closing trigger 512 to allow the closing trigger 512 to be propelled to 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 micro-controller 520 in the grip set 500 to track the position of the closing trigger 512. An additional discussion regarding configuration and operation of the 518 lock release button assembly can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575.

[0122] In at least one form, the handle assembly

500 and 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 the same. As described in detail in US Patent Application Publication 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 assembly portion 504 of the handle set

500. In several ways, the motor can be a brush-driven direct current (DC) motor with a maximum speed of approximately 25,000 RPM, for example. In other arrangements, the motor may include a brushless motor, a wireless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor or any other suitable electric motor. The motor can be powered by a power source 522 which, in one form, can comprise a removable power unit. The power source can support a plurality of lithium ion batteries ("Li ions") or other suitable ones 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.

[0123] 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 voltage applied to the motor. For example, when the motor is started in one direction of rotation, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 will be driven axially in the distal direction "DD". When the electric motor is driven in the opposite direction of rotation, the longitudinally movable driving member 540 will be driven axially in the proximal direction "PD". The handle set 500 may include a key

ve 513 which 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 cable assembly 500 may also include a sensor or sensors that are configured to detect the position of the drive member 540 and / or the direction in which the drive member 540 is being moved. The motor start can be controlled by a trigger trigger 532 (Figure 1) held pivotally 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 into the unacted position by means of a spring or other propensity arrangement so that when the doctor releases the trigger trigger 532, the trigger trigger 532 can be rotated or otherwise, returned to the position not acted by means of the spring or the propensity arrangement. In at least one way, trigger trigger 532 can be positioned "far" from closing trigger 512, as discussed above. As discussed in US Patent Application Publication 2015/0272575, cable assembly 500 can be equipped with a trigger trigger safety button to prevent the trigger trigger 532 from inadvertently activating. When the closing trigger 512 is in the unacted position, the safety button is contained in the cable assembly 500, where the physician cannot readily access the safety button and move it between a safety position, which prevents the trigger trigger 532 from operating, and a firing position in which the trigger trigger 532 can be fired. When the doctor presses the closing trigger 512, the safety button and the trigger trigger 532 pivot down, where they can then be manipulated by the doctor.

[0124] In at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 may have a toothed rack formed on it for gearing with a corresponding drive gear arrangement that interfaces with the motor. Additional details regarding those resources can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575. In at least one way, the cable assembly 500 also includes a "rescue" assembly that is configured to enable the physician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 540 if the engine is disabled. The retract assembly may include a retract handle or handle that is stored inside the grip assembly 500 under a removable door

550. The lever is configured to be manually articulated in ratchet engagement with the teeth on the drive member 540. In this way, the physician can manually retract the drive member 540 using the rescue cable assembly to engage the drive member. drive 5400 in the proximal direction "PD". US Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 249,117, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RE-TRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, currently US Patent No.

8,608,045, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in the present invention, discloses rescue provisions that can also be employed with the various sets of surgical tools disclosed in the present invention.

[0125] 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 canal 112. The set of inter-

exchangeable 100 also includes a lockable articulated joint 120 which can be configured to releasably hold end actuator 110 in a desired position with respect 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 "YARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE" , currently US Patent Application Publication 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 can include a proximal housing or nozzle 130 and a closure tube assembly 140 that can be used to close and / or open the anvil 114 of end actuator 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 configured driver arrangement 147 to apply articulation movements to the surgical end actuator 110. The central column 145 is configured to, firstly, slide a trigger bar 170 inside it and, secondly, to slide the assembly of closing tube 140 extending around central column 145. In various circumstances, central column 145 includes a proximal end that is swiveled on a floor so 150. See Figure 3. In an arrangement, for example, the proximal end of the central column 145 is attached to a dorsal bearing that is configured to be held within the chassis 150. This arrangement facilitates the swiveling fixation of the central column 145 to the chassis 150, so that the central column 145 can be selectively rotated around a geometric axis of the

drive speed SA in relation to chassis 150.

[0126] Referring also to Figure 3, the interchangeable surgical tool set 100 includes a movable closing member 160 that is slidably supported within the chassis 150, so that the closing movable member 160 can be moved axially. in relation to the chassis 150. As can be seen in Figure 3, the closing movable member 160 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 162 that are configured to be attached to the fixing pin 516, which is attached to the link link assembly. closing 514 in the cable assembly 500. A segment of the proximal closing tube 146 of the closing tube assembly 140 is pivotally coupled to the closing movable member 160. In this way, when the hooks 162 are hooked on the pin 516, the actuation of the closing trigger 512 will result in axial movement of the closing movable member 160 and, finally, of the closing tube assembly 140 in the central column 145. A closing spring can be installed s on the closing tube assembly 140 and serves to propose the closing tube 140 in the proximal direction "PD", which can serve to rotate the closing trigger 512 to the unacted position when the drive shaft assembly 100 is operational- coupled to the cable assembly 500. In use, the closing tube assembly 140 is translated distally (direction DD) to close the anvil 114 in response to the action of the closing trigger 512. The closing tube assembly 140 includes a distal closing tube segment 142 which is pivotally attached to a distal end of a proximal closing tube segment 146. distal closing tube segment 142 is configured to move axially with the tube segment proximal closure 146 in relation to surgical end actuator 110. When the distal end of the distal closing tube segment 142 reaches a proximal surface or protrusion 115 on anvil 114, anvil 114 is f pivoted. Further details regarding the closure of anvil 114 can be found in the previously mentioned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, and will be discussed in more detail below. As also described in detail in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, anvil 114 is opened by proximally translating the distal closing tube segment 142. The distal closing tube segment 142 has an opening in the form of horseshoe 143 therein defining a downwardly extending return flap that cooperates with an anvil flap 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 unacted position.

[0127] As indicated above, the interchangeable surgical tool set 100 additionally includes a firing bar 170 which is supported to carry out an axial displacement within the central column of the drive shaft 145. The firing bar 170 includes a portion intermediate of the firing drive shaft that is configured to be fixed 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 surgical tool set interchangeable 100 includes a coupling assembly that can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the pivoting actuator to the firing bar 170. Further details regarding the characteristics and operation of the coupling assembly can be found in the Patent Application Publication US No. 2014/0263541. As discussed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, the distal movement of the firing bar 170 can move the arrangement of the artery trigger

ticulation 147 distally and correspondingly, the proximal movement of the firing bar 170 can move the arrangement of the hinge driver 147 proximally when the coupling assembly is in its engaged position. When the coupling assembly is in its disengaged position, the movement of the firing bar 170 is not transmitted to the arrangement of the actuator 147 and, as a result, the firing bar 170 can move regardless of the arrangement of the trigger. articulation actuator 147. The interchangeable surgical tool set 100 can also include a slip ring set that can be configured to conduct electrical energy to and / or from end actuator 110 and / or transmit signals to and / or from the end actuator

110. Additional details regarding the slip ring assembly can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYS- TEM, 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-GE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM is also incorporated in its entirety into the present invention by reference.

[0128] Again with reference to Figure 3, the chassis 150 has one or more tapered fastening portions 152 formed therein, which are adapted to be received inside the corresponding slot (dovetail) slots 507 formed in the interior of a distal end of the frame 506. Each slot 507 may be tapered or, in other words, may 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 ex-

proximal tremor of the firing drive shaft 170. When the interchangeable surgical tool set 100 is coupled to the grip set 500, the driving shaft fixing pin 172 is received in a firing shaft fixing cradle 542 formed at the distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member 540. The interchangeable surgical tool set 100 also employs a clip system 180 to releasably secure the drive shaft assembly 100 to the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. In at least one form, the clamp system 180 includes a locking member or a locking fork 182 that is movably attached to the chassis

150. The locking fork 182 includes two locking pins that project proximally 184 which are configured to engage releasably with the corresponding locking holders or grooves 509 on the distal fixing flange of the frame 506. In many ways, the locking fork 182 is proximally propelled by the spring or the bias member. The actuation of the locking fork 182 can be done by a locking button 186 which is slidably mounted on a locking actuator assembly which is mounted on the chassis 150. The locking button 186 can be forced in a proximal direction with respect to locking fork 182. As will be discussed in more detail below, locking fork 182 can be moved to a locked position by biasing the locking button 186 in the distal direction DD, which also causes the locking fork 182 pivot out of the retaining latch with the distal fixing flange of the frame 506. When the locking fork 182 is in retaining latch with the distal fixing flange of the frame 506, the locking pins 184 are seated with retention inside the corresponding detectors or locking grooves 509 at the

structure 506. Additional details regarding the locking system can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541.

[0129] To fix the interchangeable surgical tool set 100 to the handle set 500, a physician can position the frame 150 of the interchangeable surgical tool set 100 above or adjacent to the distal end of frame 506, so that the portions of tapered clamps 152 formed in the chassis 150 are aligned with the slot slots 507 in the frame 506. The physician can then move the interchangeable surgical tool set 100 along a geometry axis of installation IA which is perpendicular to the geometry axis drive system to seat the tapered clamping portions 152 in operational engagement with the corresponding receiving slots 507 at the distal end of the structure

506. When doing this, the drive pin fixing pin 172 on the intermediate trigger drive axle 170 will also be seated in the cradle 542 on the longitudinally movable drive member 540 and the pin portions 516 on the closing link 514 will be placed on the corresponding hooks 162 on the closing mobile element 160. As used in the present invention, the term "operational hitch" in reference to two components means that the two components are engaged with each other so that, by application from a movement of action to them, the components perform their intended action, function and / or procedure.

[0130] Again with reference to Figure 1, the surgical system includes four sets of interchangeable surgical tools 100, 200, 300 and 1000 that can each be effectively used with the same set of handle 500 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 have been incorporated herein by reference. Several details regarding the 1000 interchangeable surgical tool set will be discussed in more detail below.

[0131] As shown in Figure 1, each of the surgical tool sets 100, 200, 300 and 1000 includes a pair of claws, where at least one of the claws is movable to capture, manipulate and / or secure the tissue between the two claws. The movable gripper is moved between the open and closed positions by applying opening and closing movements applied to it by the cable assembly or by the robotic or automated surgical system to which the surgical tool assembly is operationally coupled. In addition, each of the interchangeable surgical tool sets illustrated includes a firing member that is configured to cut tissue and trigger clamps from a staple cartridge that is held in one of the jaws in response to applied firing movements at the same time 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 fasten a specific type of tissue and a specific thickness of tissues within a given area on the body. The closing, firing and articulation control systems in the cable assembly 500 or in the robotic system can be configured to generate axial control movements and / or rotary control movements depending on the type of settings of the closing systems, dis - stop and joint that are used in the surgical tool set. In one arrangement, one of the control components of the system

The closing theme moves axially from an unacted position to its fully acted position when a closing control system in the cable assembly or robotic system is fully activated. The axial distance at which the closing tube assembly moves from its unacted position to its fully acted position can be referred to here as its "closing stroke length". Similarly, one of the control components of the firing system moves axially from its unacted position to its fully triggered or released position when a firing system in the cable assembly or robotic system is completely triggered. The axial distance that the longitudinally movable drive member moves between its unactivated position and its fully triggered position can be called "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 "stroke length of articulation". In many circumstances, the length of the closing stroke, the length of the firing stroke and the length of the pivoting stroke are fixed for a given cable assembly or robotic system. Thus, each of the surgical tool sets must be able to accommodate the control movements of the closing, firing and / or articulation components across each of their entire stroke lengths without placing undue stress on the tool components. that may lead to damage to the surgical tool set.

[0132] 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 that is configured to operationally support a staple cartridge 1110 The end actuator 1100 can additionally include an anvil 1130 which is pivotally supported in relation to the elongated channel 1102. The interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 can also include a hinge joint 1200 and a hinge lock 1210 (Figures 5 and 8 to 10), which can be configured to release the end actuator 1100 in a desired articulated position in relation to a geometrical axis of the drive shaft. Details regarding the construction and operation of the 1210 joint lock can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,086, entitled ARTICULATING-

BLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, the description of which is incorporated herein, by reference, in its entirety. Additional details related to the articulation lock can also be found in US patent application serial number 15 / 019,196, filed on February 9, 2016, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT, the full disclosure of which is incorporated here reference title. As can be seen in Figure 7, the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 can additionally include a proximal compartment or nozzle 1300 comprised of the nozzle portions 1302, 1304 as well as an actuator wheel portion 1306 that is configured to be coupled to the nozzle portions mounted 1302, 1304 by pressure fittings, pins, and / or screws, for example. The interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 may additionally include a closure tube assembly 1400 that can be used to close and / or open anvil 1130 of end actuator 1100, as will be discussed in further detail below. Primarily with reference now to Figures 8 and 9, the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 can include a center column set 1500 that can be configured to hold the hinge lock 1210. The center column set 1500 comprises a center column member or of "elastic" structure 1510 which will be described in greater detail below. A distal end portion 1522 of the elastic central column member 1510 is attached to a segment of distal structure 1560 that operably supports hinge lock 1210 therein. As can be seen in Figures 7 and 8, the central column assembly 1500 is configured to, firstly, slide a set of firing member 1600 in a sliding way and secondly to sustain it the closing tube 1400 extending around the central column assembly 1500. The central column assembly 1500 can also be configured to slide a 17x proximal articulation actuator.

[0133] 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 one arrangement, the distal end 1562 of the distal structure segment 1560 has a pivot pin 1564 formed in it, for example. The pivot pin 1564 is adapted to be pivotally received within a pivot hole 1234 formed in the pivot base portion 1232 of the end actuator mounting 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 1108 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 of articulation B-B in relation to the central column assembly 1500.

[0134] Still referring to Figure 10, the hinge actuator 1700 has a distal end 1702 that is configured to operationally engage the hinge lock 1210. The hinge lock 1210 includes a hinge structure 1212 which is adapted to operationally engage a drive pin 1238 in the pivot base portion 1232 of the end actuator assembly set 1230. In addition, a cross link 1237 can be connected to the drive pin 1238 and the hinge structure 1212 to assist the articulation of the end actuator 1100. As indicated above, additional details related to the operation of the joint lock 1210 and the articulation structure 1212 can be found in US patent application serial number 13 / 803.086, now US Patent Application Publication 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 February 9, 2016, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION, the disclosure of which is here 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 1800 frame. In one arrangement, the proximal end 1514 of the elastic central column member 1510 has a 1516 thread. formed therein for threaded attachment to a dorsal bearing that is configured to be held within the chassis

1800. This arrangement facilitates the swiveling fastening of the elastic central column portion 1510 to the chassis 1800, so that the central column assembly 1500 can be selectively rotated around the geometrical axis of the drive shaft SA in relation to the chassis 1800.

[0135] Referring mainly to Figure 7, the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 includes a movable closing member 1420 which is slidably supported within the chassis 1800, so that the movable closing member 1420 can be moved axially in relation to the chassis 1800. In one form, the closing movable member 1420 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 1421 that are configured to be attached to the fixing pin 516, which is attached to the closing link assembly 514 on cable assembly 500, as discussed above. A proximal end 1412 of a proximal closing tube segment 1410 is pivotally coupled to the closing member 1420. For example, a U-shaped connector 1424 is inserted into an annular slot 1414 at the proximal end 1412 of the proximal closing tube segment 1410 and is retained within the vertical slots 1422 in the closing mobile element 1420. See Figure 7. This arrangement serves to secure the proximal closing tube segment 1410 to the closing mobile member 1420 for axial displacement with the same, while allowing the closing tube assembly 1400 to rotate in relation to the closing mobile member 1420 around the geometric axis of the drive shaft SA. A closing spring is seated on the proximal end 1412 of the proximal closing tube segment 1410 and serves to propel the closing tube assembly 1400 in the proximal direction PD, which can serve to rotate the closing trigger 512 on the cable set 500 (Figure 3) to the unacted position when the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 is operationally coupled to the cable set 500.

[0136] As indicated above, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 includes an articulated joint 1200. Other interchangeable surgical tool sets, however,

may not be able to articulate. As can be seen in Figure 10, the upper and lower protuberances 1415, 1416 protrude distally from a distal end of the proximal closing tube segment 1410 which are configured to be movably coupled to a sleeve. closing the end actuator or distal closing tube segment 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 distal closing tube segment 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.

[0137] As mentioned above, the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 additionally includes a firing member set 1600 that is supported to make an axial path within the back assembly 1500. The firing member set 1600 includes an intermediate portion firing drive shaft 1602, which is configured to be connected to a distal cutting portion or cutting bar 1610. The firing member assembly 1600 can also be referred to in the present invention as a "second driving shaft" 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 at the proximal end of the cutter bar 1610. The longitudinal slot 1604 and the proximal end of the cutter bar 1610 can be dimensioned and configured to allow relative movement between them and may comprise a sliding joint 1612. The sliding joint 1612 can allow the of the intermediate firing drive shaft 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600 is moved to articulate end actuator 1100 without moving, or at least substantially moving, the cutter bar 1610. Since the end actuator 1100 has been properly oriented, the intermediate firing drive shaft portion 1602 can be advanced distally until a proximal side wall of longitudinal slot 1604 comes into contact contact with the tab on the cutter bar 1610 in order to advance the cutter bar 1610 and fire 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 to facilitate the assembly and insertion of the intermediate portion of the trigger drive shaft 1602 into the elastic central column member 1520. When the intermediate portion of the trigger drive shaft 1602 has Once inserted in it, an upper segment of the structure 1527 can be engaged with the elastic central column member 1520 to enclose the intermediate portion of the firing drive axis 1602 and the cutter bar 1610 within itself. Detailed information on the operation of the firing member 1600 can be seen in US Patent Application Publication No. 13 / 803,086, now US Patent Application Serial No. 2014/0263541.

[0138] In addition to the above, the exchangeable tool set 1000 can include a coupling set 1620, which can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the proximal articulation drive 1700 to the firing member assembly

1600. In one form, coupling assembly 1620 comprises a locking ring or sleeve 1622 positioned around the firing member assembly 1600, where locking sleeve 1622 can be rotated between an engaged position, where the locking sleeve locking 1622 couples the hinge actuator 1700 to the firing member 1600, and a disengaged position, in which the hinge actuator 1700 is not operably coupled to the firing member 1600. When the locking sleeve 1622 is in in its engaged position, the distal movement of the firing member assembly 1600 can move the hinge actuator 1700 in the distal direction, and correspondingly, the proximal movement of the firing member assembly 1600 can proximally move the 1700 hinge actuator. the locking sleeve 1622 is in its disengaged position, the movement of the firing member assembly 1600 is not transmitted to the hinge actuator 1700 and, as a result, the joint the trigger member 1600 can move independently of the hinge actuator 1700. In various circumstances, the proximal hinge actuator 1700 can be held in position by hinge lock 1210 when the hinge actuator 1700 is not being moved in the proximal or distal directions by the trigger member 1600.

[0139] With reference mainly to Figure 7, the locking sleeve 1622 may comprise a cylindrical, or at least substantially cylindrical, body, including a longitudinal opening 1624 defined therein, configured to receive the firing member assembly 1600. The locking sleeve 1622 may comprise locking projections 1626, 1628 diametrically opposite inward and a locking 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 in its engaged position, the locking projections 1626, 1628 are positioned inside a drive notch 1605 defined in the middle portion of the trigger drive shaft 1602, so that a distal pushing force and / or a pulling force proximal can be transmitted from the firing member 1600 to the locking sleeve 1622. When the locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, the second locking member 1629 is received inside a drive notch 1704 defined in the trigger. articulation 1700, so that the distal compression force and / or the proximal tensile force applied to the locking sleeve 1622 can be transmitted to the articulation driver 1700. In effect, the firing member assembly 1600, the locking sleeve 1622 and the hinge driver 1700 will move together when the 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 assembly of the firing member 1600 and, as a result, a distal pushing force and / or a proximal pulling force may not be transmitted from the firing member 1600 assembly to the locking sleeve 1622. Correspondingly, the distal pressing force and / or the proximal pulling force may not be transmitted to the hinge actuator 1700. Under these circumstances, the firing member assembly 1600 can be slid proximally and / or distally from the locking sleeve 1622 and the air actuator - proximal linkage 1700. The coupling set 1620 additionally includes a switching barrel 1630 that interfaces with the locking sleeve 1622. More details regarding operation that of the switching drum and locking sleeve 1622 can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803.086, currently US Patent Application Publication Serial No. 2014/0263541, and Serial No. 15 / 019,196. The switching drum 1630 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. Rotating the nozzle 1300 to a point where the bezels reach the end of their respective slots 1632, 1634 in the switching barrel 1630 will result when turning the 1630 switching drum 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 Publication US Patent Application No. 2014/0263541, and US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 019,196, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their respective totalities.

[0140] 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 cross pin 1639 from a displacement plate 1638. In one example, displacement plate 1638 is received inside a longitudinal slot that is provided in the locking sleeve 1622 to facilitate the axial movement of the locking sleeve 1622 when engaged with the articulation driver 1700. More details regarding the operation of the displacement plate and switching cylinder 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, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0086823, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in the present invention.

[0141] 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 to the end actuator 1100 and / or from and / or transmit signals to the 1100 end actuator and / or back to a microprocessor in the cable 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. Series 15 / 019.196, each of which has been incorporated by reference in its respective totalities as well as in US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 800.067 entitled STA-PLE 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 that have been incorporated by reference, the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 may also comprise at least one sensor that is configured to detect the position of the 1630 switching drum .

[0142] Again with reference to Figure 7, the chassis 1800 includes one or more tapered fastening portions 1802 formed therein, which are adapted to be received within the corresponding slot slots 507 formed within the distal end portion of the structure 506 of cable assembly 500, as discussed above. As can also be seen in Figure 7, a pin for fixing the drive shaft 1605 is formed at the proximal end of the drive shaft for intermediate firing

1602. As will be discussed in more detail below, the drive shaft fixing pin 1605 is received in a trigger drive shaft fixing substructure 542 that is formed at the distal end of the longitudinal drive member 540 when the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 is attached to the handle set 500. See Figure 3.

[0143] Several interchangeable surgical tool sets employ an 1810 locking system to releasably attach the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 to the frame 506 of the handle set 500. In at least one way, as you can shown in Figure 7, the clamp system 1810 includes a locking member or a locking fork 1812 that is movably attached to the 1800 chassis. The locking fork 1812 has a U-shape with two legs that extend outwardly spaced 1814. The legs 1814 each have a pivot pin formed therefrom which is adapted to be received in corresponding holes 1816 formed in the 1800 frame. This arrangement facilitates

pivoting attachment of the locking fork 1812 to the chassis 1800. The locking fork 1812 can include two locking pins that project proximally 1818 that are configured for engagement releasable to the corresponding locking holders or grooves 509 at the distal end of the frame 506 of the handle set 500. See Figure 3. In several ways, the 1812 locking fork is forced in the proximal direction by a spring or biasing member 1819. The 1812 locking fork can be actuated by a button 1820 locking device which is slidably mounted on an 1822 locking actuator assembly which is mounted on the 1800 chassis. The 1820 locking button can be forced in a proximal direction in relation to the 1812 locking fork. The 1812 locking fork can be be moved to a locked position by forcing the locking button 1820 in the distal direction, which also causes the locking fork 1812 to pivot towards the retaining hitch with the distal end 700 of the frame

506. When the locking fork 1812 is in locking engagement with the distal end of the frame 506, the locking pins 1818 are seated with retention within the corresponding detent or locking grooves 509 at the distal end of the frame

506.

[0144] 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 the corresponding locking pin portions 1426 which are formed movable member of lock 1420. When locking movable member 1420 is in an unacted position, locking fork 1812 can be pivoted in a distal direction to unlock the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 from the handle set 500. When in this locking hooks 1824 do not come into contact with the locking pin 1426 portions on the closing movable member 1420. However, when the closing movable member 1420 is moved to an actuated position, the locking fork 1812 is prevented from being pivoted to an unlocked position. In other words, if the doctor tried to pivot the 1812 locking fork to an unlocked position or, for example, if the 1812 locking fork was inadvertently raised or brought into contact in a way that could otherwise cause the the same pivot distally, the locking hooks 1824 on the locking fork 1812 would come in contact with the locking pins 1426 on the closing movable member 1420 and prevent the movement of the locking fork 1812 to an unlocked position.

[0145] Still referring to Figure 10, the cutting bar 1610 can comprise a laminated strip structure that includes at least two layers of strip. Such strip layers may comprise, for example, stainless steel bands that are interconnected by, for example, welding and / or pins at their proximal ends and / or at other locations along the length of the bands. In alternative modes, the distal ends of the bands are not connected to allow the laminates or bands to spread out in relation to each other when the end actuator is hinged. Such an arrangement allows the cutter bar 1610 to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate the end actuator joint. Various laminated knife bar arrangements are disclosed in US Patent Application serial number US 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 this flexes to accommodate the articulation of the 1100 surgical end actuator. More details concerning the suggest

central bearing and alternative bar support arrangements are presented in US Patent Application serial number US 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.

[0146] Figure 11 illustrates a shape of a firing member 1660 that can be used with the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000. Firing member 1660 comprises a body portion 1662 that includes a connecting element 1663 that extends proximally 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, welding and / or a suitable adhesive , for example. Referring to Figures 17, the body portion 1662 projects through an elongated slot 1104 in the elongated channel 1102 and ends in a base member 1664 that extends laterally on each side of the body portion 1662. As the member trigger 1660 is activated distally through the surgical staple cartridge 1110, the foot member 1664 moves within a passage in the elongated channel 1102 which is located under the surgical staple cartridge 1110. As can be seen in Figure 11, the firing member 1660 may also include central flaps, pins or retaining features 1680 that project laterally. As the firing member 1660 is activated distally via 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 that is disposed between a shoulder projecting distally 1665 and a top nose portion projecting distally 1670. As can be seen in Figure 11, the limb The 1660 firing can additionally include two top flaps, pins or anvil engagement features 1665 that extend laterally. See Figures 13 and 14. As the firing member 1660 is driven distally, a top portion of the body 1662 extends through an anvil slot 1138 (Figure 14) centrally arranged and the upper anvil engaging features 1672 slide over corresponding protrusions 1136 formed on each side of the anvil slit 1134.

[0147] Again with reference to Figure 10, the firing member 1660 is configured to interface operationally with a slide 1120 that is held within the body 1111 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. The slide 1120 is movable in a way sliding inside the staple cartridge body 1111 from a proximal starting position 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 a plurality of clip drivers (not shown in Figure 10) 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 trapped between the anvil 1130 and the staple cartridge 1110. The actuators are associated with corresponding pockets 1115 that open across the surface of upper platform of the cartridge body. Each of the clamp actuators supports one or more clamps or surgical clamps on it. Slider 1120 includes a plurality of inclined or wedge-shaped cases 1122 in which each cam 1122 corresponds to a particular line of fasteners or drivers located on one side of slot 1114. In the illustrated example, a cam

1122 is aligned with a line of "double" actuators that each hold two clamps or fasteners in it and another cam 1122 is aligned with another line of "single" actuators on the same side of the slot 1114 that support each one, a single surgical clamp or fastener on it. Thus, in the example shown, when the surgical staple cartridge 1110 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. Slider 1120 has a central body portion 1124 that is configured to be engaged by shoulder 1665 of firing member 1660. When firing member 1660 is fired or driven distally, firing member 1660 also drives slider 1120 distally . As the firing member 1660 moves distally through the cartridge 1110, the tissue cutting feature 1666 cuts the fabric that is trapped between the anvil assembly 1130 and the cartridge 1110, and also, the slide 1120 drives the drives. upwards in the cartridge that activate the corresponding clamps or fasteners in formation contact with the 1130

[0148] In embodiments in which 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 unused clamps is adequately supported in the elongated channel 1102 of the surgical end actuator 1100. If, for example, there is no staple cartridge present and the trigger member is advanced distally through the end actuator, the fabric 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 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, and US Patent No. 7,380,695 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, and US Patent Application No. 14 / 742.933, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT AR-

RANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS SPENT OR MISSING each reveal various locking arrangements for the firing member. Each of these references is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0149] A "not fired", "not worn", "fresh" or "new" 1110 fastener cartridge means that the 1110 fastener cartridge has all of its latches in their "ready to be fired together" positions. The new cartridge 1110 is seated within the elongated channel 1102 and can be retained there by snap-on features on the cartridge body, which are configured to engage corresponding portions of the elongated channel by retention

1102. 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 Figures and 18, slide 1120 is in its initial position. To prevent the triggering system from being activated and, more precisely, to prevent the triggering member 1660 from being driven distally through the end actuator 1110 unless an untapped or new surgical staple cartridge has been properly seated on the inside the elongated channel 1102, the interchangeable surgical tool set 1000 employs a trigger member locking system generically designated as 1650.

[0150] Now with reference to Figures 10 and 15 to 19, the locking member of the firing member 1650 includes a movable locking member 1652 which is configured to engage the firing member 1660 by retention when a surgical staple cartridge 1110 does not. it is suitably seated within the elongated channel 1102. More specifically, the locking member 1652 comprises at least a laterally moving locking portion 1654, which is configured to engage by locking a corresponding portion of the triggering member 1660 when retaining. slide 1120 is not present inside the cartridge 1110 in its initial position. In fact, locking member 1652 employs two laterally movable locking portions 1654 in which each locking portion engages a portion that extends laterally from firing member 1660. Other locking arrangements can be used.

[0151] Locking member 1652 comprises a general U-shaped spring member in which each leg laterally movable locking portion 1654 extends from a central spring portion 1653 and is configured to move in lateral directions represented by "L" in Figures 18 and 19. It will be understood that the term "lateral directions" refers to directions that are transversal to the geometric axis of the drive axis SA (Figure 2). The spring or locking member 1652 can be manufactured from high-strength spring steel or similar material, for example. The central spring portion 1653 is 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 1654 laterally movable locking portions has a distal end 1656 with a locking window 1658. When locking member 1652 is in a locked position, the central retaining feature 1680 on each side of firing member 1660 extends into the corresponding locking windows 1658 defined in the locking portions 1654 to retain the firing member retentively from being distally, or axially, advanced.

[0152] The operation of the firing member locking system will be explained with reference to Figures 15 to 19. Figures 15 and 18 illustrate a portion of the surgical end actuator 1100 with a new, non-triggered cartridge 1110 properly installed therein. As can be seen in these Figures, 15 and 18, slide 1120 includes an unlocking feature 1126 that corresponds to each of the laterally movable locking portions 1654. An unlocking feature 1126 is provided over or extends proximally. from each of the central wedge shaped cams

1122. In alternative arrangements, the unlocking feature 1126 may comprise a portion projecting proximally to the corresponding wedge-shaped cam 1122. As can be seen in Figure 18, the unlocking features 1124 engage and tilt the corresponding locking portions 1654 laterally in a direction that is transverse to the geometric axis of the drive shaft SA (Figure 2) when the slide 1120 is in its initial position . When the locking portions 1654 are in these unlocked orientations, the central features of the retainer 1680 are not in a holding port with its locking windows 1658. In these cases, the trigger member 1660 can be advanced (fired) dis-

individually or axially. However, when a cartridge is not present in the elongated channel 1102 or the slider 1120 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 shooting member

1660. In such cases, with reference to Figure 19, the firing member 1660 cannot be moved distally.

[0153] Figures 16 and 17 illustrate the retraction of the firing member 1660 back to its initial position, or not triggered, after a staple firing course as discussed above. Figure 16 represents the initial re-engagement of the retention feature 1680 in its corresponding locking windows 1658. Figure 17 illustrates the retention feature in its locked position when the firing member 1660 has been fully retracted back to its initial position. To aid in the lateral displacement of the locking portions 1654, when they are brought into contact by the retention features that move proximally 1680, each of the retention features 1680 can be provided with a laterally tapered end portion to the proximal direction. Such a locking system prevents actuation of the firing member 1660 when a new, non-fired cartridge is not present or when a new, non-fired cartridge is present, but has not been properly seated in the elongated channel 1102. In addition, the locking system can that the physician advances the firing member distally in the event that a worn or partially fired cartridge has been inadvertently properly seated within the elongated channel. Another advantage that can be provided by the 1650 locking system is that, unlike other firing member locking arrangements that require the firing member to move in and out of alignment with the corresponding slots / passages.

corresponding to the staple cartridge, the firing member 1660 remains in alignment with the cartridge passages while in the locked and unlocked positions. 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.

[0154] Again with reference to Figures 13 and 14, 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 that defines two downwardly extending fabric stop members 1136 which are adjacent to the proximal anvil mounting portion 1150. The elongated anvil body portion 1132 also includes an underside 1135 that defines an elongated anvil slit 1138. In the arrangement shown in Figure 14, the anvil slot 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 slot 1138 Adjacent to each side of the anvil slit 1138 are two elongated anvil passages 1146. Each pass 1146 has a proximal ramp portion 1148. See Figure 13. Depending on the dis paro 1660 is advanced distally, the upper anvil hitch features 1632 initially enter the corresponding proximal ramp portions 1148 and within the corresponding long anvil passages 1146.

[0155] 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 is forks or divides the 1150 anvil mounting portion 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 supports the flanges of the anvil 1151 and can serve to make the anvil 1150 mounting portion more rigid than the mounting portions of other anvil arrangements that are not connected at their proximal ends. As can also be seen in Figures 12 and 14, anvil slot 1138 has a wide portion 1139 to accommodate the upper portion and the upper anvil engaging features 1632 of firing member 1660, when firing member 1660 is in its proximal position not triggered.

[0156] As can be seen in Figures 13 and 20 to 24, each of the 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 whisker 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 on the anvil assembly portion 1150. This arrangement pivotably anchors the anvil 1130 to the elongated channel 1102 so that the anvil 1130 can be pivoted around its fixed axis of the anvil AA, which is transverse to the geometric axis of the axis drive system. 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.

[0157] In addition to the aforementioned, the anvil 1130 is moved between an open position and closed positions by axially advancing and retracting the distal closing tube segment 1430, as further discussed below. A distal end portion of the distal closing tube segment 1430 has an internal cam surface formed on it that is configured to engage the cam surface 1552 or the cam surfaces formed on the anvil mounting portion 1150 and move the anvil 1130. Figure 22 illustrates a cam surface 1152a formed on the anvil mounting portion 1150 in order to establish a single contact path 1155a with the inner cam surface 1444, for example, over the distal closing tube segment 1430. Figure 23 illustrates a cam surface 1152b that is configured relative to the inner cam surface 1444 in the distal closing tube segment to establish two separate arched contact paths and 1155b between the cam surface 1152 on the anvil mounting portion 1150 and the inner cam surface 1444 on the distal closing tube segment

1430. In addition to the other potential advantages discussed in the present invention, such an arrangement can better distribute the closing forces of the distal closing tube segment 1430 to the anvil

1130. Figure 24 illustrates a cam surface 1152c that is configured with respect to the inner cam surface 1444 of the distal closing tube segment 1430 to establish three distinct contact zones 1155c and 1155d between the cam surfaces on the portion anvil mounting bracket 1150 and the distal closing tube segment 1430. Zones 1155c, 1155d establish larger areas of cam contact between the cam surface or the cam surfaces on the distal closing tube segment 1430 and the anvil assembly 1150 and can better distribute the closing forces to the anvil 1130.

[0158] As the distal closing tube segment 1430 engages by cam with the anvil mounting portion 1150 of the anvil 1130, the anvil 1130 is rotated around the anvil's AA (Figure 5) axis, the which results in the pivoting movement of the distal end of the 1133 end of the elongated body portion of the anvil 1132 towards the surgical staple cartridge 1110 and the distal end 1105 of the elongated canal 1102. When the body portion of the anvil 1132 begins rotating, it comes into contact with the tissue to be cut and stapled which is now positioned between the lower side 1135 of the elongated portion of the anvil body 1132 and the platform 1116 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. When the body portion of the anvil anvil 1132 is compressed on the fabric, anvil 1130 can experience considerable amounts of resistive forces and / or bending loads, for example. These resistive forces are overcome as the distal closing tube 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 in the opposite direction to the staple cartridge 1110, which can generally be undesirable. For example, such flexion can cause misalignment between firing member 1660 and passages 1148, 1146 within anvil 1130. In cases where flexion is excessive, such flexion could significantly increase the amount of firing force required to fire the instrument. (that is, trigger the firing member 1660 through the fabric from its initial to the final position). Such excessive firing force can result in damage to the end actuator, firing member, cutter bar and / or components of the firing drive system, for example. Thus, it may be advantageous for the anvil to be constructed in such a way as to resist such bending.

[0159] Figures 25 to 27 illustrate an anvil 1130 'that includes features that improve the stiffness of the anvil body and its resistance to the 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 Figures 25 to 27, anvil 1130 'has an elongated anvil body 1132' which has an upper body portion 1165 which has an anvil cover 1170 attached to it.

The anvil cap 1170 is approximately rectangular in shape and has an outer perimeter of the cap 1172, although the anvil cap 1170 can have any suitable shape.

The perimeter 1172 of the anvil lid 1170 is configured to be inserted into a correspondingly shaped opening 1137 formed in the upper body portion 1165 and positioned against the internal protruding portions that extend axially 1139 there.

See Figure 27. The internal protruding portions 1139 are configured to support the corresponding long sides 1177 of the anvil cover 1170. In an alternative embodiment, the anvil cover 1170 can be slid over the internal projections 1139 through an opening at the distal end 1133 of the beaker 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 lid 1172 of anvil lid 1170 or may be located only along the long sides 1177 of anvil lid 1170 and not its distal end 1173 and / or end proximal 1175. The first weld 1178 can be continuous or it can be discontinuous or intermittent.

In embodiments where the first weld 1178 is discontinuous or intermittent, the welding segments can be equally distributed along the long sides 1177 of the anvil cap 1170, more densely spaced closer to the distal ends of the long sides 1177, and / or more densely spaced closer to the proximal ends of the long sides 1177. In certain arrangements, the weld segments may be more densely spaced in the central areas of the long sides 1177 of the anvil cover 1170.

[0160] 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 defined in 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 additional retention or fixation such as welding and / or adhesive, for example. Retention formations 1182 can project inwardly into opening 1137 from the wall of opening 1180, although any suitable arrangement can be used. Retention formations 1182 can be integrally formed on wall 1180 or otherwise attached to it. The retention formations 1182 are designed to frictionally engage a corresponding portion of the anvil cover 1170 'when the anvil cover 1170' is installed in opening 1137 to friction the anvil cover 1170 'in its interior. The retaining 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'. The retention 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, retaining formations 1182 can also be provided in portions of 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, retaining formations 1182 can be provided only in portions of 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, the formations retaining brackets 1182 can be provided only in the portions of the wall 1180 that correspond to the long sides 1177 'and only one of the distal and proximal ends 1173, 1175 of the anvil cover 1170'. It will also be understood that the retaining protuberances 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.

[0161] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 28 to 30, the retention formations 1182 are equally spaced or evenly distributed along the wall portions 1180 of the anvil cover 1170 ". In alternative embodiments, the retention formations 1182 can be more densely spaced closer to the distal ends of the long sides 1177, or more densely spaced closer to the proximal ends of its long sides 1177. In other words, the spacing between these retention formations adjacent to the distal end , to the proximal end or to both the 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, retaining formations 1182 may be more densely spaced in the central areas of long sides 1177 'of anvil cover 1170. In some alternative embodiments, correspondingly shaped engagement areas 1184 may not be provided at the perimeter external 1172 'or in portions of the external perimeter 1172' of the anvil cover 1170 '. In other modes, the retaining 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 coupling areas so that there is no interference fit between them. In such arrangements, the anvil cover can be held in position by welding and / or an adhesive, for example.

[0162] In the illustrated example, a weld 1178 'extends around the entire perimeter 1172' of the anvil cover 1170 '. Alternatively, the weld 1178 'is located along the long sides 1177' of the anvil cap 1170 'and not at the distal end 1173 and / or at the proximal end 1175 thereof. Weld 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 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 lid 1170.

[0163] Figures 31 and 32 illustrate another anvil arrangement 1130 ”, which has an anvil cover 1170” attached to it. The anvil lid 1170 ”is approximately rectangular in shape and has an outer perimeter of lid 1172”; however, the 1170 ”lid can comprise any suitable configuration. The outer perimeter of the lid 1172 "is configured to be inserted into a 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 "is slid over the internal projections 1139" and 1190 "through an opening 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. The 1178 ”weld can be continuous or discontinuous or intermittent. It will be understood that the continuous weld modality has a larger weld surface area due to the irregularly shaped perimeter of the anvil cap 1170 ”, compared to the modalities with straight perimeter sides such as the anvil caps shown in Figure 26, for example. example. In those modes where the weld 1178 "is discontinuous or intermittent, the welding segments can be equally distributed along the long sides 1177" of the anvil cover 1170 "or the welding segments can be more densely spaced closer to the ends distal from long sides 1177 ”or more densely spaced closer to the ends proximal to 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”.

[0164] Still with reference to Figures 31 and 32, the cover of

on 1170 ”it can be additionally welded to the anvil body 1132” by a plurality of second discrete “deep” fixing welds 1192 ”. For example, each 1192 ”weld can be placed at the bottom of a corresponding hole or 1194” opening provided through the anvil lid 1170 ”so that a separate 1192” weld can be formed along the 1132 ”anvil body portion between the protrusions 1190 "and 1139". See Figure 32. The 1192 ”welds can be equally distributed along the long sides 1177” of the anvil cover 1170 ”or the 1192” welds can be more densely spaced closer together from 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 provisions, the 1192 ”welds can be more densely spaced in the central areas of the long sides 1177” of anvil cover 1170 ”.

[0165] Figure 33 illustrates another anvil cover 1170 ”that is configured to be mechanically interlocked to the anvil body 1132” as well as welded to the upper body portion 1165. In this embodiment, a tongue and groove arrangement is employed along each 1177 ”long side of the 1170” anvil cover. In particular, a flap that extends laterally, continuously or intermittently 1195 ”protrudes from each of the long sides 1177” of the anvil cover 1170 ”. Each flap 1195 ”'corresponds to an axial slot 1197” formed in the body of the anvil 1132 ”. The anvil cover 1170 ”is slid from an opening at the distal end of the anvil body 1132” 'to "mechanically" attach the anvil cover to the body of the anvil 1132 ". The flaps 1195" and slits 1197 "can to 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 anvil body 1132". The anvil body 1132 "and the anvil cover 1170 "can be manufactured from metal that is conducive to welding. The 1178" weld can extend around the entire perimeter 1172 "of the anvil cover 1170" or can be located only along the long sides 1177 " of the anvil cap 1170 ". The weld 1178" can be continuous or discontinuous or intermittent. In those modalities where the weld 1178 "is discontinuous or intermittent, the welding segments can be equally distributed along the long sides 1177 Of the anvil cover 1170 ”or the solder pod segments to 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 1177 ”long sides of the 1170” anvil cover.

[0166] The anvil modalities described here with anvil caps can provide several advantages. An advantage, for 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.

[0167] Figures 34 to 39 represent a 10200 training pocket arrangement that is configured to deform a double clamp.

during a surgical stapling procedure. The training pocket layout 10200 and various alternative training pocket arrangements are further described in US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,914, entitled METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, which was filed on December 21, 2016. US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,914 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The arrangement of the training pockets 10200 comprises a proximal training pocket 10210 and a distal training pocket 10230 defined on a flat or interlocking surface with the fabric 10207 of an anvil 10201. Pockets 10210, 10230 are aligned along a longitudinal pocket geometric axis 10203 of the training pocket arrangement 10200. A clamp is intended to be formed along the geometric axis of the pocket 10203 by the arrangement of the training pocket 10200 when implanted from a staple cartridge. Referring to Figures 35 and 36, the formation pocket arrangement 10200 additionally comprises a bridge portion 10205 defined between the formation pockets 10210 and 10230. In that case, the bridge portion 10205 is lowered in relation to the flat surface 10207 of the anvil 10201. The bridge portion 10205 comprises a bridge width "W" and a bridge depth "D". The bridge depth "D" is the distance by which the bridge portion 10205 is lowered in relation to the flat surface 10207. The forming pocket arrangement 10200 comprises a center "C" defined within the bridge portion 10205 The formation pocket arrangement 10200 is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the bridge portion 10205, bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the pocket geometry axis 10203, and symmetrical with a rotating shape in relation to the "C" center.

[0168] The 10200 training pocket layout includes additional

a pair of primary side walls 10208 extending from the flat surface 10207 of the anvil 10201 towards pockets 10210, 10230 and the bridge portion 10205. The primary side walls 10208 are inclined at an angle 82 (Figure 37) in relation to the flat surface 10207 of the anvil 10201. The layout of the training pocket 10200 additionally comprises edge features 10215, 10235 which provide a transition feature between the outer edges of the pockets 10210, 10230 and the flat surface 10207, between the edges longitudinal lines of pockets 10210, 10230 and primary side walls 10208, and between the inner edges of pockets 10210, 10230 and the bridge portion 10205. These edges 10215, 10235 can be rounded and / or chamfered, for example. The edge features 10215, 10235 can help prevent the clamp tips from sticking together.

[0169] The training pocket 10210 comprises a pair of side walls of pocket 10213 and the training pocket 10230 comprises a pair of side walls of pocket 10233. The side walls of pocket 10213, 10233 are configured to direct the tips of the staples and staple legs towards the forming surfaces of pockets 10210, 10230, if the staple ends and / or staple legs initially reach the side walls 10213, 10233 of pockets 10210, 10230. The side walls 10213 , 10233 extends from the transition edges 10215, 10235 towards the forming surfaces of each pocket 10210, 10230. The side walls 10213, 10233 of the training pockets 10210, 10230 are angled in relation to the flat surface 10207 of the 10201 anvil at angle 81 (Figure 38) to direct, or channel, the staple legs and / or the staple ends towards the forming surfaces of pockets 10210, 10230. Side walls 10213, 10233 are configured for and n encourage staple tips and / or staple legs to form along the geometric axis of pocket 10203 as staples are formed against the forming surfaces of pockets 10210, 10230. Collectively, primary side walls 10208 and the side walls of pocket 10213, 10233 can provide a funnel-like configuration for directing the tips of the clamps. With reference to Figures 37 and 38, angle 8; is greater than angle B>.

[0170] Pockets 10210, 10230 additionally comprise transition edges 10214, 10234 that provide a transition feature between the side walls of pocket 10213, 10233 and the forming surfaces, as discussed in more detail below. In several cases, the transition edges 10214, 10234 may comprise a profile similar to the transition edges 10215, 10235. In other cases, the transition edges 10214, 10234 may comprise a different profile from the transition edges 10215, 10235. That said , edges 10214, 10234 can be rounded or chamfered, for example. Edges 10214, 10234 comprise a first end where edges 10214, 10234 meet the outer ends of the pockets 10210, 10230 and a second end where edges 10214, 10234 approach the bridge portion 10205, or the inner ends from pockets 10210, 10230. Edges 10214, 10234 can transition to transition edges 10215, 10235 near bridge portion 10205. Edge features 10214, 10234 can also help prevent staple tips from sticking to 10210, 10230 pockets when forming.

[0171] With reference again to Figure 35, the pocket forming surfaces 10210, 10230 comprise an entry zone forming surface 10211, 10231, an exit zone forming surface 10212, 10232, respectively. In this case, the amount of surface area of the formation surfaces that supports them

forming surfaces of the entry zone 10211, 10231 cover is greater than the amount of surface area of the forming surfaces that the forming surfaces of the exit zone 10212, 10232 cover. As a result, the forming surfaces of the inlet zone 10211, 10231 do not transition to the forming surfaces of the outlet zone 10212, 10232 in the center of each pocket 10210, 10230. Instead, the transition where entry zones 10211, 10231 transition to exit zones 10212, 10232 are closer to bridge portion 10205. Transitions between the forming surfaces of the entry zone 10211, 10231 and the forming surfaces of the zone exit 10212, 10232 define a valley, or recess in each pocket 10210, 10230. The valleys of the formation pockets 10210, 10230 define a portion, or segment, of the forming surfaces that have the greatest vertical distance from the surface flat 10207.

[0172] With reference to Figure 36, the forming surfaces of each pocket 10210, 10230 comprise more than one radius of curvature. Specifically, pocket 10210 comprises an inlet radius 10217 which corresponds to the forming surface of the inlet zone 10211 and an outward radius of curvature 10218 which corresponds to the forming surface of the outlet zone 10212. Similarly, pocket 10230 comprises an inlet radius 10237 which corresponds to the forming surface of the inlet zone 10231 and an outward radius of curvature 10238 which corresponds to the formation surface of the outlet zone 10232. In this case, the radii of curvature of input 10217, 10237 are greater than the output bending radii 10218, 10238, respectively. Specific relationships between radii of curvature and various pocket characteristics along with some potential advantages and patterns of specific relationships are further described in US Patent Application No. 15 / 385,914.

[0173] In addition to defining the transition points where the entry zones change to the exit zones, the formation pocket vouchers 10210, 10230 also define the narrowest portion of the formation surfaces of each 10210 pocket, 10230. The outer edges of each pocket 10210, 10230, also called entry edges because they define the beginning of the forming surfaces of the entry zone 10211, 10231, comprise an entry width. The inner edges of each pocket 10210, 10230, also called exit edges because they define the end of the forming surfaces of the exit zone 10212, 10232, comprise an exit width. In this case, the input width is greater than the output width. In addition, the outlet width is greater than the valley width, or the narrowest portion of the forming surfaces. Figure 38 is a cross-sectional view of the distal formation pocket 10230 taken along line 38-38 in Figure 35. This view illustrates the valley, or recess, of the distal formation pocket 10230. This valley, or recess, also is the transition between the forming surface of the entry zone 10231 and the forming surface of the exit zone 10232. Figure 37 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the distal formation pocket 10230 taken along line 37-37 in Figure 35 which is located inside the forming surface of the exit area 10232 of the training pocket 10230. Figure 39 is a cross-sectional view of the distal training pocket 10230 taken along line 39-39 in Figure 35 that it is within the forming surface of the entry zone 10232 of the distal forming pocket 10230.

[0174] The training pocket arrangement 10200, and several other training pocket arrangements disclosed herein, are configured to be used with clamps with various diameters. The diameters of the staples to be used with the 10200 training pocket arrangement can vary between about 0.0079 inches and about 0.0094 inches, for example. In addition, the radius of curvature inlet and radius of curvature of each forming surface comprise a ratio of about 1.5: 1 to about 3: 1 when the input radius is between about 8x the clamp diameter and 10x the clamp diameter, for example. In at least one case, the entrance bend radius and the exit bend radius of each forming surface comprise a ratio of about 2: 1 when the entrance radius is 9x the clamp diameter, for example. In other cases, the radius of curvature inlet and radius of curvature of each forming surface comprise a ratio of about 1.5: 1 to about 3: 1 when the entrance radius is greater than about 0 , 6X the length of the clamp crown and the width of the crest or bridge is less than 1x the diameter of the clamp, for example. In at least one case, the radius of curvature inlet and radius of curvature of each forming surface comprise a ratio of about 2: 1 when the inlet radius is greater than about 0.6x the length of the clamp crown and the width of the crown or bridge is less than 1x the clamp diameter. The exit radius of curvature is about 4x the diameter of the clamp and about 6x the diameter, for example. In at least one case, the radius of curvature of the outlet is about 4.5x the diameter of the clamp.

[0175] Figures 40 to 45 represent a 10500 training pocket arrangement that is configured to deform a staple during a surgical stapling procedure. The 10500 training pocket layout and various alternative training pocket arrangements are further described in US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,914, entitled METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, which was filed on December 21, 2016. US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,914 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The training pocket arrangement 10500 comprises a proximal training pocket 10510 and a distal training pocket 10530 defined on a flat surface, or in contact with the fabric 10507 of an anvil 10501. The pockets 10510, 10530 are aligned along of a longitudinal pocket geometry axis 10503 of the training pocket arrangement 10500. A clamp is intended to be formed along the geometric axis of pocket 10503 by the arrangement of training pocket 10500 when implanted from a staple cartridge. Referring to Figures 41 and 42, the formation pocket arrangement 10500 further comprises a bridge portion 10505 defined between the formation pockets 10510 and 10530. In that case, the bridge portion 10505 is lowered in relation to the flat surface 10507 of the anvil 10501. The bridge portion 10505 comprises a bridge width "W" and a bridge depth "D". The bridge portion 10505 is substantially V-shaped with a rounded lower portion. The bridge depth "D" is the distance that the lower portion of the bridge portion 10505 is lowered from the flat surface 10507. The forming pocket arrangement 10500 comprises a center "C" defined within the bridge portion 10505. A formation pocket arrangement 10500 is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the bridge portion 10505, bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the pocket geometry axis 10503, and symmetrical in a rotating manner with respect to the "C" center.

[0176] The training pocket arrangement 10500 further comprises a pair of primary side walls 10508 extending from the flat surface 10507 of the anvil 10501 towards pockets 10510, 10530 and the bridge portion 10505. The side walls primaries 10508 are inclined at an angle 87 (Figure 43) with respect to the flat surface 10507 of the anvil 10501. The primary side walls 10508 comprise inner edges that are curved, or contoured, in relation to pockets 10510, 10530.

[0177] Training pocket 10510 comprises a pair of pocket side walls 10513 and training pocket 10530 comprises a pair of side walls of pocket 10533. Pocket side walls 10513, 10533 comprise curved or contoured profiles and are configured to direct the staple ends and staple legs towards the pocket forming surfaces 10510, 10530, as well as help control the staple formation process. The side walls 10513, 10533 extend from the side walls 10508 and the flat surface 10507 towards the forming surfaces of each pocket 10510, 10530. The side walls 10513, 10533 are configured to encourage staple tips and / or the legs of the staples to form along the geometric axis of the pocket 10503 as the staples are formed against the forming surfaces of the pocket 10510, 10530. Collectively, the primary side walls 10508 and the side walls of the pocket 10513, 10533 cooperate to taper the corresponding staple ends towards the side center of each pocket 10510,

10530. Discussed in more detail below, side walls 10513, 10533 comprise inlet portions and outlet portions where the inlet portions comprise a less aggressive channel configuration than the outlet portions.

[0178] With reference again to Figure 41, the pocket forming surfaces 10510, 10530 comprise an entry zone forming surface 10511, 10531, an exit zone forming surface 10512, 10532, respectively. The forming surfaces of the entrance area 10511, 10531 coincide with the less aggressive channeling portions of the side walls 10513,

10533. Similarly, the forming surfaces of the exit zone

10512, 10532 coincide with the more aggressive channeling portions of the side walls 10513, 10533. Pockets 10510, 10530 additionally comprise a forming groove, or guide, 10515, 10535, also called the tip control channel, that extends the entire longitudinal length of each pocket 10510, 10530 and positioned centrally in relation to the outer lateral edges of pockets 10510, 10530. Grooves 10515, 10535 are narrower at the outer longitudinal edges of pockets 10510, 10530 than the internal longitudinal edges of the pockets 10510, 10530. The grooves 10515, 10535 are on the bridge portion 10505 to encourage the staple ends, and the staple legs, to come into contact with each other during the forming process, as discussed further in US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,914. In some cases, the grooves defined on the forming surfaces of the training pockets can have a similar effect on the formation of staples such as more aggressive exit walls and / or more narrowly configured exit walls.

[0179] With reference to Figure 42, the forming surfaces of each pocket 10510, 10530 comprise more than one radius of curvature. Specifically, pocket 10510 comprises an entrance bend radius 10517 which corresponds to the forming surface of the entrance zone 10511 and an exit bend radius 10518 which corresponds to the formation surface of the exit zone 10512. Similarly, pocket 10530 comprises an inlet radius 10537 which corresponds to the forming surface of the inlet zone 10531 and an outward radius of curvature 10538 which corresponds to the forming surface of the outlet zone 10532. In this case, the radii of curvature of entry 10517, 10537 are greater than the exit radii of curvature 10518, 10538. Specific relationships between the radii of curvature and various pocket characteristics along with some potential advantages and patterns of specific relationships are further described in US Patent Application No. standard 15 / 385,914.

[0180] Now with reference to Figures 43 to 45, the outer longitudinal edges of each pocket 10510, 10530 are called entry edges because they define the beginning of the forming surfaces of the entrance zone 10511, 10531. The edges The entry width comprises an entry width that is the largest width of the forming surfaces of each pocket 10510, 10530. The inner edges of each pocket 10510, 10530 are called the exit edges because they define the end of the forming surfaces of the zone output 10512,

10532. The exit edges comprise an exit width, also called the "W" bridge width, which is the narrowest section of the forming surfaces of each pocket 10510, 10530. The transitions between the entry zones and exit points comprise a transition width that is less than the entry width, but greater than the exit width. Figure 44 is a cross-sectional view of the distal formation pocket 10530 taken along line 44-44 in Figure 41. This view is taken near the valley, or recess, of the distal formation pocket 10530. This valley, or recess, it is also the transition between the forming surface of the entry zone 10531 and the forming surface of the exit zone 10532. In many cases, the transition between the entry and exit zones does not occur in the valley, or recess, pocket. Figure 43 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the distal training pocket 10530 taken along line 43-43 in Figure 41 which is located within the forming surface of the exit zone 10532 of the training pocket 10530. Figure 45 is a cross-sectional view of the distal formation pocket 10530 taken along line 45-45 in Figure 41 which is within the forming surface of the entrance zone 10532 of the distal formation pocket 10530. The side walls 10533 are illustrated in this They appear as linear, or at least substantially linear, and are inclined at an angle 82 (Figure 45) in relation to the flat surface 10507. Angle 82 is greater than angle 81 (Figure 43).

[0181] Figures 46 and 47 represent clamps formed with the 10500 formation pocket arrangement where one clamp was aligned with the pocket geometry 10503 of the 10500 formation pocket arrangement and the other clamp was misaligned with the geometric axis pocket 10503 of the training pocket arrangement 10500. Figure 46 represents a side view 13100 and a bottom view 13100 'of a clamp 13101 in a fully formed configuration with the training pocket arrangement 10500. This clamp 13101 has been aligned with the geometric axis of pocket 10503 of the training pocket layout 10500 during the forming process. The ends 13104 of the clip legs 13103 reach the formation pocket 10500 along the geometric axis of the pocket 10503.

[0182] The 13101 clamp comprises a first tip alignment geometry axis TAI, a second tip alignment geometry axis TA2 and a CA alignment geometry axis. When aligned with the pocket axis 10503, the clamp 13101 is formed so that the second tip alignment axis TA2 and the color alignment axis AC are substantially aligned, or in other words, the clamp 13101 assumes a substantially flat configuration. The force to fire the clamp 13101 is illustrated in graph 13110.

[0183] Figure 47 represents a side view 13120 and a bottom view 13120 'of a clamp 13121 in a fully formed configuration with the formation pocket arrangement 10500. This clamp 13121 was misaligned with respect to the geometric axis of the pocket 10503 training pocket layout 10500 during the training process. The clamp 13121 has been taken out of the plane in relation to the geometric axis of pocket 10503. The tips 13124 of the clamp legs 13123 do not collide with the arrangement of forming pocket 10500 along the geometric axis of pocket 10503 nor the crown , or base, 13122 of clamp 13121 aligned with the geometric axis of pocket 10503 during formation.

[0184] Clamp 13121 comprises a first tip alignment geometry axis TAI, a second tip alignment geometry axis TA2 and a CA alignment geometry axis. When misaligned with the pocket axis 10503, the clamp 13121 is formed so that the second point alignment axis TA2 and the color alignment axis AC are substantially aligned with each other, or in other words, clamp 13121 assumes a substantially flat configuration. In comparison to Figure 46 in which clip 13101 has been aligned with the geometric axis of pocket 10503, clip 13121 is formed in a fully formed configuration that may be more acceptable for a surgeon to better seal the tissue than the staples formed with other formation pocket arrangements that are formed in a misaligned state.

[0185] Figures 48 to 54 represent a 6500 training pocket arrangement that is configured to deform a staple during a surgical stapling procedure. The formation pocket arrangement 6500 comprises a shell, or pocket, of proximal formation 6510 and a shell, or pocket, of distal formation 6530 defined on a flat surface, or in contact with the fabric, 6507 of an anvil 6501. The fabric 6507 contact surface of the anvil 6501 can be configured to compress the fabric against a staple cartridge when the anvil 6501 is attached or closed in relation to the staple cartridge. Each shell 6510, 6530 is defined by a contour surface as further described in the present invention. The shells 6510, 6530 are aligned along a pocket geometric axis 6503 of the forming pocket layout

6500. A staple is intended to be formed along the geometric axis of pocket 6503 by the arrangement of the training pocket 6500 when implanted from a staple cartridge. For example, a first staple leg is formed by the proximal forming shell 6510 and a second staple leg is formed by the distal forming shell 6530. In such cases, the first staple leg is aligned with a portion of the proximal formation 6510 and the second staple leg is aligned with a portion of the distal forming shell 6530 when anvil 6501 is attached in relation to the staple cartridge.

[0186] Referring to Figures 50 and 51, the formation pocket arrangement 6500 additionally comprises a bridge portion 6505 defined between the formation shells 6510, 6530. In that case, the bridge portion 6505 is lowered in relation to the flat surface Anvil 6507 6501. The bridge portion 6505 comprises a bridge width BW and a bridge depth BD (Figure 54). The bridge depth BD is the distance that the bottom portion of the bridge portion 6505 is lowered from the flat surface 6507. The width of the bridge BW is the width of the pocket layout 6500 between the shells 6510, 6530 In this example, the width of the BW bridge is the narrowest section of the forming surfaces of each shell 6510, 6530. The formation pocket arrangement 6500 comprises a center "C" (Figures 48 to 50) defined within the bridge portion 6505. The formation pocket arrangement 6500 is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the bridge portion 6505, bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the pocket geometric axis 6503, and rotationally symmetrical with respect to the C center.

[0187] The 6500 training pocket layout includes additional

a pair of primary sidewalls 6508 extending from the flat surface 6507 of the anvil 6501 towards the shells 6510, 6530 and the bridge portion 6505. The primary sidewalls 6508 are inclined at an angle 81 (Figures 52 a 54) in relation to the flat surface 6507 of the anvil 6501. The shells 6510, 6530 define a perimeter 6520 and the inner edges of the primary side walls 6508 extend between the flat surface 6507 and the perimeter 6520 of the shells 6510, 6530. With reference principally to Figure 50, the inner edges of the primary side walls 6508 are curved, or contoured, with respect to the 6510 shells,

6530.

[0188] In certain cases, the formation pocket layout 6500 may not include primary side walls 6508. In such cases, shells 6510, 6530 may extend directly to the flat surface 6507 and the perimeter 6520 of shells 6510, 6530 can be set on the flat surface 6507.

[0189] Again with reference to Figures 50 and 51, the proximal forming shell 6510 comprises a pair of shell side walls 6513 and the distal forming shell 6530 comprises a pair of shell side walls 6533. The shell side walls 6513 .6533 comprise curved or contoured profiles and are configured to direct the staple tips and staple legs towards the shell forming surfaces 6510, 6530, and also to help control the staple formation process. The sidewalls 6513, 6533 extend from the primary sidewalls 6508 and the flat surface 6507 towards the forming surfaces of each shell 6510, 6530. The sidewalls 6513, 6533 are configured to encourage staple tips and / or staple legs to form along the geometric axis of pocket 6503 as staples are formed against pocket forming surfaces 6510, 6530. Collectively, primary side walls 6508 and shell side walls 6513, 6533 cooperate to taper the corresponding clamp tips towards the side center of each shell 6510, 6530. An inflection surface, or bottom surface, 6514, 6534 extends along the lateral center of each respective shell 6510, 6530 between the walls respective sides 6513, 6533.

[0190] Referring still to Figure 50, the shell forming surfaces 6510, 6530 comprise a forming surface of the entry zone 6511, 6531, respectively, and a forming surface of the exit zone 6512 , 6532, respectively. The forming surfaces of the entry zone 6511, 6531 may coincide with the less aggressive plumbing portions of the side walls 6513, 6533. Similarly, the forming surfaces of the exit zone 6512, 6532 may coincide with the more aggressive plumbing portions of the side walls 6513, 6533.

[0191] With reference mainly to Figure 51, the forming surfaces of each shell 6510, 6530 are defined by a profile or depth contour. The proximal formation shell 6510 includes the depth profile 6522, and the distal formation shell 6530 includes the depth profile 6542. The depth profiles 6522, 6542 define the depth of the shells 6510, 6530, respectively, at the along their length. The 6510, 6530 shells reach a maximum CD shell depth within their respective transition zones 6509, 6529, which are further described below. The depth of the CD shell of the 6510, 6530 pockets can be between 0.3 and 0.5 mm, for example. For example, the depth of the CD shell can be 0.4 mm. In still other cases, the CD shell depth may be less than 0.3 millimeter or greater than 0.5 millimeter, for example.

[0192] Depth profiles 6522, 6542 are curved profiles, which are devoid of linear portions. In addition, the depth profiles 6522, 6542 can comprise one or more bend radii. Specifically, the depth profile 6522 of the proximal forming shell 6510 comprises an entrance bend radius 6517 which corresponds to the formation surface of the entrance zone 6511 and an exit bend radius 6518 which corresponds to the formation surface of the zone. outlet 6512. Similarly, the depth profile 6542 of the distal forming shell 6530 comprises an incoming radius of curvature 6537 which corresponds to the forming surface of the entry zone 6531 and an outgoing radius of curvature 6538 which corresponds to the surface formation of the exit zone

6532. In this case, the incoming radii of curvature 6517, 6537 are greater than the radii of curvature of exit 6518, 6538. The specific relationships between the radii of the entrance zone and the radii of curvature of the exit zone and various characteristics of pocket along with some potential advantages and patterns of specific relationships are further described in US Patent Application No. 15 / 385,914.

[0193] The outer longitudinal edges of each shell 6510, 6530 are called entry edges because they define the beginning of the forming surfaces of the entry zone 6511, 6531. The entry edges comprise an entry width that is the greater width of the forming surfaces of each shell 6510, 6530. The inner edges of each shell 6510, 6530 are called exit edges because they define the end of the forming surfaces of the exit zone 6512, 6532. The edges of The outlet width comprises an outlet width, also called the BW bridge width (Figure 54), which is the narrowest section of the forming surfaces of each shell 6510, 6530. A transition zone 6509, 6529 is positioned in - intermediate to the entry and exit area of each shell. Transition zones 6509, 6529 have a transition width that is less than the entry width, but greater than the exit width. Transition zones 6509, 6529 include an inflection portion of the respective depth profiles 6522, 6542 and thus include the deepest portion of each shell 6510, 6530. In several cases, transition zones 6509, 6529 comprise the most of the length of each shell 6510, 6530. More specifically, the length of the transition zone 6509, 6529 can be longer than the combined length of the respective entry and exit zone of each shell 6510, 6530. The zones transition zones 6509, 6529 can extend along the tapered or narrowing section of each 6510, 6530 shell. For example, each transition zone 6509, 6529 can extend inward from the widest section of the respective shell 6510 , 6530 towards the 6505 bridge.

[0194] Figure 53 is a cross-sectional view of the distal formation shell 6530 taken along line 53-53 in Figure 50. This view is taken close to the valley, or recess, of the distal formation shell 6530. This valley, or recess, is also the transition between the forming surface of the entry zone 6531 and the forming surface of the exit zone 6532. In many cases, the transition between the entry and exit zones does not occur in the worth, or recess, of the shell. Figure 54 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the distal forming shell 6530 taken along line 54-54 in Figure 50, which is located within the forming surface of the exit area 6532 of the forming shell 6530. A Figure 52 is a cross-sectional view of the distal formation shell 6530 taken along line 52-52 in Figure 50, which is within the formation surface of the entry zone 6532 of the distal formation shell 6530.

[0195] Referring mainly to Figures 52 to 54, the pair of shell side walls 6533 of the distal forming shell 6530 includes a first side wall 6533a and a second side wall 6533b. The first and second side walls 6533a, 6533b are opposite side walls that extend towards each other from laterally opposite sides of the distal forming shell 6530. The inflection surface, or bottom surface, 6534 the distal forming shell 6530 is positioned between the first and second side walls 6533a, 6533b. The bottom surface 6534 of the distal forming shell 6530 is a fully curved, non-flat surface. In other words, the bottom surface 6534 is devoid of flat, horizontal surfaces. The bottom surface 6534 can define one or more radii of curvature. For example, in various longitudinal positions along the pocket geometric axis 6503, the bottom surface 6534 defines different radii of curvature. A tangent to the bottom surface 6534 in the lateral center of the shell 6530 is parallel to the flat surface 6507 along its length.

[0196] In several cases, the curvature of the bottom surface 6534 can be dimensioned so that the staple leg does not move along a flat surface during the staple formation process. In such cases, the bottom surface 6543 can encourage the clamp to form in a more flat formed configuration than the clamps formed along the flat bottom surfaces, especially when the clamps are not aligned with the pocket axis 6503 during the formation. The curvature of the bottom surface 6543 can be dimensioned so that the bottom surface 6543 provides a plurality of contact surfaces for the clamp leg. For example, the radius of curvature of the bottom surface 6534 may be less than the radius of curvature of the staple leg.

[0197] The shell side walls 6513, 6533 are completely curved and not flat surfaces. In other words, the side walls

shell risers 6513, 6533 are devoid of flat and horizontal surfaces. Again with reference to Figures 52 to 54, the side walls 6533a, 6533b define one or more radii of curvature. For example, in various longitudinal positions along the pocket geometric axis 6503, the side walls 6533a, 6533b define different radii of curvature. The fully curved contours of the side shell walls 6513, 6533 and the bottom surface 6534 can define the curvilinear contour surfaces of the 6510, 6530 shells. The 6513, 6533 shells can be fully curved and stripped surfaces. flat and horizontal surfaces.

[0198] The side walls 6533a, 6533b are oriented at an entry angle 82 with respect to the contact surface with the fabric 6507 in various cross sections of the distal forming shell

6530. More specifically, a tangent T for each side wall 6533a, 6533b at the perimeter 6520 of the distal forming shell 6530 is oriented at angle 82 to the fabric contact surface 6507 in Figures 52 to 54. Entry angle 82 is constant within the transition formation zone 6529 (Figures 50 and 51) and along most of the length of the distal formation shell 6530. Although the tangent to such side walls is oriented at a constant angle along the length, or substantial length, of the 6510, 6530 shells, the radius of curvature and the length of the hoops defining the side walls may vary as the depth and width of the shells vary along their length. In several cases, the angle 82 can be in the range of between 55 degrees and 80 degrees, for example. For example, in Figures 52 to 54, the angle 82 is 80 degrees. In other cases, angle 82 may be less than 55 degrees or greater than 80 degrees. Sidewalls 6533a, 6533b are non-vertical sidewalls, so the angle 82 of the tangent line T along perimeter 6520 can be less than

90 degrees, for example.

[0199] A reference point in the transition between the side walls 6533a, 6533b and the bottom surface 6534 is indicated for illustrative purposes in Figures 52 to 54. For example, the curved contour surface of the distal formation shell 6530 includes a reference point A at the transition between the side wall 6533a and the bottom surface 6534. In each longitudinal position along the shell 6530, the first side wall 6533a and the second side wall 6533b define a radius of curvature of the side wall 6543 and the bottom surface 6534 defines a radius of curvature at the bottom 6544. The radius of curvature at the bottom 6544 may differ from the radius of curvature at the side wall 6543. The transition between radii of curvature at reference point A comprises a non-abrupt and smooth transition.

[0200] A reference line B is also represented in Figures 52 to 54 for illustrative purposes. Reference line B extends between the first reference point A and the perimeter 6520 of A of the distal formation shell 6530. Reference line B is oriented at an angle 83 in Figures 52 to 54. Angle 83 can determine where the curved sidewall 6533a meets the curved bottom surface 6534. In addition, the slope of sidewall 6533a can be influenced by angle 83. For example, for a constant angle 82, an increase in angle 83 can result in a bigger and deeper shell. In certain cases, the angle 83 can be limited by a minimum desirable pocket width in the deepest portion of the shell. For example, the minimum desirable pocket width may be a requirement of the machining process for the 6501 anvil and / or required by the width of the staple wire.

[0201] Angle 83 is constant within the transition forming surface zone 6529 (Figure 51) and along most of the length of the distal forming shell 6530. In many cases, angle 83 may be less than the angle 82. The angle 83 in Figures 52 to 54 is approximately 55 degrees, for example. In other cases, the angle 83 can be less than 55 degrees or greater than 80 degrees, for example. Although angles 62 and 83 are constant along the length of the distal forming shell 6530, or at least along the substantial length of the distal forming shell 6530, the radius of curvature and the length of the arches that define the side walls 6533a, 6533b vary depending on the depth and width of the distal forming shell 6530 vary along its length.

[0202] The angle 82 in relation to a contact surface with the fabric can comprise a relatively steep angle. For example, angle 82 can be greater than angles 81 and 83. The slope of angle 82 can encourage the clamp to form along the pocket geometric axis. In addition, a constant angle 82 along the length of the distal forming shell 6530 can encourage an misaligned staple leg to move from the perimeter towards the lateral center or geometric axis 6503 of the 6530 shell. the depth of the pocket may vary over the length of the pocket. However, maintaining a constant angle 92 can encourage an misaligned staple leg to move from the perimeter towards the lateral center of the distal forming shell 6530 even in the shallower regions of the 6530 shell.

[0203] In certain cases, the maximum CD shell depth can vary between staple forming pockets and / or anvil layouts. For example, different depths can be used to form clamps at different heights and / or to form clamps driven by drivers that have different heights, as further described in the present invention. The depth of the pockets can vary along the rows of pockets and / or within one or more rows of pockets, for example. Deeper pockets can provide greater control over the formation of staples; however, the depth of the pockets can be limited by machining restrictions of the anvil and the geometry of the clamps. In cases where certain pockets are shallower than other pockets, the side walls of the shallower pockets can be oriented with the same entry angle 82 as the deepest pockets to encourage staples formed by the shallower pockets to form along of the pocket geometry axis.

[0204] Figure 54A is a partial negative view of several slices of a formation pocket in the 6500 formation pocket layout. The dimensions of the various slices are identified therein. The slices are of a single side wall of the training pocket and are taken in planes along the training pocket, which are perpendicular to the contact surface with the 6507 fabric and to the geometric axis of the 6503 pocket. slice comprises a width "x", a height "y", a radius of upper curvature "ra", and a radius of lower curvature "rb". The "x" width is defined as the x component of the distance between the perimeter 6520 of the training pocket and the bottom radius of curvature 6544 of the training pocket. The "y" width is defined as the y component of the distance between the perimeter 6520 of the training pocket and the bottom radius of curvature 6544 of the training pocket. The upper radius of curvature "ra" is defined as the radius of curvature of an upper portion of the sidewall. The lower radius of curvature "rb" is defined as the radius of curvature of a lower portion of the side wall. Each dimension includes a number that indicates which slice the dimension corresponds to. For example, slice 1 includes a width "xi", a height "y1", a radius of upper curvature "ra", and a radius of lower curvature "rb.". Figure 54B is a 6550 table comprising slices 1 to 12 in Figure 54A, in at least one fashion.

quality.

[0205] Figure 54C is a cross-sectional view of the formation pocket layout 6500, taken along the pocket geometry axis 6503. Figure 54C includes various dimensions of the distal formation pocket 6530 of the pocket layout. 6500 training pocket. The length of the 6530 training pocket is 1.90 mm, for example. The depth of the 6530 training pocket is 0.40 mm, for example. In certain instances, the distal training pocket 6530 comprises three radii of curvature: an entrance radius of curvature that is 1.90 mm, a first radius of curvature of exit that is 1.00 mm, and a second radius of curvature output curvature which is 0.10 mm, for example. The width of the bridge portion of the distal formation pocket 6530 is defined, in this case, as the distance between the center of the formation pocket arrangement 6500 and the innermost edge of the first radius of curvature outward (the edge of the first exit radius of curvature closest to the center of the training pocket layout 6500) is 0.10 mm, for example. The bridge depth is 0.05 mm, for example.

[0206] Figures 55 to 60 represent another formation pocket arrangement 6600 on the anvil 6501. The formation pocket arrangement 6600 is configured to deform a staple during a surgical stapling procedure, and comprises a shell, or pocket, of proximal formation 6610 and a cup, or pocket, of distal formation 6630 defined on the flat surface, or in contact with the fabric, 6507 of the anvil 6501. The formation pocket layout 6600 can be similar in many ways to the pocket layout of formation 6500. For example, the side walls of the staple forming shells 6610, 6630 can cross the flat surface 6507 at the same constant entry angle 82 along the length of the same. Although the entry angles of the side wall 82 may be the same for the 6610 and 6630 shells as for the 6510 and

6530 (Figures 48 to 54), the maximum CD shell depth may be different, as further described in the present invention. In such cases, the side walls of the shallowest pockets can define the same entry angle 92 as the side walls of the deepest pockets, which can encourage the flat and proper formation of the clamps formed by the different depth pockets.

[0207] In other cases, the 6600 training pocket layout can be defined on a different anvil. For example, the 6501 anvil may not include different training pocket arrangements. Instead, an anvil, such as the 6501 anvil, may consist of uniform or identical training pocket arrangements, for example. In certain cases, the 6600 training pocket layout may be the only training pocket layout on a specific anvil.

[0208] Each shell 6610, 6630 is defined by a contour surface as further described in the present invention. The shells 6610, 6630 are aligned along a pocket geometry axis 6603 of the training pocket layout 6600. A clamp is intended to be formed along the pocket geometry axis 6603 by the training pocket layout 6600 when deployed from staple cartridge. For example, a first staple leg can be formed by the proximal forming shell 6610 and a second staple leg can be formed by the distal forming shell 6630. In such cases, the first staple leg is aligned with a portion of the proximal forming shell 6610 and the second leg of the staple is aligned with a portion of the distal forming shell 6630 when anvil 6501 is attached in relation to the staple cartridge.

[0209] Referring to Figures 56 and 57, the formation pocket arrangement 6600 further comprises a bridge portion 6605 defined between the formation shells 6610, 6630. The bridge portion 6605 is lowered in relation to the flat surface 6507 of the anvil 6501, however, the bridge portion 6605 can be leveled with the flat surface 6507. The bridge portion 6605 comprises a bridge width BW and a bridge depth BD (Figure 60). The bridge depth BD is the distance that the bottom portion of the bridge portion 6605 is lowered from the flat surface 6507. The width of bridge BW is the width of the pocket layout 6600 between the shells 6610, 6630 In this example, the width of the BW bridge is the narrowest section of the forming surfaces of each shell 6610, 6630. The formation pocket arrangement 6600 comprises a center C (Figures 55 and 56) defined within the bridge portion 6605. The formation pocket arrangement 6600 is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the bridge portion 6605, bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the pocket geometric axis 6603, and rotationally symmetrical with respect to the C center.

[0210] The training pocket arrangement 6605 further comprises a pair of primary side walls 6608 that extend from the flat surface 6507 of the anvil 6501 towards the shells 6610, 6630 and the bridge portion 6605. The primary side walls 6608 are inclined at an angle 81 (Figures 58 to 60) with respect to the flat surface 6507 of the anvil 6501. The shells 6610, 6630 define a perimeter 6620 and the inner edges of the primary side walls 6608 extend between the flat surface 6507 and the perimeter 6620 of the shells 6610, 6630. With reference mainly to Figure 56, the inner edges of the primary side walls 6608 are curved, or contoured, with respect to the shells 6610,

6630.

[0211] In certain cases, the formation pocket arrangement 6600 may not include primary side walls 6608. In such cases, the shells 6610, 6630 may extend directly onto the flat surface 6507 and the perimeter 6620 of the shells 6610, 6630 can be set on the flat surface 6507.

[0212] Again with reference to Figures 56 and 57, the proximal forming shell 6610 comprises a pair of shell side walls 6613 and the distal forming shell 6630 comprises a pair of shell side walls 6633. The shell side walls 6613 , 6633 comprise curved or contoured profiles and are configured to direct the staple tips and staple legs towards the 6610, 6630 shell forming surfaces, and also to help control the staple formation process. The side walls 6613, 6633 extend from the primary side walls 6608 and the flat surface 6507 towards the forming surfaces of each shell 6610, 6630. The side walls 6613, 6633 are configured to encourage staple tips and / or staple legs to form along the geometric axis of pocket 6603 as the staples are formed against the pocket forming surfaces 6610, 6630. Collectively, primary side walls 6608 and shell side walls 6613, 6633 cooperate to taper the corresponding clamp tips towards the side center of each shell 6610, 6630. An inflection surface, or bottom surface, 6614, 6634 extends along the lateral center of each respective shell 6610, 6630 between the walls respective sides 6613, 6633.

[0213] Referring still to Figure 56, the shell forming surfaces 6610, 6630 comprise a forming surface of the entry zone 6611, 6631, respectively, and a forming surface of the exit zone 6612 , 6632, respectively. The forming surfaces of the entrance zone 6611, 6631 can coincide with the less aggressive channeling portions of the side walls 6613, 6633. Similarly, the forming surfaces of the zone

in outlet 6612, 6632 can coincide with the more aggressive plumbing portions of side walls 6613, 6633.

[0214] With reference mainly to Figure 57, the forming surfaces of each shell 6610, 6630 are defined by a profile or depth contour. The proximal formation shell 6610 includes the depth profile 6622, and the distal formation shell 6630 includes the depth profile 6642. The depth profiles 6622, 6642 define the depth of the shells 6610, 6630, respectively, at along their length. The shells 6610, 6630 reach a maximum CD shell depth within their respective transition zones 6609, 6629, which are further described below. The depth of the CD shell of the 6610, 6630 pockets can be between 0.2 and 0.4 mm, for example. For example, the depth of the CD shell can be 0.3 mm. In other cases, the CD shell depth may be less than 0.2 mm or greater than 0.4 mm.

[0215] The CD shell depth of the 6610, 6630 shells is less than the CD shell depth of the 6510, 6530 shells (Figure 51). For example, the CD shell depth of the 6610, 6630 shells can be 0.2 millimeters less than the CD shell depth of the 6510, 6530 shells. In certain instances, the CD shell depth of the 6610, 6630 shells can be be 0.1 millimeter to 0.3 millimeter less than the CD shell depth of the 6510, 6530 shells. The CD shell depth of the 6510, 6530 shells can be 25% to 50% greater than the CD shell depth. CD shell of the 6610, 6630 shells. For example, the CD shell depth of the 6510, 6530 shells can be 40% greater than the CD shell depth of the 6610, 6630 shells. In many cases, the difference between the depth of CD shell of training pocket provisions 6500 and 6600 can be selected to be equal to, or

equal to, the diameter of a clamp formed by the pocket forming provisions 6500, 6600.

[0216] Depth profiles 6622, 6642 are curved profiles, which are devoid of linear portions. In addition, the depth profiles 6622, 6642 can comprise one or more bend radii. In this case, depth profiles 6622, 6642 include more than one radius of curvature. Specifically, the depth profile 6622 of the proximal forming shell 6610 comprises an incoming radius of curvature 6617 which corresponds to the forming surface of the input zone 6611 and an outgoing radius of curvature 6618 which corresponds to the forming surface of the exit zone. 6612. Similarly, the depth profile 6642 of the distal forming shell 6630 comprises an incoming radius of curvature 6637 which corresponds to the forming surface of the entry zone 6631 and an outgoing radius of curvature 6638 corresponding at the forming surface of the exit zone 6632. In this case, the entrance radii of curvature 6617, 6637 are greater than the exit radii of curvature 6618,

6638. Specific relationships between entry and exit radii of curvature and various pocket features along with some potential advantages and patterns of specific relationships are further described in US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,914.

[0217] The outer longitudinal edges of each shell 6610, 6630 are called entry edges because they define the beginning of the forming surfaces of the entry zone 6611, 6631. The entry edges comprise an entry width that is the greater width of the forming surfaces of each shell 6610, 6630. The inner edges of each shell 6610, 6630 are called exit edges because they define the end of the forming surfaces of the exit zone 6612, 6632. The edges of The output width comprises an output width, also called the BW bridge width (Figure 60),

which is the narrowest section of the forming surfaces of each shell 6610, 6630. A transition zone 6609, 6629 is positioned in between the entry and exit zones of each shell. Transition zones 6609, 6629 have a transition width that is less than the entry width, but greater than the exit width. Transition zones 6609, 6629 include an inflection portion of the respective depth profiles 6622, 6642 and thus include the deepest portion of each shell 6610, 6630. In various cases, transition zones 6609, 6629 comprise the most of the length of each shell 6610, 6630. More specifically, the length of the transition zone 6609, 6629 can be greater than the combined length of the respective entry and exit zone of each shell 6610, 6630. The zones transition 6609, 6629 can extend along the tapered or narrowing section of each 6610, 6630 shell. For example, each 6609, 6629 transition zone can extend inward from the widest section of the respective 6610 shell. , 6630 towards bridge 6605.

[0218] Figure 59 is a cross-sectional view of the distal formation shell 6630 taken along line 59-59 in Figure 56. This view is taken close to the valley, or recess, of the distal formation shell 6630. This valley, or recess, is also the transition between the forming surface of the entry zone 6631 and the forming surface of the exit zone 6632. In many cases, the transition between the entry and exit zones does not occur in the worth, or recess, of the shell. Figure 60 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the distal forming shell 6630 taken along line 60-60 in Figure 56 which is located within the forming surface of the exit zone 6632 of the forming shell 6630. Figure 58 is a cross-sectional view of the distal formation shell 6630 taken along line 58-58 in Figure 56 which is located within the formation surface of the entry zone 6632 of the distal formation shell

6630.

[0219] Referring mainly to Figures 58 to 60, the pair of shell side walls 6633 of the distal forming shell 6630 includes a first side wall 6633a and a second side wall 6633b. The first and second side walls 6633a, 6633b are opposite side walls that extend towards each other from laterally opposite sides of the distal forming shell 6630. The inflection surface, or bottom surface, 6634 of the distal forming shell 6630 is positioned between the first and second side walls 6633a, 6633b. The bottom surface 6634 of the distal forming shell 6630 is a fully curved, non-flat surface. In other words, the bottom surface 6634 is devoid of flat, horizontal surfaces. The bottom surface 6634 can define one or more radii of curvature. For example, in various longitudinal positions along the pocket geometric axis 6603, the bottom surface 6634 defines different radii of curvature. A tangent to the bottom surface 6634 in the lateral center of the 6630 shell is parallel to the flat surface 6507 along its length.

[0220] In several cases, the curvature of the bottom surface 6634 can be dimensioned so that the staple leg does not move along a flat surface during the staple formation process. In such cases, the bottom surface 6643 may encourage the clamps to form in a more flat formed configuration than the clamps formed along the flat bottom surfaces, especially when the clamps are not aligned with the geometric axis 6603 of the pocket during training. The curvature of the bottom surface 6643 can be dimensioned so that the bottom surface 6643 provides a plurality of contact surfaces for the clamp leg. For example, the radius of curvature of the surface

bottom 6634 may be less than the radius of curvature of the clamp leg.

[0221] The shell side walls 6613, 6633 are completely curved and not flat surfaces. In other words, the side shell walls 6613, 6633 are devoid of flat, horizontal surfaces. Again with reference to Figures 58 to 60, the side walls 6633a, 6633b define one or more radii of curvature. For example, in various longitudinal positions along pocket geometry 6603, side walls 6633a, 6633b define different radii of curvature. The fully curved contours of the side shell walls 6613, 6633 and the bottom surface 6634 can define the curved contour surfaces of the 6610, 6630 shells. The 6613, 6633 shells can be completely curved and stripped surfaces. flat and horizontal surfaces.

[0222] The side walls 6633a, 6633b are oriented at an entry angle 82 with respect to the tissue contact surface 6507 in various cross sections of the distal forming shell

6630. More specifically, a tangent T for each side wall 6633a, 6633b at the perimeter 6620 of the distal forming shell 6630 is oriented at angle 82 with respect to fabric contact surface 6507 in Figures 58 to 60. Entry angle 82 is constant within the surface forming transition zone 6629 (Figures 56 and 57) and along most of the length of the outer forming shell 6630. In many cases, the angle 82 can be in the range of between 55 degrees and 80 degrees, for example. For example, in Figures 58 to 60, the angle 82 is 80 degrees. In other cases, angle 82 may be less than 55 degrees or greater than 80 degrees. Sidewalls 6633a, 6633b are non-vertical sidewalls, so the angle 82 of the tangent line T along perimeter 6620 can be less than 90 degrees, for example.

[0223] A reference point in the transition between the side walls 6633a, 6633b and the bottom surface 6634 is indicated for illustrative purposes in Figures 58 to 60. For example, the curved contour surface of the distal formation shell 6630 includes a reference point A at the transition between the side wall 6633a and the bottom surface

6634. In each longitudinal position along the shell 6630, the first sidewall 6633a and the second sidewall 6633b define a radius of curvature for the sidewall 6643 and the bottom surface 6634 defines a radius of bottom curvature 6644. The background radius of curvature 6644 may differ from the radius of curvature of the lateral wall 6643. The transition between the radii of curvature at reference point A comprises a non-abrupt and smooth transition.

[0224] A reference line B is also shown in Figures 58 to 60 for illustrative purposes. Reference line B extends between the first reference point A and the perimeter 6620 of A of the distal forming shell 6630. Reference line B is oriented at an angle 83 in Figures 58 to 60. Angle 83 is constant within the transitional formation surface zone 6629 (Figure 57) and along most of the length of the distal formation shell

6630. In several cases, angle 83 may be less than angle 82. Angle 83 in Figures 58 to 60 is approximately 55 degrees, for example. In other cases, angle 83 may be less than 55 degrees or greater than 80 degrees. Although the angles 82 and 83 are constant along the length of the distal forming shell 6630, or at least along the substantial length of the distal forming shell 6630, the radius of curvature and the length of the arches that define the side walls 6633a, 6633b vary according to the depth and width of the distal formation shell 6630 vary along its length.

[0225] The angle 82 in relation to a contact surface with the fabric can comprise a relatively steep angle. For example, angle 82 can be greater than angles 81 and 83. The slope of angle 82 can encourage the clamp to form along the pocket geometric axis. A constant angle 82 can encourage an misaligned staple leg to move from the perimeter towards the lateral center or geometric axis 6603 of the distal forming shell

6630. As described in the present invention, the pocket depth may vary over its length. However, maintaining a constant angle 87 can encourage a misaligned staple leg to move from the perimeter towards the lateral center of the 6630 distal formation shell even in the shallower regions of the 6630 shell.

[0226] Pocket arrangements that have different PB bag depths can be sized to have the same angles 82 and

83. For example, although the CD shell depth of the 6610, 6630 shells (Figure 57) is less than the CD shell depth of the 6510, 6530 shells (Figure 51), the angles 82 and 8; can be the same. In at least one case, angle 82 can be 80 degrees and angle 83 can be 55 degrees for both forming pocket arrangements 6500 and 6600. In cases where the 6507 fabric contact surface comprises a flat surface , the pocket forming arrangement 6600 can be configured to form staples up to a reduced height compared to the pocket forming arrangement 6500. For example, a staple formed by the pocket forming arrangement 6600 may be shorter than a identical staple formed by the staple forming arrangement 6500. In certain cases, variations in the formed height of staples may be desirable to control tissue compression and / or fluid flow between the anvil and the staple cartridge, for example. Although variations in CD shell depth can be configured to control

match the formed height of the clamps, keep the entry angles 82 constant along the length, or at least a substantial portion of the length, of the different shells can be configured to ensure that even the shortest formed clamps are formed in one configuration more consistent, which is desirable in certain cases.

[0227] Figures 68 and 69 show a clamp 6701 formed with the formation pocket layout 6600 (Figures 55 to 60), where the clamp 6701 was aligned with the geometric axis 6603 of the pocket of the formation pocket layout 6600 during the training process. Figure 68 represents a top view of the 6701 clamp in a fully formed configuration and Figure 69 represents a side view of the 6701 clamp in the fully formed configuration. The clamp includes a base 6702 and clamp legs 6703 extending from the base 6702. The base 6702 is aligned with the geometric axis 6603 of the pocket and the tips 6704 of the clamp legs 6703 reach the formation pocket arrangement 6600 along the pocket 6603 geometric axis.

[0228] Clamp 6701 comprises a centerline CL (Figure 69) that cuts the base 6702 and extends vertically between the unformed clamp legs 6703. As the clamp 6701 is formed in the fully formed configuration, the tips 6704 of the clamp legs clamp 6703 are curved towards the centerline CL and towards the base 6702. Clamp legs 6703 are formed so that clamp 6701 defines a height H (Figure 69) when in the fully formed configuration. The height H can be less than the height of clamp 6701 if the clamp was formed with the formation pocket arrangement 6500 (Figures 48 to 54) because the CD shell depth of the 6610, 6630 shells (Figure 57) is less than the CD shell depth of shells 6510, 6530 (Figure 51).

[0229] To reach the shortest height H, a portion of the 6703 staple legs can deflect laterally in relation to the centerline CL and / or the 6704 ends of the 6702 staple legs can extend up to and / or below base 6704. Comparatively, if the 6701 clamp was formed with the 6500 training pocket layout that has the deepest shell depth CD, the 6703 clamp legs may not deflect laterally in relation to the CL and / center line or the ends 6704 of the clamp legs 6702 may not overlap with the base 6704 (see, for example, clamp 13100 (Figure 46)). Referring to Figure 69, a portion of each staple leg 6703 crosses the centerline CL and the ends 6704 of staple legs 6702 extend beyond, or below, a tissue compression surface of the base 6702. In addition , the clamp 6701 comprises a first point alignment axis TA1, a second point alignment axis TA2 and a crown alignment axis AC. When aligned with pocket geometry 6603, clamp 6701 is formed so that the first tip alignment axis TAI and the second tip alignment axis TA2 are laterally offset and equidistant (D) from the crown alignment axis HERE. The distance D can be approximately equal to the diameter of the clamp

6701. As a result of the above, clamp 6701 assumes a substantially flat configuration; however, the 6704 tips are slightly overlapped and offset from the 6702 base to achieve the shortest height H.

[0230] Figure 60A is a partial negative view of several slices of a formation pocket of the formation pocket layout 6600. The dimensions of the various slices are identified therein. The slices are of a single side wall of the training pocket and are taken in planes along the training pocket, which are per-

pendular to the fabric contact surface 6507 and to the pocket geometric axis 6603. Each slice comprises a width "x", a height "y", a radius of upper curvature "ra", and a radius of lower curvature " rb ". The "x" width is defined as the x component of the distance between the perimeter 6620 of the training pocket and the bottom radius of curvature 6644 of the training pocket. The "y" width is defined as the y component of the distance between the perimeter 6620 of the training pocket and the bottom radius of curvature 6644 of the training pocket. The upper radius of curvature "ra" is defined as the radius of curvature of an upper portion of the sidewall. The lower radius of curvature "rb" is defined as the radius of curvature of a lower portion of the side wall. Each dimension includes a number that indicates which slice the dimension corresponds to. For example, slice 1 includes a width "xi", a height "y1", a radius of upper curvature "ra", and a radius of lower curvature "rb.". Figure 60B is a table 6650 comprising slices 1 to 12 in Figure 60A, in at least one fashion.

[0231] Figure 60C is a cross-sectional view of the formation pocket layout 6600, taken along the pocket geometry axis 6603. Figure 60C includes various dimensions of the distal formation pocket 6630 of the pocket layout 6600 training pocket. The length of the 6630 training pocket is 1.90 mm, for example. The depth of the 6630 training pocket is 0.30 mm, for example. In certain instances, the distal formation pocket 6630 comprises three radii of curvature: an entrance radius of curvature that is 2.90 mm, a first radius of curvature of exit that is 0.70 mm, and a second radius of curvature. output curvature which is 0.10 mm, for example. The width of the bridge portion of the distal formation pocket 6630 is defined, in this case, as the distance between the center of the formation pocket arrangement 6600 and the innermost edge of the first radius of curvature outward (the edge of the first exit radius of curvature closest to the center of the formation pocket layout 6600) is 0.10 mm, for example. The bridge depth is 0.05 mm, for example.

[0232] Figures 61 to 67 represent a 6800 training pocket arrangement that is configured to deform a staple during a surgical stapling procedure. The formation pocket 6800 arrangement comprises a shell, or pocket, of proximal formation 6810 and a shell, or pocket, of distal formation 6830 defined on a flat surface, or in contact with the tissue, 6807 of an anvil 6801. The fabric contact surface 6807 of the anvil 6801 is configured to compress the fabric against a staple cartridge when the anvil 6801 is attached or closed in relation to the staple cartridge. The 6800 training pocket layout can be similar in many ways to the training pocket layout

6500. For example, the side walls of the clamp-forming shells 6810, 6830 intersect the flat surface 6807 at a constant angle along its length. Each shell 6810, 6830 is defined by a contour surface as further described in the present invention. The shells 6810, 6830 are aligned along a pocket 6803 geometric axis of the 6800 training pocket arrangement. A clamp is intended to be formed along the pocket 6803 geometric axis by the 6800 training pocket arrangement when implanted. from a staple cartridge. In at least one of these cases, a first staple leg may be formed by the proximal forming shell 6810 and a second staple leg may be formed by the distal forming shell 6830. In such cases, the first staple leg is aligned with a portion of the proximal forming shell 6810 and the second leg of the clamp is aligned with a portion of the distal forming shell 6830 when the anvil 6801 is attached in relation to the staple cartridge.

[0233] With reference to Figures 62 and 63, the formation pocket arrangement 6800 additionally comprises a bridge portion 6805 defined between the formation shells 6810, 6830. The bridge portion 6805 is lowered in relation to the flat surface 6807 of the anvil 6801; however, the bridge portion 6805 can be leveled with the flat surface 6807 in other embodiments. The bridge portion 6805 comprises a bridge width BW and a bridge depth BD (Figure 67). The bridge depth BD is the distance that the bottom portion of the bridge portion 6805 is lowered in relation to the flat surface 6807. The bridge width BW is the width of the pocket layout 6800 between the shells 6810, 6830 In this example, the width of the BW bridge is the narrowest section of the forming surfaces of each shell 6810, 6830. The formation pocket arrangement 6800 comprises a center C (Figures 61 and 62) defined within the bridge portion 6805. The formation pocket layout 6800 is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the bridge portion 6805, bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the pocket geometric axis 6803, and rotationally symmetrical with respect to the C center.

[0234] The formation pocket arrangement 6800 further comprises a pair of primary side walls 6808 that extend from the flat surface 6807 of the anvil 6801 towards the shells 6810, 6830 and the bridge portion 6805. The primary side walls 6808 are inclined at an angle 81 (Figure 64) with respect to the flat surface 6807 of anvil 6801. The shells 6810, 6830 define a perimeter 6820 and the inner edges of the primary side walls 6808 extend between the flat surface 6807 and the perimeter 6820 of shells 6810, 6830. With reference mainly to Figure 62, the inner edges of primary side walls 6808 are curved, or contoured, with respect to shells 6810, 6830. In certain cases

Sos, the 6800 training pocket arrangement may not include the 6808 primary side walls. In such cases, the 6810, 6830 shells may extend directly to the flat surface 6807 and the 6820 perimeter of the 6810, 6830 shells may be set on the flat surface 6807.

[0235] Again with reference to Figures 62 and 63, the proximal forming shell 6810 comprises a pair of shell side walls 6813 and the distal forming shell 6830 comprises a pair of shell side walls 6833. The shell side walls 6813 , 6833 comprise curved or contoured profiles and are configured to direct the staple tips and staple legs towards the 6810, 6830 shell forming surfaces, and also to help control the staple formation process. The side walls 6813, 6833 extend from the primary side walls 6808 and the flat surface 6807 towards the forming surfaces of each shell 6810, 6830. The side walls 6813, 6833 are configured to encourage staple tips and / or staple legs to form along the geometric axis of pocket 6803 as staples are formed against pocket forming surfaces 6810, 6830. Collectively, primary side walls 6808 and shell side walls 6813, 6833 cooperate to taper the corresponding clamp tips towards the side center of each shell 6810, 6830. An inflection surface, or bottom surface, 6814, 6834 extends along the lateral center of each respective shell 6810, 6830 between the walls 6813, 6833.

[0236] With reference also to Figure 62, the shell forming surfaces 6810, 6830 comprise a forming surface of the entry zone 6811, 6831, respectively, and a forming surface of the exit zone 6812. , 6832, respectively. The forming surfaces of the entrance zone 6811, 6831 can coincide with the less aggressive channeling portions of the side walls 6813, 6833. Similarly, the forming surfaces of the exit area 6812, 6832 can coincide with the more aggressive plumbing portions of the side walls 6813, 6833.

[0237] With reference mainly to Figure 63, the forming surfaces of each shell 6810, 6830 are defined by a depth profile or contour. The proximal formation shell 6810 includes the depth profile 6822, and the distal formation shell 6830 includes the depth profile 6842. The depth profiles 6822, 6842 define the depth of the shells 6810, 6830, respectively, at the along their length. The shells 6810, 6830 reach a maximum CD shell depth within their respective transition zones 6809, 6829, which are further described below. The depth of the CD shell of the 6810, 6830 pockets can be between 0.4 and 0.6 mm, for example. For example, the depth of the CD shell can be 0.5 mm. In other cases, the CD shell depth may be less than 0.4 millimeters or greater than 0.6 millimeters.

[0238] Depth profiles 6822, 6842 are curved profiles, which are devoid of linear portions. In addition, the depth profiles 6822, 6842 can comprise one or more bend radii. In this case, depth profiles 6822, 6842 include more than one radius of curvature. Specifically, the depth profile 6822 of the proximal forming shell 6810 comprises an entrance bend radius 6817 which corresponds to the formation surface of the entrance zone 6811 and an exit bend radius 6818 which corresponds to the formation surface of the exit zone. 6812. Similarly, the depth profile 6842 of the distal forming shell 6830 comprises an incoming radius of curvature 6837 that corresponds

place the forming surface of the entry zone 6831 and an exit radius of curvature 6838 that corresponds to the formation surface of the exit zone 6832. In this case, the entrance radii of curvature 6817, 6837 are greater than the radii of curvature exit 6818,

6838. Specific relationships between entry and exit radii of curvature and various pocket features along with some potential advantages and patterns of specific relationships are further described in US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 385,914.

[0239] The outer longitudinal edges of each shell 6810, 6830 are called entry edges because they define the beginning of the forming surfaces of the entry zone 6811, 6831. The entry edges comprise an entry width that is the greater width of the forming surfaces of each shell 6810, 6830. The inner edges of each shell 6810, 6830 are called the exit edges because they define the end of the forming surfaces of the exit zone 6812, 6832. The edges of The outlet width comprises an outlet width, also called the BW bridge width (Figure 67), which is the narrowest section of the forming surfaces of each shell 6810, 6830. A transition zone 6809, 6829 is positioned in - intermediate to the entry and exit area of each shell. Transition zones 6809, 6829 have a transition width that is less than the entry width, but greater than the exit width. Transition zones 6809, 6829 include an inflection portion of the respective depth profiles 6822, 6842 and thus include the deepest portion of each shell 6810, 6830. In several cases, transition zones 6809, 6829 comprise the most of the length of each shell 6810, 6830. More specifically, the length of the transition zone 6809, 6829 can be greater than the combined length of the respective inlet and outlet zone of each shell 6810, 6830. The zones transition 6809, 6829 po-

may extend along the tapered or narrowed section of each shell 6810, 6830. For example, each transition zone 6809, 6829 may extend inward from the widest section of the respective shell 6810, 6830 towards the bridge 6805 .

[0240] Figure 66 is a cross-sectional view of the distal formation shell 6830 taken along line 66-66 in Figure 62. This view is taken close to the valley, or recess, of the distal formation shell 6830. This valley, or recess, is also the transition between the forming surface of the entry zone 6831 and the forming surface of the exit zone 6832. In many cases, the transition between the entry and exit zones does not occur in the worth, or recess, of the shell. Figure 67 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the distal forming shell 6830 taken along line 67-67 in Figure 62 which is located within the forming surface of the exit zone 6832 of the forming shell 6830. Figure 64 is a cross-sectional view of the distal formation shell 6830 taken along line 64-64 in Figure 62, and Figure 65 is a cross-sectional view of distal formation shell 6830 taken along line 65-65 in Figure 62, which are both within the formation surface of the entry area 6832 of the distal formation shell 6830.

[0241] Referring mainly to Figures 64 to 67, the pair of shell side walls 6833 of the distal forming shell 6830 includes a first side wall 6833a and a second side wall 6833b. The first and second side walls 6833a, 6833b are opposite side walls that extend towards each other from laterally opposite sides of the distal forming shell 6830. The inflection surface, or bottom surface, 6834 the distal forming shell 6830 is positioned between the first and second side walls 6833a, 6833b. The bottom surface 6834 of the distal forming shell 6830 is a fully curved, non-flat surface. In other words, the bottom surface 6834 is devoid of flat, horizontal surfaces. The bottom surface 6834 can define one or more radii of curvature. For example, in various longitudinal positions along the geometric axis 6803 of the pocket, the base surface 6834 defines different radii of curvature. A tangent to the bottom surface 6834 in the lateral center of the shell 6830 is parallel to the flat surface 6807 along its length.

[0242] In many cases, the curvature of the bottom surface 6834 can be dimensioned so that the staple leg does not dislodge along a flat surface during the staple formation process. In such cases, the bottom surface 6843 can encourage staples to form in a more flat formed configuration than staples formed with flat bottom surfaces, especially when the staples are not aligned with the 6803 geometry axis during training. The curvature of the 6843 bottom surface can be dimensioned so that the 6843 bottom surface provides a plurality of contact surfaces for the clamp leg. For example, the radius of curvature of the bottom surface 6834 may be less than the radius of curvature of the clamp leg.

[0243] The shell side walls 6813, 6833 are completely curved and not flat surfaces. In other words, the side shell walls 6813, 6833 are devoid of flat, horizontal surfaces. The sidewalls 6833a, 6833b define one or more curves. For example, in various longitudinal positions along the geometric axis 6803 of the pocket, the side walls 6833a, 6833b define different radii of curvature. The completely curved contours of the shell side walls 6813, 6833 and the bottom surface 6834 can define the curvilinear contour surfaces of the shells 6810, 6830. The shells 6813, 6833 can be fully curved surfaces and lack flat and horizontal surfaces.

[0244] The side walls 6833a, 6833b are oriented at an entry angle 82 with respect to the surface of contact with the 6807 tissue in various cross sections of the distal forming shell

6830. More specifically, a tangent T for each side wall 6833a, 6833b at perimeter 6820 of the distal forming shell 6830 is oriented at angle 82 with respect to fabric contact surface 6807 in Figures 64 to 67. Entry angle 82 is constant within the surface forming transition zone 6829 (Figures 62 and 64) and along most of the length of the distal forming shell 6830. In many cases, the angle 82 can be in the range of between 55 degrees and 80 degrees, for example. For example, in Figures 64 to 67, the angle 82 is 80 degrees. In other cases, angle 82 may be less than 55 degrees or greater than 80 degrees. The side walls 6833a, 6833b are non-vertical side walls and, therefore, the angle 82 of the tangent line T along the perimeter 6820 can be less than 90 degrees, for example.

[0245] A reference point in the transition between the side walls 6833a, 6833b and the bottom surface 6834 is indicated for illustrative purposes in Figures 64 to 67. For example, the curved contour surface of the distal forming shell 6830 includes a reference point A at the transition between the sidewall 6833a and the bottom surface

6834. At each longitudinal position along the shell 6530, the first sidewall 6833a and the second sidewall 6833b define a radius of curvature for the sidewall 6843 and the bottom surface 6834 defines a radius of bottom curvature 6844. The background radius of curvature 6844 may differ from the radius of curvature of the lateral wall 6843. The transition between the radii of curvature at reference point A comprises a non-abrupt and smooth transition.

[0246] A reference line B is also represented in the Figures

Figures 64 to 67 for illustrative purposes. Reference line B extends between the first reference point A and the perimeter 6820 of the distal formation shell 6830. Reference line B is oriented at an angle 83 in Figures 64 to 67. Angle 83 changes along the length of the distal formation shell 6830. In several cases, the angle 83 can be less than the angle 82 along the length of the distal formation shell 6830. The angle 83 can increase and then decrease according to the side walls 6833a , 6833b extends inward toward center C. For example, angle 83 may increase from the entry edge of shell 6830 towards transition zone 6829, remain constant within transition zone 6829, and decrease from the transition zone 6829 towards the exit edges of the 6830 shell. In the represented mode, the angle 83 is 45 degrees in Figure 64, the angle 93 is 55 degrees in Figure 65, the angle 83º is 70 degrees in Figure 66, and the 83 "angle is 55 degrees in Figure. 67, for example mple. Although the angles 82 and 93 are constant in the transition zone 6829 of the distal formation shell 6830, the radius of curvature and the length of the arches that define the side walls 6833a, 6833b vary according to the depth and width of the shell distal formation 6830 varies along its length.

[0247] The angle 82 in relation to a contact surface with the fabric can comprise a relatively steep angle. For example, angle 82 can be greater than variable angle 93. The slope of angle 82 can encourage the clamp to form along the pocket geometric axis. A constant angle 82 can encourage an misaligned staple leg to move from the perimeter towards the lateral center of the shell. In several cases, angle 82 can be constant and steep within the exit zone, which can improve the quality of clamp formation. Additionally or alternatively, the angle 82 can be constant in the transition zone. As described in the present invention, the pocket depth can vary over the length of the pocket. However, maintaining a constant angle 82 can encourage an misaligned staple leg to move from the perimeter towards the lateral center of the shell even in the shallower regions of the shell. In addition, the maximum depth of the CD shell on certain anvils can vary between the pockets on the anvil. For example, different depths can be used to form clamps at different heights and / or to form clamps driven by drivers that have different heights, as further described in the present invention. In such cases, a constant angle 82 can encourage staples formed by the shallower pockets to form along the pocket geometric axis.

[0248] In certain cases, an anvil for a surgical end actuator may include staple forming pockets of different depths. For example, the depth of the staple forming pockets can vary between the rows of forming pockets and / or longitudinally along the length of a row of forming pockets. Such depth differences can be selected to accommodate variations in the travel of the staple actuators within a staple cartridge during a staple firing stroke, variations in the overload distance of the triggered staples, and / or the position of the anvil. in relation to the staple cartridge. Additionally or alternatively, the differences in depth between the staple forming pockets may correspond to the different fabric spans between the fabric compression surfaces stepped on the anvil and / or a staple cartridge. For example, to form clamps formed at the same height, when the clamps are driven by actuators having different lifting lengths, which result in different amounts of overheating.

staple setting, a depth difference between staple forming pockets can be selected that corresponds to different stroke lengths and different staple overrun quantities. In other cases, staple forming pockets with different depths on an anvil can be selected to form staples formed at different heights, which may be desirable in certain cases, to vary the compression of the stapled fabric and / or to accommodate variations in thickness of the fabric.

[0249] Figure 67A is a partial negative view of several slices of a formation pocket of the formation pocket layout 6800. The dimensions of the various slices are identified therein. The slices are of a single side wall of the training pocket and are taken in planes along the training pocket, which are perpendicular to the contact surface with the 6807 fabric and the 6803 pocket geometric axis. slice comprises a width "x", a height "y", a radius of upper curvature "ra", and a radius of lower curvature "rb". The "x" width is defined as the x component of the distance between the perimeter 6820 of the training pocket and the bottom radius of curvature 6844 of the training pocket. The "y" width is defined as the y component of the distance between the perimeter 6820 of the training pocket and the bottom radius of curvature 6844 of the training pocket. The upper radius of curvature "ra" is defined as the radius of curvature of an upper portion of the sidewall. The lower radius of curvature "rb" is defined as the radius of curvature of a lower portion of the side wall. Each dimension includes a number that indicates which slice the dimension corresponds to. For example, slice 1 includes a width "xi", a height "y1", a radius of upper curvature "ra", and a radius of lower curvature "rb.". Figure 67B is a table 6850 comprising slices 1 to 12 in Figure 67A, in at least one fashion.

quality.

[0250] Figure 67C is a cross-sectional view of the formation pocket layout 6800, taken along the pocket axis 6803. Figure 67C includes various dimensions of the distal formation pocket 6830 of the pocket layout. 6800 training bag. The length of the 6830 training pocket is 1.90 mm, for example. The depth of the 6830 training pocket is 0.50 mm, for example. In certain instances, the distal forming pocket 6830 comprises three radii of curvature: an entrance radius of curvature that is 1.40 mm, a first radius of curvature of exit that is 0.80 mm, and a second radius of curvature output curvature which is 0.10 mm, for example. The width of the bridge portion of the distal formation pocket 6830 is defined, in this case, as the distance between the center of the formation pocket arrangement 6800 and the innermost edge of the first exit radius (the edge of the first exit radius of curvature closest to the center of the formation pocket layout 6800) is 0.10 mm, for example. The bridge depth is 0.15 mm, for example.

[0251] Now with reference to Figure 70, a 7000 surgical end actuator is shown that comprises an anvil 7001 and a staple cartridge 7060 that has a plurality of staples

7080. The 7000 end actuator is in a closed or clamped position. More specifically, the anvil 7001 can be pivoted in relation to the staple cartridge 7060 to move the end actuator 7000 to the closed position and secure the fabric between the anvil 7001 and the staple cartridge 7060. In other cases, the anvil 7001 can be fixed and the staple cartridge 7060 can rotate with respect to the anvil 7001 to move the end actuator 7000 to the closed position, and in still other cases, both the anvil 7001 and the staple cartridge 7060 can be configured for gi - rar to move the 7000 end actuator towards the closed position.

[0252] In the closed position, a uniform TG fabric gap is defined between the staple cartridge 7060 and the anvil 7001. In other words, the TG fabric gap is constant laterally along the end actuator 7000. The cartridge staple 7060 includes a flat or substantially flat tissue compression surface or platform 7062 and the anvil 7001 also includes a flat or substantially flat tissue compression surface 7007. The 7060 staple cartridge platform 7062 and the tissue compression surface 7007 of the anvil 7001 does not include a stepped surface having longitudinal steps between adjacent longitudinal portions. In other cases, as described here, the staple cartridge platform and / or the tissue compression surface of an anvil may include a stepped profile.

[0253] The staple cartridge 7060 includes a staple cartridge body 7064 that has a longitudinal slot 7065 and a plurality of staple cavities 7066 defined therein. Slit 7065 extends along a central longitudinal geometric axis of the staple cartridge 7060. Each staple well 7066 comprises an opening in the platform 7062. The staple wells 7066 are arranged in a plurality of longitudinally extending rows 7068 including a first row, or outer row, 7068a, a second row, or intermediate row, 7068b, and a third row, or inner row, 7068c on each side of the 7065 slot. In other cases, the 7060 staple cartridge may have fewer or more than six rows of staple cavities 7066. For example, a staple cartridge can have two rows of staple cavities on each side of the 7065 longitudinal slot.

[0254] A 7080 clamp is removably stored in each 7066 clamp cavity, and each 7080 clamp is supported by a 7070 clamp driver. In many cases, a 7070 clamp driver can hold and fire more than one 7080 clamp. For example, a trigger can be configured to simultaneously trigger staples from adjacent rows of staple cavities into a staple cartridge. The 7062 platform includes cavity extenders 7061 that protrude from the platform 7062 towards the tissue compression surface 7007 of the anvil 7001. The 7061 cavity extenders are positioned around at least a portion of the cavities of the anvil. clamp 7066 and 7080 can guide the clamps above the 7062 platform. The 7061 cavity extenders can also be configured to engage or secure the fabric and / or support the 7080 clamps and / or the 7070 actuators during firing. In other cases, the 7062 platform may be devoid of cavity extenders and may comprise a smooth fabric contact surface, for example.

[0255] Staples 7080 in Figure 70 are shown in a formed configuration in which staples 7080 fired from cavities 7066 through rows 7068a, 7068b, 7068c on both sides of slot 7065 were formed at the same height H. A formation of staples of uniform height can firmly tighten the tissue and reduce bleeding from it.

[0256] The 7070 actuators are movably positioned in the 7066 cavities. During a firing stroke, a firing member is configured to lift the 7070 actuators towards the 7001 anvil, which activates the 7080 clamps supported on the 7070 actuators to form engaging with the anvil 7001. Each clamp 7080 is actuated to form contact with a clamp forming pocket arrangement 7002, 7004 defined on the flat surface 7007 of the anvil 7001. The clamp forming pocket arrangements 7002, 7004 are arranged in a plurality of longitudinally extending rows 7003 including a first row, or outer row, 7003a, a second row, or intermediate row, 7003b, and a third row, or inner row, 7003c on both side sides of beaker 7001. Each row of 7066 staple cavities is aligned with a row 7003 of staple forming pocket arrangements 7002, 7004. As described in relation to various arrangements staple-forming pocket features disclosed in the present invention, staple-forming pocket arrangements 7002, 7004 may each include a pair of forming pockets, or shells, for example, a proximal shell and a distal shell, and each shell can be positioned to receive a staple leg when the staple 7080 is operated to form contact with the 7001 anvil.

[0257] The 7001 anvil includes two different clamp-forming pocket arrangements. More specifically, anvil 7001 includes a first staple forming pocket arrangement 7002 that comprises a first geometry and a second staple forming pocket arrangement 7004 that comprises a second arrangement geometry. The first staple forming pocket arrangements 7002 are aligned with the outermost row 7068a of staple cavities 7066 on both sides of the slot 7065, and the second staple forming pocket arrangements 7004 are aligned with rows 7068b , 7068c of the staple cavities 7066 on both sides of the slot 7065. The shells of the first staple forming pocket arrangement 7002 define a depth of shell CD in relation to the flat surface of the anvil 7007 and the shells of the second arrangement of staple formation pocket 7004 define a CD2 shell depth in relation to the flat surface of the anvil 7007. The depth of the CD shell of the staple formation pocket 7002 is greater than the depth of the CD shell of the dispositions grammar pocket training

pos 7004. As a result, the deeper staple forming pockets of the first arrangement 7002 are positioned laterally away from the shallower staple forming pockets of the second arrangement 7004, although any suitable arrangement can be used.

[0258] In several cases, the first staple forming pocket arrangements 7002 can be the same or similar to the staple forming pocket layout 6800 (Figures 61 to 67) and the second staple forming pocket layouts 7004 they can be the same or similar to the 6600 staple formation pocket arrangement (Figures 55 to 61). Although the depth of the shells is different between the first formation pocket layout 7002 and the second formation pocket layout 7004, the side walls of the shells can cross the flat surface 7007 at the same angle, that is, a tan - people at the side walls can be kept at a constant entry angle, along the length of the shells in each arrangement 7002, 7004 or at least over most of the length of the shells in each arrangement 7002, 7004. As described in the prec - according to this invention, a steep side wall with constant angle is configured to facilitate the flat formation of the 7080 clamps, including clamps that are out of alignment with the central axis of the 7002, 7004 arrangement.

[0259] In the triggered position shown in Figure 70, the 7080 clamps were overreacted relative to the 7064 clamp cartridge body. More specifically, the clamp support surface of each 7070 actuator was driven in addition to the clamp cartridge body 7064 so that the 7080 clips are completely removed from the 7064 cartridge body during firing. When overdriven, the substructure, or lower surface, of each 7080 clamp is positioned above the 7062 platform and / or above the 7061 cavity extenders projecting from the 7062 platform. The 7070 actuators overload feature it can be configured to completely eject the popped clips 7080 from the clip cartridge 7060 and to facilitate the release of the stapled tissue from the end actuator 7000, for example. In other words, the overhead feature of the 7070 actuators can push the fabric away from the 7067 platform

[0260] In several cases, different clamps can be over-operated by different amounts. For example, staples 7080 fired from the outer rows of staple cavities 7066 are removed at a first distance D; in relation to the platform surface 7062 and the clamps 7080 fired from the intermediate and internal rows 7068b, 7068c of the clamp cavities 7066 are replaced in a second distance D2 in relation to the platform surface 7062. The distances D; and D2 in Figure 70 are the distances between the substructure of the clamps 7080 and the flat platform surface 7062. In other cases, the overload distance can be measured between the support surfaces of the clamp substructures and the upper surface of the adjacent cavity extenders 7061.

[0261] To obtain the different overload distances D: and D2 in Figure 70, the stroke length of the 7070 actuators can be different. For example, the trigger member can be configured to lift the 7070 actuators that support the 7080 clamps in the outer rows 7068a in a first distance and the 7070 actuators that support the 7080 clamps in the inner rows 7068b, 7068c in a second distance. In certain cases, the geometry of the slider can be selected to control the different stroke lengths of the 7070 actuators. In addition or alternatively, the geometry of the 7070 actuators, such as the height of the actuator, for example, can be selected to control the different driving distances. overload.

[0262] For each clamp formed 7080 in Figure 70, the sum of the fabric span and the depth of the shell is equal to the sum of the overload distance and the clamp height. For example: TG + CDi = D + H, and TG + CD2 = D2 + H.

[0263] Put another way, for each formed clamp, the height H of the clamp is equal to the span of tissue TG plus the depth of shell CD minus the distance D of overload.

H = TG + CD'-Ds; and H = TG + CD> 2-D,>.

[0264] In cases where the height H of the clamp and the span of TG fabric are constant laterally along the end actuator 7000, as shown in Figure 70, the different shell depths correspond to different overload distances. For example, to ensure that the anvil 7001 is compatible with the staple cartridge 7060, the staple forming pocket arrangements 7002, 7004 and the CD1, CD> shell depths can be selected to accommodate different distances - copies D1, D2 of overload. For example, the difference between the CD shell depth; and the shell depth CD> 2 can be configured to accommodate the difference in distances D; and overload D2: CD - CD2 = D '- D2.

[0265] More specifically, if the difference between the overload distances D'1 and D> is 0.38 mm, for example, the difference between the shell depths CD; and CD> 2 can also be 0.38 mm. In certain cases, the difference between overlapping distances

load and shell depths can be between 0.2 mm and 1 mm, for example. The corresponding difference between the overload distances D: and D2 and the shell depths CD and CD, is configured to form the clamps 7080 formed at the same height H laterally along the end actuator 7000. Regardless of the depth of the shell, the side walls of the shells can be designed to cross the tissue compression surface 7007 of the anvil 7001 at a constant angle to encourage the flat formation of the 7080 staples, including the misaligned staples, as further described in the present invention .

[0266] In certain cases, surgical instruments and / or subsets of them can be modular. Different types of staple cartridges may be compatible with more than one anvil and / or different types of anvils may be compatible with more than one staple cartridge. For example, the staple cartridge 7060, which is compatible with the anvil 7001, having a flat tissue compression surface 7007 (see, for example, Figure 70), can also be compatible with a stepped anvil. An end actuator that includes the 7060 staple cartridge and a compatible stepped bib can define a laterally variable TG fabric gap; however, such an end actuator can still be configured to form clamps at a constant formed height. In such cases, the different overload distances D: and D> may correspond to different heights of a staggered tissue compression surface of the anvil.

[0267] Now with reference to Figure 71, an end actuator 7100 is shown with the staple cartridge 7060 and a mustache 7101. The end actuator 7100 is in a closed or clamped position. In use, the anvil 7101 can be pivoted in relation to the staple cartridge 7060 to move the end actuator

7100 to the closed position and secure the fabric between the anvil 7101 and the staple cartridge 7060. In other cases, the anvil 7101 can be fixed and the staple cartridge 7060 can rotate relative to the anvil 7101 to move the end actuator 7100 for the closed position and, in still other cases, both the anvil 7101 and the staple cartridge 7060 can be configured to rotate the end actuator 7100 towards the closed position.

[0268] Anvil 7101 includes a staggered tissue compression surface 7107 that has longitudinal steps between adjacent longitudinal portions. More specifically, anvil 7101 includes a plurality of longitudinal portions 7110 including a first portion, or outer portion, 7110a and a second portion, or inner portion, 7110b on each side of anvil 7101. Step 7112 is positioned between the outer portion 7100a and the inner portion 7100b. Step 7112 extends in parallel to the rows of the staple-forming pocket arrangements 7102 defined on the surface 7107 and extends along a geometric axis positioned between the adjacent rows of the staple-forming pocket arrangements 7102.

[0269] Step 7112 comprises a Hetapa height, which corresponds to the difference in height between the first longitudinal portion 7110a and the second longitudinal portion 7110b of the tissue compression surface 7107. Since the staple cartridge 7060 includes a platform unstaggered 7062, the Hetapa height corresponds to the variation in the fabric gap between the staple cartridge 7060 and the anvil 7101 when the end actuator 7100 is in the closed position. A first gap of tissue TG is defined between the first portion 7110a and the staple cartridge 7060 and a second gap of tissue TG2 is defined between the second portion 7110b and the staple cartridge

7060. The span of TG fabric: it is larger than the span of TG2 fabric. It may be desirable to provide greater compression of tissue adjacent to the crack

7065 and / or along the inner portion 7110b of the anvil 7101 than along the side sides of the end actuator 7100. In other cases, the anvil 7101 may include additional longitudinal portions having steps between them and in such cases , you can define different additional fabric spans when the 7100 end actuator is in the closed position.

[0270] The staples 7080 in Figure 71 are represented in the configuration formed in which the staples 7080 fired from rows 7068a, 7068b, 7068c of the staple cavities 7066 on both sides of the slit 7065 were formed with the same height H. During a clamp firing stroke, a firing member is configured to lift the 7070 actuators towards the anvil 7101, which activates the 7080 clamps supported on the 7070 actuators to form the engagement with the 7101 anvil. More specifically, each clamp 7080 is actuated to form contact with one of the staple forming pocket arrangements 7102 defined on the tissue compression surface 7107 of the anvil 7101. The staple forming pocket arrangements 7102 are arranged in a plurality of longitudinally extending rows 7103 including a first row, or outer row, 7103a, a second row, or intermediate row, 7103b, and a third row, or inner row, 7103 and on both sides of the anvil 7101. The first longitudinal portion 7110a includes the first row 7103a, and the second longitudinal portion 7110b includes the second and third rows 7103b, 7103c. Each row 7068 of staple cavities 7066 is aligned with a row 7103 of the staple forming pocket arrangements 7102. As described with respect to the various staple forming pocket arrangements disclosed in the present invention, each forming pocket arrangement staple 7102 includes a pair of forming pockets, or shells, for example, a shell proximal to a distal shell, and each shell is positioned to receive a staple leg when the 7080 clamp is triggered to form contact with the anvil

7101.

[0271] Staple forming pocket arrangements 7102 define a shell depth in relation to the fabric compression surface 7107. In several cases, staple forming pocket arrangements 7102 are the same or similar to the arrangements 6600 staple formation pocket (Figures 55 to 60). In such cases, the side walls of the shells can cross the 7107 tissue compression surface at a constant angle, that is, a tangent to the side walls can be maintained at a constant entry angle, along the length of the shells. shells or at least along most of the length of the shells. A steep sidewall at a constant angle along the length of the shells is configured to facilitate the flat formation of the 7080 clamps, including the clamps that are out of alignment with the central axis of the clamp forming arrangement 7102.

[0272] For each clamp formed 7080 in Figure 71, the sum of the fabric span and the depth of the shell is equal to the sum of the overload distance and the clamp height. For example: TG + CD = D + H, and TG2 + CD = D2 + H.

[0273] Put another way, for each formed clamp, the height H of the clamp is equal to the span of tissue TG plus the depth of shell CD minus the distance D of overload.

H = TG, + CD-Ds; and H = TG2 + CD-D; s>.

[0274] In cases where the height H of the clamp and the depth of the CD shell are laterally constant through the end actuator 7100, as shown in Figure 71, the height of the tissue compression surface 7107 can vary , that is, you can define a staggered profile, which corresponds to different overload distances. For example, the difference between the TG fabric gap and the TG fabric gap? can be configured to accommodate the difference in overload distances D, and D2: TG - TG2 = D - D> 2.

[0275] In other words, the Hetapa height of step 7112 between the longitudinal portions 7110a, 7110b can be equal to the difference in the overload distances D, and D2: Hetapa = D1 - D2.

[0276] For example, if the difference between the D: and D2 overload distances is 0.38 mm, the Hetapa height of step 7112 can also be 0.38 mm, for example. In some cases, the difference between the overload distances and the fabric gap can be between 0.2 mm and 1 mm. The corresponding difference between the overload distances D, and D2 and the height of the longitudinal portions 7110a, 7110b can be configured to form the clamps 7080 formed at the same height H laterally along the 7100 end actuator.

[0277] Above certain limit loads, anvil 7101 may be prone to bending along step 7112, so that the span of fabric along the lateral sides of anvil 7101 is greater than the span of TG fabric, represented in Figure 71. As a result, anvil 7001 (Figure 70) can be more rigid than anvil 7101 because anvil 7001 comprises a flat or non-staggered tissue compression surface 7007. Anvil 7001 can be more rigid and thus , less prone to flexion and / or deflection when subjected to high compression loads during tightening and / or firing.

[0278] In several cases, it may be desirable to use an anvil that has a flat, or non-scaled, tissue compression surface, such as anvil 7001, to minimize deflection of the anvil along the sides of the anvil. In certain instances, a variable tissue gap may also be desirable to control tissue flow and / or the amount of tissue compressed and finally captured by the end actuator. For example, a smaller external tissue gap and a larger internal tissue gap may allow the end actuator to capture a greater amount of tissue adjacent to the cut line, which can improve hemostasis. The smaller external tissue gap can optimize control over tissue flow and ensure that the lateral sides of the end actuator effectively hold and engage the target tissue. In addition, the larger internal fabric gap can allow the end actuator to capture a larger, for example, thicker piece of fabric.

[0279] An example actuator with variable tissue gap 7200 is shown in Figure 72. The end actuator 7200 includes the anvil 7001 which has a flat, or non-stepped, tissue compression surface 7007 (see also Figure 70) and a staple cartridge 7260 that has a stepped platform 7262. Although the fabric gap varies laterally through end actuator 7200, end actuator 7200 can be configured to form staples 7280 up to a height formed constant. For example, different staple overload distances can correspond to different fabric spans and / or different staple forming arrangements having different shell depths, as further described in the present invention.

[0280] With reference also to Figure 72, the 7200 end actuator is in a closed or tight position. In use, the anvil

7001 can be pivoted with respect to the staple cartridge 7260 to move the end actuator 7200 to the closed position and secure the fabric between the anvil 7001 and the staple cartridge 7260. In other cases, the anvil 7001 can be fixed and the cartridge 7260 clamp can rotate relative to anvil 7001 to move end actuator 7200 to the closed position, and in still other cases, both anvil 7001 and clamp cartridge 7260 can be configured to rotate to move the end actuator 7200 towards the closed position.

[0281] The staple cartridge 7260 includes a staple cartridge body 7264 that has a longitudinal slot 7265 and a plurality of staple cavities 7266 defined therein. Staples 7280 are removably positioned in staple cavities 7266. Slit 7265 can extend along a central longitudinal axis of staple cartridge 7260. Each staple cavity 7266 comprises an opening in platform 7262. Staple cavities 7266 are arranged in a plurality of longitudinally extending rows 7268 including a first row, or outer row, 7268a, a second row, or intermediate row, 7268b, and a third row, or inner row, 7268c on each side of slot 7265. In other cases, the staple cartridge 7260 may have fewer or more than six rows of staple cavities 7266. For example, a staple cartridge may have two rows of staple cavities on each side of a longitudinal crack.

[0282] Each 7280 internal clamp is supported on a 7270 clamp trigger. In several cases, a 7270 clamp trigger can hold and trigger more than one 7280 clamp. For example, a trigger can be configured to trigger clamps from filei - adjacent strips of staple cavities in a staple cartridge. The 7262 platform includes cavity extenders 7261 that project from the platform 7262 towards the tissue compression surface 7007 of the anvil 7001. The cavity extenders 7261 are positioned around at least a portion of the clamp cavities 7266 and can guide the clips as they are ejected from the 7266 staple cavities. The 7261 cavity extenders can also be configured to engage or secure the fabric and / or support the 7280 staples and / or the 7270 actuators during firing, for example example. In other cases, the 7262 platform may be free of cavity extenders and may comprise a smooth tissue contact surface, for example.

[0283] Staples 7280 in Figure 72 are shown in a formed configuration in which staples 7280 fired from cavities 7266 through rows 7268a, 7268b, 7268c on both sides of slot 7265 were formed at the same height H. In in some cases, it may be advantageous to form staples along multiple rows to firmly hold the tissue and reduce bleeding from it.

[0284] The 7270 actuators are movably positioned in the 7266 cavities. During a firing stroke, a firing member is configured to lift the 7270 actuators towards the anvil 7001, which activates the 7280 clamps supported on the 7070 actuators to be formed engaging with the anvil 7001. Each clamp 7280 is fired to form a clamp forming pocket arrangement 7002, 7004. Each row 7268 of clamp cavities 7266 is aligned with a row 7003 of arrangement staple forming pocket 7002, 7004. The first staple forming pocket arrangements 7002 are aligned with the outermost row 7268a of staple cavities 7266 on each side of the slot 7265, and the second staple forming pocket arrangements staples 7004 are aligned with the innermost rows 7268b, 7268c of staple cavities 7266 on each side of slot 7265.

[0285] The staple cartridge 7260 includes a scaled platform 7262 that has longitudinal steps between adjacent longitudinal portions. More specifically, the staple cartridge 7260 includes a plurality of longitudinal portions 7263 including a first portion, or outer portion, 7263a and a second portion, or inner portion, 7263b on each side of a slit 7260. Step 7267 is positioned between the outer portion 7263a and the inner portion 7263b. Step 7267 extends parallel to rows 7268 of clip cavities 7266 defined on platform 7262 and extends along a geometrical axis positioned between adjacent rows 7268 of clip cavities 7266.

[0286] Step 7267 comprises a height Hetapa, which corresponds to the difference in height between the first longitudinal portion 7263a and the second longitudinal portion 7263b of platform 7262. Furthermore, since the anvil 7001 includes a surface of non-stepped tissue compression 7007, the Hetapa height corresponds to the variation in the tissue gap between the staple cartridge 7260 and the anvil 7001 when the end actuator 7200 is in the closed position. A first gap of TG fabric: is defined between the first portion 7263a and the anvil 7001 and a second gap of TG fabric, is defined between the second portion 7263b and the anvil 7001. The gap of TG fabric? is larger than the span of TG fabric ,. In certain instances, it is desirable to provide greater compression of the tissue adjacent to the side sides of the end actuator 7200 than along the central inner portion of the end actuator 7200, as further described in the present invention. In other cases, the 7260 staple cartridge may include additional longitudinal portions having steps between them and, in such cases, it can define different additional fabric spans when the end actuator 7200 is in the closed position .

[0287] In the triggered positions shown in Figure 72, the staples 7280 were overreacted in relation to the staple cartridge body 7264. More specifically, the staple support surface of each 7270 actuator was driven in addition to the staple cartridge body 7264 so that the staples 7280 are completely removed from the cartridge body 7264 during firing. The substructure, or lower surface, of each 7280 clamp is positioned above the 7262 platform. The substructures of certain 7280 clamps are also positioned above the 7261 cavity extenders projecting from the 7262 platform and the substructures of other 7280 clamps are positioned below and / or flush with the 7261 cavity extenders. The overhead feature of the 7270 actuators can be configured to completely disconnect the 7280 fired clamps from the 7260 clamp cartridge and to facilitate release of the stapled fabric of the 7200 end actuator.

[0288] In several cases, different clamps can be over-operated by different amounts. For example, clamps 7280 fired from outer rows 7268a of clamp cavities 7266 are overreached at a first distance D1, clamps 7280 fired from intermediate rows 7268b of clamp cavities 7266 are overreached at a second distance D2 with respect to to the cartridge body 7264, and the clamps 7280 fired from the inner rows 7268c of the clamp cavities 7266 are superimposed at a third distance D3 in relation to the cartridge body 7264. The distances D1, D2 and D3 in Figure 72 are the distances between the substructure of the clamps 7280 and the adjacent portion of the 7262 platform surface.

[0289] To obtain the different overload distances D1, D2 and D3 in Figure 72, the stroke length of the 7270 actuators can be different. For example, the firing member can be configured

secured to lift the 7270 actuators that support the 7280 clamps in the outer rows 7268a in a first distance, to lift the 7070 actuators that support the 7280 clamps in the middle row 7268b in a second distance, and to carry the 7270 actuators that support clamps 7280 in inner rows 7268c at a third distance. In certain cases, the geometry of the firing member can be selected to control the different stroke lengths of the 7270 actuators. In addition or alternatively, the geometry of the 7270 actuators, such as the height of the actuator, for example, can be selected to control the different overload distances. The different overload distances D1, D2 and D3 in Figure 72 can also be controlled by different heights of the stepped platform 7262.

[0290] As described in the present invention with respect to the end actuator 7000 (Figure 70), when the gap of fabric is constant between the rows of clips, different depths of shell can be configured to accommodate variations in the overload distance, so that the clamps are formed with the same formed height. For example, again with reference to Figure 72, the span of TG fabric; is constant between the first and second rows 6268a, 6268b of clamp cavities 6266 and, in such cases, the different shell depths CD: and CD> are configured to accommodate variations in distances D; and D> overload. In addition, as described with respect to end actuator 7100 (Figure 71), when the gap of fabric varies between rows of clamps, the gap of differential fabric can correspond to variations in the overload distance, so that clamps are formed at the same height formed. For example, again with reference to Figure 72, does the step height of step 7267 correspond to the difference between the distances D? and overload D3.

[0291] In several cases, the staple cartridge 7260 can also be compatible with an anvil that has a staggered tissue compression surface, such as the anvil 7101 (Figure 71). In such cases, the different overload distances D1, D2, and Da may correspond to different fabric spans between the stepped fabric compression surface 7107 of the anvil and the scaled platform 7262 of the staple cartridge. An end actuator 7300 that includes staple cartridge 7260 and anvil 7101 is shown in Figure 73. As further described in the present invention, end actuator 7300 is configured to form staples at a constant formed height along multiple rows.

[0292] Due to the two stepped surfaces 7107 and 7262 in Figure 73, end actuator 7300 defines a plurality of fabric spans between the anvil 7101 and the staple cartridge 7260. A first gap of TG fabric is defined between the first portion 7263a of platform 7262 and the first portion 7110a of the tissue compression surface 7107, a second gap of tissue TG, is defined between the first portion 7263a of platform 7262 and the second portion 7110b of the tissue compression surface 7107, and a third span of TG fabric; is defined between the second portion 7263b of the platform 7262 and the second portion 7110b of the tissue compression surface 7107. The outer rows 7268a of the staple cavities 7266 and the outer rows 7103a of the staple forming pockets 7102 are aligned with the first span of TG fabric, the intermediate rows 7268b of the staple cavities 7266 and the intermediate rows 7103b of the staple forming pockets 7102 are aligned with the second span of the TG fabric, and the inner rows 7268c of the staple cavities 7266 and the inner rows 7103c of the staple forming pockets 7102 are aligned with the third gap of TG fabric. As described with respect to the end actuator 7100 (Fig.

ra 71), when the gap of fabric varies between rows of clamps, the gap of differential fabric can correspond to variations in the overload distance, so that the clamps are formed at the same height formed. For example, again with reference to Figure 73, the Hetapa height of the anvil step 7112 corresponds to the difference between the distances D; and D2 of overload and the Hetapa height of the step of the 7267 cartridge corresponds to the difference between the D2 and D; 3 overload distances.

[0293] As described in the present invention, a surgical tool set may include a drive shaft portion and a pivotable end actuator portion. For example, a pivot assembly can be positioned between the drive shaft portion and the end actuator portion, and the pivot assembly can enable the end actuator portion to pivot in a pivot joint with respect to to the drive shaft portion. Several articulation assemblies are described further in the present invention and in US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 019,245, filed on February 9, 2016, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by way of reference in the present invention.

[0294] An exemplary surgical tool set 8000 having a hinge joint 8200 is shown in Figures 74 to 77. The surgical tool set 8000 includes a 8010 drive shaft and an 8100 end actuator. The 8010 shaft includes a 8040 closure tube assembly. The 8040 closure tube assembly is similar in many respects to closure tube assembly 140 (see, for example, Figure 2), for example, which is further described in the present invention. . The drive shaft 8010 also includes a pivot actuator system 8201 configured to pivot the end actuator 8100 with respect to the drive shaft 8010. The pivot joint 8200 is positioned between the drive shaft 8010 and the end actuator 8100 of so that the articulation movements generated by the articulation drive system 8201 articulate the end actuator 8100 around a geometric axis of articulation BB (Figures 75 to 77) in relation to the drive axis 8010.

[0295] The hinge drive system 8201 includes a hinge rod 8202 that includes a distal end 8204. The hinge drive system 8201 also includes a hinge link 8206 that comprises a proximal end 8208 coupled to the distal end 8204 of the stem hinge rod 8202. The hinge rod 8202 extends longitudinally through the drive shaft portion 8010. In at least one case, the hinge rod 8202 can be collinear with a central longitudinal axis L (Figures 75 to 77) the drive shaft portion 8010 extending through the hinge axis BB, although the hinge rod 8202 can be moved from the longitudinal axis L in other embodiments. The distal end 8204 of the articulation rod 8202 includes an extension 8205 that extends laterally in relation to the central longitudinal geometric axis L. For example, the extension 8205 extends in the direction opposite to the central longitudinal geometric axis L. As additionally described in the present invention, the lateral displacement of the extension 8205 in relation to the geometric axis L is configured to obtain the desired angular orientation of the articulation link 8206. The articulation rod 8202 is configured to move axially along the axis central longitudinal geometric L to affect the articulation movements of the 8100 end actuator. More specifically, the displacement of the articulation rod 8202 in the distal direction (DD) is configured to articulate the end actuator 8100 clockwise, and the offset the articulation rod 8202 in the proximal direction (PD) is configured to articulate the end actuator 8100 counterclockwise, for example.

[0296] The 8100 end actuator is articulated between a first fully articulated configuration and a second fully articulated configuration. The first fully articulated configuration can correspond to the total extension of the clockwise rotation, for example, and the second completely articulated configuration can correspond to the total extension of the counterclockwise rotation, for example. A non-articulated, or linear, configuration of the 8100 end actuator can be positioned between the first fully articulated configuration and the second fully articulated position. In several cases, the non-articulated configuration can be equidistant between the first and the second fully articulated configurations. In other cases, based on the geometry of the end actuator 8100 and the drive shaft 8010, a greater degree of articulation may be allowed in a rotational direction. The 8100 end actuator can be articulated through a range of movement that comprises at least 120 degrees, for example. In other cases, the 8100 end actuator can be configured to pivot through less than 120 degrees. For example, the end actuator 8100 can be configured to pivot around 90 degrees.

[0297] Link link 8206 is a crosslink, which is similar in certain respects to crosslink 1237 (Figure 10), for example. Link 8206 is angularly oriented in relation to the central longitudinal geometry axis L. More specifically, link 8206 crosses the central longitudinal geometry axis L, so that the proximal end 8208 of link 8206 is posi-

on a first side of the central longitudinal geometric axis L, and a distal end 8210 of the articulation link 8206 is positioned on a second side, opposite the side of the central longitudinal geometric axis L. In many cases, the angular orientation of the link 8206 can be configured to increase the mechanical advantage of the link drive system 8201. As the link 8202 moves axially in relation to the center, longitudinal geometric axis L, the link link 8206 is also moved in relation to the central longitudinal geometric axis L. For example, with reference to Figures 75 to 77, as the articulation joint 8200 is moved from a non-articulated configuration (Figure 75) to a first articulated configuration (Figure 76) and for a second articulated configuration (Figure 77), the articulation rod 8202 and the articulation link 8206 are displaced distally. As further described in the present invention, the first articulated configuration corresponds to a partially articulated configuration and the second articulated configuration corresponds to a completely articulated configuration of the surgical tool set 8000.

[0298] In certain cases, the articulation drive system 8201 may not include the articulation link 8206. For example, the articulation rod 8202 can be articulated coupled to the end actuator 8100. In certain cases, the portion of The distal end of the articulation rod 8202 can define a contour and / or displacement, so that the distal end of the articulation rod 8202 is laterally displaced from the proximal end and / or from the central longitudinal geometric axis L.

[0299] Still referring to Figures 74 to 77, the distal end 8210 of the articulation link 8206 is pivotally coupled to the end actuator portion 8100 of the surgical tool set 8000 on a pivot joint 8211. For example, the end-

of distal 8210 is coupled to a proximal portion, or extension, 8103 of the elongated channel of the end actuator or retainer portion 8102 on an AA pivot geometry axis (Figures 75 to 77) through the articulation joint 8211. Due to the orientation of the articulation link 8206, the pivot geometry axis AA is laterally displaced from the central longitudinal geometry axis L and the geometric articulation axis BB. The distal end 8210 of the hinge link 8206 is coupled to the proximal extension 8103, so that the pivot geometry axis A-A extends through the proximal extension 8103.

[0300] According to the articulation rod 8202 and the articulation link 8206 are moved, for example pushed, in the distal direction (DD), the elongated channel 8102 is rotated clockwise on the pivot geometry axis A-A. In several cases, the 8100 end actuator may encounter resistance to their articulation and the articulation link 8206 may be subjected to a compression load as the 8201 articulation drive system seeks to overcome the resistance. In certain cases, when exposed to a load above a limit load, the pivot bar 8202 and / or the pivot link 8206 may be prone to bending, deformation, and / or kickback from the desired pivot position. In other words, the articulation link 8206 may be susceptible to lateral curvature under increased compressive loads. To counter or resist the curvature and / or disarticulation of the compressed articulation bar 8202 and / or the articulation link 8206 under high compressive loads, the articulation system 8201 may include a reinforcement or anti-return feature.

[0301] A reinforcement feature 8220 is shown in Figures 74 to 77. The reinforcement feature 8220 includes a clamp 8106 on end actuator 8100, which is operationally configured to engage a recess or notch 8226 on link 8206 in certain cases. The 8106 clamp is disengaged from the recess

8226 during most of the articulation movement (see Figures 74 to 76); however, in the fully articulated configuration of Figure 77, the clamp 8106 is received inside the recess or pocket 8226, and portions of the clamp 8106 are in contiguous contact with the side walls of the recess 8226. The clamp 8106 comprises a column that protrudes from the proximal end of the elongated channel 8102 and the recess 8226 defines a pocket that is aligned with the clamp 8106, so that the clamp 8226 moves into the pocket when the end actuator 8100 is fully articulated in its configuration articulated (Figure 77). In such cases, clamp 8106 provides a stop surface that prevents the clockwise articulation of the 8100 end actuator in addition to the fully articulated configuration.

[0302] Furthermore, in the fully articulated configuration of Figure 77, the clamp 8106 is configured to exert a counter-bending and anti-return force on the 8206 articulation link. More specifically, when a force is applied to the 8100 end actuator , as an externally applied force opposite the articulation movement of the articulation drive system 8201, further engagement between the recess 8226 and the clamp 8106 is configured to resist disarticulation and / or the curvature of the articulation link 8206. For example, the recess 8226 can apply a resistive anti-return force to the clamp 8016 in response to the application of a disarticulation force to the fully articulated end actuator 8100.

[0303] In several cases, the reinforcement feature 8220 may include at least a pair of flat opposite or "horizontal" surfaces to transfer forces between the clamp 8106 and the recess 8226. For example, the recess 8226 can define an internal surface that it has at least one horizontal or flat surface and the clamp 8106 can define an external surface that has at least one horizontal or flat surface. The flat surfaces can be complementary, so that they are placed in contiguous contact when the 8100 end actuator is in the fully articulated configuration. For example, indentation 8226 can fit around portions of clamp 8106 like a wrench fits into the head of a screw. Contiguous flat surfaces are configured to provide force transfer surfaces for reinforcement feature 8220 and counterclocking of clamp 8106 within recess 8226. Clamp 8106 and recess 8226 have asymmetrical profiles. However, clamp 8106 and recess 8226 may have symmetrical outer profiles in other cases.

[0304] With reference mainly to Figure 77A, a detailed view of the 8220 reinforcement feature of Figure 77 is shown. The recess 8226 includes an inner surface 8228 which has a plurality of flat surfaces 8230a, 8230b, 8230c. In addition, clamp 8106 includes an outer surface 8108 that has a plurality of complementary flat surfaces 8110a, 8110b, 8210b. The flat surfaces 8230a, 8230b of the recess 8226 can be in contiguity with the corresponding flat surfaces 8210a, 8210b of the clamp 8226 to keep the clamp 8106 within the recess

8226. In addition, when the clamp 8106 is received inside the 8226 recess, the flat surfaces can be oriented to resist disarticulation and / or exert counter-bending forces on the 8206 linkage. inner surface 8228 of recess 8226 and outer surface 8108 of clamp 8106 may also include rounded and / or contoured surfaces adjacent to and / or between flat surfaces.

[0305] In several cases, the articulation system 8201 may include a plurality of reinforcement features 8220. For example, the articulation system 8201 may include a recess similar to the recess 8226 towards the proximal end 8208 of the articulation link

8206. Such a recess can be configured to engage a grounding feature on the 8100 end actuator and / or provide a positive stop surface when the 8100 end actuator is fully articulated in a counterclockwise direction, for example. Examples

[0306] Example 1 - An end actuator comprising a staple cartridge comprising a staple comprising a leg. The end actuator further comprises a beaker which comprises a tissue compression surface, wherein a plurality of pockets are defined on the tissue compression surface. The plurality of pockets comprise a pocket comprising a shell configured to form the leg. The shell comprises a contoured surface. The contour surface comprises a perimeter, a depth profile that defines the depth of the shell along the length of the shell, a first curved side wall that extends from the perimeter towards the depth profile and a second side wall curve that extends from the perimeter towards the depth profile. The first curved sidewall and the second curved sidewall cross the perimeter at a constant angle over most of the shell length.

[0307] Example 2 - The end actuator of Example 1, in which the contour surface is devoid of flat surfaces.

[0308] Example 3 - The end actuator of Examples 1 or 2, where the constant angle is between 55 degrees and 80 degrees.

[0309] Example 4 - The end actuator of Examples 1, 2 or 3, wherein the contour surface further comprises a bottom surface between the first curved sidewall and the second curved sidewall. The first curved sidewall comprises a first radius of curvature at a first location in cross section. The bottom surface comprises a second radius of curvature at the first location in cross section. The second radius of curvature is different from the first radius of curvature.

[0310] Example 5 - The end actuator of Example 4, wherein the bottom surface comprises a radius of curvature varying along its length.

[0311] Example 6 - An end actuator comprising a staple cartridge comprising a staple comprising a leg. The end actuator further comprises a beaker which comprises a flat surface, in which a plurality of pockets are defined on the flat surface. The plurality of pockets comprise a pocket comprising a shell configured to form the leg. The shell comprises a contoured surface. The contour surface comprises a perimeter, a depth profile that defines the depth of the shell along the length of the shell and a plurality of curvatures that cross the perimeter and the depth profile. Each curvature comprises a first arc that crosses the perimeter and which comprises a first radius of curvature, in which a tangent to each first arc in the perimeter is oriented at an angle.

[0312] Example 7 - The end actuator of Example 6, wherein each curvature comprises a second arc comprising a second radius of curvature. The second radius of curvature is different from the first radius of curvature.

[0313] Example 8 - The end actuator of Examples 6 or 7, where the angle is between 55 degrees and 80 degrees.

[0314] Example 9 - The end actuator of Examples 6, 7 or 8, in which the contour surface further comprises a first side wall that extends from the perimeter towards the depth profile, a second side wall which extends from the perimeter towards the depth profile, and an inflection surface that extends between the first side wall and the second side wall. The inflection surface is devoid of flat surfaces.

[0315] Example 10 - The end actuator of Examples 6, 7, 8 or 9, in which the depth of the shell varies along its length.

[0316] Example 11 - An end actuator comprising a staple cartridge comprising a staple comprising a leg. The end actuator further comprises a beaker which comprises a flat surface, in which a plurality of pockets are defined on the flat surface. The plurality of pockets comprise a pocket comprising a shell configured to form the leg of the clamp. The shell comprises a contour surface. The contour surface comprises a perimeter, a depth profile that defines the depth of the shell along the length of the shell and a plurality of longitudinal profile curvatures that cross the perimeter and the depth profile. The profile curves cross the perimeter at a first angle.

[0317] Example 12 - The end actuator of Example 11, in which the end actuator is movable between an open position and a fixed position. The leg is aligned with the shell when the end actuator is in the secured position.

[0318] Example 13 - The end actuator of Examples 11 or 12, wherein the plurality of profile curvatures comprises a first curvature and a second curvature. The shell perimeter extends around a staple entry zone, a staple exit zone and a transition zone between the staple entry zone and the staple exit zone. The first curvature and the second curvature cross the perimeter in the transition zone.

[0319] Example 14 - The end actuator of Example 13, in which the plurality of curvatures of the profile further comprises a third curvature that crosses the perimeter at a second angle in the clamp entry zone. The second angle is different from the first angle.

[0320] Example 15 - The end actuator of Example 13, in which the plurality of curvatures of the profile further comprises a third curvature that crosses the perimeter at a second angle in the clip exit zone. The second angle is different from the first angle.

[0321] Example 16 - The end actuator of Example 13, wherein the contour surface further comprises a first side wall that extends from a first side side of the shell, a second side wall that extends from a second side of the shell and a bottom surface. The first sidewall and the second sidewall are located on the bottom surface. The first side wall meets the flat surface at the first angle along the length of the transition zone.

[0322] Example 17 - The end actuator of Example 16, in which the second side wall meets the flat surface at the first angle along the length of the transition zone.

[0323] Example 18 - The end actuator of Examples 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17, where the angle is between 55 degrees and 80 degrees.

[0324] Example 19 - The end actuator of Examples 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18, in which the profile curvatures are devoid of linear portions.

[0325] Example 20 - The end actuator of Examples 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19, in which each profile curvature is devoid of parabolic curvature.

[0326] Example 21 - An end actuator comprising a staple cartridge comprising a staple comprising a first leg. The end actuator further comprises an anvil comprising a tissue compression surface, in which a plurality of pockets are defined on the tissue compression surface. The plurality of pockets comprise a pocket comprising a first shell configured to form the first leg. The first shell comprises a first side side, a second side side and a bottom between the first side side and the second side side. The bottom defines a depth in relation to the tissue compression surface, in which the depth varies longitudinally along the length of the bottom. The first shell further comprises a first side wall that extends from the first side to the bottom, where the first side wall defines a first fully curved surface and a second side wall that extends from the second side to the bottom. The second side wall defines a second fully curved surface.

[0327] Example 22 - the end actuator of Example 21, in which the first shell is devoid of flat surfaces.

[0328] Example 23 - The end actuator of Examples 21 or 22, wherein the pocket further comprises a first intermediate beveled edge on the fabric compression surface and the first side and a second intermediate beveled edge on the compression surface of fabric and the second side.

[0329] Example 24 - The end actuator of Examples 21, 22 or 23, wherein the pocket comprises a second shell. The clamp further comprises a second leg configured to form a second leg of the clamp. The pocket is bilaterally symmetrical in relation to a longitudinal geometric axis that extends through the first shell and the second shell, in which the pocket is bilaterally symmetrical in relation to a transverse axis oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and spaced equally from the first shell and the second shell.

[0330] Example 25 - The end actuator of Examples 21, 22, 23 or 24, in which the first shell further comprises a plurality of contour curves comprising the first side and the second side. Each contour curve comprises an inflection positioned along the bottom. The contour curves transversely cut the tissue compression surface at a constant angle along the first side and the second side.

[0331] Example 26 - The end actuator of Example 25, where the contour curves define the parabolic curves.

[0332] Example 27 - An end actuator comprising a staple cartridge comprising a staple comprising a first leg. The end actuator further comprises an anvil comprising a tissue compression surface, in which a plurality of pockets are defined on the tissue compression surface. The plurality of pockets comprise a pocket comprising a first shell configured to form the first leg. The first shell comprises a first side side, a second side side and a bottom between the first side side and the second side side. The bottom defines a depth in relation to the tissue compression surface, in which the depth varies longitudinally along the length of the bottom. The first shell additionally comprises a plurality of contour curves extending between the first side and the second side.

[0333] Example 28 - The end actuator of Example 27, in which the first shell further comprises an entry zone, an exit zone, a transition zone between the entry zone and the exit zone and a wall lateral that extends from the first lateral side towards the bottom. A tangent to the side wall on the first side is oriented at a constant angle in the entry, exit and transition zones.

[0334] Example 29 - The end actuator of Examples 27 or 28, in which the first shell defines a fully curved contour surface.

[0335] Example 30 - The end actuator of Examples 27, 28 or 29, wherein the first shell further comprises a first side wall that extends from the first side side towards the bottom and a second side wall that extends extends from the second lateral side towards the bottom, where the parabolic contour curve comprises a vertex positioned close to the bottom.

[0336] Example 31 - The end actuator of Example 30, where the first sidewall defines a first fully curved contour surface. The second side wall defines a second completely curved contour surface.

[0337] Example 32 - The end actuator of Examples 27, 28, 29, 30 or 31, wherein the pocket further comprises a first intermediate beveled edge on the tissue compression surface and the first side and a second edge beveled intermediate to the tissue compression surface and to the second lateral side.

[0338] Example 33 - The end actuator of Examples 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 or 32, wherein the clamp comprises a second leg. The pocket further comprises a second shell configured to form a second leg. The pocket is bilaterally symmetrical in relation to a longitudinal geometric axis that extends through the first shell and the second shell, in which the pocket is bilaterally symmetrical in relation to a perpendicularly oriented axis.

to the longitudinal axis and equally spaced from the first shell and the second shell.

[0339] Example 34 - An end actuator comprising a staple cartridge comprising a staple comprising a first leg. The end actuator further comprises an anvil that comprises a flat surface, in which a plurality of pockets is defined on the flat surface. The plurality of pockets comprises a pocket comprising a first shell configured to form the first leg. The first shell defines an entirely curved contour surface that comprises a bottom, where the bottom defines a depth in relation to the flat surface. The depth varies longitudinally along the length of the bottom.

[0340] Example 35 - The end actuator of Example 34, wherein the clamp comprises a second leg. The pocket further comprises a second shell configured to form a second leg. The pocket is bilaterally symmetrical in relation to a longitudinal geometrical axis that extends through the first shell and the second shell and in which the pocket is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to a transverse axis oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and spaced in a similar way. equidistant from the first shell and the second shell.

[0341] Example 36 - The end actuator of Examples 34 or 35, wherein the first clamp further comprises a second leg. The pocket further comprises a second shell configured to form a second leg. The second shell defines a second fully curved contour surface that comprises a second bottom. The second bottom defines a second depth in relation to the flat surface. The second depth varies longitudinally along the length of the second bottom.

[0342] Example 37 - The end actuator of Examples 34, or 36, wherein the first shell further comprises a first side side, a second side side and a plurality of parabolic contour curves that extend in an intermediate way to the first side side and the second side.

[0343] Example 38 - The end actuator of examples 34, 35, 36 or 37, in which the first shell also comprises a first side that extends close to an entry area, an exit area and a transition zone between the entry zone and the exit zone. The first shell further comprises a side wall that extends from the first side side towards the bottom, in which a tangent to the side wall on the first side side is oriented at a constant angle in the entry, exit and exit areas. transition zone.

[0344] Example 39 - The end actuator of Example 38, in which a tangent to the side wall on the first side is oriented at an angle between 55 degrees and 80 degrees.

[0345] Example 40 - The end actuator of Examples 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 or 39, wherein the pocket further comprises a first chamfered edge that extends along the first side side of the pocket and a second chamfered edge which extends next to a second side of the pocket.

[0346] Example 41 - The surgical end actuator that comprises a movable anvil between an open position and a closed position. The anvil comprises a flat surface, where a plurality of pockets are defined on the flat surface. The plurality of training pockets comprises a first training pocket which comprises a first depth and a second training pocket which comprises a second depth, in which the second depth is different from the first depth. The surgical end actuator further comprises a staple cartridge comprising a platform. The platform comprises a first portion aligned with the first pocket, a second portion aligned with the second pocket and an intermediate step with the first portion and the second portion. The staple cartridge also comprises a plurality of actuators. The plurality of actuators comprises a first actuator aligned with the first pocket and movable by a first distance between an un triggered position and a triggered position and a second driver aligned with the second pocket and movable by a second distance between an un triggered position and an fired position. The second distance is different from the first distance. The staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of staples. The plurality of clips comprises a first clip supported by the first driver, wherein the first clip is formed up to a first formed height intermediate the first driver and the first pocket. The plurality of clamps further comprises a second clamp supported by the second driver, in which the second clamp is formed up to a first formed intermediate height to the second driver and the second pocket. The first formed height is equal to the second formed height.

[0347] Example 42 - The surgical end actuator of Example 41, in which the difference between the first distance and the second distance corresponds to the difference between the first depth and the second depth.

[0348] Example 43 - The surgical end actuator of Examples 41 or 42, in which the first clamp comprises a first unformed height, in which the second clamp comprises a second unformed height, and in which the second height does not formed is equal to the first unformed height.

[0349] Example 44 - The surgical end actuator of the

Examples 41 or 42, where the first clamp comprises a first unformed height, where the second clamp comprises a second unformed height, and where the second unformed height is different from the first unformed height.

[0350] Example 45 - The surgical end actuator according to Examples 41, 42, 43 or 44, in which the staple cartridge is replaceable.

[0351] Example 46 - The surgical end actuator of Examples 41, 42, 43, 44, or 45, in which a first span of tissue is defined between the first portion and the flat surface, in which a second span fabric is defined between the second portion and the flat surface, and the first gap of fabric is smaller than the second gap of fabric.

[0352] Example 47 - The surgical end actuator of Examples 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 or 46, in which the first portion is laterally positioned outside the second portion.

[0353] Example 48 - The clamp-forming apparatus comprising a plurality of first clamps, in which each first clamp is supported by a first actuation surface. The clamp-forming apparatus further comprises a plurality of second clamps, in which each second clamp is supported by a second drive surface. The staple forming apparatus further comprises a tissue compression surface, in which a plurality of forming pockets are defined on the tissue compression surface. The plurality of training pockets comprises a first longitudinal row of training pockets, each comprising a first depth, wherein each first training pocket is configured to form one of the first clips to a first height formed within a first band of heights formed. The plurality of training pockets

it also comprises a longitudinal row of second formation pockets, each comprising a second depth. The second depth is different from the first depth, in which each second training pocket is configured to form one of the second clips at a height formed within a second range of formed heights. The second range of heights formed is the same as the first range of heights formed.

[0354] Example 49 - The clamp-forming apparatus of Example 48, wherein the first depth is twice the second depth.

[0355] Example 50 - The staple forming apparatus of Examples 48 or 49, wherein the longitudinal row of the first forming pockets is laterally distant from the center of the longitudinal row of the second forming pockets.

[0356] Example 51 - The staple forming apparatus of Examples 48, 49 or 50, which further comprises a staple cartridge comprising a platform, where each first drive surface is configured to drive one of the first staples in a first overload distance from the platform. The first overload distance corresponds to the first depth, in which each second actuation surface is configured to actuate one of the second clamps in a second overload distance in relation to the platform. The second overload distance corresponds to the second depth.

[0357] Example 52 - The clamp-forming apparatus of Example 51, wherein the platform further comprises a stepped surface.

[0358] Example 53 - The clamp-forming apparatus of Examples 48, 49, 50, 51 or 52, wherein each first drive surface is movable at a first distance between an unstressed position and a triggered position. Each second drive surface is movable for a second distance between an untriggered position and a triggered position. The second distance is different from the first distance.

[0359] Example 54 - The clamp-forming apparatus of Example 53, in which the difference between the first distance and the second distance corresponds to the difference between the first depth and the second depth.

[0360] Example 55 - The surgical end actuator comprises an anvil comprising a tissue compression surface, in which a plurality of forming pockets are defined on the tissue compression surface. The plurality of training pockets comprises a first training pocket which comprises a first depth and a second training pocket which comprises a second depth, in which the second depth is different from the first depth. The surgical end actuator further comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge comprises a plurality of drivers that comprise a first driver and a second driver. The staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of staples. The plurality of clamps comprises a first clamp comprising a first unformed height and supported by the first driver, where the first clamp is driven by a first distance in formation contact with the first pocket by the first driver and formed up to a first formed height. The plurality of clamps comprises a second clamp comprising a second unformed height and supported by the second driver, in which the second clamp is driven by a second distance in formation contact with the second pocket by the second driver until a second formed height. The second distance is different from the first distance.

The second height formed is substantially the same as the first height formed. The difference between the first distance and the second distance corresponds to the difference between the first depth and the second depth.

[0361] Example 56 - The surgical end actuator of Example 55, in which the tissue compression surface comprises a flat surface. The flat surface comprises a first portion, wherein the first forming pocket is defined in the first portion. The flat surface further comprises a second portion positioned laterally from the first portion, wherein the second forming pocket is defined in the second portion.

[0362] Example 57 - The surgical end actuator of Example 56, in which the surgical end actuator is movable between an open and a closed configuration, and where a gap of constant tissue is defined between the staple cartridge and the first portion and the second portion of the flat surface when the surgical end actuator is in the closed configuration.

[0363] Example 58 - The surgical end actuator of Examples 56 or 57, in which the surgical end actuator is mobile between an open configuration and a closed configuration, in which a first gap of tissue is defined between the staples and the first portion, where the second tissue gap is defined between the staple cartridge and the second portion, and the first tissue gap is different from the tissue gap.

[0364] Example 59 - The surgical end actuator of Examples 55, 56, 57, or 58, which further comprises a slider configured to move the first driver of a first lifting length and configured to move the second driver second lifting length during a staple firing stroke. The first lift length is different from the second lift length.

[0365] Example 60 - The surgical end actuator of Examples 55, 56, 57, 58 or 59, in which the staple cartridge further comprises a platform. The first driver is configured to drive the first clamp at a first overload distance in relation to the platform, where the first overload distance corresponds to the first depth. The second driver is configured to drive the second clamp at a second overload distance in relation to the platform, where the second overload distance corresponds to the second depth.

[0366] Example 61 - The surgical end actuator of Examples 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60, where the clamps comprise a clamp diameter, where the first depth is equal to the clamp diameter, and that the second depth is equal to twice the clamp diameter.

[0367] Example 62 - The surgical tool set comprising an end actuator comprising an elongated channel configured to receive a fastener cartridge. The elongated channel comprises a clamp. The surgical tool set also comprises an axle comprising an articulation drive set. The articulation drive assembly comprises an articulation link articulated coupled to the elongated channel. The link link comprises a pocket configured to receive the clamp when the end actuator is in a fully articulated configuration.

[0368] Example 63 - The surgical tool set in Example 62, in which the clamp comprises an external surface comprising a plurality of first flat surfaces. The pocket comprises an inner surface comprising a plurality of second flat surfaces. The second flat surfaces are complementary to the first flat surfaces.

[0369] Example 64 - The surgical tool set of Examples 62 or 63, in which the axis extends to a longitudinal axis. The articulation link is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel with a pivot axis, in which the pivot axis is laterally displaced from the longitudinal geometric axis.

[0370] Example 65 - The surgical tool set of Examples 62, 63 or 64, in which the surgical tool set also comprises a hinge rod coupled to the hinge link. The distal displacement of the articulation rod is configured to rotate the end actuator towards the fully articulated configuration.

[0371] Example 66 - The surgical tool set in Example 65, in which the surgical tool set also comprises an articulation lock configured to selectively prevent axial displacement of the articulation rod.

[0372] Example 67 - The surgical tool set of Examples 62, 63, 64, 65 or 66, further comprising a fastener cartridge.

[0373] Example 68 - The surgical tool set comprising an axis and an end actuator comprising a proximal portion, where the proximal portion comprises a cuff. The surgical tool set also comprises an articulation set configured to articulate the end actuator in relation to the axis between a first articulated configuration and a second articulated configuration. The hinge assembly comprises a hinge actuator that comprises a recess. The recess is configured to receive the clamp when the end actuator is in the first hinged configuration.

[0374] Example 69 - The surgical tool of Example 68, wherein the end actuator comprises an elongated channel configured to receive a staple cartridge. The elongated channel comprises the clamp.

[0375] Example 70 - The surgical tool set in Example 69, which also includes the staple cartridge.

[0376] Example 71 - The surgical tool set of Examples 69 or 70, in which the clamp comprises a column protruding from the elongated channel.

[0377] Example 72 - The surgical tool set in Example 71, in which the column comprises an external surface comprising a plurality of flat surfaces.

[0378] Example 73 - The surgical tool set in Example 72, where the recess comprises an internal surface that comprises a plurality of flat surfaces. The plurality of second flat surfaces is complementary to the flat surfaces of the column.

[0379] Example 74 - The surgical tool actuator of Examples 69, 70, 71, 72 or 73, in which the articulation actuator comprises an articulation link. The drive shaft comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is coupled to a pivot rod. The distal end is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel.

[0380] Example 75 - The surgical tool set in Example 74, in which the axis extends to a longitudinal axis. The distal end of the articulation link is laterally displaced in relation to the longitudinal axis.

[0381] Example 76 - The surgical tool set of Examples 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 or 75, further comprising a second clamp. The articulation actuator comprises a second recess configured to receive the second clamp when the end actuator is in a second articulated configuration.

[0382] Example 77 - The surgical end actuator according to Examples 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 or 76, in which the second articulated configuration is displaced by at least 120 degrees from first articulated configuration.

[0383] Example 78 - A surgical tool set comprising a shaft and an end actuator. The end actuator comprises an elongated channel configured to receive a fastener cartridge. The surgical tool set also comprises an articulation set intermediate to the shaft and the end actuator. The pivot assembly is configured to pivot the end actuator with respect to the shaft. The articulation set comprises an articulation link articulated to the elongated channel. The surgical tool set also includes means to combat deformation of the articulation link when the articulation link is compressed.

[0384] Example 79 - The surgical tool set in Example 78, which also includes the clamp cartridge.

[0385] Example 80 - A surgical tool set comprising a shaft and an end actuator. The end actuator comprises an elongated channel configured to receive a fastener cartridge. The surgical tool set also comprises an articulation set configured to articulate the end actuator in relation to the shaft. The pivot assembly comprises a pivot drive articulated to the end actuator. The surgical tool set further comprises means for supporting the articulation actuator when the end actuator is in a fully articulated configuration.

[0386] Example 81 - The surgical tool set in Example 80, which also includes the fastener cartridge.

[0387] Example 82 - A surgical tool set comprising a shaft and an end actuator. The end actuator comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The surgical tool set also comprises an articulation set connecting the proximal end of the end actuator to the shaft. The surgical tool set further comprises an articulation set configured to articulate the end actuator in relation to the axis between a first articulated configuration and a second articulated configuration. The articulation set comprises a movable longitudinal articulation actuator proximally and distally. The articulation set even comprises a link that connects the longitudinal articulation drive to the end actuator. The articulation set also includes a feature that does not interfere with the proximal and distal movement of the articulation actuator to articulate the end actuator, but resists counter-rotation of the end actuator to prevent the posterior actuation of the articulation actuator.

[0388] Many of the surgical instrument systems described here are driven by an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems described here can be induced in any suitable way. 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.

[0389] The surgical instrument systems described here have been described in connection with staple implantation and deformation; however, the embodiments described in the present invention are not so limited. Several modalities are foreseen, which implant fasteners in addition to staples, such as claws or tacks, for example. 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.

[0390] All of the descriptions of: - US Patent No. 5,403,312, entitled "ELECTROSURGI-CAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE", which was granted on April 4, 1995; - US Patent No. 7,000,818, entitled "SURGICAL STA-

PLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS ", which was granted on February 21, 2006; - US Patent No. 7,422,139, entitled" MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTI-LE POSITION FEEDBACK ", which was granted on September 9, 2008; - US Patent No. 7,464,849, entitled "ELECTRO-

MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS ", which was granted on December 16, 2008;

- 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 STA-PLING INSTRUMENTS", which was granted on July 13, 2010;

- US patent 8,393,514, entitled "SELECTIVELY ORI- ENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE", which was granted on March 12, 2013;

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

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

- 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 "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, now US Patent No. 8,733,613; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 036,647, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT", filed on February 28, 2011, now US Patent No. 8,561,870; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 118,241, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT — ARRANGEMENTS", now US Patent No. 2012 / 9,072,535; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 524,049, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FLINGING DRIVE", filed on June 15, 2012; now 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, now 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, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552; - US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM", filed on January 31, 2006; e - Publication of US Patent Application No. 2010 / 026419A4, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULA-TABLE END EFFECTOR", filed on April 22, 2010, now US Patent No. 8,308,040, are hereby incorporated by reference .

[0391] Although several devices have been described here in connection with certain modalities, modifications and variations of these modalities can be implemented. Specific resources, structures or characteristics can be combined in any appropriate way in one or more modalities. Therefore, the specific resources, structures or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with a modality can be combined, in whole or in part, with the resources, structures or characteristics of one or more other modalities, without limitation. In addition, where materials for certain components are revealed, 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 description mentioned above and the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.

[0392] The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be discarded after a single use, or can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, a device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination of the steps including, but not limited to, disassembling the device followed by cleaning or replacing specific parts of the device and subsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, a reconditioning facility and / or surgical team 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 reconditioned device, are all within the scope of this application.

[0393] The devices revealed 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 in 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.

[0394] Although this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended, therefore, that this application covers any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention with the use of its general principles.

[0395] Any patent, publication or other description material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated into the present invention as a reference, is incorporated into the present invention only to the extent that the embedded materials do not conflict with existing definitions, statements or other description material presented in this description. Accordingly, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure 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 disclosure materials contained herein, will be incorporated here only to the extent that there is no conflict. between the embedded material and the existing developer material.

Claims (20)

1. End actuator characterized by comprising: a staple cartridge comprising a staple comprising a first leg; and an anvil comprising a fabric compression surface, wherein a plurality of pockets is defined on the fabric compression surface, wherein said plurality of pockets comprises a first shell configured to form said first leg and wherein said first shell comprises: a first lateral side; a second side side; a bottom intermediate to said first lateral side and said second lateral side, wherein said bottom defines a depth in relation to said tissue compression surface, and wherein said depth varies longitudinally along the length of said bottom ; a first side wall extending from said first side side to said bottom, wherein said first side wall defines a first completely curved surface; and a second side wall extending from said second side side to said bottom, wherein said second side wall defines a second completely curved surface. End actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that said first shell is devoid of flat surfaces. End actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that said pocket additionally comprises: a first beveled edge intermediate to said tissue compression surface and said first side side; and a second intermediate beveled edge between said tissue compression surface and said second side. End actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that said pocket additionally comprises a second shell, wherein said pocket further comprises a second leg configured to form a second leg of said clamp, wherein said pocket pocket is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to a transverse geometric axis oriented perpendicular to said longitudinal and spaced geometrical axis equidistant from said first shell and said second shell. End actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that said first shell further comprises a plurality of contour curves extending from said first side side to said second side side, wherein each contour curve comprises an inflection positioned along said bottom, and wherein said contour curve crosses said tissue compression surface at a constant angle along said first side and said second side. 6. End actuator according to claim 5, characterized in that the contour curves define the parabolic curves. 7. End actuator characterized by comprising: a staple cartridge comprising a staple comprising a first leg; and an anvil comprising a staple compression surface, in which a plurality of pockets is defined on the tissue compression surface, in which said plurality of pockets comprises a first shell configured to form said first leg and wherein said first shell comprises: a first lateral side; a second side side; a bottom intermediate to said first lateral side and said second lateral side, wherein said bottom defines a depth in relation to said tissue compression surface, and wherein said depth varies longitudinally along the length of said bottom ; and a plurality of contour curves which extend in an intermediate way to the first side and the second side. End actuator according to claim 7, characterized in that the first shell further comprises: an inlet zone; an exit zone; an intermediate transition zone between said entry zone and said exit zone; and a side wall extending from said first lateral side towards said bottom, in which a tangent to said lateral wall on said first lateral side is oriented at a constant angle in said entrance zone, in said zone exit and in the transition zone. End actuator according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises said first shell defining a fully curved contour surface. End actuator according to claim 7, characterized in that the first shell further comprises: a first side wall extending from said first side side towards said bottom; and a second side wall extending from said second side towards said bottom; wherein each said parabolic contour curve comprises a vertex positioned along said bottom. 11. End actuator according to claim 10, characterized in that said first side wall defines a first completely curved contour surface, and wherein said second side wall defines a second completely curved contour surface. End actuator according to claim 7, characterized in that said pocket additionally comprises: a first beveled edge intermediate to said tissue compression surface and said first side side; and a second intermediate beveled edge between said tissue compression surface and said second side. End actuator according to claim 7, characterized in that said clip additionally comprises a second leg, wherein said pocket further comprises a second shell configured to form a second leg, wherein said pocket is bilaterally symmetrical in relation to a longitudinal geometric axis that extends through said first shell and said second shell and, in which said pocket is bilaterally symmetrical in relation to the transverse geometric axis oriented perpendicular to said longitudinal and spaced geometric axis equidistant from the said first shell and said second shell. 14. End actuator characterized by comprising: a staple cartridge comprising a staple comprising a first leg; and on an anvil comprising a flat surface, wherein a plurality of pockets are defined on said flat surface, wherein said plurality of pockets comprises a pocket comprising a first shell configured to form said first leg, wherein said first shell defines a fully curved contour surface comprising a bottom, wherein said bottom defines a depth in relation to said flat surface, and wherein said depth varies longitudinally along the length of said bottom. End actuator according to claim 14, characterized in that said clamp additionally comprises a second leg, wherein said pocket further comprises a second shell configured to form a second leg, wherein said pocket is bilaterally symmetrical in relation to a longitudinal geometric axis that extends through said first shell and said second shell and, in which said pocket is bilaterally symmetrical in relation to the transverse geometric axis oriented perpendicular to said longitudinal and spaced geometric axis equidistant from the said first shell and said second shell. End actuator according to claim 14, characterized in that said clamp further comprises a second leg, wherein said pocket comprises a second shell configured to form said second leg, wherein said second leg leg defines a second fully curved contour surface comprising a bottom, wherein said second bottom defines a second depth in relation to said flat surface, and wherein said second depth varies longitudinally along the length of said second bottom. End actuator according to claim 14, characterized in that said first shell further comprises: a first side side; a second side side; and a plurality of contour curves which extend in an intermediate way to the first side and the second side. 18. End actuator according to claim 14, characterized in that said first shell additionally comprises: a first side side that extends along an entrance zone, an exit zone and a transition zone between said entrance zone and said exit zone; and a side wall extending from said first lateral side towards said bottom, in which a tangent to said lateral wall on said first lateral side is oriented at a constant angle in said entrance zone, in said zone exit and in the transition zone. 19. End actuator according to claim 18, characterized in that a tangent to said first lateral side is oriented at an angle between 55 degrees and 80 degrees. 20. End actuator according to claim 14, characterized in that said pocket additionally comprises: a first chamfered edge extending along a first lateral side of said pocket; and a second chamfered edge that extends along a second side of said pocket.