CN110099612B

CN110099612B - Surgical tool assembly with closing stroke reduction feature

Info

Publication number: CN110099612B
Application number: CN201780079366.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: F·E·谢尔顿四世; J·L·哈里斯
Original assignee: Ethicon LLC
Current assignee: Ethicon LLC
Priority date: 2016-12-21
Filing date: 2017-11-02
Publication date: 2022-05-27
Anticipated expiration: 2037-11-02
Also published as: JP2020512051A; BR112019012365A2; CN110099612A; JP7010955B2

Abstract

The surgical tool assembly includes a surgical end effector including first and second jaws movable relative to one another between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The proximal closure member is configured to move through a first closure stroke distance upon application of a closure input motion thereto. The closure reducing link operably interfaces with the proximal and distal closure members such that when the proximal closure member moves through a first closure stroke distance, the closure reducing link causes the distal closure member to move axially through a closure stroke distance that is less than the first closure stroke distance.

Description

Surgical tool assembly with closing stroke reduction feature

Background

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

Drawings

Various features of the embodiments described herein, along with their advantages, may be understood from the following description in conjunction with the following drawings:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly operably coupled to an embodiment of a handle assembly.

FIG. 2 is an exploded assembly view of portions of the handle assembly and interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 with portions thereof omitted for clarity;

FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded assembly view of a proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded assembly view of a portion of the spine assembly embodiment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional end view of the proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 5 with the clutch assembly shown in an articulation mode;

FIG. 9 is another partial cross-sectional end view of the proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 5 with the clutch assembly shown in a firing mode;

FIG. 10 is a partial side view of a proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1 with the clutch assembly shown in an articulation mode;

FIG. 11 is a partial side view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1 with the clutch assembly shown in a firing mode;

FIG. 12A is a partial side cross-sectional view of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1 with the closure travel reduction assembly embodiment in a retracted orientation corresponding to an articulation mode;

FIG. 12B is a partial side cross-sectional view of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 12A with the closure travel reduction assembly embodiment in an extended orientation corresponding to a firing mode;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 12A showing the closure travel reduction assembly embodiment in a retracted orientation corresponding to an articulation mode;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 12B illustrating the closure stroke reduction assembly embodiment in an extended orientation corresponding to the firing mode;

FIG. 15A is a side view of a portion of an embodiment of a surgical end effector with jaws in a fully closed orientation;

FIG. 15B is another side view of the surgical end effector embodiment of FIG. 15A with its jaws in a fully open orientation;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a distal closure member embodiment having a positive jaw opening feature;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of a surgical end effector embodiment configured for use with the distal closure member of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the portion of the surgical end effector of FIG. 17 with the jaws in a fully closed position and the distal closure member of FIG. 16 shown in cross-section;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector and distal closure member of FIG. 18 with the jaws in a fully closed position;

FIG. 20 is another cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector and distal closure member of FIG. 18 with the jaws in a fully open position;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the surgical end effector and distal closure member of FIG. 18 with the jaws in a fully open position;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a portion of another surgical end effector embodiment with the anvil omitted for clarity and employing a positive jaw opening spring;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the positive jaw opening spring of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 22 with jaws in a fully open position;

FIG. 25 is another cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 22 with jaws in a fully closed position;

FIG. 26 is a side view of a portion of another surgical end effector embodiment and a distal closure member embodiment with the jaws of the surgical end effector in a fully open position;

FIG. 27 is another side view of the surgical end effector and distal closure member of FIG. 26 at the beginning of a jaw closure sequence;

FIG. 28 is another side view of the surgical end effector and distal closure member of FIG. 26 during a jaw closure sequence;

FIG. 29 is another side view of the surgical end effector and distal closure member of FIG. 26 with the jaws in a fully closed position;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a firing member embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a side view of the firing member of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a front view of the firing member of FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the firing member of FIG. 30 relative to a slide assembly embodiment and a firing member lockout embodiment;

FIG. 33A is a top view of a staple driver embodiment;

FIG. 33B is a top perspective view of the staple driver embodiment of FIG. 33A;

FIG. 33C is a bottom perspective view of the staple driver embodiment of FIGS. 33A and 33B;

FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of the firing member lock of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a surgical end effector embodiment with jaws in a fully open orientation and the firing member lockout of FIG. 33 in an unlocked orientation;

FIG. 36 is another cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 35 with an unused surgical staple cartridge supported in one of the jaws and holding the firing member lockout in an unlocked orientation;

FIG. 37 is another cross-sectional side elevational view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 36 after a firing sequence has been initiated;

FIG. 38 is another cross-sectional side elevational view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 36 with the firing member retracted to a starting position;

FIG. 39 is a top cross sectional view of the firing member and firing member lockout in the position illustrated in FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is another cross-sectional side elevational view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 36 after retraction of the firing member to a starting position;

FIG. 41 is a top cross sectional view of the firing member and firing member lockout in the position illustrated in FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of another surgical end effector embodiment with jaws in a fully open orientation and another firing member lockout embodiment of FIG. 33 in a locked orientation;

FIG. 43 is a left side perspective view of portions of another surgical end effector embodiment and distal closure member embodiment with the jaws of the surgical end effector in a fully open position and supporting a surgical staple cartridge therein with the expandable tissue stop in a fully extended orientation;

FIG. 44 is a right side perspective view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is an exploded perspective view of one of the jaws and surgical staple cartridge of FIGS. 43 and 44;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a stop spring of one of the expandable tissue stops of FIG. 43;

FIG. 47 is a partial cross-sectional end view of the surgical end effector of FIGS. 42 and 43 with the jaws in a fully open orientation and the expandable tissue stop thereof in a fully extended orientation;

FIG. 48 is a top view of a portion of the surgical staple cartridge of FIGS. 42 and 43;

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector of FIGS. 43 and 44 with the jaws in a fully closed position;

FIG. 50 is another cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector of FIGS. 43 and 44 with the jaws in a fully open position;

FIG. 51 is a partial cross-sectional end view of another surgical end effector embodiment with jaws in a fully open orientation;

FIG. 52 is a side elevational view of a portion of the surgical end effector of FIG. 51 with the jaws in a fully open orientation; and

FIG. 53 is another side elevational view of a portion of the surgical end effector of FIG. 51 with the jaws in a fully closed orientation;

corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

Detailed Description

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on even date herewith and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,185 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF"; (ii) a

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,230 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS"; (ii) a

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/386,221 entitled "LOCKOUT arragements FOR SURGICAL definitions" and; (ii) a

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/386,209 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF"; (ii) a

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,198 entitled "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES"; and

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/386,240 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR"; .

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,939 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,941 entitled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,943 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,945 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,946 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,951 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE";

U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,953 entitled "METHODS OF marking TISSUE";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,954 entitled "FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,955 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,948 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,956 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,958 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT"; and

U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,947 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN".

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,896 entitled "METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,898 entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,899 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,901 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,902 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,904 entitled "STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,905 entitled "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,907 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPLEMENTING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,908 entitled "fixing ASSEMBLY assembling a FUSE"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,909 entitled "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE".

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,920 entitled "stable formation POCKET arget argements";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,913 entitled "ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR minor stabilizers";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914 entitled "METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,893 entitled "bialterall ASYMMETRIC STAPLE formatting POCKET pair";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,929 entitled "CLOSURE MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,911 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTITABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,927 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,917 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING bredths";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,900 entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,931 entitled "NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,915 entitled "fixing MEMBER PIN ANGLE";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,897 entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,922 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,924 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS";

U.S. patent application Ser. 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";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,910 entitled "ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,903 entitled "CLOSURE MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,906 entitled "FIRING MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS".

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/386,188 entitled "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/386,192 entitled "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE replacement AND GAP SETTING FEATURES";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/386,206 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER replacement patents";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,226 entitled "DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,222 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,236 entitled "CONNECTION PORTION FOR DISPOSABLE LOADING UNIT FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS".

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,887 entitled "METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,889 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,890 entitled "SHAFT association summary active AND reliable SYSTEMS";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,891 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONGURED TO ADAPT OUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,892 entitled "SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO A ARTICULATION STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,894 entitled "SHAFT association comprisinga locout"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,895 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS".

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,916 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,918 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,919 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,921 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH Movable CAMMING MEMBER CONGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,923 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,925 entitled "JAW ACTITED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF A FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNFILESS AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,926 entitled "AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,928 entitled "PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOVABLE JAW AND ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,930 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,932 entitled "article subaltern minor END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,933 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,934 entitled "ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,935 entitled "LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,936 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES".

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on 24/6/2016 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/191,775 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/191,807 entitled "STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/191,834 entitled "STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING SAME";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/191,788 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE comprisingoverdriven stamps"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,818 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS".

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed 2016, 24/6 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. design patent application serial No. 29/569,218 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER";

U.S. design patent application serial No. 29/569,227 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER";

-U.S. design patent application serial No. 29/569,259 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE"; and

U.S. design patent application serial No. 29/569,264 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE".

The applicants of the present application have the following patent applications filed on 1/4/2016 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325 entitled "METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,321 entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,326 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,263 entitled "minor entering HANDLE association WITH robust GRIP support";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,262 entitled "rolling POWERED minor inserting WITH manual active ballout SYSTEM";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277 entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,296 entitled "INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,258 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE selection OF recording OF TISSUE";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,300 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,210 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,324 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS COMPLEMENTING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,339 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,253 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO applied ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,304 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,331 entitled "artificial MODIFICATION machinery FOR minor platform";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,336 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH atraumatc featurs";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,312 entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,309 entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM comprisingrotary FIRING SYSTEM"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,349 entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL".

The applicant of the present application also owns the following identified U.S. patent applications filed on 31/12/2015 and each incorporated by reference herein in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/984,488 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/984,525 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CICUITS".

The applicant of the present application also owns the following identified U.S. patent applications filed on 9/2/2016 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,206 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TESTIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATION SYSTEMS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS".

The applicant of the present application also owns the following identified U.S. patent applications filed on 12.2.2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/043,254 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/043,259 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/043,275 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS".

The applicants of the present application have the following patent applications filed on 18/6/2015 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/742,914 entitled "MOVABLE filing bed SUPPORT FOR easy maintenance letters";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,900 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885 entitled "DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876 entitled "PUSH/PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS".

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed 3/6/2015 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application serial No. 14/640,746 entitled "POWERED minor instroment," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256184;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,795 entitled "MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWER SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/02561185;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832 entitled "ADAPTIVE time composition testing FOR ADAPTIVE close circuit testing FOR MULTIPLE time property TYPES", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256154;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935 entitled "OVERLAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256071;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,831 entitled "MONITORING SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREASING OF MOTOR FOR POWER SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256153;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859 entitled "TIME DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STATIONITY, CREPE, AND VISCELATIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256187;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/640,817 entitled "INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256186;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844 entitled "CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256155;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,837 entitled "SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256163;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765 entitled "SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLER," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256160;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/640,799 entitled "SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM a ROTATABLE shift", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256162; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256161;

the applicants of the present application have the following patent applications filed on day 27 of month 2 of 2015 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPLISING AN INSPECTION STATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249919;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546 entitled "SURGICAL APPATUS CONFIRORRED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249915;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,560 entitled "SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249910;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,566 entitled "CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTION FOR CHARGING A BATTERY", now U.S. patent application publication No. 2016/0249918;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555 entitled "SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249916;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542 entitled "REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249908;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548 entitled "POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249909;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/633,526 entitled "adaptive minor insert HANDLE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249945;

U.S. patent application serial No. 14/633,541 entitled "MODULAR station association" and now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249927; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,562 entitled "SURGICAL APPATUS CONGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249917;

the applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on 12/18/2014 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPLEMENTS SYSTEM END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSE THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174977;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPLEMENTING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174969;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/575,139 entitled "DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR article minor applications, now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174978;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/575,148 entitled "LOCKING argemenets FOR detecting short SHAFT electromagnetic assembly WITH incorporated END effects", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174976;

U.S. patent application Ser. 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 U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174972;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,143 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174983;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FILING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174975;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,154 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATED END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174973;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174970; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,500 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPLISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174971.

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed 2013, 3, 1 and each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323 entitled "ROTARY POWER ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246472;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338 entitled "THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0249557;

-U.S. patent application No. 13/782,499 entitled "electromechnical SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT," now U.S. patent 9,358,003;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460 entitled "MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246478;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358 entitled "journal Switch Assemblies For Surgical Instruments", now U.S. Pat. No. 9,326,767;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/782,481 entitled "SENSOR STRAIGHTENED END effective dust REMOVAL movable piston anode," now U.S. patent 9,468,438;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518 entitled "CONTROL METHOD FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246475;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375 entitled "Rolling Power weighted accumulation INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE layers OF FREEDOM", now U.S. patent 9,398,911; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP", now U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,986.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 3/14 of 2013 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263542;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,193 entitled "CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. Pat. No. 9,332,987;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053 entitled "INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263564;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPLISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210 entitled "SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263538;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148 entitled "Multi-functional Motor FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263554;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066 entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263565;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117 entitled "ARTICULATION CONTROL FOR ARTICULATE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,726;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,130 entitled "DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent 9,351,727; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159, now U.S. patent application publication No. 2014/0277017, entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT".

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed 3/7/2014 and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111 entitled "CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263539.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 26/3/2014 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272582;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/226,099 entitled "serilization version CIRCUIT", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272581;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094 entitled "VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF Battery improvements/Process COUNT", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272580;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272574;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,075 entitled "MODULAR POWER SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272579;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,093 entitled "FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272569;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,116 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272571;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,071 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272578;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/226,097 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272570;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,126 entitled "INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272572;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133 entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS SYSTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272557;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/226,081 entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING american patent application CIRCUIT", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0277471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,076 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0280424;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTT SYSTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272583; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0280384.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed 2014, 9, 5 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/479,103 entitled "CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066912;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,119 entitled "ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066914;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,908 entitled "MONITORING DEVICE classification BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066910;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,895 entitled "MULTIPLE SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR' S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066909;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110 entitled "polar OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066915;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/479,098 entitled "SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066911;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/479,115 entitled "MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR power MEDICAL DEVICE," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066916; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,108 entitled "LOCAL DISPLAY OF TIMSSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066913.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed 2014, 4, 9 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590, now U.S. patent application publication No. 2014/0305987, entitled "Motor drive vehicle INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305989;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,595 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCH FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305988;

U.S. patent application serial No. 14/248,588 entitled "POWERED LINEAR minor stable", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0309666;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,591 entitled "TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305991;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,584 entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305994;

U.S. patent application serial No. 14/248,587 entitled "POWERED minor platform," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0309665;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586 entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305990; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,607 entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305992.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed 2013 on 16.4.2013 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/812,365 entitled "minor ignition WITH MULTIPLE ignition BY a SINGLE MOTOR";

-U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/812,376 entitled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER";

-U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/812,382 entitled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND piston GRIP";

U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/812,385 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL"; and

U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/812,372 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTI FUNCTION PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR".

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed 2015, 9, 2 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application serial No. 14/843,168 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH IMPROVED STAPLE DRIVER CONFIGURATIONS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/843,196 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE DRIVER ARRAYS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/843,216 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE STAPLE DRIVERS WITH CENTRAL SUPPORT FEATURES";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/843,243 entitled "SURGACAL STAPLE CONFIGURATIONS WITH CAMMING SURFACES LOCATED BETWEEN PORTIONS SUPPORTING SURGACAL STAPLES"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/843,267 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH DRIVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR ESTABLISHING HERRINGBONE STAPLE PATTERNS".

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed 2014, 9, 26 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/498,070 entitled "CIRCULAR FASTENER CARTRIDGES FOR APPLYING RADIALLY EXPANDABLE FASTENER LINES"; now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0089146;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/498,087 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE AND DRIVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR STAPLE CARTRIDGES". Now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0089147;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/498,105 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE AND DRIVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR STAPLE CARTRIDGES". Now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0089148;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/498,121 entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE FOR CREATING A flexibile STAPLE LINE"; now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0089141

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/498,145 entitled "METHOD FOR CREATING A flexile STAPLE LINE"; now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0089142; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/498,107 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING BUTTRESSES AND ADJUNCT MATERIALS"; now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0089143.

The applicant of the present application also has U.S. patent No.8,590,762 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE CAVITY CONFIGURATIONS" issued on 26.11.2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The applicant of the present application also has U.S. patent No.8,727,197, issued 5/20/2014 under the name "STAPLE CARTRIDGE CAVITY CONFIGURATION WITH COOPERATIVE gastric station", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Numerous specific details are set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples and that specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are representative and illustrative. Variations and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

The term "comprises" (and any form of "comprising", such as "comprises" and "comprising)", "has" (and "has)", such as "has" and "has)", "contains" (and any form of "containing", such as "comprises" and "containing)", and "containing" (and any form of "containing", such as "containing" and "containing", are open-ended verbs. Thus, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "contains," or "contains" one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, apparatus, or device that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more features has those one or more features, but is not limited to having only those one or more features.

The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein with respect to a clinician manipulating a handle portion of a surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the clinician and the term "distal" refers to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that for simplicity and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "up," and "down" may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein may be used in a variety of surgical procedures and applications, including, for example, in conjunction with open surgical procedures. With continued reference to this detailed description, the reader will further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into the body in any manner, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or puncture formed in tissue, and the like. The working portion or end effector portion of the instrument may be inserted directly into a patient or may be inserted through an access device having a working channel through which the end effector and elongate shaft of the surgical instrument may be advanced.

A surgical stapling system may include a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a staple cartridge. A staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however, other embodiments are contemplated in which the staple cartridge is not removable or at least easily replaceable from the first jaw. The second jaw includes an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are contemplated in which the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system further comprises an articulation joint configured to allow rotation or articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments are contemplated that do not include an articulation joint.

The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of tissue to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck. Staples removably stored in the cartridge body can then be deployed into tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein, wherein 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 the longitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of the staple cavities and staples are possible.

The staples are supported by staple driving devices in the cartridge body. The drive device is movable between a first, or unfired, position and a second, or fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cartridge. The drive is retained in the cartridge body by a retainer that extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes an elastic member configured to grip the cartridge body and retain the retainer to the cartridge body. The drive device is movable between its unfired position and its fired position by the sled. The slider is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled includes a plurality of ramp surfaces configured to slide under the drive device toward the anvil and lift the drive device, and the staples are supported on the drive device.

In addition to the above, the sled can be moved distally by the firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and urge the sled toward the distal end. A longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive a firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member also includes a first cam that engages the first jaw and a second cam that engages the second jaw. The first and second cams can control a distance or tissue gap between a deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil as the firing member is advanced distally. The firing member also includes a knife configured to incise tissue captured intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable that the knife be positioned at least partially adjacent to the ramp surface so that the staples are ejected prior to the knife.

Fig. 1 illustrates one form of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 operably coupled to a motor drive handle assembly 500. The tool assembly 1000 may also be effectively used with a tool drive assembly of a robotically controlled or automated surgical system. For example, the SURGICAL tool assemblies disclosed herein may be used WITH various robotic systems, INSTRUMENTS, components, and methods disclosed in, such as but not limited to, U.S. patent No. 9,072,535 entitled "SURGICAL station inserting INSTRUMENTS WITH robotic station DEPLOYMENT arms", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The handle assembly 500 and the tool drive assembly of the robotic system may also be referred to herein as a "control system" or "control unit".

Fig. 2 illustrates the attachment of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to a handle assembly 500. The handle assembly 500 may include a handle housing 502 including a pistol grip portion 504 that may be grasped and manipulated by a clinician. The handle assembly 500 may also include a frame 506 that operatively supports a plurality of drive systems. For example, the frame 506 operably supports a "first" or closure drive system, generally designated 510, which may be used to impart closing and opening motions to the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 operatively attached or coupled to the handle assembly 500. In at least one form, the closure drive system 510 can include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger 512 pivotally supported by the frame 506. Such a configuration enables the closure trigger 512 to be manipulated by the clinician such that when the clinician grips the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly 500, the closure trigger 512 can be easily pivoted from the activated or "unactuated" position to the "actuated" position and more specifically to the fully compressed or fully actuated position. In various forms, the closure drive system 510 also includes a closure linkage assembly 514 that is pivotally coupled to or otherwise operatively connected with the closure trigger 512. As will be discussed in further detail below, in the illustrated example, the closure linkage assembly 514 includes a transverse attachment pin 516 that facilitates attachment to a corresponding drive system on the surgical tool assembly. In use, to actuate the closure drive system 510, the clinician depresses the closure trigger 512 toward the pistol grip portion 504. As described in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,142 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPLEMENTING A SENSOR SYSTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, the closure drive SYSTEM 510 is configured to lock the closure trigger 512 in a fully depressed or fully actuated position when the clinician fully depresses the closure trigger 512 to achieve a "full" closure stroke. When the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger 512 to allow it to be biased to the unactuated position, the clinician need only activate the closure release button assembly 518, which enables the closure trigger 512 to return to the unactuated position. The closure release button assembly 518 may also be configured to interact with various sensors that communicate with the microcontroller 520 in the handle assembly 500 for tracking the position of the closure trigger 512. Further details regarding the construction and operation of the closure trigger 518 may be found in U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575.

In at least one form, the handle assembly 500 and the frame 506 can operably support another drive system, referred to herein as a firing drive system 530, that is configured to apply a firing motion to corresponding portions of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly attached thereto. As described in detail in U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575, the firing drive system 530 may employ an electric motor 505 located in the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly 500. In various forms, the motor 505 may be, for example, a direct current brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of about 25,000 RPM. In other arrangements, the motor 505 may comprise a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor 505 may be powered by a power source 522, which in one form may comprise a removable power pack. The power pack may support a plurality of lithium ion ("LI") or other suitable batteries therein. Multiple batteries may be connected in series and may serve as a power source 522 for the handle assembly 500. In addition, the power source 522 may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

The electric motor 505 is configured to drive the longitudinally movable drive member 540 axially in the distal and proximal directions depending on the polarity of the motor. For example, when the motor 505 is driven in one rotational direction, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 will be driven axially in the distal direction "DD". When the motor 505 is driven in the opposite rotational direction, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 will be driven axially in the proximal direction "PD". The handle assembly 500 may include a switch 513, which may be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 505 by the power source 522 or otherwise control the motor 505. The handle assembly 500 may further include one or more sensors (not shown) configured to detect the position of the drive member 540 and/or the direction of movement of the drive member 540. Actuation of the motor 505 may be controlled by a firing trigger 532 pivotally supported on the handle assembly 500. The firing trigger 532 may be pivotable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger 532 may be biased to an unactuated position by a spring (not shown) or other biasing arrangement such that when the clinician releases the firing trigger 532, it may be pivoted to or otherwise returned to the unactuated position by the spring or biasing arrangement. In at least one form, the firing trigger 532 may be positioned "outboard" of the closure trigger 512 as described above. As discussed in U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575, the handle assembly 500 may be equipped with a firing trigger safety button (not shown) to prevent inadvertent actuation of the firing trigger 532. When the closure trigger 512 is in the unactuated position, the safety button is housed within the handle assembly 500, in which case the safety button is not readily accessible to the clinician and moved between a safety position preventing actuation of the firing trigger 532 and a firing position in which the firing trigger 532 may be fired. When the clinician presses the closure trigger 512, the safety button and firing trigger 532 may be pivoted downward and may then be manipulated by the clinician.

In at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 can have a rack gear (not shown) formed thereon for meshing with a corresponding drive gear arrangement (not shown) connected to the motor 505. More details regarding these features can be found in U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575. At least one form further includes a manually actuatable "rescue" assembly configured to enable a clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 540 in the event the motor 505 becomes disabled. The rescue assembly may comprise a lever or rescue handle assembly that is stored within the handle assembly 500 below the release door 550. The lever is configured to be manually pivotable into engagement with a toothed ratchet in the drive member 540. Thus, the clinician may manually retract the drive member 540 by using the rescue handle assembly to engage the drive member 540 in the proximal direction PD. U.S. patent application serial No. 12/249,117 entitled "POWERED SURGICAL stapling AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH manual retraction FIRING SYSTEM" (now U.S. patent application publication 2010/0089970, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein) discloses a rescue arrangement and other components, arrangements and systems that may also be used WITH the tool assembly 1000.

Turning now to fig. 4, 5 and 6, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a shaft mounting portion 1300 that is operably attached to an elongate shaft assembly 1400. A surgical end effector 1100 including an elongate channel 1102 is operably attached to the elongate shaft assembly 1400, wherein the elongate channel is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 1110 therein. See fig. 3 and 4. End effector 1100 may also include an anvil 1130 that is pivotally supported relative to elongate channel 1102. Elongate channel 1102 cartridge assembly 1110 and anvil 1130 may also be referred to as "jaws". The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 can further include an articulation joint 1200 and an articulation lock 1210 (fig. 3 and 4) that can be configured to releasably retain the end effector 1100 in a desired articulation position about an articulation axis B-B (transverse to the shaft axis SA). Details regarding the construction and operation of the ARTICULATION LOCK 1210 may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATION motor locking AN ARTICULATION LOCK," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Additional details regarding the ARTICULATION lock 1210 may also be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,196 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT," filed on 9/2/2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

As shown in fig. 5 and 6, shaft mounting portion 1300 includes a proximal housing or nozzle 1301 comprised of

nozzle portions

1302, 1304 and an actuator wheel portion 1306 configured to couple to the assembled

nozzle portions

1302, 1304 by snap fasteners, lugs, screws, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 further includes a closure assembly 1406 which can be used to close and/or open the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 of end effector 1100, as will be described in further detail below. In addition, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a spine assembly 1500 that operably supports an articulation lock 1210. The spine assembly 1500 is configured to: first, a firing member assembly 1600 slidably supported therein; second, a closure assembly 1406 that extends around or is otherwise movably supported by spine assembly 1500 is slidably supported.

In the illustrated arrangement, the surgical end effector 1100 is operably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly 1400 by an articulation joint 1200 that facilitates selective articulation of the surgical end effector 1100 about an articulation axis B-B that is transverse to the shaft axis SA. See fig. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the spine assembly 1500 slidably supports a proximal articulation driver 1700 that is operably coupled to an articulation lock 1210. The articulation lock 1210 is supported on a distal frame segment 1560 that also includes a portion of the spine assembly 1500. As shown in fig. 4, the distal frame segment 1560 is pivotally coupled to the elongate channel 1102 by an end effector mounting assembly 1230. For example, in one arrangement, the distal end 1562 of the distal frame segment 1560 has an articulation pin 1564 formed thereon. The articulation pin 1564 is adapted to be pivotally received within an articulation pivot hole 1234 formed in a pivot base portion 1232 of the end effector mounting assembly 1230. The end effector mounting assembly 1230 is pivotably attached to the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102 by a pair of laterally extending jaw attachment pins 1235 that are rotatably received within jaw pivot holes 1104 provided in the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102. The jaw attachment pin 1235 defines a jaw pivot axis JA that is substantially transverse to the shaft axis SA. See fig. 3. The articulation pivot pin 1564 defines an articulation axis B-B that is transverse to the shaft axis SA. This arrangement facilitates pivotal travel (i.e., articulation) of the end effector 1100 relative to the spine assembly 1500 about an articulation axis B-B.

Referring again to fig. 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the articulation driver 1700 has a distal end 1702 configured to operably engage the articulation lock 1210. The articulation lock 1210 includes an articulation frame 1212 pivotally coupled to an articulation link 1214 that is adapted to operably engage an articulation drive pin 1230 on the pivot base portion 1232 of the end effector mounting assembly 1236. As mentioned above, more details regarding the operation of the articulation lock 1210 and the articulation frame 1212 may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541. More details regarding the end effector mounting assembly and articulation link 1214 may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,245 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," filed on 9/2/2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In various instances, the spine assembly 1500 also includes a proximal spine channel 1510 that may be made of pressed, bent, or machined material. As shown in fig. 6, the proximal spine channel 1510 is substantially C-shaped (when viewed from the distal end) and is configured for operably supporting the firing member assembly 1512 between its side wall portions 1600. As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the spine assembly 1500 further includes a proximal spine mounting segment 1530 rotatably secured to a distal end 1550 of the proximal spine channel 1510 via a spine pin 1514. Proximal spine mounting segment 1530 includes a proximal portion 1532 having opposing recesses 1535 (only one visible in FIG. 7) for receiving corresponding mounting lugs 1308 (shown in FIG. 5) projecting inwardly from each

nozzle portion

1302, 1304. This arrangement facilitates rotation of proximal spine mount segment 1530 about shaft axis SA by rotating nozzle 1301 about shaft axis SA. In the illustrated arrangement, the proximal spine mounting segment 1530 also includes a distally projecting lower shaft segment 1534 and a distally projecting upper shaft segment 1534 spaced from the lower shaft segment 1536. See fig. 7. Each of the

shaft segments

1534, 1536 has an arcuate cross-sectional shape. The lower shaft segment 1534 is received within the proximal end 1510 of the proximal spine channel 1514. The spine pin 1550 extends through a pivot hole 1516 in the proximal end of the proximal spine channel 1510 and a pivot hole 1538 in the lower shaft segment 1534. The spine pin 1550 includes a vertical groove 1554 that forms two upright side wall portions 1552. The upper end of the side wall portion 1554 is received within a corresponding recess 1530 formed in the proximal spine mounting segment 1539.

The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a base 1800 that rotatably supports the shaft assembly 1400. A proximal portion 1532 of the proximal spine mounting segment is rotatably supported in a central axial bore 1801 formed in the base 1800. See fig. 6. In one arrangement, for example, proximal portion 1532 may be threaded for attachment to a spine bearing (not shown) or otherwise supported in a spine bearing mounted within base structure 1800. This arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of the spine assembly 1500 to the base 1800 such that the spine assembly 1500 may be selectively rotated relative to the base 1800 about the shaft axis SA.

The closure assembly 1406 includes an elongated intermediate closure member 1410, a distal closure member 1430, and a proximal closure member 1480. In the illustrated arrangement, the proximal closure member 1480 comprises a hollow tubular member that is slidably supported over a portion of the spine assembly 1500. Thus, the proximal closure member 1480 may also be referred to herein as a proximal closure tube. Similarly, the middle closure member 1410 may also be referred to herein as a middle closure tube, and the distal closure member 1430 may also be referred to as a distal closure tube. Referring primarily to FIG. 6, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a closure shuttle 1420 that is slidably supported within the base 1800 in an axially movable manner relative thereto. In one form, the closure shuttle 1420 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 1421 that are configured for attachment to an attachment pin 516 (fig. 2) that is attached to the closure link assembly 514 of the handle assembly 500. Thus, when the hook 1421 is hooked on the pin 516, actuation of the closure trigger 512 will result in axial movement of the closure shuttle 1420, and ultimately the closure assembly 1406, on the spine assembly 1500. A closure spring (not shown) may also be journaled on the closure member assembly 1406 and serve to bias the closure assembly 1406 in the proximal direction "PD," which may serve to pivot the closure trigger 512 into the unactuated position when the tool assembly 1000 is operatively coupled to the handle assembly 500. In use, the closure member assembly 1406 is translated distally (direction DD) to close the anvil 1130, e.g., in response to actuation of the closure trigger 512.

The closure link 514 may also be referred to herein as a "closure actuator," and the closure link 514 and closure shuttle 1420 may be referred to herein collectively as a "closure actuator assembly. The proximal end 1482 of the proximal closure member 1480 is coupled to the closure shuttle 1420 for rotation relative thereto. For example, a U-shaped connector 1485 is inserted into an annular slot 1484 in the proximal end 1482 of the proximal closure member 1480 such that it remains within the vertical slot 1422 in the closure shuttle 1420. See fig. 6. Such an arrangement serves to attach the proximal closure member 1480 to the closure shuttle 1420 for axial travel therewith while enabling the closure assembly 1406 to rotate relative to the closure shuttle 1420 about the shaft axis SA.

As noted above, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes an articulation joint 1200. As shown in fig. 4, the upper and

lower tangs

1415, 1416 project distally from the distal end of the intermediate closure member 1410 to movably couple to the distal closure member 1430. As shown in fig. 4, the distal closure member 1430 includes upper and

lower tangs

1434, 1436 that project proximally from a proximal end thereof. The middle and

distal closure members

1410, 1430 are coupled together by an upper double pivot connection 1220. The upper double pivot link 1220 includes proximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in the

upper tangs

1415, 1434 of the proximal and

distal closure members

1410, 1430, respectively. The middle and

distal closure members

1410, 1430 are also coupled together by a lower double pivot connection 1222. The lower double pivot link 1222 includes proximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in the

inferior tangs

1416 and 1436 of the middle and

distal closure members

1410 and 1430, respectively. As will be discussed in further detail below, distal and proximal axial translation of the closure assembly 1406 will result in the closure and opening of the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102.

As discussed above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 further comprises a firing member assembly 1600 supported for axial travel within the spine assembly 1500. In the illustrated embodiment, the firing member assembly 1600 includes a proximal firing shaft segment 1602, an intermediate firing shaft portion 1610, and a distal cutting portion or distal firing bar 1620. The firing member assembly 1600 may also be referred to herein as a "second shaft" and/or a "second shaft assembly". As shown in fig. 6, the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 may be formed with a distal mounting lug 1604 that is configured to be received within a corresponding cradle or groove 1613 in the proximal end 1612 of the intermediate firing shaft segment 1610. The proximal attachment lug 1606 protrudes proximally from the proximal side of the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 and is configured to be operably received within a firing shaft attachment bracket 542 supported in a longitudinally movable drive member 540 in the handle assembly 500. See fig. 2.

Referring again to fig. 6, the distal end 1616 of the intermediate firing shaft segment 1610 includes a longitudinal slot 1618 that is configured to receive a tab (not shown) on the proximal end of the distal firing bar 1620. The longitudinal slot 1618 and the proximal end of the distal firing bar 1620 may be sized and configured such that they allow relative movement therebetween and may include a sliding joint 1622. The slip joint 1622 may allow the firing member assembly 1600 of the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 and the proximal intermediate firing shaft portion 1610 to move as a unit during the articulation motion without moving, or at least substantially without moving, the distal firing bar 1620. Once the end effector 1100 has been properly oriented, the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 and the intermediate firing shaft segment 1610 may be advanced distally until the proximal end wall of the longitudinal slot 1618 comes into contact with a tab on the distal firing bar 1620 in order to advance the distal firing bar 1620 and fire a staple cartridge 1110 positioned within the elongate channel 1102. As further shown in fig. 6, to facilitate assembly, the proximal firing shaft segment 1602, the middle firing shaft segment 1610, and the distal firing bar 1620 may be inserted as a unit into the proximal spine channel 1510, and a top spine cap 1527 may be engaged with the proximal spine channel 1510 to enclose those portions of the firing member assembly 1600 therein.

In addition to the above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a clutch assembly 1640 that can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the articulation driver 1700 to the firing member assembly 1600. In one form, the clutch assembly 1640 includes a rotational lock assembly that, in at least one embodiment, includes a lock collar or lock sleeve 1600 positioned around the firing member assembly 1650. The lock sleeve 1650 is configured to rotate between an engaged position in which the lock sleeve 1650 couples the articulation driver 1700 to the firing member assembly 1600 and a disengaged position in which the articulation driver 1700 is not operatively coupled to the firing member assembly 1600. When the locking sleeve 1650 is in its engaged position, distal movement of the firing member assembly 1600 can move the articulation driver 1700 distally and, correspondingly, proximal movement of the firing member assembly 1600 can move the articulation driver 1700 proximally. When the locking sleeve 1650 is in its disengaged position, the motion of the firing member assembly 1600 is not transferred to the articulation driver 1700, and thus, the firing member assembly 1600 may move independently of the articulation driver 1700. In various circumstances, the articulation driver 1700 can be held in place by the articulation lock 1210 when the articulation driver 1700 is not moved in the proximal or distal direction by the firing member assembly 1600.

Referring primarily to fig. 8 and 9, the lock sleeve 1650 comprises a cylindrical or at least substantially cylindrical body that includes a longitudinal bore 1652 defined therein that is configured to receive the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600. Locking sleeve 1650 also has two diametrically opposed, inwardly facing locking tabs 1654 formed thereon. Only one locking tab 1654 is visible in fig. 8 and 9. The lock protrusion 1654 can be configured to selectively engage with the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600. More specifically, when the lock sleeve 1650 is in its engaged position (fig. 8), the lock protrusion 1654 is positioned within a drive notch 1603 provided in the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 such that a distal pushing force and/or a proximal pushing force can be transferred from the firing member assembly 1600 to the lock sleeve 1650. As shown in fig. 8 and 9, an articulation drive notch 1655 is provided in the distal end portion of the locking sleeve 1650 for attachment to the proximal end 1700 of the proximal articulation driver 1704. In the illustrated arrangement, for example, the proximal end 1704 includes a driver notch 1706 configured to engage a driver notch 1650 in the locking sleeve 1655. This attachment arrangement allows locking sleeve 1650 to rotate relative to the proximal articulation driver 1700 while remaining attached thereto. When the locking sleeve 1650 is in an "articulation mode" or orientation (fig. 8), the distal pushing and/or proximal pulling forces applied to the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 are also transmitted to the locking sleeve 1650 and the proximal articulation driver 1700 coupled thereto. Indeed, when the locking sleeve 1650 is in the articulation mode, the firing member assembly 1600, the locking sleeve 1650, and the proximal articulation driver 1700 will move together. On the other hand, when the lock sleeve 1650 is in its "firing mode" (fig. 9), the lock protrusion 1654 is not positioned within the drive notch 1600 in the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 of the firing member assembly 1603. When in this position, the distal pushing force and/or proximal pulling force applied to the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 is not transmitted to the lock sleeve 1650 and the proximal articulation driver 1700. In such instances, the firing member assembly 1600 can be moved proximally and/or distally relative to the locking sleeve 1650 and the proximal articulation driver 1700.

The illustrated clutch assembly 1640 also includes a shift sleeve 1660 that engages with the locking sleeve 1650. The shift barrel 1660 includes a hollow shaft segment that operably interfaces with a shift plate assembly 1680 supported therein. The shift plate assembly 1680 includes a body portion 1681 having shift pins 1682 protruding laterally therefrom. The shift pin 1682 extends into a shift pin slot 1662 that is disposed through a wall portion of the shift barrel 1660. The body portion 1681 of the shift plate assembly 1680 has a slide slot 1683 formed therein that is sized and configured to interface with a slide boss 1656 protruding from a proximal end of the slide lock 1650. The shifter 1660 may also include an opening 1664 that allows inwardly extending mounting lugs 1308 to extend from the

nozzle halves

1302, 1304 to extend therethrough so as to be seated received within corresponding notches 1535 in the proximal spine mounting segment 1530. See fig. 5. This arrangement facilitates rotation of shaft assembly 1400 about shaft axis SA by rotating nozzle 1301.

Also in the illustrated embodiment, the switch barrel 1660 includes a magnet support arm 1665 that supports the articulation magnet 1708 and the firing magnet 1611 therein. The articulation magnet 1708 and the firing magnet 1611 are configured to operably interface with a hall effect sensor 1632 that interfaces with a slip ring assembly 1800 operably mounted to a base structure 1630. For example, the slip ring assembly 1630 is configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly 1000 and/or to transfer signals to and/or from the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly 1000 and/or back to the microcontroller 520 (fig. 2) or robotic system controller in the handle assembly 500. Further details regarding slip ring assembly 1630 and associated connectors may be found in U.S. patent No.9,045,203 and U.S. patent application serial number 15/019,196 (the respective entireties of which are each incorporated herein by reference), and U.S. patent application serial number 13/800,067 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263552) entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE contacts SENSOR SYSTEM," the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. The articulation magnet 1708 and the firing magnet 1611 cooperate with a hall effect sensor 1632 or other sensor device to detect the rotational position of the switch drum 1660 and communicate this information to the microcontroller 520, which may be used to provide one or more indications to the user in various ways discussed in the above-incorporated references. Other sensor arrangements may also be employed.

In various instances, the handle assembly 500 can be used to control a variety of different interchangeable surgical tool assemblies configured to perform a variety of surgical procedures. As briefly mentioned above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may also be effectively used in conjunction with robotic and robotic surgical systems, each of which may be referred to herein as a "control system" or "control unit. Such a control system or control unit may operably support a firing system and a closure system configured to move a firing actuation member or "firing actuator" (in the case of the firing system) and a closure actuation member or "closure actuator" (in the case of the closure system) a corresponding axial distance upon actuation to apply control motions to corresponding members within the interchangeable tool assembly. In one arrangement, when the closure system in the handle assembly (or robotic system) is fully actuated, the closure actuator may be moved axially from an unactuated position to its fully actuated position. The axial distance that the closure member moves between its unactuated position and its fully actuated position may be referred to herein as its "closure stroke length" or "first closure distance". Similarly, when a firing system in a handle assembly or robotic system is fully actuated, one of the firing system components may be axially moved from its unactuated position to its fully actuated or fired position. The axial distance that the firing member component moves between its unactuated position and its fully fired position may be referred to herein as its "firing stroke length" or "first firing distance". For those surgical tool assemblies employing articulatable end effector arrangements, the handle assembly or robotic system may employ an articulation control member that moves axially through an "articulation drive stroke length" or "articulation distance". In many cases, the closure stroke length, firing stroke length, and articulation drive stroke length are fixed for a particular handle assembly or robotic system. Accordingly, each of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies configured to be used in conjunction with such control units or systems must be capable of accommodating the control motions of the closure, firing and/or articulation components/actuators through the entire respective stroke lengths without imposing undue stress upon the surgical tool assemblies that could result in damage or significant damage to the surgical tool assemblies. An example of a SURGICAL tool assembly having means for reducing the axial closing STROKE of the actuator system is disclosed in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,245 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH close STROKE mechanism for cutting" filed on 9/2 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application publication No.2016/0174977 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPLEMENTS A ARTICULATED END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSE THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER" discloses a device FOR ADJUSTING the FIRING STROKE OF a FIRING MEMBER.

Depending on the jaw configuration of the end effector portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly operably coupled to the handle assembly 500, the closure drive system 500 in the handle assembly 510, when fully actuated, may produce a closure stroke or first axial closure distance that is too long for such jaw arrangements. The illustrated embodiment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 employs a closure stroke reduction assembly, generally designated 1720, to reduce the amount of closure stroke applied to the end effector when the closure drive system 510 is fully actuated. For example, the closure drive system 500 in one form of the handle assembly 510 may generate an axial closure motion to move the closure actuator (e.g., the closure link 514-fig. 2) or the closure actuator assembly (e.g., the closure link 514 and the closure shuttle 1420) axially forward and backward approximately 0.240 "-0.260". Such axial control strokes may be well suited for surgical end effectors equipped with anvil or jaw structures that move distally relative to the channel or jaw arrangement to which they are attached. Because the jaws are pivotally coupled together about a fixed jaw axis JA, they may be more suitable for shorter closing strokes. In other words, the anvil 1130 does not move distally relative to the elongate channel 1102. For example, such an arrangement may be more suitable for a range of closure travel of about 0.1 "-0.150". As will be discussed in further detail below, when the closure drive system 510 is fully actuated in the handle assembly 500, the closure shuttle 1420 and the proximal closure member 1480 may move about 0.260 inches in the distal direction DD ("first closure stroke distance"). However, the closure stroke reduction assembly 1720 reduces the amount of closure stroke ("closure stroke distance") applied to the intermediate closure member 1410 and ultimately to the distal closure member 1430. In some arrangements, for example, the closure stroke reduction assembly 1720 can reduce the size of the closure stroke applied to the intermediate closure member 1410 and the distal closure member 1430 to, for example, about 0.1 ". It should be understood that other amounts of closing stroke reduction are contemplated.

Referring now to fig. 12A and 12B, in one form, the closure travel reduction assembly 1720 includes a closure reduction link 1740 attached to a closure member mounting member or mounting ring 1730. As shown in fig. 6, 12A, and 12B, intermediate closure member 1410 has a proximal attachment ledge 1412 formed on a proximal end portion 1414. The mounting ring 1740 is sized to slidably move within the proximal closure member 1480 and includes a mounting groove 1414 for receiving an attachment flange 1742 therein. Such an arrangement is used to attach the mounting ring 1740 to the intermediate closure member 1410. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure reduction link 1730 includes a proximal connector 1732 and a distal connector 1734 that are pivotally attached together by an actuation pin 1736. The proximal link 1732 is pivotally secured to an upright attachment wall 1510 formed on the proximal spine channel 1518. The distal link 1734 is pivotally secured to the mounting ring 1740. The closure reduction link 1730 is actuated by axially moving the proximal closure member 1480. In at least one arrangement, for example, the actuator pin 1736 is slidably journaled in a cam slot 1486 provided in the proximal closure member 1480. The actuator pin 1736 also extends inwardly to be slidably received within a slide track 1650 formed on the proximal portion of the locking sleeve 1658. Thus, when the proximal closure member 1480 is moved to its distal-most position, the actuator pin 1736 is in the proximal end of the cam slot 1486 such that the closure reducing link 1730 is in its fully extended position, as shown in fig. 12B and 14. When the proximal closure member 1480 is in its proximal-most position, the closure reduction link 1730 is in its retracted position (fig. 12A and 13).

As briefly mentioned above, the shift plate assembly 1680 includes a body portion 1681 having shift pins 1682 projecting laterally therefrom. The shift pin 1682 extends into a shift pin slot 1662 disposed through a wall portion of the shift barrel 1660. Shift pin 1682 also extends through a cam opening 1490 provided in proximal closure member 1480. See fig. 10 and 11. The cam opening 1490 in the illustrated arrangement includes a travel portion 1492 that is long enough to allow a predetermined amount of axial travel of the proximal closure member assembly 1480 relative to the shift pin 1682 and the firing portion 1494. In at least one arrangement, the shift plate 1680 is constrained to rotate only a short distance about the shaft axis SA and is constrained from moving axially within the shift barrel 1660. Such rotational travel of shift plate 1680 and shift pin 1682 can be observed with reference to fig. 8-11.

Fig. 8, 10 and 12A show the clutch assembly 1640 in an articulation mode, and fig. 9, 11 and 12B show the clutch assembly 1640 in a firing mode. Clutch assembly 1640 is moved from the articulation mode to the firing mode by moving proximal closure member 1480 to its distal-most position, which corresponds to a "fully closed" position of the end effector jaws (elongate channel 1102 and anvil 1130). The proximal closure member 1480 is moved distally by depressing the closure trigger 500 on the handle assembly 512. As described above, the closure shuttle 1420 is advanced distally when the closure trigger 512 is depressed. Because the proximal closure member 1480 is supported in the closure shuttle 1420, the proximal closure member 1480 also moves distally. When clutch assembly 1640 is in the articulation mode, shift pin 1682 is positioned medially (longitudinally) around a travel portion 1480 of cam opening 1490 in proximal closure member 1492. Accordingly, the proximal closure member 1480 can be moved axially back and forth (by depressing and at least partially releasing the closure trigger 512) a short distance effective to move the jaws (anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102) between the open and closed positions without moving the clutch assembly 1640 to the firing mode. Thus, the clinician may use the jaws to grasp and manipulate tissue without moving the jaws to a fully closed position and without moving the clutch assembly 1640 to a firing mode. However, when the clinician desires to fully close the jaws, the clinician fully depresses the closure trigger 512 to a fully actuated position. This action causes the proximal closure member 1480 to move to its distal-most axial position. See fig. 9, 11 and 12B. When the proximal closure member 1480 is moved to this position, the proximal cam wall 1490 of the cam opening 1491 contacts the shift pin 1682 and cams the shift pin 1682 (and shift plate 1680) to the firing orientation shown in fig. 9 and 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the torsional shift spring 1667 is journaled on the switch barrel 1660 and is configured to rotationally bias the switch barrel 1660 to a position corresponding to the articulation mode. See fig. 10. The shift pin 1682 is located at the bottom of the shift pin slot 1662 in the shift barrel 1660 and thereby moves to the articulated position shown in fig. 10. To apply a torsional biasing force to the switch barrel 1660, one end 1667 of a torsion spring 1668 is attached to the switch barrel 1660 and the other end 1669 is attached to the nozzle 1301. More details regarding the operation of the clutch assembly 1640 and the close stroke reduction assembly 1720 are provided below.

FIG. 12A illustrates the positions of the closure stroke reduction assembly 1410 and the intermediate closure member 1480 when the proximal closure member 1730 is in an unactuated position. This "unactuated" position may correspond to the orientation of the jaws of the surgical end effector when the jaws are in their respective "fully open" positions. For reference purposes, the unactuated position of the proximal closure member 1480 is represented by the start witness line SWL_pAnd the unactuated position of the intermediate closure member 1410 is represented by the start witness line SWL_iAnd (4) showing. Fig. 12B illustrates the positions of the closure stroke reduction assembly 1730 and the intermediate closure member 1410 when the proximal closure member 1480 is in a fully actuated position, which may correspond to the orientation of the jaws of the surgical end effector when the jaws are in their respective "fully closed" positions. As described above, when the proximal closure member 1480 is in the fully actuated position, actuation of the firing trigger 532 will cause the firing member assembly 1600 to advance distally. For reference purposes, the fully actuated position of the proximal closure segment 1480 is illustrated by the end witness line EWL_pAnd (4) showing. The fully actuated position of the intermediate closure member 1410 is identified by an end witness line EWL_iAnd (4) showing. The axial distance traveled by proximal closure member 1480 between the unactuated position and the fully actuated position is represented by distance D ₁And (4) showing. In one example, D₁May be about 0.260 ". The axial distance traveled by intermediate closure member 1410 (and ultimately distal closure member 1430) between the unactuated position and the fully actuated position is represented by distance D₂And (4) showing. As shown in fig. 12A and 12B, D₁>D₂. In the examples cited above, D₂May be about 0.1 ". Thus, in the middleThe closure member 1410 and the distal closure member 1430 travel an axial distance that is shorter than the axial distance of the proximal closure member 1480. This arrangement allows the jaw arrangement of the surgical end effector 1100 to better utilize the closing motion produced by the closure drive system 510 in the handle assembly 500 and avoid potential damage that may result when full closing motion is applied to the end effector.

Referring again to fig. 2 and 6, the base 1800 includes at least one, and preferably two, tapered attachment portions 1802 formed thereon that are adapted to be received within corresponding dovetail slots 507 formed within the distal end portion of the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. As can be further seen in fig. 2, a shaft attachment lug 1606 is formed on the proximal end of the proximal firing shaft segment 1602. As will be discussed in further detail below, when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 is coupled to the handle assembly 500, the shaft attachment lugs 1606 are received in a firing shaft attachment bracket 542 formed in a distal end of the longitudinal drive member 540. See fig. 2.

The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 employs a latch system 1810 for detachably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. As can be seen in fig. 5, for example, in at least one form, the latch system 1810 includes a lock member or lock yoke 1812 movably coupled to the chassis 1800. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the lock yoke 1812 is U-shaped and includes two downwardly extending legs 1814. The legs 1814 each have pivot lugs (not shown) formed thereon that are adapted to be received in corresponding holes 1816 formed in the base 1800. Such a configuration facilitates pivotal attachment of lock yoke 1812 to base 1800. See fig. 6. The locking yoke 1812 may include two proximally projecting locking lugs 1818 configured to releasably engage with corresponding locking detents or grooves 509 in the distal end of the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. See fig. 2. In various forms, the lock yoke 1812 is biased in a proximal direction by a spring or biasing member 1819. Actuation of the lock yoke 1812 may be accomplished by a latch button 1820 slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly 1822 that is mounted to the chassis 1800. The latch button 1820 may be biased in a proximal direction relative to the lock yoke 1812. The locking yoke 1812 can be moved to the unlocked position by biasing the latch button 1820 in a distal direction, which also pivots the locking yoke 1812 out of retaining engagement with the distal end of the frame 506. When the lock yoke 1812 is "held in engagement" with the distal end of the frame 506, the lock lugs 1818 remain seated within the corresponding lock stops or grooves 509 in the distal end of the frame 506.

In the illustrated arrangement, the lock yoke 1812 includes at least one and preferably two lock hooks 1824 adapted to contact corresponding lock lug protrusions 1426 formed on the closure shuttle 1420. When the closure shuttle 1420 is in the unactuated position, the lock yoke 1812 can be pivoted in the distal direction to unlock the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 from the handle assembly 500. When in this position, the lock hook 1824 does not contact the lock lobe portion 1426 on the closure shuttle 1420. However, when the closure shuttle 1420 is moved to the actuated position, the lock yoke 1812 is prevented from pivoting to the unlocked position. In other words, if the clinician attempts to pivot the locking yoke 1812 to the unlocked position, or, for example, the locking yoke 1812 is inadvertently bumped or contacted in a manner that might otherwise cause it to pivot distally, the locking hooks 1824 on the locking yoke 1812 will contact the locking lugs 1426 on the closure shuttle 1420 and prevent the locking yoke 1812 from moving to the unlocked position. See fig. 5. More details regarding the latching system can be found in U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541.

The attachment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to the handle assembly 500 will now be described with reference to fig. 2. To begin the coupling process, the clinician may position the base 1800 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 over or near the distal end of the frame 506 such that the tapered attachment portions 1802 formed on the base 1800 are aligned with the dovetail slots 507 in the frame 506. The clinician may then move the surgical tool assembly 1000 along a mounting axis IA perpendicular to the shaft axis SA to place the tapered attachment portion 1802 in "operative engagement" with a corresponding dovetail-shaped receiving slot 507 in the distal end of the frame 506. In doing so, the shaft attachment lugs 1606 on the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 will also seat in the brackets 542 in the longitudinally movable drive member 540, and the portions of the pins 516 on the closure link 514 will seat in the corresponding hooks 1421 in the closure shuttle 1420. As used herein, the term "operably engaged" in the context of two components means that the two components are sufficiently engaged with one another such that upon application of an actuation motion thereto, the components may perform their intended action, function, and/or procedure.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the distal firing bar 1620 may comprise a laminated beam structure comprising at least two beam layers. The beam layers may comprise, for example, stainless steel strips interconnected together by, for example, welding or pinning at their proximal ends and/or other locations along their lengths. In alternative embodiments, the distal ends of the bands are not connected together to allow the laminate or bands to expand relative to one another as the end effector articulates. This arrangement allows the distal firing bar 1620 to be flexible enough to accommodate articulation of the end effector. Various laminated knife bar arrangements are disclosed in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,245. As also shown in fig. 4, the intermediate support member 1614 serves to provide lateral support to the distal firing bar 1620 as it flexes to accommodate articulation of the surgical end effector 1100. Further details regarding the intermediate support member and alternative knife bar support arrangement are disclosed in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,245.

After the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 has been operably coupled to the handle assembly 500 (fig. 1), the clinician may operate the surgical tool assembly 10 as follows. As described above, when the closure drive system 510 is in its unactuated position (i.e., the closure trigger 512 is not actuated), the torsion spring 1667 has biased the clutch assembly 1640, and more particularly, the shift pin 1682 and the locking sleeve 1650, into the articulated position. See fig. 8, 10 and 12A. As shown in fig. 8, when in this position, the locking protrusion 1650 in the locking sleeve 1654 is received within the drive notch 1602 in the proximal firing shaft segment 1603. When in this mode, the articulation magnet 1708 is in position relative to the hall effect sensor 1632 to indicate to the microcontroller 520 that the tool assembly 1000 is in the articulation mode, as shown in fig. 10. When the clinician actuates the firing trigger 512, the motor drives the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 distally. However, as described above, the slip joint 1622 facilitates movement of the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 and the intermediate firing shaft portion 1610 without moving, or at least substantially without moving, the distal firing bar 1620. Because the locking sleeve 1650 is operably engaged with the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 and the proximal articulation driver 1700 is engaged with the locking sleeve 1650, actuation of the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 causes distal movement of the articulation driver 1700. Distal movement of the articulation driver 1700 articulates the surgical end effector 1000 about an articulation axis B-B. During this time, the clinician can also partially close the jaws of the end effector 1100 by partially depressing the closure trigger. This axial movement of the proximal closure member 1480 without automatically shifting the clutch assembly 1640 to the firing mode is accommodated by the travel portion 1480 of the cam opening 1490 in the proximal closure member 1492. See fig. 10. This feature enables the clinician to use the jaws to grasp and manipulate tissue prior to clamping onto the target tissue.

Once the clinician has articulated the end effector 1100 to a desired position and the jaws have been positioned in a desired orientation relative to the target tissue, the clinician releases the firing trigger 532, which interrupts the motorized movement of the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 and proximal articulation driver 1700. The articulation lock 1210 locks the proximal articulation driver 1700 in this position to prevent further articulation of the end effector 1100. The clinician can clamp the target tissue between the jaws by pressing the closure trigger 512 to a fully depressed position. This action moves the proximal closure member 1480 distally. This distal movement of the proximal closure member 1480 causes the switch pin 1682 to rotate downward within the cam opening 1490 when the proximal closure member comes into contact with the cam wall 1491. See fig. 11. Referring now to fig. 11, downward movement of shift pin 1682 within cam opening 1490 causes shift plate 1680 to rotate lock sleeve 1650 to rotate to a position disengaged from proximal firing shaft segment 1602. When in this position, the locking protrusion 1654 has disengaged from the drive notch 1603 in the proximal firing shaft segment 1602. Thus, the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 may move axially without moving the locking sleeve 1650 and the proximal articulation driver 1700. The closure stroke reduction assembly 1730 causes the intermediate closure member 1410 to move distally a reduced axial distance when the proximal closure member 1480 is moved distally (by depressing the closure trigger 512) to the fully actuated position, as described above. This axial motion is applied to the distal closure member 1430 and ultimately moves the jaws to the fully closed position. When in this position, the closure drive system 510 system in the handle assembly 500 may be locked and the clinician may release the closure trigger 512. When the clutch assembly 1640 has been moved to this firing mode, the firing magnet 1611 communicates with the hall effect sensor 1632 to indicate the position of the clutch assembly 1640 relative to the microcontroller 520. See fig. 11. The microcontroller 520 can provide the clinician with an indication of the position of the distal firing bar 1620 as it is advanced distally through the target tissue clamped between the end effector jaws. Once the distal firing bar 1620, and more particularly the firing member or knife member attached thereto, has been advanced to a fully fired position, the microcontroller 520 detects the position of a portion of the firing member assembly 1600 using the sensor arrangement and can then reverse the motor to retract the distal firing bar 1620 to its starting position. This action may be automatic or the clinician may have to depress the firing trigger 532 during retraction. Once the distal firing bar 1620 has been fully retracted to its starting position, the microcontroller 520 can provide an indication to the clinician that the distal firing bar 1620 has been fully retracted, and the closure trigger 512 can be unlocked to enable the closure assembly 1406 to return to an unactuated position to move the jaws to an open position.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 15A and 15B, anvil assembly 1130 comprises an anvil body portion 1132 and an anvil mounting portion 1134. The anvil mounting portion 1134 includes a pair of anvil mounting walls 1136 separated by a slot 1138 (fig. 4). The anvil mounting walls 1136 are interconnected or bridged by upstanding tab portions 1139. As described above, the end effector mounting assembly 1230 is pivotably attached to the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102 by a pair of laterally extending jaw attachment pins 1235 that are rotatably received within the jaw pivot holes 1104 disposed in the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102. The jaw attachment pin 1235 defines a fixed jaw pivot axis JA that is substantially transverse to the shaft axis SA. See fig. 4. Each of the anvil mounting walls 1136 has a mounting aperture 1140 extending therethrough to enable the anvil mounting portion 1134 to be pivotally journaled on a jaw attachment pin 1235. Thus, in this arrangement, the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 can be independently pivoted about the fixed jaw pivot axis JA. This arrangement may allow anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 ("jaws") to be opened to wider positions than those available with the jaws of other end effector devices, wherein only one jaw is moved relative to the other.

Still referring to fig. 15A and 15B, the distal closure member 1430 includes two inwardly extending jaw cotter pins 1432 that are adapted to extend through corresponding channel split cam slots 1106 provided in the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102. Each jaw opening pin 1432 is configured to engage a corresponding anvil opening raised surface 1136 formed on each anvil mounting wall 1142. As shown in fig. 15A and 15B, the anvil opening projection surfaces 1142 are disposed opposite or in an inverse configuration to the corresponding channel opening cam slots 1106. In other words, the channel opening cam slot 1106 and the anvil opening projection surface 1142 are curved in opposite directions to each other.

FIG. 15A shows the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 ("jaws") in a fully closed position. As the distal closure member 1430 advances distally, the distal end 1430 of the distal closure member 1431 travels up to the closure raised surfaces 1136 formed on each of the anvil mounting walls 1137 and the closure raised surfaces 1102 formed on the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1108. As the distal end 1431 of the distal closure member 1430 cams against the closure raised

surfaces

1137, 1108, the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 are pivoted about the jaw pivot axis JA to the closed position with the distal end 1431 of the distal closure member 1430 contacting the flange portion 1133 formed between the anvil mounting portion 1134 and the anvil body portion 1132 and the flange 1145 on the elongate channel. See fig. 15A. When the closure member assembly 1400 is locked in place, the distal closure member 1430 maintains the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 in the closed position. When the clinician desires to move the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 to the open position, the distal closure member 1430 is moved in the proximal direction PD. As the distal closure member 1430 is moved in the proximal direction PD, the jaw opening pin 1432 engages the corresponding channel opening cam slot 1106 and anvil opening raised surface 1142 and pivots the anvil 1130 and elongate channel about the fixed jaw axis JA to the open position shown in fig. 15B. This use of a feature pin on the distal closure member to effect movement of the two jaws from the fully closed position to the fully open position may be referred to herein as a "positive jaw open" feature. Other POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS are disclosed in U.S. patent application serial No. 14/742,925 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Fig. 16-21 show an alternative distal closure member 1430 'that employs an alternative positive jaw opening feature, for example in the form of a movable jaw opening cam 1440 attached to the distal closure member 1430' in place of a jaw opening pin. At least one and preferably two jaw opening cams 1440 are movably attached to the distal closure member 1450' by corresponding stretchable couplers 1430. In the illustrated embodiment, coupling 1450 includes a cam or extension spring. In the illustrated arrangement, the tension spring 1454 comprises a flat spring to save space. The proximal end of each tension spring 1450 has a hook 1452 formed thereon that extends through an opening 1430 in the distal closure member 1442'. The end of each hook 1452 can be seated in a corresponding slot or groove 1430 formed in the distal closure member 1444', as shown in fig. 16. The distal end 1454 of each tension spring 1455 is attached to a corresponding jaw opening cam 1440. The proximal end 1102 of the elongate channel 1103 includes a pair of spring gap slots 1106' and a channel opening raised surface 1107 configured to be engaged by the jaw opening cam 1440. In an alternative arrangement, the spring may include maximum extension features that allow only a predetermined amount of compliance, then ensure a jaw opening proportional to the remaining closure trigger travel, and thus the movement of the closure shuttle. As described above, each anvil mounting wall 1136 has an anvil opening raised surface 1142 formed thereon. As shown in fig. 19, anvil opening raised surface 1142 is disposed opposite or in an inverse configuration to corresponding channel opening raised surface 1107. In other words, channel opening convex surface 1107 and anvil opening convex surface 1142 are curved and curve in opposite directions.

Fig. 20 and 21 illustrate the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 in their respective fully open positions. As shown in each of these figures, jaw opening cam 1440 is oriented between and in its proximal-most position corresponding anvil opening convex surface 1142 and channel opening convex surface 1107. When in the fully open position, the jaw opening cam 1440 is distal to the distal end of the distal closure member 1430'. As shown in fig. 19 and 20, the jaw opening cam 1440 can be wedge-shaped. In at least one arrangement, the wedge geometry has a tapered convex surface on the proximal side to prevent offset between the jaws. When in this fully open position, the tension spring 1454 is in its starting position, wherein the tension spring 1454 applies its minimum biasing force to each of the jaw opening cams 1440. At the beginning of the closure process, the distal closure member 1430' is advanced distally in the various manners described herein. As the distal closure member 1430' is advanced distally, the distal end 1431 contacts a closure raised surface 1134 on the anvil mounting portion 1137 and a closure raised surface 1102 formed on the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1108 to pivot the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 toward one another about the pivoting jaw axis JA. As anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 pivot toward one another, jaw opening cam 1104, which spans raised

surfaces

1440 and 1142, is driven in a distal direction. The tension spring 1454 is elongate and "loaded" when the jaw opening cam 1440 is driven distally.

Fig. 18 and 19 illustrate the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 in their fully closed positions. When the clinician desires to return the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 to their fully open positions (fig. 20 and 21), the distal closure member 1430' is withdrawn in a proximal direction, which allows the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 to pivot away from each other about the pivoting jaw axis JA. Because the tension springs 1454 are elongated and loaded, they pull each of the jaw opening cams 1440 in a proximal direction. As jaw opening cam 1440 moves in the proximal direction PD between raised

surfaces

1142 and 1107, anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 are positively moved to a fully open position and are retained therein by jaw opening cam 1440. The more the distal closure member is moved proximally, the further the jaws are moved away from each other. This compliant positive jaw opening arrangement can ensure immediate one-to-one final pull-apart to provide greater opening force when stuck.

Fig. 22-25 illustrate an alternative distal closure member 1430 "employing jaw opening tabs and at least one jaw opening spring 1460 to move the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102' into their respective fully open positions. As shown in fig. 24 and 25, the distal closure member 1430 "is similar to the distal closure member 1430 described above, except that the distal closure member 1430" additionally includes an anvil opening tab 1435 and a channel opening tab 1437. As shown in fig. 24, when the distal closure member 1430 "has been moved to its proximal-most position corresponding to the fully open position, the anvil opening tab 1435 contacts the tab 1139 on the anvil mounting portion 1134 and the channel opening tab contacts the channel tab 1109 protruding from the underside of the proximal end portion 1103 of the elongate channel 1102.

The embodiment depicted in fig. 22, 24, and 25 also employs a positive jaw opening member that can include a jaw opening spring 1460. As shown in fig. 23, in the exemplified arrangement, jaw opening spring 1460 includes an anvil opening leg 1462 and a channel opening leg 1463 attached by a bridge portion 1464. As shown in fig. 22, 24, and 25, the spring 1460 may be journaled on the jaw attachment pin 1235 such that the anvil opening leg 1462 is carried on a bottom surface of the anvil mounting portion 1134 and the channel opening leg 1464 is carried on a bottom surface of the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102'. Thus, the jaw opening spring 1460 serves to apply a biasing force to the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102' to pivot them away from the open position relative to one another. FIG. 25 illustrates the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 in a fully closed position. As shown in fig. 25, the jaw opening spring 1460 is in its fully compressed state. To open the anvil and the channel 1102', the distal closure member 1430 "is moved in the proximal direction PD in the various manners disclosed herein. As the distal closure member 1430 "moves proximally, the jaw opening spring 1460 positively biases the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102' away from one another about the pivot axis JA to a fully open position in which the anvil opening tab 1435 engages tab 1134 on anvil mounting portion 1139 and the channel opening tab 1437 engages channel tab 1109. See fig. 24. In at least one arrangement, the jaw opening spring is mounted proximal to the firing member parking region (i.e., the region in which the firing member is when in the starting position).

Fig. 26-29 illustrate an alternative distal closure member 1470 that employs a slot arrangement in the elongate channel and closure member that is configured to move the anvil 1130 "between the fully open and fully closed positions. In the illustrated arrangement, the distal closure member 1470 is similar to the distal closure member 1430 described above, except for differences discussed below. However, in this arrangement, only the anvil 1130 "moves relative to the elongate channel 1102". As shown in fig. 26-29, the anvil mounting portion 1134 of the anvil 1130 "includes two outwardly extending anvil pins 1150 that extend through corresponding channel slots 1472 provided in the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102". Each anvil pin 1150 also extends into a corresponding closure slot 1474 in the distal closure member 1470. In the illustrated arrangement, each passage slot 1472 extends along the vertical axis VA. Anvil pin 1150 defines a pivot axis PA about which anvil 1130 "may pivot. Because anvil pin 1150 is constrained to move only within vertically extending passage slot 1472, pivot axis PA is constrained to move only along vertical axis VA. Each closure strip The slots 1474 each have a proximal portion 1476 and a distal portion 1478. Proximal portion 1476 is along a first horizontal axis HA₁Positioned, distal portion 1478 lies along a second horizontal axis HA₂Is disposed with the second horizontal axis offset from the first horizontal axis HA₁. See fig. 26. The vertical axis VA is transverse to the first horizontal axis HA₁And a second horizontal axis HA₂。

FIG. 26 illustrates the position of the anvil 1130 "and elongate channel 1102" in a fully open position. As shown in fig. 26, when in this position, the anvil pins 1150 are located at the top end of the passage slot 1472 ("first vertical position") and in the distal portion 1478 of the closure slot 1474. FIG. 27 illustrates the position of the anvil 1130 "and elongate channel 1102" after the closure process has begun. As shown in fig. 27, the distal closure member 1470 has begun to move distally such that the anvil pins 1150 are just about to enter the proximal portion 1476 of the closure slot, and the pins have begun to move downward in the channel slots 1472. In fig. 28, the distal closure member 1470 has moved distally to a point where the anvil pins 1150 are located at the bottom ends of the channel slots 1472, and the anvil pins 1150 have now entered the proximal end portion 1476 of the closure slot 1474. Thus, the anvil mounting portion 1134 has moved downwardly toward the elongate channel 1102 ". Fig. 29 shows the anvil 1130 "and elongate channel anvil 1102" in their fully closed positions. As shown in fig. 29, the anvil pin 1150 is retained in the bottom end of the channel slot 1472 ("second vertical position") and is also received within the proximal portion 1476 of the closure slot 1474. With the distal closure member 1470 remaining in this position, the anvil 1130 "and elongate channel 1102" remain in this fully closed position. As can be seen in fig. 29, this arrangement facilitates vertical movement of the anvil mounting portion 1134 relative to the channel 1102 ", thereby increasing the distance between the underside of the anvil and the cartridge deck when in the fully open position. Such a redundant linkage arrangement may allow for adjustment of the proximal distance between the anvil and the cartridge deck adjacent the tissue stop. Another cartridge embodiment may include a metal cam termination feature near the slide start position. Such metal features may support or retain the slider in the "ready to use" position while preventing tail collapse.

30-32 illustrate one form of a firing member 1760 that may be used with the interchangeable tool assembly 1000. In one exemplary form, the firing member 1760 comprises a body portion 1762 that includes a proximally extending connector member 1763 that is configured to be received in a correspondingly shaped connector opening 1624 (fig. 4) in the distal end of the distal firing bar 1620. The connector 1763 may be retained within the connector opening 1624 by friction and/or welding, or a suitable adhesive, or the like. In use, body portion 1762 protrudes through elongate slot 1160 in elongate channel 1102. Laterally extending foot tabs 1764 extend from each side of the main body portion 1762. Each foot tab 1764 comprises a thickness PE_fAnd a proximal end 1765 and having a thickness DE_fDistal end 1767. This configuration also defines upper foot surface 1768 and lower foot surface 1769. In the illustrated reference, upper foot surface 1768 and lower foot surface 1769 are angled away from each other. In FIG. 31, the upper foot surface 1768 is parallel to the upper axis U_A Lower foot surface 1769 parallel to lower axis U_LHaving an angle A therebetween_F. In other words, the distal thickness DE _f>Proximal thickness PE_f. Thus, the thickness of each foot tab 1764 tapers from their respective distal ends 1767 to their proximal ends 1765, with the proximal ends being thinner.

Still referring primarily to fig. 31, the illustrated firing member 1760 further comprises a pair of laterally extending top tabs 1770. Each top tab 1770 comprises a PE having a thickness_TAnd a proximal end 1772 and having a thickness DE_T1774. This configuration also defines a top surface 1776 and a bottom surface 1778. In the illustrated reference, the top surface 1776 and the bottom surface 1778 are angled away from each other. In fig. 31, the top surface 1776 is parallel to the upper axis T_AWith the bottom surface 1778 parallel to the bottom axis B_LHaving an angle A therebetween_T. In other words, the distal thickness DE of each top tab 1770_TGreater than its proximal thickness PE_T. Thus, the thickness of each top tab 1770 gradually tapers from their respective distal ends 1774 to their proximal ends 1772Thinned with the proximal end 1772 being thinner. In the arrangement shown, angle A_FMay be approximately equal to angle a_T. Further, the top surface 1776 of each top tab 1770 can be a distance H from the lower foot surface 1769 of each corresponding foot tab 1764 between the distal ends 1774, 1765, respectively _FAnd are also at a distance H from each other at their respective proximal ends 1772, 1767_R. In the illustrated arrangement, H_F>H_RAccordingly, top surface 1776 of each top tab 1770 is angled away from axis SA, and each lower foot surface 1769 of each foot tab 1764 is angled away from axis SA. The illustrated firing member 1760 also includes a laterally protruding central lockout lug 1780, which will be discussed in further detail below. The body portion 1762 of the firing member 1760 also includes a tissue cutting edge or feature 1766 disposed between the distally projecting bottom portion 1771 and the distally projecting top nose portion 1773.

In the illustrated example, the cartridge body 1111 is operable to support a plurality of staple drivers therein that are aligned in rows on each side of the centrally disposed slot 1114. Fig. 33A-33C illustrate one example of a staple driver 1170 that may be used to support staples on one side of a surgical staple cartridge. The drivers on opposite sides of the centrally disposed slot 1114 may comprise mirror images of the drivers 1170. Other staple driver configurations may also be effectively employed. As shown in FIGS. 33A-33C, one form of staple driver 1700 includes a staple driver body 1172. The driver body 1172 includes a first or innermost staple support portion 1174 configured to support a staple (not shown) thereon. A second or central staple supporting portion 1176 is configured to support another staple (not shown) thereon, and a third supporting portion 1870 configured to support a third staple (not shown) thereon. The first staple supporting portion 1174, the second staple supporting portion 1176, and the third staple supporting portion 1178 are all coupled together by a connector portion 1180. In at least one arrangement, the connector portion 1180 is formed with a centrally disposed opening or aperture 1182 configured to be disposable A corresponding first driver guide (not shown) formed in the cartridge body is slidingly received. The connector portion 1180 includes a first cam portion 1184 having a first raised surface or ramp 1186 formed thereon. The connector portion 1180 also includes a second cam portion 1188 having a second raised surface 1190 formed thereon. The raised surfaces 1186, 1190 may have the same slope or angle or they may have different slopes/angles. In at least one embodiment, each staple driver 1170 is comprised of, for example

Integrally formed or molded without filler. However, other materials may also be used, for example, with glass or mineral fillers

Or nylon with glass file. In other arrangements, the various portions of the staple drivers 1170 can be manufactured separately from other materials and attached together by adhesives, solder, or the like. Further details regarding STAPLE drivers 1170, as well as other driver embodiments that may be effectively used with the various embodiments disclosed herein, may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/843,243 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE CONFIGURATIONS WITH CAMMING SURFACES LOCATED BETWEEN PORTION SUPPORTING SURGICAL STAPLES," filed on 9/2/2015, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Turning next to fig. 33, 36, and 37, a firing member 1760 is configured to be operably coupled to a sled or cam assembly 1120 that is operably supported within the body 1111 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. The slide assembly 1120 is slidably movable within the surgical staple cartridge body 1111 from a proximal start position adjacent the proximal end 1112 of the cartridge body 1111 to an end position adjacent the distal end 1113 of the cartridge body 1111. See fig. 4. The centrally disposed slot 1114 enables a firing member 1760 to pass therethrough and cut tissue clamped between the anvil 1130 and the staple cartridge 1110. The drivers 1170 are associated with corresponding dimples 1116 which extend through the upper deck surface 1115 of the cartridge body 1111. The slider assembly 1120 includes a plurality of ramped or wedge-shaped cams 1122, with each cam 1122 corresponding to a particular raised

surface

1186,1190 on a corresponding driver 1170 on each side of the slot 1114. When the firing member 1760 is fired or driven distally, the firing member 1760 also drives the sled assembly 1120 distally. As the firing member 1760 moves distally through the cartridge 1110, the tissue cutting features 1766 cut tissue clamped between the anvil assembly 1130 and the cartridge 1110, and the sled assembly 1120 drives the drivers 1170, which drive corresponding staples or fasteners into contact with the anvil assembly 1130, upwardly in the cartridge. In the illustrated example, the body portion 1760 of the firing member 1762 is configured to engage a distal end of the slide assembly 1120. Specifically, in at least one example, as shown in fig. 33, the distal end of the body portion 1762 is oriented to contact only the proximal end of the central portion of the slider 1120. In other firing member arrangements, the firing member body 1762 may be uniquely shaped or configured to operably engage, mate or operably interface with a corresponding end of a slide assembly housed within a corresponding cartridge assembly such that if a user inadvertently loads the wrong cartridge into the elongate channel and subsequently attempts to fire the cartridge, the firing member and sled will not properly interface to achieve distal advancement thereof.

In those embodiments where the firing member comprises a tissue cutting surface, it may be desirable for the elongate shaft assembly to be configured in such a manner that: accidental advancement of the firing member is prevented unless the unspent staple cartridge is properly supported within the elongate channel 1102 of the surgical end effector 1100. For example, if a staple cartridge were not present at all and the firing member was advanced distally through the end effector, the tissue would be severed, but not stapled. Similarly, if there is a spent staple cartridge in the end effector (i.e., a staple cartridge from which at least some staples have been fired) and the firing member is advanced, the tissue will be severed, but may not be fully stapled. It will be appreciated that this situation may lead to undesirable catastrophic results during the surgical procedure. U.S. patent 6,988,649 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT", U.S. patent 7,044,352 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING", U.S. patent 7,380,695 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING", and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,933 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH LOCATION KOUT ARRANGEMENT FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTION WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS SPENT MISSING" each disclose various FIRING member LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS. Each of these U.S. patents is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

An "unfired," "unused," "fresh," or "new" cartridge 1110 herein means that the cartridge 1110 has all of its fasteners in its "ready to fire" position. When in this position, the slide assembly 1120 is in its starting position. The new cartridge 1110 is disposed within the elongate channel 1102 and can be retained therein by snap features on the cartridge body that are configured to remain engaged with corresponding portions of the elongate channel 1102. FIG. 36 illustrates a portion of a surgical end effector 1100 with a new or unfired surgical staple cartridge 1110 disposed therein. As can be seen in fig. 36, the slide assembly 1120 is in a starting position. To prevent the firing system from being activated, and more precisely, to prevent the firing member 1760 from being driven distally through the end effector 1110, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 employs a firing member lockout system, generally designated 1790, unless an unfired or new surgical staple cartridge has been properly seated within the elongate channel 1102.

Referring now to fig. 33-37, in one form, a firing member lockout system 1790 includes a movable lock member 1792 that is configured to remain engaged with a firing member 1760 when an unused surgical staple cartridge 1110 is not properly seated within the elongate channel 1102. The locking member 1792 includes a pair of lateral spring arms 1793 interconnected by a central mounting tab feature 1794. The central mounting tab feature 1794 has a mounting hook 1795 formed therein that is configured to hook over the retention pin 1230 in the anvil mounting assembly 1238, as shown in fig. 35-37. When installed, the mounting tab 1794 is configured to bias the locking member 1792 upward. In addition, the lock member 1792 includes two lateral anvil spring arms 1796 that are upwardly angled to engage a bottom surface of a corresponding anvil mounting wall 1136 on the anvil mounting portion 1134 to bias the lock member 1792 downwardly when the anvil 1130 is closed. A firing member alignment protrusion 1797 extends upwardly from each of the lateral spring arms 1793 to maintain alignment between the firing member 1760 and the lockout member 1792. As most particularly shown in fig. 33, the distal portion of each lateral spring arm 1793 includes a laterally extending front arm 1798 that terminates in a sliding tab 1799 that corresponds to a sliding boss 1124 formed on the outermost wedge cam 1122 on the slider 1120. Each of the lateral spring arms 1793 includes a locking notch 1850 therein that is configured to lockingly engage a corresponding one of the central locking lugs 1780 therein. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that different numbers and arrangements of sliding bosses may be employed in the sled for different staple cartridge arrangements. The number and arrangement of the sliding bosses may be configured to interact only with corresponding sliding tabs of a locking member of a suitable instrument intended for use of the staple cartridge. Thus, the sliding boss may act as a "key" to actuate only the locking member of the appropriate device. Thus, this arrangement prevents the user from actuating the device when the wrong surgical staple cartridge is loaded into the elongate channel.

FIG. 35 illustrates end effector 1100 with anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 in their fully open positions without a surgical staple cartridge installed therein. As shown in fig. 35, the anvil spring arms 1796 are in contact with the underside of the mounting wall 1136, but they are not "loaded". Such a position enables surgical staple cartridge 1110 to be positioned within elongate channel 1102. If the anvil 1130 is to be closed when in this position, the anvil spring arm 1796 will bias the spring arm 1793 downward such that the central boss 1780 is lockingly received within a corresponding locking recess 1793 in the spring arm 1850. When in this position, the firing member 1760 cannot be advanced distally. FIG. 36 illustrates a new surgical staple cartridge 1110 properly seated within elongate channel 1102 when anvil 1130 is in a fully closed position. As can be seen in fig. 36, the slider 1120 is in its starting position. When in this position, the sliding bosses 1124 engage the sliding tabs 1799 and bias the spring arms 1793 upward to a position in which the locking notches 1850 do not engage the center tabs 1780. Thus, the firing member 1760 is free to advance distally. Fig. 37 shows the position of the firing member 1760 after being advanced distally from its starting position. As shown in fig. 37, the firing member 1760 is distal of and disengaged from the lock spring. The anvil spring arm 1796 has biased the locking member downward to the unlocked position.

Fig. 38 and 39 illustrate the position of the firing member 1760 and the lockout member 1792 after the firing member 1760 is initially retracted in a proximal direction. In the illustrated arrangement, each of the center locking lugs 1780 includes a chamfered proximal portion 1782. See fig. 30 and 31. When the firing member 1760 is retracted to the position shown in fig. 38 and 39, the chamfered proximal end 1780 of the central locking lug 1782 contacts the corresponding forward arm 1792 of the locking member 1798 and biases the spring arm laterally outward (arrow L in fig. 39). Fig. 40 and 41 illustrate the position of the firing member 1760 and the lockout member 1792 after the firing member 1760 has been fully retracted back to its starting position. When in this position, each of the central locking lugs 1780 is lockingly received within a locking notch 1793 in the corresponding spring arm 1850. When in this position, the firing member 1760 cannot be advanced distally.

Fig. 42 shows an alternative locking member 1792'. In this embodiment, the mounting tab 1794 biases the locking member 1792' downward without the use of an anvil spring arm. Thus, the central locking lug 1102 remains in locking engagement with the spring arm 1110 during opening of the anvil 1780 and elongate jaw 1793 and loading of the surgical staple cartridge 1130 therein.

As discussed above, the cartridge body 1111 has a plurality of anvil pockets 1116 arranged in series on either side of the central slot 1114. Housed within these pockets 1116 are staple drivers that operably support one or more surgical staples or fasteners thereon. When the target tissue is clamped between the anvil 1130 and the cartridge deck surface 1115, the target tissue must be positioned such that the severed tissue is stapled on each side of the cutting line. To avoid the target tissue from being positioned proximal of the proximal-most staple or fastener, the anvil typically includes a downwardly extending wall, commonly referred to as a "tissue stop," which serves to prevent the target tissue from becoming too close between the anvil and the staple cartridge. When the anvil is closed toward the cartridge, the tissue stop extends downwardly past the cartridge deck surface to prevent tissue from being positioned too far proximally between the anvil and the cartridge. In at least one of the end effector embodiments described herein, both the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 can be moved about the pivoting jaw axis JA. Such an arrangement may allow the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 to open further than other end effector arrangements, wherein only one of the anvil or elongate channel may move or pivot. In other words, when both the anvil 1132 and the elongate channel 1115 are in their respective fully open positions, the distance between the undersurface of the anvil body 1110 and the deck surface 1102 of the cartridge 1130 disposed in the elongate channel 1110 of the end effector 1102 described herein is generally greater than the distance between the underside of the anvil and the deck surface of the cartridge disposed in the elongate channel of the end effector, with only one of the anvil and the channel moving relative to the other. Thus, at least one form of end effector 1100 is configured to employ a cartridge device having at least one "movable" tissue stop or "expandable" tissue stop. In the illustrated arrangement, two moving tissue stops, generally designated 1250, are employed.

Turning now to fig. 45, 47, and 48, as described above, the staple cartridge body 1111 includes a plurality of staple cartridges 1116 located on each side of the elongate slot 1114 that are configured to receive a firing member 1760 as it is advanced distally therethrough. Depending on the number and arrangement of the configurations of staple pockets 1116, one or more staple driver configurations can be operably supported therein, each of which supports one or more surgical staples thereon. Some pockets located at the proximal end of the cartridge body may not contain drivers and staples. For example, in the illustrated arrangement, the staple pockets 1116 contain drivers (not shown) and staples (not shown). The most proximal recess supporting the driver and staple is labeled 1116P. Although there are additional "unused" pockets (labeled 1117), none of these pockets contain a driver and a staple. In the illustrated arrangement, all of the staple pockets 1116 on both sides of the elongate slot 1114, opposite the proximal-most pockets 1116P, contain drivers and surgical staples. Accordingly, the movable tissue stop 1250 is configured to prevent tissue from being clamped between the anvil 1130 and the staple cartridge 1110 at a location proximate to the proximal staple pockets 1116P to prevent the tissue from being cut without first being stapled.

In one arrangement, the surgical staple cartridge 1110 alone and/or in combination with the elongate channel 1102 can be referred to herein as a "first jaw" and the anvil 1130 can be referred to as a "second jaw". The proximal end 1112 of the staple cartridge 1110 may be referred to as a "first proximal end" or proximal end of a first jaw. Platform surface 1115 may be referred to as a "first jaw surface". In the illustrated arrangement, the anvil body 1132 includes a staple forming undersurface 1135 that faces the cartridge deck and serves to form the staples as they are driven into contact therewith. The staple forming undersurface 1135 (fig. 3) may also be referred to herein as the "second jaw surface".

In the exemplified arrangement, the movable tissue stop 1250 is operably attached to the cartridge body 1111. However, other arrangements are contemplated in which the moving tissue stop is attached to a portion of the elongate channel 1102.

Turning to fig. 45, in at least one arrangement, two movable or expandable tissue stops 1250-one on each side of the elongated slot 1114 are employed. As shown in FIG. 47, active tissue stop 1250 comprises a bifurcated lower tissue stop portion 1260 comprising two cam walls 1262 separated by a space 1264 and interconnected by a connector 1265. The upper tissue stop portion 1264 is movably supported within the space 1270. As shown in fig. 45, a stop bridge 1266 is provided between the upper portions of the distal ends of the walls 1260. Stop bridge 1266 mates with stop tab 1272 formed on upper tissue stop portion 1270 to prevent upper tissue stop portion 1270 from extending completely out of space 1264. Mounting holes 1267 are provided through the wall 1260 to enable the lower tissue stop portion 1260 to be pivotally journaled on corresponding stop pins 1111 that project laterally from the side 1113 of the cartridge body 1118. As shown in fig. 45, each of the upper stops 1270 includes a spring mounting aperture 1274 configured to receive a leg 1280 of a biasing member or retaining spring 1282 therein. See fig. 46.

The upper tissue blocking portion 1270 is slidably received within the space 1260 of the corresponding lower tissue blocking portion 1264 to create a movable or expandable tissue stop 1250. Upper and lower

tissue stop portions

1260, 1270 and corresponding biasing members or stop springs 1280 are pivotally journaled on corresponding stop pins 1118. Each movable tissue stop assembly 1250 is free to pivot about the tissue stop axis TSA defined by the stop pins 1118. As shown in fig. 45, the tissue stop axis TSA is transverse to the elongated slots 1111 in the cartridge body 1114. A second leg 1284 of the stop spring 1280 bears against a corresponding flange or portion 1119 of the cartridge body 1111 such that when the collar is connected to the stop pin 1118, the stop spring 1280 acts to bias the upper tissue stop portion 1270 upwardly within the space 1264 until the stop tab 1272 contains the stop bridge 1266. At this point, the biasing member or stop spring 1280 serves to bias the entire movable tissue stop assembly 1250 upwardly about the tissue stop axis TSA until the upper tissue stop portion 1270 contacts a corresponding stop flange 1121 formed on the cartridge body 1111.

Thus, in the illustrated arrangement, each movable tissue stop assembly 1250 is attached to a corresponding side 1113 of the cartridge body 1110. As shown in fig. 45, each side wall 1126 of the elongate channel 1102 has a tissue stop notch 1128 formed therein for receiving a movable tissue stop assembly 1250 therein when the

jaws

1130, 1110 are in their fully closed position. FIG. 49 illustrates the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1110 and staple cartridge 1102 in their "fully closed" position. The orientation of the movable tissue stop assembly 1110 when the anvil 1250 and elongate channel 1130 or surgical cartridge 1102 are in their fully closed positions may be referred to as their "fully compressed" orientation. In certain embodiments, anvil assembly 1130 can also have a fixed tissue stop 1144 formed thereon proximal to movable tissue stop assembly 1250. See fig. 43 and 44. Fig. 47 and 50 illustrate the orientation of movable tissue stop assembly 1102 when anvil 1250 and elongate channel 1130 are in their respective fully open positions. The orientation of the movable tissue stop assembly 1110 when the anvil 1250 and elongate channel 1130 or surgical cartridge 1102 are in their fully open positions may be referred to as their "fully deployed" or "fully expanded" orientation. When in its fully deployed position, the movable tissue stop 1250 serves to prevent tissue from advancing significantly proximally past the most proximal staple pockets 1116P. FIG. 49 illustrates the anvil 1102 and elongate channel 1130 in their respective fully closed positions clamping tissue therebetween. Prior to installation of the tissue stop assembly within the elongate channel 1102, the tissue stop assembly may be maintained in the folded orientation shown in FIG. 49 by a removable staple cover that is removably attached to the cartridge deck. Once the cartridge is installed in the elongate channel, the staple cover can be removed from the staple cartridge.

Fig. 51-53 illustrate another tissue stop device that includes a cooperating tissue stop on the anvil and the cartridge. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in fig. 51-53, a pair of upstanding cartridge tissue stops 1290 extend upwardly from the cartridge deck surface 1115. An upper end 1290 of the cartridge tissue stop 1292 extends into an aperture or cavity 1132 provided in the anvil body 1293 when the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 are in their fully closed positions. The upper end 1292 of the cartridge tissue stop 1290 is angled such that the upper end 1292 does not protrude beyond the outer surface of the anvil body 1132 when the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 are fully closed. See fig. 53. In addition, the anvil 1130 includes a downwardly extending distal tissue stop 1296 that does not extend below the cartridge deck surface 1102 when the anvil 1115 and elongate channel 1130 are in their fully closed positions, and a pair of proximal tissue stops 1298 that extend downwardly below the deck surface 1115 of the cartridge 1110 when the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 are in their fully closed positions. See fig. 53. In an alternative arrangement, an elastic band can be placed around the exterior of the jaws such that the distal edge of the band is at a desired location of the tissue stop. When the jaws are open, the tape can stretch, but act as a tissue stop. The band may be placed in a recess in the anvil and in an elongate channel surrounding the anvil/channel so that the end effector can be deployed through a standard trocar.

Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are actuated by an electric motor; the surgical instrument systems described herein may be actuated in any suitable manner. In various examples, for example, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be actuated by a manually operated trigger. In certain examples, the motors disclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a robotic control system. Further, any of the end effectors and/or tool assemblies disclosed herein may be used with a robotic surgical instrument system. U.S. patent application serial No. 13/118,241 (now U.S. patent application publication 2012/0298719), entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH robotic SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," discloses several examples of robotic SURGICAL instrument systems in more detail.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in connection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not so limited. For example, various embodiments are contemplated in which fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks, are deployed. Moreover, various embodiments are also contemplated that utilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For example, an end effector according to various embodiments may include an electrode configured to heat and seal tissue. In addition, for example, an end effector according to certain embodiments may apply vibrational energy to seal tissue.

Examples

Example 1-a surgical tool assembly for use with a control system that includes a closure actuator configured to move a first axial closure distance when actuated. The control system also includes a firing actuator. The surgical tool assembly includes a shaft assembly configured to releasably interface with a control system. The tool assembly also includes a surgical end effector comprising first and second jaws that operably interface with one another to move relative to one another between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The surgical end effector is operably coupled to the shaft assembly for selective articulation relative thereto. The firing member assembly operably interfaces with the firing actuator such that operation of the firing actuator advances the firing member assembly distally. An articulation member interfaces with the surgical end effector and is selectively engageable with the firing member assembly in an engaged configuration in which movement of the firing member assembly causes the articulation member to articulate the surgical end effector relative to the shaft assembly and a disengaged configuration in which the firing member assembly is movable without moving the articulation member. A closure assembly operably interfaces with at least one of the first and second jaws and is configured to move the at least one of the first and second jaws from a fully open position to a fully closed position. A clutch assembly operably interfaces with the closure actuator and the closure assembly such that when the closure actuator is axially advanced through a first axial closure distance, the clutch assembly moves the firing member assembly and the articulation member from the engaged position to the disengaged position, and the closure assembly is axially moved through a second axial closure distance that is less than the first axial closure distance, thereby causing the closure assembly to move at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw from a fully open position to a fully closed position.

Example 2-the surgical tool assembly of example 1, wherein the clutch assembly comprises a rotational lock assembly operably interfacing with the articulation member, the firing member assembly, and the closure assembly. The rotational lock assembly is rotatable between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration such that movement of the closure actuator through the first axial closure distance causes a portion of the closure assembly to rotate the rotational lock assembly from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration.

Example 3-the surgical tool assembly of example 2, wherein the portion of the closure assembly includes a proximal closure member configured to releasably interface with the closure actuator to move axially together through the first axial closure distance, and wherein the clutch assembly includes a closure stroke reduction assembly operably interfacing with the proximal closure member such that when the proximal closure member moves the first axial closure distance, the closure stroke reduction assembly axially moves the distal end portion of the closure assembly a second axial closure distance, thereby moving at least one of the first and second jaws from the fully open position to the fully closed position.

Example 4-the surgical tool assembly of example 3, wherein the clutch assembly further comprises a cam assembly operably interfacing with the proximal closure member and the rotational locking assembly such that the cam assembly rotates the rotational locking assembly from the engaged position to the disengaged position when the proximal closure member is moved distally through the first axial closure distance from a starting position corresponding to the fully open position to an ending position corresponding to the fully closed position, and the cam assembly rotates the rotational locking assembly to the engaged position when the proximal closure member is moved proximally from the ending position to the starting position.

Example 5-the surgical tool assembly of examples 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the control system comprises a handle and a closure trigger assembly operably supported on the handle and selectively movable between an unactuated position and a fully actuated position. The closure trigger operably interfaces with the closure actuator such that movement of the closure trigger to the fully actuated position causes the closure actuator to move the articulation member from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration.

Example 6-the surgical tool assembly of example 5, further comprising a motor operably interfacing with the firing actuator such that operation of the motor in a rotational direction causes the firing actuator to move the firing member assembly distally and when the motor is moved in a rotational direction, the firing actuator moves the firing member assembly proximally. A firing trigger assembly is operably supported on the handle and is configured to selectively rotate the motor in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction.

Example 7-the surgical tool assembly of examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are mounted relative to one another for selective pivotal travel about a fixed jaw axis.

Example 8-the surgical tool assembly of examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel configured to movably support a surgical staple cartridge therein, and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 9-the surgical tool assembly of examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8, wherein the firing member assembly comprises a proximal firing member. The distal firing member slidably interfaces with the proximal firing member. An end effector firing member is operably coupled to the distal firing member and is configured to sever tissue and fire staples from a surgical staple cartridge operably supported in the elongate channel when the firing member assembly is moved distally a predetermined firing distance.

Example 10-a surgical instrument comprising a control unit comprising a firing drive system configured to generate firing and retraction motions and a closure drive system configured to move a closure actuator a first axial closure distance upon actuation of the closure actuator. The surgical instrument also includes an interchangeable surgical tool assembly including a shaft assembly operably interfacing with the control unit. The surgical instrument further includes a surgical end effector comprising first and second jaws operably connected to one another for movement relative to one another between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The surgical end effector is operably coupled to the shaft assembly for selective articulation relative thereto. The firing member assembly operably interfaces with a firing drive system, wherein operation of the firing system advances the firing member assembly distally. An articulation member interfaces with the surgical end effector and is selectively engageable with the firing member assembly in an engaged configuration in which movement of the firing member assembly causes the articulation member to articulate the surgical end effector relative to the shaft assembly and a disengaged configuration in which the firing member assembly is movable without moving the articulation member. The surgical instrument further includes a closure assembly including a proximal closure assembly operably interfacing with the closure actuator. The distal closure portion operably interfaces with the proximal closure assembly such that when the proximal closure assembly is axially advanced through the axial closure distance, the distal closure portion is axially advanced a second axial closure distance that is less than the first axial closure distance and moves at least one of the first and second jaws from a fully open position to a fully closed position. A clutch assembly operably interfaces with the firing member assembly, the articulation member, and the proximal closure assembly such that the clutch assembly moves the firing member assembly and the articulation member from the engaged position to the disengaged position when the proximal closure assembly is axially advanced a first axial closure distance.

Example 11-the surgical instrument of example 10, wherein movement of the proximal closure assembly a first axial closure distance causes the clutch assembly to rotatably move the articulation member and the firing member to a disengaged configuration.

Example 12-the surgical instrument of examples 10 or 11, wherein the clutch assembly comprises a rotational lock assembly operably interfacing with the articulation member and the firing member assembly and rotatable between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. The clutch assembly also includes a cam assembly operably interfacing with the proximal closure assembly and the rotation locking assembly such that the cam assembly rotates the rotation locking assembly from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration as the proximal closure assembly moves distally through the first axial closure distance from a starting position corresponding to the fully open position to an ending position corresponding to the fully closed position, and rotates the rotation locking assembly to the engaged configuration as the proximal closure assembly moves proximally from the ending position to the starting position.

Example 13-the surgical instrument of examples 10, 11, or 12, wherein the control unit comprises a handle and a closure trigger assembly operably supported on the handle and selectively movable between an unactuated position and a fully actuated position. The closure trigger assembly also operably interfaces with the closure actuator such that movement of the closure trigger to the fully actuated position causes the closure actuator to move the articulation member from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration.

Example 14-the surgical instrument of example 13, wherein the firing drive system comprises a motor and a firing actuator assembly operably interfacing with the motor such that operation of the motor in a first rotational direction causes the firing actuator assembly to move the firing member toward the end effector and, when the motor is moved in a second rotational direction, the firing end effector moves the firing member away from the end effector. The firing drive system also includes a firing trigger assembly that is operably supported on the handle and is selectively movable between a first position in which the motor is unactuated and a fully actuated position in which the motor is operated in a first rotational direction.

Example 15-the surgical instrument of examples 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are mounted relative to one another for selective pivotal travel about a fixed jaw axis.

Example 16-the surgical instrument of examples 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel configured to movably support a surgical staple cartridge therein, and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 17-the surgical instrument of example 16, wherein the surgical end effector comprises an end effector firing member operably coupled to the end effector firing member. The end effector firing member is configured to sever tissue and fire staples from a surgical staple cartridge operably supported in the elongate channel as the firing member is moved toward the surgical end effector.

Example 18-a surgical tool assembly comprising a shaft assembly and a surgical end effector comprising first and second jaws that operably interface with one another to move relative to one another between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The surgical end effector is operably coupled to the shaft assembly for selective articulation relative thereto. The firing member assembly is configured to move distally in response to a firing motion applied thereto. An articulation system interfaces with the end effector and is selectively engageable with the firing member assembly in an engaged configuration in which actuation of the firing member assembly causes the articulation system to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft assembly and a disengaged configuration in which the firing member assembly is actuatable without actuating the articulation system. The closure system is configured to receive an axial closure input comprising a first axial closure stroke distance and thereby generate a second axial closure output comprising a second axial closure stroke distance that is less than the first axial closure stroke distance and configured to apply the second axial closure output to at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw to move the at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw from a fully open position to a fully closed position. The surgical tool assembly also includes a clutch arrangement for automatically moving the articulation system and firing member assembly from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration upon application of an axial closure input to the closure system.

Example 19-the surgical instrument of example 18, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel configured to movably support a surgical staple cartridge therein, and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 20-the surgical tool assembly of example 19, wherein the surgical end effector comprises an end effector firing member operably coupled to the firing member assembly and configured to sever tissue and fire staples from a surgical staple cartridge operably supported in the elongate channel when the end effector firing member is moved distally.

Example 21-a surgical tool assembly comprising a surgical end effector comprising first and second jaws that operably interface with one another to move relative to one another between a fully open position and a fully closed position upon application of closing and opening motions thereto. The proximal closure member is configured to move through a first closure stroke distance upon application of a closure input motion thereto. The distal closure member operably interfaces with the surgical end effector. The surgical tool assembly further includes a closure stroke reduction assembly including a closure reduction link operably interfacing with the proximal and distal closure members such that when the proximal closure member is moved through a first closure stroke distance, the closure reduction link axially moves the distal closure member through a second closure stroke distance that is less than the first closure stroke distance, thereby moving at least one of the first and second jaws from a fully open position to a fully closed position.

Example 22-the surgical tool assembly of example 21, wherein the surgical end effector is coupled to a shaft assembly comprising a shaft mounting portion configured to operably engage a source of closure input motions. The spine assembly is operably coupled to the surgical end effector and the shaft mounting portion. The spine assembly movably supports the proximal and distal closure members thereon.

Example 23-the surgical tool assembly of example 22, wherein the closure reducing link is operably coupled to a portion of the spine assembly and a mounting member movably supported for axial travel relative to the proximal closure member. The closure reduction link is also in communication with the proximal closure member such that movement of the proximal closure member throughout the first closure stroke distance moves the closure reduction link from the collapsed configuration to the extended configuration. The mounting member is coupled to an intermediate closure member that is operably coupled to the distal closure member.

Example 24-the surgical tool assembly of example 23, wherein the proximal closure member comprises a proximal closure tube axially supported on a portion of the spine assembly for selective axial travel thereon through the first closure stroke distance. The closure reducing link includes a proximal closure link movably coupled to the portion of the spine assembly. The distal closure link is movably coupled to the mounting member and pivotally coupled to the proximal closure link by an actuator member that operably interfaces with the proximal closure tube.

Example 25-the surgical tool assembly of example 24, wherein the actuator member comprises an actuator pin movably received within an actuator cam slot in the proximal closure tube.

Example 26-the surgical tool assembly of examples 22, 23, 24, or 25, wherein the surgical end effector is coupled to the shaft assembly by an articulation joint.

Example 27-the surgical tool assembly of example 26, wherein the shaft assembly comprises an articulation system configured to apply articulation motions to the surgical end effector and a firing member assembly configured to axially advance a firing member through the surgical end effector.

Example 28-the surgical tool assembly of example 27, wherein the articulation system is selectively engageable with the firing member assembly in an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration, wherein in the engaged configuration, movement of the firing member assembly articulates the articulation system relative to the shaft assembly, wherein in the disengaged configuration, the firing member assembly can move without moving the articulation system, and wherein movement of the proximal closure member throughout the first closure stroke distance moves the articulation system and the firing member assembly to the disengaged configuration.

Example 29-the surgical tool assembly of examples 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, or 28, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are mounted relative to one another for selective pivotal travel about a fixed jaw axis.

Example 30-the surgical tool assembly of examples 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel configured to movably support a surgical staple cartridge therein, and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 31-the surgical tool assembly of example 30, wherein the firing member assembly comprises a proximal firing member and a distal firing member slidably interfacing with the proximal firing member. An end effector firing member is operably coupled to the distal firing member and is configured to sever tissue and fire staples from a surgical staple cartridge operably supported in the elongate channel when the firing member assembly is moved distally a predetermined firing distance.

Example 32-a surgical tool assembly comprising a surgical end effector comprising first and second jaws that operably interface with one another to move relative to one another between a fully open position and a fully closed position upon application of closing and opening motions thereto. The surgical tool assembly also includes a shaft assembly coupled to the surgical end effector. The shaft assembly includes a proximal closure member that is configured to move through a first closure stroke distance upon application of a closure input motion thereto. A distal closure member operably interfaces with the surgical end effector, and a closure stroke reduction assembly is movably coupled to the proximal closure member and an intermediate closure member coupled to the distal closure member such that when the proximal closure member is moved through a first closure stroke distance, the closure stroke reduction assembly axially moves the intermediate closure member and the distal closure member a second closure stroke distance that is less than the first closure stroke distance such that the distal closure member moves at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw from a fully open position to a fully closed position.

Example 33-the surgical tool assembly of example 32, wherein the shaft assembly comprises a shaft mounting portion configured to operably engage a source of closure input motion. The spine assembly is operably coupled to the surgical end effector and the shaft mounting portion. The spine assembly movably supports a proximal closure member, an intermediate closure member, and a distal closure member thereon.

Example 34-the surgical tool assembly of examples 32 or 33, wherein the surgical end effector is coupled to the shaft assembly by an articulation joint.

Example 35-the surgical tool assembly of example 34, wherein the shaft assembly comprises an articulation system configured to apply articulation motions to the surgical end effector and a firing member assembly configured to axially advance a firing member through the surgical end effector.

Example 36-the surgical tool assembly of example 35, wherein the articulation system is selectively engageable with the firing member assembly in an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration, wherein in the engaged configuration, movement of the firing member assembly causes the articulation system to articulate the surgical end effector relative to the shaft assembly, wherein in the disengaged configuration, the firing member assembly is movable without moving the articulation system, and wherein movement of the proximal closure member through the first axial closure stroke distance moves the articulation system and the firing member assembly to the disengaged configuration.

Example 37-the surgical tool assembly of examples 32, 33, 34, 35, or 36, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel configured to movably support a surgical staple cartridge therein, and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 38-the surgical tool assembly of example 37, wherein the firing member assembly comprises a proximal firing member, a distal firing member slidably interfacing with the proximal firing member, and an end effector firing member operably coupled to the distal firing member and configured to sever tissue and eject staples from a surgical staple cartridge operably supported in the elongate channel when the firing member assembly is moved distally a predetermined firing distance.

Example 39-a surgical tool assembly comprising a surgical end effector comprising first and second jaws that operably interface with one another to move relative to one another about a fixed jaw axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position upon application of closing and opening motions thereto. The shaft assembly is coupled to the surgical end effector. The shaft assembly includes a proximal closure member that is configured to move through a first axial closure stroke distance upon application of a closure input motion thereto. The distal closure member operably interfaces with the surgical end effector. The surgical tool assembly further includes a closure stroke reduction device movably interfacing with the proximal closure member such that when the proximal closure member is moved through a first axial closure stroke distance, the closure stroke reduction device moves from an unactuated configuration to an actuated configuration, thereby axially moving the distal closure member a second axial closure stroke distance that is less than the first axial closure stroke distance such that the distal closure member moves at least one of the first and second jaws from a fully open position to a fully closed position.

Example 40-a surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector comprising first and second jaws that operably interface with one another to move relative to one another about a fixed jaw axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The shaft assembly is operably engaged with the surgical end effector and includes a closure member configured to move the first jaw and the second jaw from a fully open position to a fully closed position when the closure member is moved in a first direction. The surgical instrument also includes at least one jaw opening cam supported for movement relative to the closure member and the first and second jaws. Each of the at least one jaw opening cam is configured to apply an opening motion to the first jaw and the second jaw when the closure member is moved in the second direction.

Example 41-the surgical instrument of example 40, wherein each of the at least one jaw opening cam is movably coupled to a closure member.

Example 42-the surgical instrument of examples 40 or 41, wherein each of the at least one jaw opening cam is movably coupled to a closure member by an extension spring.

Example 43-the surgical instrument of examples 40, 41, or 42, wherein the first jaw comprises a first arcuate convex surface corresponding to each of the at least one jaw opening cam, and wherein the second jaw comprises a second arcuate convex surface corresponding to each of the first arcuate convex surfaces and curving in a direction away from the first arcuate convex surfaces.

Example 44-the surgical instrument of example 43, wherein each of the at least one jaw opening cam has a wedge shape configured to simultaneously engage corresponding first and second arcuate projection surfaces.

Example 45-the surgical instrument of examples 40, 41, 42, 43, or 44, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel configured to movably support a surgical staple cartridge therein, and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 46-the surgical instrument of examples 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, or 45, wherein the surgical end effector is coupled to the shaft assembly by an articulation joint for selective articulation about an articulation axis that is transverse to a shaft axis defined by the shaft assembly.

Example 47-the surgical instrument of examples 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, or 46, wherein the first jaw comprises a first closure convex surface, and wherein the second jaw comprises a second closure convex surface. Each of the first and second closure cam surfaces is positioned to apply a closing motion to the first and second jaws when the closure member is moved in a first direction into camming contact with the closure member.

Example 48-the surgical instrument of example 45, wherein the shaft assembly further comprises a firing member assembly configured to move axially in a first direction upon application of a firing motion thereto. An end effector firing member is operably coupled to the firing member assembly and is configured to sever tissue and fire staples from a surgical staple cartridge operably supported in the elongate channel when the firing member assembly is moved a predetermined firing distance in a first direction.

Example 49-a surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector comprising first and second jaws that operably interface with one another to move relative to one another about a fixed jaw axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The shaft assembly is operably engaged with the surgical end effector and includes a closure member configured to move the first jaw and the second jaw from a fully open position to a fully closed position when the closure member is moved in a first direction. The surgical instrument further includes a first wedge cam movably coupled to the closure member by a first extendable coupler for movement relative thereto. And a second wedge cam movably coupled to the closure member by a second extendable coupler to move relative to the closure member. The first and second wedge cams are configured to apply an opening motion to the first and second jaws when the closure member is moved in the second direction.

Example 50-the surgical stapling instrument of example 49, wherein a first wedge cam is oriented between a first arcuate raised surface on the first jaw and a second arcuate surface on the second jaw, and wherein a second wedge cam is oriented between another first arcuate raised surface on the first jaw and another second arcuate raised surface on the second jaw.

Example 51-the surgical instrument of examples 49 or 50, wherein the first extendable connector comprises a first extension spring, and wherein the second extendable connector comprises a second extension spring.

Example 52-the surgical instrument of examples 49, 50, or 51, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel configured to movably support a surgical staple cartridge therein, and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 53-the surgical instrument of examples 49, 50, 51, or 52, wherein the surgical end effector is coupled to the shaft assembly by an articulation joint for selective articulation about an articulation axis that is transverse to a shaft axis defined by the shaft assembly.

Example 54-the surgical instrument of example 52, wherein the shaft assembly further comprises a firing member assembly configured to move axially in a first direction upon application of a firing motion thereto, and an end effector firing member operably coupled to the firing member assembly and configured to sever tissue and fire staples from a surgical staple cartridge operably supported in the elongate channel when the firing member assembly is moved a predetermined firing distance in the first direction.

Example 55-the surgical instrument of examples 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, or 54, wherein the first jaw comprises a first closure convex surface, and wherein the second jaw comprises a second closure convex surface. Each of the first and second closure cam surfaces is positioned to apply a closing motion to the first and second jaws when the closure member is moved in a first direction into camming contact with the closure member.

Example 56-a surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector comprising first and second jaws that operably interface with one another to move relative to one another about a fixed jaw axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The shaft assembly is operably engaged with the surgical end effector and includes a closure member configured to move the first jaw and the second jaw from a fully open position to a fully closed position when the closure member is moved in a first direction. The surgical instrument further includes at least one jaw opening cam supported between corresponding portions of the first and second jaws and means for movably coupling each jaw opening cam to the closure member such that each of the jaw opening cams is distal of the closure member. The means for movably coupling also applies tension to the jaw opening cam as the closure member is moved in the second direction.

Example 57-the surgical instrument of example 56, wherein the first jaw comprises a first closure convex surface, and wherein the second jaw comprises a second closure convex surface. Each of the first and second closure cam surfaces is positioned to apply a closing motion to the first and second jaws when the closure member is moved in a first direction into camming contact with the closure member.

Example 58-the surgical instrument of examples 56 or 57, wherein the closure member is axially movable between an unactuated position corresponding to a fully open position and a fully actuated position corresponding to a fully closed position, and wherein each of the jaw opening cams is distal of the closure member when the closure member is in the unactuated position.

Example 59-the surgical instrument of examples 56, 57, or 58, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel configured to movably support a surgical staple cartridge therein, and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 60-a surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw and a second jaw pivotably coupled to the first jaw for selective pivotal travel about a pivot axis constrained to move only along a vertical axis and selectively movable relative to the first jaw between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The surgical instrument further includes a closure member configured to move the first jaw and the second jaw from a fully open position to a fully closed position when the closure member is moved in a first direction.

Example 61-the surgical instrument of example 60, wherein the closure member is configured to move the pivot axis from a first vertical position along a vertical axis corresponding to the fully open position to a second vertical position corresponding to the fully closed position when the closure member is moved in the first direction.

Example 62-the surgical instrument of examples 60 or 61, wherein the closure member is configured to pivot the second jaw about the pivot axis to the fully closed position when the closure member is moved in the first direction.

Example 63-the surgical instrument of examples 60, 61, or 62, wherein the second jaw comprises a pair of pivot pins defining a pivot axis and each movably received within a corresponding vertical slot formed in the first jaw, and wherein each pivot pin is operably engaged with the closure member.

Example 64-the surgical instrument of example 63, wherein each pivot pin is also received in a corresponding closure slot in the closure member.

Example 65-the surgical instrument of example 64, wherein each closed slot comprises a proximal slot portion extending along a first horizontal axis and a distal slot portion extending along a second horizontal axis offset from the first horizontal axis.

Example 66-the surgical instrument of example 65, wherein the pivot pin is located in a first vertical position within the corresponding vertical slot in the first jaw and a distal slot portion of the corresponding closure slot in the closure member when the second jaw is in the fully open position, and wherein the pivot pin is located in a second vertical position within the corresponding vertical slot in the first jaw and a proximal slot portion in the closure member when the second jaw is in the fully closed position.

Example 67-the surgical instrument of examples 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, or 66, wherein the first jaw comprises a first closure convex surface, and wherein the second jaw comprises a second closure convex surface. Each of the first and second closure cam surfaces is positioned to apply a closing motion to the first and second jaws when the closure member is moved in a first direction into camming contact with the closure member.

Example 68-the surgical instrument of examples 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, or 67, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel configured to movably support a surgical staple cartridge therein, and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 69-the surgical instrument of examples 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, or 68, wherein the articulation system comprises a portion of a shaft assembly that is operably coupled to the surgical end effector.

Example 70-the surgical instrument of examples 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, or 69, wherein the surgical end effector is coupled to the shaft assembly by an articulation joint for selective articulation about an articulation axis that is transverse to a shaft axis defined by the shaft assembly.

Example 71-the surgical instrument of example 68, wherein the shaft assembly further comprises a firing member assembly configured to move axially in a first direction upon application of a firing motion thereto, and an end effector firing member operably coupled to the firing member assembly and configured to sever tissue and fire staples from a surgical staple cartridge operably supported in the elongate channel when the firing member assembly is moved a predetermined firing distance in the first direction.

Example 72-a surgical instrument comprising an elongate channel configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. The surgical instrument also includes an anvil including a pair of anvil pins that are received within corresponding channel slots formed in the elongate channel. Each channel slot extends along a channel axis. The closure member is configured to move in a first direction and a second direction relative to the elongate channel and the anvil. Each anvil pin extends into a corresponding one of the closure members transverse to the channel slot such that when the closure members are moved in a first direction, the anvil pins move along the channel axis and the anvil simultaneously pivots toward the elongate channel.

Example 73-the surgical instrument of example 72, wherein each closure slot comprises a proximal closure slot portion extending along a first closure axis that is transverse to the corresponding channel axis and a distal closure slot portion extending along a second closure axis that is transverse to the channel axis and offset from the first closure axis.

Example 74-the surgical instrument of examples 72 or 73, wherein the pair of anvil pins define a pivot axis that is selectively movable along the channel axis.

Example 75-the surgical instrument of examples 73 or 74, wherein each channel axis is vertically oriented and each closure axis is horizontally oriented and parallel to each other.

Example 76-the surgical instrument of examples 72, 73, 74, or 75, wherein the articulation system comprises a portion of a shaft assembly operably coupled to the elongate channel.

Example 77-the surgical instrument of example 76, wherein the elongate channel is coupled to the shaft assembly by an articulation joint for selective articulation about an articulation axis that is transverse to a shaft axis defined by the shaft assembly.

Example 78-the surgical instrument of examples 76 or 77, wherein the shaft assembly further comprises a firing member assembly configured to move axially in a first direction upon application of a firing motion thereto, and an end effector firing member operably coupled to the firing member assembly and configured to sever tissue and fire staples from a surgical staple cartridge operably supported in the elongate channel when the firing member assembly is moved a predetermined firing distance in the first direction.

Example 79-a surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw and a second jaw pivotably coupled to the first jaw for selective pivotal travel about a pivot axis constrained to move only along a vertical axis and selectively movable relative to the first jaw between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure device for simultaneously vertically moving the pivot axis along the vertical axis when pivoting the second jaw about the pivot axis.

Example 80-a surgical instrument comprising a shaft assembly defining a shaft axis. The surgical end effector is operably engaged with the shaft assembly and includes first and second jaws that operably interface with one another to move relative to one another about a fixed jaw axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The firing member is configured to move relative to the surgical end effector between a starting position and an ending position. The firing member includes a vertically extending firing body that includes two sides. A first jaw engagement member extends laterally from each side of the firing body. Each first jaw engagement member is oriented along a first jaw engagement axis that intersects the shaft axis and is arranged to slidably engage the first jaw as the firing member is moved between the starting and ending positions. A second jaw engagement member extends laterally from each side of the firing body and is vertically spaced from the first jaw engagement member. Each second jaw engagement is oriented along a second jaw engagement axis that intersects the shaft axis and the first jaw engagement axis. Each second jaw engagement member is arranged to slidably engage a second jaw as the firing member moves between the starting and ending positions.

Example 81-the surgical instrument of example 80, wherein each first jaw engagement member comprises a first proximal end and a first distal end, and wherein the first proximal end comprises a first proximal thickness, and wherein the first distal end comprises a first distal thickness different than the first proximal thickness.

Example 82-the surgical instrument of example 81, wherein the first proximal thickness is less than the first distal thickness.

Example 83-the surgical instrument of example 81, wherein each second jaw engagement member comprises a second proximal end and a second distal end, and wherein the second proximal end has a second proximal thickness, and wherein the second distal end has a second distal thickness that is different than the second proximal thickness.

Example 84-the surgical instrument of example 83, wherein the second proximal thickness is less than the second distal thickness.

Example 85-the surgical instrument of examples 83 or 84, wherein the proximal end of each first jaw engagement member is oriented a proximal vertical distance from the proximal end of a corresponding one of the second jaw engagement members, and wherein the distal end of each first jaw engagement member is oriented a distal vertical distance from the distal end of a corresponding one of the second jaw engagement members, wherein the proximal vertical distance is different than the distal vertical distance.

Example 86-the surgical instrument of example 85, wherein the proximal vertical distance is less than the distal vertical distance.

Example 87-the surgical instrument of examples 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, or 86, wherein the firing member further comprises a central first jaw engagement member extending from each side of the firing body.

Example 88-the surgical instrument of examples 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, or 87, wherein the firing member further comprises a tissue cutting surface.

Example 89-a surgical instrument comprising a shaft assembly defining a shaft axis. The surgical end effector is operably engaged with the shaft assembly and includes an elongate channel configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge and an anvil therein, wherein the anvil and the elongate channel are configured to be movably advanceable relative to one another about a fixed jaw axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The firing member is configured to move relative to the surgical end effector between a starting position and an ending position. The firing member includes a vertically extending firing body that includes two sides. A channel engagement member extends laterally from each side of the firing body. Each channel engagement member includes a first proximal end and a first distal end and is arranged to slidably engage the elongate channel as the firing member moves between the starting and ending positions. An anvil engagement member extends laterally from each side of the firing body and is vertically spaced apart from a corresponding one of the channel engagement members. Each anvil engagement member includes a second proximal end spaced a proximal vertical distance from the first proximal end of a corresponding one of the channel engagement members. Each anvil engagement member also includes a second distal end spaced apart from the first distal end of the corresponding channel engagement member by a distal vertical distance that is different than the proximal vertical distance. Each anvil jaw engagement member is arranged to slidably engage an anvil jaw as the firing member moves between the starting and ending positions.

Example 90-the surgical instrument of example 89, wherein the proximal vertical distance is less than the distal vertical distance.

Example 91-the surgical instrument of examples 89 or 90, wherein the first proximal end has a first proximal thickness, and wherein the first distal end has a first distal thickness that is different than the first proximal thickness.

Example 92-the surgical instrument of example 91, wherein the first proximal thickness is less than the first distal thickness.

Example 93-the surgical instrument of examples 89, 90, 91, or 92, wherein the second proximal end has a second proximal thickness, and wherein the second distal end has a second distal thickness that is different than the second proximal thickness.

Example 94-the surgical instrument of example 93, wherein the second proximal thickness is less than the second distal thickness.

Example 95-the surgical instrument of examples 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, or 94, wherein the firing member further comprises a central channel engagement member extending from each side of the firing body.

Example 96-the surgical instrument of examples 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, or 95, wherein the firing member further comprises a tissue cutting surface.

Example 97-a surgical instrument comprising a shaft assembly defining a shaft axis. The surgical end effector is operably engaged with the shaft assembly and includes first and second jaws that operably interface with one another to move relative to one another about a fixed jaw axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The firing member is configured to move relative to the surgical end effector between a starting position and an ending position. The firing member includes a vertically extending firing body that includes two sides. A first jaw engagement member extends laterally from each side of the firing body. Each first jaw engagement member is oriented along a first jaw engagement axis that is non-parallel to the shaft axis and is arranged to slidably engage the first jaw as the firing member is moved between the starting and ending positions. A second jaw engagement member extends laterally from each side of the firing body and is vertically spaced from the first jaw engagement member. Each second jaw engagement member is oriented along a second jaw engagement axis that is non-parallel to the shaft axis and the first jaw engagement axis.

Example 98-the surgical instrument of example 97, wherein the firing member further comprises a central first jaw engagement member extending from each side of the firing body.

Example 99-the surgical instrument of examples 97 or 98, wherein the firing member further comprises a tissue cutting surface.

Example 100-a surgical instrument comprising a first jaw configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. The second jaw is supported relative to the first jaw such that the first and second jaws are selectively movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position. The firing member is supported for axial movement between a starting position and an ending position within the second jaw upon application of firing and retraction motions thereto. A lockout member is supported within the surgical end effector and is movable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, wherein the lockout member prevents distal advancement of the firing member from the starting position. The locking member operably interfaces with the end effector so as to be biased to an unlocked position when the first and second jaws are in the open position. The locking member is configured to move to a locked position when the first and second jaws are moved to the closed position unless a surgical staple cartridge including a cam assembly in an unfired position is supported within the first jaw, thereby maintaining the locking member in an unlocked configuration.

Example 101-the surgical instrument of example 100, wherein the surgical staple cartridge comprises an elongate slot configured to slidably receive the firing member therein as the firing member moves between the starting and ending positions, and wherein the locking member is configured to axially align the firing member with the elongate slot.

Example 102-the surgical instrument of examples 100 or 101, wherein the firing member comprises two sides, and wherein the locking member is configured to remain engaged with each side of the firing member when the locking member is in the locked configuration.

Example 103-the surgical instrument of example 102, wherein the locking member comprises a spring arm corresponding to each side of the firing member, and a locking notch in each spring arm configured to releasably engage a corresponding locking lug on each side of the firing member.

Example 104-the surgical instrument of example 103, wherein each spring arm comprises a lockout tab configured to engage a corresponding portion of the cam assembly supported in an unfired position within the surgical staple cartridge mounted within the first jaw.

Example 105-the surgical end effector of examples 100, 101, 102, 103, or 104 further comprising a tissue cutting surface on the firing member.

Example 106-the surgical instrument of examples 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, or 105, wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 107-the surgical instrument of example 106, wherein the anvil comprises: an anvil body; an axial slot in the anvil body that allows a portion of the firing member to pass axially therethrough; and an axial channel within the anvil body on each side of the axial slot.

Example 108-the surgical instrument of example 107, wherein the firing member comprises a foot configured to slidably pass within a corresponding channel within the first jaw and an anvil engagement feature extending laterally from a top of the firing member body and configured to pass through a corresponding one of the axial channels within the anvil body, and wherein the first and second engagement features are located between the foot and the anvil engagement feature.

Example 109-a surgical instrument comprising a shaft assembly defining a shaft axis. The elongate channel is coupled to the shaft assembly and is configured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. The anvil is supported relative to the elongate channel such that the anvil and the elongate channel are selectively movable relative to one another between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The firing member is supported for axial movement between a starting position and an ending position within the elongate channel upon application of firing and retraction motions thereto. The lockout member is movable between an unlocked configuration corresponding to a fully open position of the anvil and elongate channel and a locked configuration wherein the lockout member prevents distal advancement of the firing member from the starting position. The locking member is biased to an unlocked position when the anvil and the elongate channel are in the fully open position and is configured to be moved to a locked position by one of the anvil and the elongate channel when the anvil and the elongate channel are moved to the fully closed position unless a surgical staple cartridge including a cam assembly in an unfired position is supported within the elongate channel to thereby maintain the locking member in an unlocked configuration.

Example 110-the surgical instrument of example 109, wherein the lockout member is configured to axially align the firing member along the shaft axis when the anvil and elongate channel are in the fully open position.

Example 111-the surgical instrument of example 110, wherein the locking member comprises a firing member alignment tab corresponding to each lateral side of the firing member.

Example 112-the surgical instrument of examples 109, 110, or 111, wherein the locking member further comprises at least one anvil spring supported in biasing contact with the anvil to bias the locking member toward the locked configuration as the anvil is moved from the fully open position to the fully closed position.

Example 113-the surgical instrument of examples 109, 110, 111, or 112, wherein the firing member comprises two sides, and wherein the locking member is configured to remain engaged with each side of the firing member when the locking member is in the locked configuration.

Example 114-the surgical instrument of example 113, wherein the locking member comprises a spring arm corresponding to each side of the firing member, and a locking notch in each spring arm configured to releasably engage a corresponding locking lug on each side of the firing member.

Example 115-the surgical instrument of example 114, wherein each spring arm comprises a lockout tab configured to engage a corresponding portion of the cam assembly supported in an unfired position within a surgical staple cartridge mounted within the elongate channel.

Example 116-the surgical end effector of examples 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, or 115 further comprising a tissue cutting surface on the firing member.

Example 117-the surgical instrument of examples 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, or 116, wherein the anvil comprises: an anvil body; an axial slot in the anvil body that allows a portion of the firing member to pass axially therethrough; and an axial channel within the anvil body on each side of the axial slot.

Example 118-the surgical instrument of example 117, wherein the firing member comprises a foot configured to slidably pass within a corresponding channel within the elongate channel and an anvil engagement feature extending laterally from a top of the firing member body and configured to pass through a corresponding one of the axial channels within the anvil body, and wherein the first and second engagement features are located between the foot and the anvil engagement feature.

Example 119-a surgical instrument comprising a shaft assembly defining a shaft axis. The elongate channel is coupled to the shaft assembly and is configured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. The anvil is supported relative to the elongate channel such that the anvil and the elongate channel are selectively movable relative to one another between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The firing member is supported for axial movement between a starting position and an ending position within the elongate channel upon application of firing and retraction motions thereto. The surgical instrument further comprises means for preventing distal advancement of the firing member from the starting position unless a surgical staple cartridge comprising a cam assembly in an unfired position is supported within the elongate channel. The means for preventing is movable between an unlocked configuration corresponding to a fully open position of the anvil and elongate channel and a locked configuration wherein the locking member prevents distal advancement of the firing member from the starting position when the anvil and elongate channel are moved from the fully open position to the fully closed position.

Example 120-a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw comprising a first proximal jaw end and a first jaw surface and a second jaw comprising a second proximal jaw end and a second jaw surface. The first and second proximal jaw ends are movably supported relative to one another such that the first and second jaw surfaces are movable between a fully open position relative to one another and a fully closed position relative to one another, wherein tissue can be clamped between the first and second jaw surfaces. At least one expandable tissue stop is located on one of the first and second jaws and is configured to extend between the first and second jaw surfaces as the first and second jaws move between the fully open and fully closed positions.

Example 121-the surgical end effector of example 120, wherein each expandable tissue stop comprises a lower tissue stop portion, an upper tissue stop portion supported for moving travel relative to the lower tissue stop portion, and a biasing member for biasing the upper and lower tissue stop portions between a fully compressed orientation corresponding to a fully closed position and a fully extended orientation corresponding to a fully open position.

Example 122-the surgical end effector of example 120 or 121, wherein the first surgical end effector comprises an elongate channel and a surgical staple cartridge operably supported in the elongate channel and defining a first jaw surface.

Example 123-the surgical end effector of example 122, wherein each expandable tissue stop is operably supported on a surgical staple cartridge.

Example 124-the surgical end effector of examples 120, 121, 122, or 123, wherein the at least one expandable tissue stop comprises two expandable tissue stops operably supported adjacent to the first proximal jaw end.

Example 125-the surgical end effector of examples 120, 121, 122, 123, or 124, further comprising a fixed tissue stop on the jaws corresponding to each expandable tissue stop.

Example 126-the surgical end effector of example 125, wherein each fixed tissue stop is proximal to a corresponding expandable tissue stop.

Example 127-the surgical end effector of example 122, wherein the surgical staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body configured to be detachably supported in the elongate channel and to define a first jaw surface. An elongated slot extends through the cartridge body and a portion of the first jaw surface. At least one row of discrete staple pockets is located on each side of the elongated slot. Each discrete staple pocket operably supports at least one surgical staple therein, and wherein at least a portion of at least one expandable tissue stop is located distal to a proximal-most discrete staple pocket in each row of discrete staple pockets.

Example 128-the surgical end effector of example 121, wherein the lower tissue stop portion is pivotally coupled to the first jaw and comprises a pair of interconnected cam walls defining a space therebetween, and wherein a corresponding one of the upper tissue stop portions is movably supported within the space.

Example 129-the surgical end effector of example 128, wherein each of the lower and upper tissue stop portions is pivotally supported on the first jaw for pivotal travel about a tissue stop axis.

Example 130-the surgical end effector of example 129, wherein the first surgical end effector comprises an elongate channel and a surgical staple cartridge operably supported in the elongate channel and defining a first jaw surface.

Example 131-the surgical end effector of example 130, wherein the surgical staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body configured to be detachably supported in the elongate channel and define a first jaw surface. An elongated slot extends through the cartridge body and a portion of the first jaw surface. At least one row of discrete staple pockets is located on each side of the elongated slot. Each discrete staple pocket operably supports at least one surgical staple therein, and wherein at least one expandable tissue stop is located distal to a proximal-most discrete staple pocket in each row of discrete staple pockets, and wherein the tissue stop axis is transverse to the elongate slot.

Example 132-a surgical end effector comprising a surgical staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body defining a cartridge deck surface and a pattern of staple pockets therein. The surgical end effector further comprises an anvil including a staple-forming undersurface. The anvil and the cartridge body are supported relative to one another such that one of the anvil and the cartridge body is selectively movable relative to the other of the anvil and the cartridge body between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The surgical end effector further comprises means for preventing tissue from extending proximally beyond the proximal portion of the staple pocket pattern when the tissue is received between the cartridge deck surface and the staple forming undersurface. The means for preventing is expandable between a fully collapsed orientation corresponding to a fully closed position and a fully deployed orientation corresponding to a fully open position.

Example 133-the surgical end effector of example 132, wherein the cartridge body further comprises an elongated slot extending through a portion of the cartridge body and the cartridge deck surface, and wherein the pattern of staple pockets comprises at least one row of discrete staple pockets located on each side of the elongated slot. Each discrete staple pocket operably supports at least one surgical staple therein, and wherein at least one expandable tissue stop is located distal to a proximal-most discrete staple pocket in each row of discrete staple pockets.

Example 134-the surgical end effector of examples 132 or 133, wherein the means for preventing is movably supported on the cartridge body.

Example 136-the surgical end effector of examples 132, 133, 134, or 135, wherein the means for preventing is pivotably coupled to the proximal end of the cartridge body.

Example 137-the surgical end effector of examples 32, 133, 134, 135, or 136, wherein the means for preventing movement between the fully collapsed orientation and the fully extended orientation when the anvil and the cartridge body are moved between the fully closed position and the fully open position.

Example 138-a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw proximal end and a first jaw surface. The surgical end effector further comprises a second jaw comprising a second proximal jaw end and a second jaw surface. The first and second proximal jaw ends are movably supported relative to one another such that the first and second jaw surfaces are movable between a fully open position relative to one another and a fully closed position relative to one another, wherein tissue can be clamped between the first and second jaw surfaces. At least one first fixed-jaw tissue stop extends upwardly above the first jaw surface adjacent the first jaw proximal end. A second fixed-jaw tissue stop corresponds to each first fixed-jaw tissue stop and extends downwardly beyond the second jaw surface and is positioned relative to the corresponding first fixed-jaw tissue stop such that at least a portion of the second fixed-jaw tissue stop overlaps another portion of the corresponding first fixed-jaw tissue stop when the first and second jaws are in the fully open position, and a portion of the second fixed-jaw tissue stop extends below the second jaw surface and another portion of the corresponding first fixed-jaw tissue stop extends above the first jaw surface when the first and second jaws are in the fully closed position.

Example 139-the surgical end effector of example 138, wherein when the first and second jaws are in the fully closed position, a portion of the corresponding first fixed tissue stop is received within the corresponding opening in the second jaw.

Example 140-the surgical end effector of examples 138 or 139, wherein another portion of the first fixed tissue stop is distal to another portion of the second fixed tissue stop when the first and second jaws are in the fully open position.

The entire disclosures of the following patents are hereby incorporated by reference:

-U.S. patent 5,403,312 entitled "ELECTROSURURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE" published on 4.4.1995;

-us patent 7,000,818 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS" published on 21.2.2006;

-U.S. patent 7,422,139 entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK" published 9/2008;

-U.S. patent 7,464,849 entitled "ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS" published on 16.12.2008;

-U.S. patent 7,670,334 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR" published on 3, 2.2010;

-U.S. patent 7,753,245 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS" published on 13.7.2010;

-us patent 8,393,514 entitled "SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE" published on 12.3.3.2013;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES"; now us patent 7,845,537;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 12/031,573 entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENTT HAVALING RF ELECTRORDES" filed on 14.2.2008;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 12/031,873 (now U.S. patent 7,980,443) entitled "END efffectors FOR ash algorithm CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT" filed on 15/2/2008;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782 entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT", now U.S. patent 8,210,411;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117 entitled "POWER SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM", now U.S. patent 8,608,045;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100 entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY" filed 24.12.2009; now us patent 8,220,688;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 12/893,461 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE" filed on 9, 29 of 2012, now U.S. patent No. 8,733,613;

U.S. patent application serial No. 13/036,647 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT" filed on 28.2.2011, now U.S. patent No. 8,561,870;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DESYMENT ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. patent 9,072,535;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/524,049, now U.S. patent No.9,101,358, entitled "article short minor filing A FIRING DRIVE", filed on 15/6/2012;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,025 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE thickknoss SENSOR SYSTEM" filed on 3/13/2013, now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263551;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,067 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE thickknoss SENSOR SYSTEM" filed on 3/13/2013, now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263552;

-U.S. patent application publication 2007/0175955 entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENTT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM" filed on 31.1.2006; and

U.S. patent application publication 2010/0264194 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR" filed on 22.4.2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040.

While various devices have been described herein in connection with certain embodiments, many modifications and variations to these embodiments may also be implemented. The particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics shown or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments, without limitation. In addition, where materials for certain components are disclosed, other materials may also be used. Further, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced with multiple components, and multiple components may also be replaced with a single component, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoing detailed description and the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.

The device disclosed herein may be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or it may be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, the device may be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, and subsequent reassembly of the device. Specifically, the repair facility and/or surgical team may remove the device and, after cleaning and/or replacing certain components of the device, may reassemble the device for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the finishing assembly may be disassembled, cleaned/replaced, and reassembled using a variety of techniques. The use of such techniques and the resulting prosthetic devices are within the scope of the present application.

The devices disclosed herein may be processed prior to surgery. First, new or used instruments may be obtained and cleaned as needed. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container (such as a plastic or TYVEK bag). The container and instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, X-rays, and/or high energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in a sterile container. Sealing the container may keep the instrument sterile until the container is opened in a medical facility. The device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including, but not limited to, beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.

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

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. Thus, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Claims

1. A surgical tool assembly, comprising:

a surgical end effector comprising first and second jaws operably interfacing with one another to move relative to one another between fully open and fully closed positions upon application of closing and opening motions thereto;

a proximal closure member configured to move through a first closure stroke distance upon application of a closure input motion thereto;

a distal closure member operably interfacing with the surgical end effector; and

a closure stroke reduction assembly comprising a closure reduction link operably interfacing with the proximal and distal closure members such that when the proximal closure member moves through a first closure stroke distance, the closure reduction link causes the distal closure member to move axially through a second closure stroke distance that is less than the first closure stroke distance, moving at least one of the first and second jaws from the fully open position to the fully closed position, wherein the surgical end effector is coupled to a shaft assembly comprising:

A shaft mounting portion configured to be operably engageable with a closed input motion source; and

a spine assembly operably coupled to the surgical end effector and the shaft mounting portion, the spine assembly movably supporting the proximal and distal closure members thereon.

2. The surgical tool assembly of claim 1, wherein the closure reducing link is operably coupled to a portion of the spine assembly and a mounting member movably supported for axial travel relative to the proximal closure member, the closure reducing link further in communication with the proximal closure member such that movement of the proximal closure member through the first closure stroke distance moves the closure reducing link from a collapsed configuration to an extended configuration, and wherein the mounting member is coupled to an intermediate closure member operably coupled to the distal closure member.

3. The surgical tool assembly of claim 2, wherein said proximal closure member comprises a proximal closure tube axially supported on a portion of said spine assembly for selective axial travel thereon of said full first closure stroke distance, and wherein said closure reduction link comprises:

A proximal closure link movably coupled to the portion of the spine assembly; and

a distal closure link movably coupled to the mounting member and pivotally coupled to the proximal closure link by an actuator member that operably interfaces with the proximal closure tube.

4. The surgical tool assembly of claim 3, wherein the actuator member comprises an actuator pin movably received within an actuator cam slot in the proximal closure tube.

5. The surgical tool assembly of claim 1, wherein the surgical end effector is coupled to the shaft assembly by an articulation joint.

6. The surgical tool assembly of claim 5, wherein said shaft assembly comprises:

an articulation system configured to apply an articulation motion to the surgical end effector; and

a firing member assembly configured to axially advance a firing member through the surgical end effector.

7. The surgical tool assembly of claim 6, wherein said articulation system is selectively engageable with said firing member assembly in an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration, wherein in an engaged configuration movement of said firing member assembly causes said articulation system to articulate said surgical end effector relative to said shaft assembly, wherein in a disengaged configuration said firing member assembly is movable without moving said articulation system, and wherein movement of a proximal closure member through a first closure stroke distance moves said articulation system and firing member assembly to said disengaged configuration.

8. The surgical tool assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second jaws are mounted relative to one another for selective pivotal travel about a fixed jaw axis.

9. The surgical tool assembly of claim 8, wherein said first jaw comprises an elongate channel configured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein, and wherein said second jaw comprises an anvil.

10. The surgical tool assembly of claim 7, wherein said first jaw comprises an elongate channel configured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein, and wherein second jaw comprises an anvil.

11. The surgical tool assembly of claim 10, wherein said firing member assembly comprises:

a proximal firing member;

a distal firing member slidably interfacing with the proximal firing member; and

an end effector firing member operably coupled to the distal firing member and configured to sever tissue and fire staples from a surgical staple cartridge operably supported in the elongate channel when the firing member assembly is moved distally a predetermined firing distance.