CN110799119A

CN110799119A - Surgical instrument with axially movable closure member

Info

Publication number: CN110799119A
Application number: CN201880043585.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: F·E·谢尔顿四世; J·L·哈里斯; C·O·巴克斯特三世
Original assignee: Ethicon LLC
Current assignee: Ethicon LLC
Priority date: 2017-06-28
Filing date: 2018-05-24
Publication date: 2020-02-14
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-24
Also published as: BR112019026765A2; CN110799119B; JP7317726B2; JP2020525227A

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a surgical instrument including a first jaw (1602) and a second jaw (1810) coupled to the first jaw for selective pivotal travel relative to the first jaw between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The closure member (2030) is configured to apply a closure motion to the second jaw when the closure member is axially movable in a distal direction from a starting position corresponding to a fully open position of the second jaw to an ending position corresponding to a fully closed position of the second jaw. The closure member is configured to move distally from a starting position through an initial predetermined axial closure distance prior to applying a closure motion to the second jaw.

Description

Surgical instrument with axially movable closure member

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 side elevational view of a surgical system including a handle assembly and a plurality of interchangeable surgical tool assemblies that may be used therewith;

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

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is another exploded assembly view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 is another exploded assembly view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded assembly view of a proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-6;

FIG. 8 is another exploded assembly view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-7;

FIG. 9 is another exploded assembly view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-9;

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-10;

FIG. 12 is a cut-away perspective view of a proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-11;

FIG. 13 is another cross-sectional perspective view of a proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-12;

FIG. 14 is another cross-sectional perspective view of a proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-13;

FIG. 15 is a cut-away perspective view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-14;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is an exploded assembly view of a proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is another exploded assembly view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 16 and 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another one of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 is an exploded assembly view of a proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is another exploded assembly view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 19 and 20;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 is an exploded assembly view of a proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is another exploded assembly view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 22 and 23;

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 3 with its anvil in a fully closed position;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged side elevational view of the anvil mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 16 with the anvil thereof in a fully closed position;

FIG. 28 is an enlarged side elevational view of the anvil mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 19 with its anvil in a fully closed position;

FIG. 30 is an enlarged side elevational view of the anvil mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 22 with its anvil in a fully closed position;

FIG. 32 is an enlarged side elevational view of the anvil mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a side elevational view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 3 with its anvil in a fully open position;

FIG. 34 is a side elevational view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 16 with the anvil thereof in a fully open position;

FIG. 35 is a side elevational view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 19 with its anvil in a fully open position;

FIG. 36 is a side elevational view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 22 with its anvil in a fully open position;

FIG. 37 is a side elevational view of the distal portion of another interchangeable surgical tool assembly with its anvil shown in solid lines in one open position and in phantom in another open position;

FIG. 38 is a side elevational view of the distal portion of another interchangeable surgical tool assembly with its anvil in the open position;

FIG. 39 is a side elevational view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 3 with its anvil in a fully open position;

FIG. 40 is an enlarged side elevational view of the anvil mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 39 and 40 with the anvil thereof in a fully closed position;

FIG. 42 is an enlarged side elevational view of the anvil mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 16 with the anvil thereof in a fully open position;

FIG. 43 is a side elevational view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 42 with the anvil thereof in a fully closed position;

FIG. 44 is an enlarged side elevational view of the anvil mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 19 with the anvil thereof in a fully open position;

FIG. 45 is a side elevational view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 44 with its anvil in a fully closed position;

FIG. 46 is an enlarged side elevational view of the anvil mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 22 with the anvil thereof in a fully open position;

FIG. 47 is a side elevational view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 46 with its anvil in a fully closed position;

FIG. 48 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 3 with the anvil thereof in a fully open position;

FIG. 49 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 16 with the anvil thereof in a fully open position;

FIG. 50 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 19 with the anvil thereof in a fully open position;

FIG. 51 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil mounting portion and elongate channel of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 22 with the anvil thereof in a fully open position;

FIG. 52 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 3 with the anvil of the surgical end effector thereof in a fully open position;

FIG. 53 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 52 with the anvil in a fully closed position;

FIG. 54 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 16 with the anvil in a fully open position;

FIG. 55 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 19 with the anvil in a fully open position;

FIG. 56 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 22 with the anvil in a fully open position;

FIG. 57 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 3 with its firing member in a starting position;

FIG. 58 is a side elevational view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 57 with the anvil in a fully closed position;

FIG. 59 is another partial cross-sectional view of the portion of the surgical end effector of FIGS. 57 and 58 with the firing member initially engaged with the anvil thereof;

FIG. 60 is another partial cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector of FIGS. 57 and 58 after a firing member of the surgical end effector has been advanced distally during a firing process;

FIG. 60A is a perspective view of a portion of a firing member assembly of the surgical stapling instrument, the firing member assembly including a first firing member element and a second firing member element that is movable relative to the first firing member element between a locked position and an unlocked position;

FIG. 60B is another perspective view of the firing member assembly of FIG. 60A, with the second firing member element in a locked position;

FIG. 60C is a cross-sectional elevation view of the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 60A, with the firing member assembly in a starting position;

FIG. 60D is another cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 60C shown in a locked configuration;

FIG. 60E is a side view of the firing member assembly with the second firing member element in a locked orientation;

FIG. 60F is another side view of the firing member assembly of FIG. 60E with the second firing member element shown in an unlocked or fired orientation;

FIG. 60G is another partial perspective view of the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 60A shown in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 60H is a cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 60A, with an unfired surgical fastener cartridge operatively supported in its elongate channel, and with the firing member assembly shown in a starting position;

FIG. 60I is another cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 60H, with the firing member assembly shown in a partially fired configuration;

FIG. 61 is another side elevational view of the surgical end effector of FIGS. 57-60 with the anvil in an over-closed position;

FIG. 62 is a partial side elevational view of the surgical end effector of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 3 in a fully open position with the distal closure tube segment shown in phantom to illustrate the anvil retention member;

FIG. 63 is another side elevational view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 62 with the anvil in a fully closed position;

FIG. 64 is a partial perspective view of the distal closure tube segment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 3 with the anvil in a fully closed position;

FIG. 65 is a top plan view of the distal closure tube segment and anvil of FIG. 64;

FIG. 66 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64 and 65 illustrating the position of the proximal jaw opening feature with the anvil in a fully closed position;

FIG. 67 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the anvil and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-66 showing the position of the proximal jaw opening feature with the anvil between the fully open and fully closed positions;

FIG. 68 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the anvil and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-67 illustrating the position of the proximal jaw opening feature with the anvil in a fully open position;

FIG. 69 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-68 illustrating the position of the distal jaw opening feature when the anvil is in a fully closed position;

FIG. 70 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-69 illustrating the position of the distal jaw opening feature when the anvil is between the fully open and fully closed positions;

FIG. 71 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the anvil and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-70 illustrating the position of the distal jaw opening feature with the anvil in a fully open position;

FIG. 72 is a partial left side perspective view of the anvil and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-71 with the anvil in a fully closed position;

FIG. 73 is a partial right side perspective view of the anvil and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-72 with the anvil in a fully closed position;

FIG. 74 is a partial left side perspective view of the anvil and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-73 with the anvil in a partially open position;

FIG. 75 is a partial right side perspective view of the anvil and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-74 with the anvil in a partially open position;

FIG. 76 is a partial left side perspective view of the anvil and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-75 with the anvil in a fully open position;

FIG. 77 is a partial right side perspective view of the anvil and distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 64-76 with the anvil in a fully open position 64-76; and

fig. 78 is a graphical comparison between jaw hole angle and retraction of the distal closure tube segment of fig. 64-77.

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. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN OFFSET ARTICULATION JOINT"; attorney docket number END8207 USNP/170098;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPLIMENTING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM RATIO"; attorney docket number END8210 USNP/170099;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPLIMENTING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM RATIO"; attorney docket number END8204 USNP/170100;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPLISING FIRING MEMBER SUPPORTS"; attorney docket number END8218 USNP/170101;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM TO A FRAME"; attorney docket number END8217 USNP/070102;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPLIMENTING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM BY A CLOSURE SYSTEM"; attorney docket number END8211 USNP/170103;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "minor incorporation a shift incorporation a usage garrangement"; attorney docket number END8215 USNP/170107;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SELECTIVELY ACTIVATED COUPLERS"; attorney docket number END8201 USNP/170104;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS COMPLEMENTING SHORTED STAPLECARTRIDGE NOSES"; attorney docket number END8206 USNP/170105;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHAFT INCLUDING A CLOSURE PROFILE"; attorney docket number END8212 USNP/170106;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "METHOD FOR organizing a SURGICAL INSTRUMENT"; attorney docket number END8200 USNP/170089M;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR WITH THAXIALLY SHORTED ARTICULATION JOINT CONFIGURATIONS"; attorney docket number END8214 USNP/170090;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OPEN AND CLOSURE JAWS AND AXIALLYMOVABLE FILING MEMBER THAT IS INITIALLY PARKED IN CLOSURE PROXIMITY TO THE JAWSPRIOR TO FILING"; attorney docket number END8202 USNP/170091;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS CONSTRATIONATED TO PIVOT ABOUT ANAXIS UPON CONTACT WITH A CLOSURE MEMBER THAT IS PARKED IN CLOSURE PROXIMITY TOTHEE PIVOT AXIS"; attorney docket number END8213 USNP/170092;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH IMPROVED JAW APERTUREARRANGEMENTS"; attorney docket number END8203 USNP/170093;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING DEVICES WITH PIVOTABLE ANVILWITH A TISSUE LOCATING ARRANGEMENT IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO AN ANVIL PIVOT"; attorney docket number END8205 USNP/170094;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "JAW RETAINER ARRANGEMENT FOR RETAINING A PIVOTABLE SURGICALENT JAW IN PIVOTABLE RETAINING ENGAGEMENT WITH A SECOND SURGICALIN STRUCTURENT JAW"; attorney docket number END8216 USNP/170095;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES"; attorney docket number END8208 USNP/170096;

-U.S. patent application serial No. ________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENT"; attorney docket number END8233 USNP/170084;

-U.S. design patent application serial No. __________ entitled "platform formulation and artificial"; attorney docket number END8236 USDP/170109D;

-U.S. design patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT"; attorney docket number END8239 USDP/170108D; and

-U.S. design patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE"; attorney docket number END8240 USDP/170110D.

The applicants of the present application have the following U.S. patent applications filed on December 21 of 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. ________ entitled "SURGICAL ANVIL MANUFACTURING METHODS"; attorney docket number END8165 USNP/170079M;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS"; attorney docket number END8168 USNP/170080;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS"; attorney docket number END8170 USNP/170081;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS"; attorney docket number END8164 USNP/170082;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL FIRING MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS"; attorney docket number END8169 USNP/170083;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "stable formation POCKET arget argements"; attorney docket number END8167 USNP/170085;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "stable formation POCKET arget argements"; attorney docket number END8232 USNP/170086;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ANVILS"; attorney docket number END8166 USNP/170087; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "ARTICULATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; attorney docket number END8171 USNP/170088.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,185 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLED LINESTEREOF";

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/386,221 entitled "LOCKOUT arragements FOR minor END efffectors";

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/386,198 entitled "LOCKOUT arragements FOR minor END effects and minor TOOL associations";

-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 STAPLECAVITIES THEREIN";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,941 entitled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CLOSHING BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES ANDARTILATION 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. 15/385,950 entitled "minor teeth WITH close STROKE mechanism details";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,945 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLECAVITIES 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 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 FORSURGICAL END EFFECTORS";

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

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 PREVENTINGFIRING SYSTEM ACTION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,947 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLECAVITIES 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 DIFFERENTYLES OF STAPLES";

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,901 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL compris ingwindows 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/ORSPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,905 entitled "fixing ASSEMBLY assembling a LOCKOUT";

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

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

-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 SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914 entitled "METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OFSTAPLE 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 serial No. 15/385,929 entitled "close measure WITH CAM SURFACE area FOR SURFACE lines measure WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT close AND FIRING SYSTEMS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLING 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 clamingbudardhs";

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

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,931 entitled "NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FORSURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS";

-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 serial No. 15/385,912 entitled "minor appliances WITH JAWS THAT ARE able to pivot a bout AFIXED AXIS AND index SEPARATE AND DISTINCT close AND FIRING SYSTEMS";

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,906 entitled "fixing 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 RETENTION AND GAPSETTING featurs";

-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 BLIESOF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS";

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

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

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

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

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,890 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTIVABLE ANDRETRACTABLE SYSTEMS";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,891 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONGURED TO ADAPT THEUTPUT 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 ANARTICULATE STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM";

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

-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 serial No. 15/385,921 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIRORED 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 OFA FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNLESS AN FIRED CARTRIDGE ISINSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR";

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,928 entitled "PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN AMOYABLE 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 GFEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS";

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,934 entitled "ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR INAN 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 FORLOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATEDCONFIGURATION"; and

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

the applicants of the present application have the following U.S. patent applications filed on 24/6/2016 and each of which is 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 STAMPEDSTAPLES";

-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".

-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 inertia based ASSEMBLY WITH robust mounting grid;

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

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

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

-U.S. patent application serial 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 information 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 Ser. No. 15/089,210 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPECT CARTRIDGELOCKOUT";

-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 annual ROWS OFSTAPLES 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 Ser. No. 15/089,331 entitled "ANVIL MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS";

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,312 entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM comprisingan available tisssuupport";

-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 has the following identified U.S. patent applications filed on 31/12/2015 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

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

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

The applicant of the present application also owns the following identified U.S. patent applications filed in february 9 of 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

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

-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 ELONGGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY";

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

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

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

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAMARRANGEMENTS"; 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 in february 12 of 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 POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWEREDSURGICAL 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 GARRANGEMENMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0367256;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSINGFATURES", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0367248;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,914 entitled "Movable filing bed SUPPORT FOR easily organizing and organizing appliances INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0367255;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,900 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAMS STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0367254;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885 entitled "DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0367246; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876 entitled "PUSH/PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLESSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0367245.

The applicants of the present application have 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 REDSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/02561185;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832 entitled "ADAPTIVE TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADAJUST CLOSURES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256154;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935 entitled "OVERAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TOMEASURE 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 MOTORFOR POWER SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256153;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859 entitled "TIME DEPENDENT EVALTION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINEMITABILITY, 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 CARTRIDGEINTO A SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256160;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/640,799 entitled "SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON available shift short", 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 CONFIRED 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 ONEOR 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 RCHARGING A BATTERY", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249918;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555 entitled "SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS NEEDS TOBE 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 CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFEPARAMETER," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249917.

The applicants of the present application own 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 ENDEFECTOR 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 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 ANDMOVABLE FIRING 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 DIDIMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174973;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPLEMENTING A FLEXIBLEMENTICULATION SYSTEM"; now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174970; and

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

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323 entitled "Rolling Power operated vibration FOR minor Instrument," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246472;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/782,338 entitled "thumb wheel SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0249557;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/782,499 entitled "ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAYARRANGEMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 9,358,003;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/782,460 entitled "MULTIPLE process MOTOR controller FOR MODULAR subarachnoid structurants", now U.S. patent 9,554,794;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358 entitled "JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 9,326,767;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481 entitled "SENSOR STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGHTROCAR", now U.S. patent application publication 9,468,438;

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375 entitled "ROTARY POWER SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DESGREES OFFREE DOM," now U.S. patent application publication 9,398,911; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP," now U.S. patent application publication 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 SURGICALINSTRUNT", now U.S. patent application publication 9,332,987;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053 entitled "INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICALINSTRUNT", 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 URGICAL 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 SURGICALINSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent 9,629,623;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117 entitled "ARTICULATION CONTROL FOR ARTICULATED SURGICAL STRUTRUNTS", now U.S. patent application publication 9,351,726;

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

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

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 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. Pat. No. 9,629,629.

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 CICUITAND 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 SSBLIES", 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 SURGICALINSTRUMENTS", 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 A SAFETYPROSSOR", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272578;

U.S. patent application Ser. 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 A SEGMENTED circui", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0277471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,076 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLEVOLTAGE 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 TISSUECOMPRESSION," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066914;

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

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,895 entitled "MULTIPLE SENSOR WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR' SOUTPUT 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 Ser. 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 Ser. 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 on 2013 on 9/4 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590 entitled "MOTOR DRIVE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVESHAFTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305987;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRINGDRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT", now U.S. patent 9,649,110;

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,588 entitled "POWER LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER," 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 ALIGNMENTFEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305994;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,587 entitled "POWER SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0309665;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586 entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICALINSTRUNT", 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 STATIONARY ARRANGEMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305992.

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

U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/812,365 entitled "minor entering WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS BY entering 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 serial No. 61/812,385 entitled "minor ACTUATION HANDLE WITH major ACTUATION motor and valve CONTROL"; and

U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/812,372 entitled "minor entering WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS BY entering MOTOR".

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 envisioned 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 a staple driving device 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 a motor-driven surgical system 10 that may be used to perform a variety of different surgical procedures. As can be seen in this figure, one example of the surgical system 10 includes four interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000, each adapted to be interchangeably used with the handle assembly 500. Each interchangeable

surgical tool assembly

1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 can be designed for use in connection with the performance of one or more specific surgical procedures. In another surgical system embodiment, one or more of the interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 can be effectively used with a tool drive assembly of a robotically controlled surgical system or an automated surgical system. For example, the SURGICAL tool assemblies disclosed herein may be used WITH various robotic systems, INSTRUMENTS, components, and methods such as, but not limited to, those disclosed in U.S. patent 9,072,535 entitled "SURGICAL station instrumentation WITH robot station design for multiple tools, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Fig. 2 illustrates the attachment of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to a handle assembly 500. It should be understood that any of the other

interchangeable tool assemblies

3000, 5000, and 7000 may be coupled to the handle assembly 500 in a similar manner. The attachment arrangement and method depicted in fig. 2 may also be used in connection with the attachment of any of interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 to the tool drive portion or tool drive housing of the robotic system. The handle assembly 500 may include a handle housing 502, the handle housing 502 including a pistol grip portion 504 that may be grasped and manipulated by a clinician. As will be discussed briefly below, the handle assembly 500 operatively supports a plurality of

drive systems

510, 530 configured to generate and apply various control motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

1000, 3000, 5000, and/or 7000 operatively attached thereto.

As can be seen in fig. 2, the handle assembly 500 may also include a handle frame 506 that operatively supports a plurality of drive systems. For example, the handle frame 506 may operatively support a "first" or closure drive system, generally designated 510, which may be used to impart closing and opening motions to interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 that are 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 handle 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, with the closure linkage assembly 514 being pivotably coupled to the closure trigger 512 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 serial No. 14/226,142 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTC PRIMING 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 into 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 simply activates the closure release button assembly 518 which enables the closure trigger 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 microprocessor 560 in the handle assembly 500 to track the position of the closure trigger 512. Further details regarding the construction and operation of the closure release button assembly 518 can be found in U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575.

In at least one form, the handle assembly 500 and the handle frame 506 can operatively support another drive system, referred to herein as a firing drive system 530, which is configured to apply firing motions 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 connected in series may be used as the power source 522 for the surgical system 10. In addition, the power source 522 may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

The electric motor 505 is configured to axially drive a longitudinally movable drive member (not shown) in distal and proximal directions depending on the polarity of the motor. For example, when the motor is driven in one rotational direction, the longitudinally movable drive member 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 will be driven axially in the proximal direction "PD". The handle assembly 500 may include a switch 513, and the switch 513 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 also include one or more sensors (not shown) configured to detect the position of the drive member and/or the direction in which the drive member moves. Actuation of the motor 505 may be controlled by a firing trigger 532 (fig. 1) 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 into an unactuated position by a spring or other biasing arrangement such that when the clinician releases the firing trigger 532, the firing trigger may be pivoted 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 depresses the closure trigger 512, the safety button and firing trigger 532 pivots downward, which may then be manipulated by the clinician.

In at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member may have teeth of a rack (not shown) formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear arrangement (not shown) interfacing with the motor. Further details regarding those 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 120 in the event the motor 505 becomes disabled. The rescue assembly can comprise a lever or rescue handle assembly that is stored within the handle assembly 500 below the releasable door 550. See fig. 2. The lever may be configured to be manually pivoted into engagement with a toothed ratchet in the drive member. Thus, the clinician can manually retract the drive member by using the rescue handle assembly to ratchet the drive member in the proximal direction "PD". U.S. patent 8,608,045 entitled "POWERED SURGICAL stapling AND STAPLING APPARATUS with SURGICAL usable serving FIRING SYSTEM," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a rescue arrangement and other components, arrangements and systems that may also be employed with any of the various interchangeable SURGICAL tool assemblies disclosed herein.

Turning now to fig. 3 and 4, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a surgical end effector 1500, the surgical end effector 1500 including a first jaw 1600 and a second jaw 1800. In one arrangement, the first jaw includes an elongate channel 1602 configured to operatively support a surgical staple cartridge/fastener thereinThe bin 1700. The second jaw 1800 includes an anvil 1810 pivotally supported relative to the elongate channel 1602. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes an articulation system 1300, the articulation system 1300 including an articulation joint 1302 and an articulation lock 1400 (fig. 4-6), the articulation lock 1400 may be configured to couple the surgical end effector 1500 relative to the shaft axis SA₁Releasably held in a position where articulation is desired. Further details regarding the ARTICULATION SYSTEM and ARTICULATION lock may be found in U.S. patent application entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPLEMENTS AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM LOCKABLE TO AFRAME" (attorney docket number END8217 USNP/170102); this patent application is filed on even date herewith and is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

As further seen in fig. 4 and 7-9, interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a tool frame assembly 1200 that includes a tool base 1210 that operatively supports a nozzle assembly 1240 thereon. In one form, the nozzle assembly 1240 is comprised of

nozzle portions

1242, 1244 and an actuator wheel portion 1246 that is configured to be coupled to the assembled

nozzle portions

1242, 1244 by snaps, lugs, screws, or the like, and the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a proximal closure assembly 1900 that is operatively coupled to a distal closure assembly 2000 for closing and/or opening an anvil 1810 of the surgical end effector 1500, as will be discussed in further detail below. In addition, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a spine assembly 1250 that operatively supports the proximal closure assembly 1900 and is coupled to the surgical end effector 1500. In various instances, to facilitate assembly, the spine assembly 1250 may be made of upper and

lower spine segments

1251, 1252 interconnected together by snap features, adhesives, welding, or the like. In assembled form, spine assembly 1250 includes a proximal end 1253 rotatably supported in tool base 1210. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end 1253 of the spine assembly 1250 is attached to a spine bearing (not shown) that is configured to be supported within the tool base 1210. Such an arrangement facilitates the spine assembly 1250 with the tool base 1210Rotatably attached such that the spine assembly 1250 may be selectively rotated about the axis SA relative to the tool base 1210₁And (4) rotating. Specifically, in one arrangement, for example, the proximal end 1253 of the spine assembly 1250 includes an upper lug seat 1254 (fig. 4,5, 7, 8, and 10) and a lower lug seat (not shown) that are each configured to receive a corresponding nozzle lug 1245 extending inwardly from each of the

nozzle portions

1242, 1244. Such an arrangement facilitates spine assembly 1250 to surround shaft axis SA by rotating actuator wheel portion 1246 of nozzle assembly 1240₁The rotation of (2).

As can be seen in fig. 4 and 5, the spine assembly 1250 also includes an intermediate spine segment 1256, the intermediate spine segment 1256 having a diameter that is less than the diameter of the proximal end 1253 of the spine assembly 1250. The middle spine segment 1256 of the upper spine segment 1251 terminates in an upper lug mounting feature 1260 and the middle spine segment of the lower spine segment 1252 terminates in a lower lug mounting feature 1270. As can be seen most particularly in fig. 6, for example, the upper lug mounting feature 1260 has formed therein a lug slot 1262, the lug slot 1262 being adapted to mountably support an upper mounting link 1264 therein. Similarly, lower lug mounting feature 1270 has a lug slot 1272 formed therein, which lug slot 1272 is adapted to mountably support lower mounting connector 1274 therein. Upper mounting link 1264 includes a pivot axis SA therein₁A biased pivot socket 1266. The pivot socket 1266 is adapted to rotatably receive a pivot pin 1634 therein, the pivot pin 1634 being formed on a channel cap or anvil retainer 1630 that is attached to the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602. The lower mounting link 1274 includes a lower pivot pin 1276, the lower pivot pin 1276 being adapted to be received within a pivot hole 1611 formed in the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602. See fig. 6. Lower pivot pin 1276 and pivot hole 1611 with shaft axis SA₁And (4) biasing. The lower pivot pin 1276 is vertically aligned with the pivot socket 1266 to define an articulation axis AA₁The surgical end effector 1500 may be rotatable about the articulation axis relative to the shaft axis SA₁The joint movement is performed. Despite the axis of articulation AA₁Transverse to the shaft axis SA₁But the axis of articulation AA₁With the axis SA of the shaft₁Laterally offset and not in relation to the shaft axis SA₁And (4) intersecting.

Referring now to fig. 6 and 15, in the illustrated example, the anvil 1810 includes an anvil body 1812 that terminates in an anvil mounting portion 1820. The anvil mounting portion 1820 is movably or pivotally supported on the elongate channel 1602 to pivot relative thereto about a transverse shaft axis SA₁Fixed anvil pivot axis PA of₁(fig. 15) selective pivotal travel. In the illustrated arrangement, a pivot member or anvil trunnion 1822 extends laterally out of each side of the anvil mounting portion 1820 to be received in a corresponding trunnion mount 1614 formed in an upstanding wall 1612 of the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602. Anvil trunnions 1822 are pivotally retained in their corresponding trunnion mounts 1614 by a channel cap or anvil retainer 1630. The channel cap or anvil retainer 1630 includes a pair of attachment lugs 1636 configured to be retainingly received within corresponding lug grooves or notches 1616 formed in an upstanding wall 1612 of the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602.

In the illustrated example, the surgical end effector 1500 is selectively articulatable about an articulation axis AA1 by an articulation system 1300. In one form, the articulation system 1300 includes a proximal articulation driver 1310 pivotally coupled to an articulation link 1320. As can be seen most particularly in fig. 6, a biased attachment lug 1314 is formed on the distal end 1312 of the proximal articulation driver 1310. The pivot hole 1316 is formed in the offset attachment lug 1314 and is configured to pivotally receive a proximal connector pin 1326 formed on a proximal end 1325 of the articulation connector 1320 therein. The distal end 1322 of the articulation link 1320 includes a pivot hole 1324 that is configured to pivotally receive a channel pin 1618 formed on the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602 therein. Thus, axial movement of the proximal articulation driver 1310 will thereby impart an articulation motion to the elongate channel 1602, causing the surgical end effector 1500 to articulate about an articulation axis AA relative to the spine assembly 1250₁Carry out joint movementAnd (6) moving.

Movement of the anvil 1810 relative to the elongate channel 1602 is effected by axial movement of the proximal closure assembly 1900 and the distal closure assembly 2000. Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 7, in the illustrated arrangement, a proximal closure assembly 1900 includes a proximal closure tube 1910 that has a proximal closure tube portion 1920 and a distal portion 1930. The distal portion 1930 has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the proximal closure tube portion 1920. The proximal end 1922 of the proximal closure tube portion 1920 is rotatably supported in a closure shuttle 1940, which closure shuttle 1940 is slidably supported within the tool base 1210 such that the closure shuttle 1940 is axially movable relative thereto. In one form, the closure shuttle 1940 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 1942 that are configured for attachment to an attachment pin 516 that is attached to the closure link assembly 514 of the handle assembly 500. The proximal end 1922 of the proximal closure tube portion 1920 is coupled to the closure shuttle 1940 for rotation relative to the closure shuttle 1940. For example, the U-shaped connector 1944 is inserted into the annular slot 1924 in the proximal closure tube portion 1920 and is retained within the vertical slot 1946 in the closure shuttle 1940. Such an arrangement serves to attach the proximal closure assembly 1900 to the closure shuttle 1940 for axial travel with the closure shuttle 1940, while enabling the proximal closure assembly 1900 to travel axially about the shaft axis SA₁Rotating relative to the closure shuttle 1940. A closure spring 1948 (fig. 12-14) extends over the proximal closure tube portion 1920 to bias the closure shuttle 1940 in the proximal direction PD, which can be used to pivot the closure trigger 512 on the handle assembly 500 (fig. 2) to an unactuated position when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 is operatively coupled to the handle assembly 500.

Referring now to fig. 5 and 6, the distal portion 1930 of the proximal closure tube 1910 is attached to the distal closure assembly 2000. In the illustrated arrangement, for example, the distal closure assembly 2000 includes an articulation connector 2010 coupled to a distal closure tube segment 2030. In the illustrated example, the distal closure tube segment 2030 has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of a distal portion 1930 of the proximal closure tube 1910. The articulation connector 2010 has a proximally extending end portion 2012 that is adapted to be received on a connection flange 1934 formed on the distal end of the distal portion 1930. The articulation connector 2010 may be retained on the connection flange 1934 by a suitable fastener arrangement (such as an adhesive, weld, etc.). The articulation connector 2010 includes an upper tang 2014 and a lower tang 2016 that project distally from a distal end of the articulation connector 2010 to be movably coupled to an end effector closure sleeve or distal closure tube segment 2030. The distal closure tube segment 2030 includes an upper tang 2032 and a lower tang (not shown) projecting proximally from a proximal end thereof. The upper double pivot link 2060 includes a proximal pin 2061 and a distal pin 2062 that engage corresponding

holes

2015, 2034 in the

upper tangs

2014, 2032 of the articulation connector 2010 and the distal closure tube segment 2030, respectively. Similarly, the lower double pivot link 2064 includes a proximal pin 2065 and a distal pin 2066 that engage corresponding holes 2019 in the inferior tang 2016 of the articulation connector 2010 and the distal closure tube segment 2030, respectively. As will be discussed in further detail below, distal and proximal axial translation of the proximal closure assembly 1900 and the distal closure assembly 2000 will cause the anvil 1810 to close and open relative to the elongate channel 1602.

In at least one arrangement, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 further includes a firing system, generally designated 2100. In the illustrated example, the firing system 2100 includes a firing member assembly 2110 that is supported for axial travel within the spine assembly 1250 by the firing member assembly 2110. In the exemplified embodiment, the firing member assembly 2110 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 that is configured for attachment to a distal cutting portion or knife bar 2130. The firing member assembly 2110 may also be referred to herein as a "second shaft" and/or a "second shaft assembly". As seen in fig. 5, the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 may include a longitudinal slot 2124 in a distal end 2122 thereof, which may be configured to receive a proximal end 2132 of a knife bar 2130. Longitudinal slot 2124 and proximal end 2132 of knife bar 2130 may be sized and configured to allow relative movement therebetween and may include a sliding joint 2134. The sliding joint 2134 can allow the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 of the firing member assembly 2110 to move to articulate the end effector 1500 without moving, or at least substantially without moving, the knife bar 2130. Once the end effector 1500 has been properly oriented, the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 can be advanced distally until the proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot 2124 comes into contact with a portion of the knife bar 2130 to advance the knife bar 2130 and fire the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700 positioned within the elongate channel 1602. In the exemplified arrangement, the proximal end 2127 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 has a firing shaft attachment lug 2128 (fig. 8) formed thereon, the firing shaft attachment lug 2128 being configured to be seated into an attachment cradle (not shown) located on the distal end of a longitudinally movable drive member (not shown) of the firing drive system 530 within the handle assembly 500. This arrangement facilitates axial movement of the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 upon actuation of the firing drive system 530.

In addition to the above, the interchangeable tool assembly 1000 can include a clutch assembly 2200 that can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the proximal articulation driver 1310 to the firing system 2100. In one form, the clutch assembly 2200 includes a lock collar or lock sleeve 2210 positioned about an intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 of the firing system 2100, wherein the lock sleeve 2210 is rotatable between an engaged position in which the lock sleeve 2210 couples the proximal articulation driver 1310 to the firing member assembly 2110 and a disengaged position in which the proximal articulation driver 1310 is not operatively coupled to the firing member assembly 2110. When the lock sleeve 2210 is in its engaged position, distal movement of the firing member assembly 2110 can move the proximal articulation driver 1310 distally, and correspondingly, proximal movement of the firing member assembly 2110 can move the proximal articulation driver 1310 proximally. When the lock sleeve 2210 is in its disengaged position, movement of the firing member assembly 2110 is not transferred to the proximal articulation driver 1310, and, as a result, the firing member assembly 2110 may move independently of the proximal articulation driver 1310. In various circumstances, the proximal articulation driver 1310 may be held in place by the articulation lock 1400 when the firing member assembly 2110 has not moved the proximal articulation driver 1310 in the proximal or distal direction.

In the illustrated arrangement, the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 of the firing member assembly 2110 is formed with two opposing

flat sides

2121, 2123 with a drive notch 2126 formed therein. See fig. 8. As also seen in fig. 13, the locking sleeve 2210 comprises a cylindrical, or at least substantially cylindrical, body that includes a longitudinal bore 2212 configured to receive the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 therethrough. The locking sleeve 2210 may include diametrically opposed inwardly facing locking

projections

2214, 2216, which locking

projections

2214, 2216 are engagingly received within corresponding portions of the drive notch 2126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 when the locking sleeve 2210 is in one position, and are not received within the drive notch 2126 when the locking sleeve 2210 is in another position, thereby allowing relative axial movement between the locking sleeve 2210 and the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120.

Referring now to fig. 8 and 12-14, in the illustrated example, the locking sleeve 2210 further includes a locking member 2218, the locking member 2218 being sized to be movably received within a recess 1319 in the proximal end 1318 of the proximal articulation driver 1310. This arrangement allows the lock sleeve 2210 to rotate slightly into and out of engagement with the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 while remaining engaged with the notch 1319 in the proximal articulation driver 1310. For example, when the locking sleeve 2210 is in its engaged position, the locking

projections

2214, 2216 are positioned within the drive notch 2126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 such that distal pushing and/or proximal pulling forces may be transmitted from the firing member assembly 2110 to the locking sleeve 2210. Such axial pushing or pulling motion is then transferred from the locking sleeve 2210 to the proximal articulation driver 1310, thereby articulating the surgical end effector 1500. In fact, when the lock sleeve 2210 is in its engaged (articulated) position, the firing member assembly 2110, lock sleeve 2210 and proximal articulation driver 1310 will move together. On the other hand, when the lock sleeve 2210 is in its disengaged position, the locking

projections

2214, 2216 are not received within the drive notch 2126 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120, and thus, distal pushing forces and/or proximal pulling forces may not be transmitted from the firing member assembly 2110 to the lock sleeve 2210 (and to the proximal articulation driver 1310).

In the illustrated example, relative movement of the locking sleeve 2210 between its engaged and disengaged positions may be controlled by a clutch assembly 2200 that interfaces with the proximal closure tube 1910 of the proximal closure assembly 1900. More specifically and with reference to fig. 8 and 9, the clutch assembly 2200 further includes a clutch key 2240 configured to be slidably received within a key recess 2217 formed in the outer periphery of the locking sleeve 2210. This arrangement enables the clutch key 2240 to move axially relative to the locking sleeve 2210. Referring to fig. 8-11, the clutch key 2240 includes an actuator boss 2242 that extends through a cam slot or cam opening 1926 in the proximal closure tube portion 1920. See fig. 9. A cam surface 2243 is also provided adjacent the actuator boss 2242 and is configured to cammingly interact with the cam opening 1926 to cause the clutch key 2240 to rotate in response to axial movement of the proximal closure tube portion 1920.

Also in the illustrated example, the clutch assembly 2200 further includes a switch barrel 2220 that is rotatably received on a proximal end portion of the proximal closure tube portion 1920. As seen in fig. 10-14, the actuator boss 2242 extends through the axial slot segment 2222 in the switch barrel 2220 and is movably received within the arcuate slot segment 2224 in the switch barrel 2220. A switch barrel torsion spring 2226 (fig. 12-14) is mounted on the switch barrel 2220 and engages the nozzle portion 1244 to apply a torsional bias or rotation (arrow SR in fig. 10 and 11) that is used to rotate the switch barrel 2220 until the actuator lugs 2242 reach the ends of the arcuate slot segments 2224. See fig. 11 and 12. When in this position, the switch barrel 2220 may provide a torsional bias to the clutch key 2240 that causes the lock sleeve 2210 to rotate into its engaged position with the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120. This position also corresponds to the unactuated configuration of the proximal closure assembly 1900. In one arrangement, for example, when the proximal closure assembly 1900 is in an unactuated configuration (the anvil 1810 is in an open position spaced apart from the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700), the actuator bosses 2242 are located in an upper portion of the cam openings 1926 in the proximal closure tube portion 1920. When in this position, actuation of the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 will result in axial movement of the proximal articulation driver 1310. When the user articulates the surgical end effector 1500 to a desired orientation, the user can then actuate the proximal closure assembly 1900. Actuation of the proximal closure assembly 1900 will cause distal advancement of the proximal closure tube portion 1920 to ultimately apply a closure motion to the anvil 1810. This distal advancement of the proximal closure tube segment 1920 will cause the cam openings 1926 to cammingly interact with the cam surfaces 2243 on the actuator bosses 2242, thereby causing the clutch keys 2240 to rotate the locking sleeve 2210 in the actuation direction AD. Such rotation of the locking sleeve 2210 will cause the locking

projections

2214, 2216 to disengage from the drive notch 2126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120. When in this configuration, the firing drive system 530 can be actuated to actuate the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 without actuating the proximal articulation driver 1310. Further details regarding the operation of the switch barrel 2220 and lock sleeve 2210, as well as alternative articulation and firing drive arrangements that may be used with the various interchangeable surgical tool assemblies described herein, may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 (now U.S. patent application publication No. 2014/0263541) and U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,196, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Referring again to fig. 8-13, the switch cylinder 2220 can further include at least partially

circumferential openings

2228, 2230 defined therein that can receive circumferential lugs/mounts 1245 extending from the

nozzle portions

1242, 1244 and allow relative rotation (rather than relative translation) between the switch cylinder 2220 and the nozzle assembly 1240. Nozzle ears 1245 extend through corresponding openings 1923 in the proximal closure tube portion 1920 to seat in the ear sockets 1254 in the spine assembly 1250. See fig. 8 and 9. This arrangement enables a user to rotate the spine assembly 1250 about the shaft axis by rotating the nozzle assembly 1250.

As also shown in fig. 7 and 12-14, the interchangeable tool assembly 1000 can include a slip ring assembly 1230 that can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the surgical end effector 1500 and/or to communicate signals to the surgical end effector 1500 and/or from the surgical end effector 1500 back to, for example, the microcontroller 560 (fig. 2) or robotic system controller in the handle assembly 500. Additional details regarding the slip ring assembly 1230 and associated connectors may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541) and U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,196 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), and U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,067 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263552, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE thicknes sensosys. As also described in further detail in the aforementioned patent applications that have been incorporated by reference herein, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 can further include at least one sensor configured to detect the position of the switch barrel 2220.

Referring again to fig. 2, the tool base 1210 includes at least one and preferably two tapered attachment portions 1212 formed thereon, the tapered attachment portions 1212 being adapted to be received within corresponding dovetail slots 507, the dovetail slots 507 being formed within a distal end portion of the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. The various interchangeable surgical tool assemblies employ a latch system 1220 for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. As can be seen in fig. 7, for example, in at least one form, the latch system 1220 includes a lock member or lock yoke 1222 that is movably coupled to the tool chassis 1210. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the lock yoke 1222 has a U-shape with two spaced apart downwardly extending legs 1223. The leg portions 1223 each have pivot lugs (not shown) formed thereon that are adapted to be received in corresponding holes formed in the tool base 1210. Such an arrangement facilitates pivotal attachment of the lock yoke 1222 to the tool base 1210. The locking yoke 1222 may include two proximally projecting locking lugs 1224, the two locking lugs 1224 being configured for releasable engagement with corresponding locking detents or recesses 509 in the distal end of the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. See fig. 2. In various forms, the lock yoke 1222 is biased in a proximal direction by a spring or biasing member 1225. Actuation of the lock yoke 1222 may be accomplished by a latch button 1226 slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly 1221, the latch actuator assembly 1221 being mounted to the tool chassis 1210. The latch button 1226 may be biased in a proximal direction relative to the lock yoke 1222. The locking yoke 1222 may be moved to the unlocked position by biasing the latch button 1226 in a distal direction, which also pivots the locking yoke 1222 out of retaining engagement with the distal end of the handle frame 506. When the lock yoke 1222 is "held in engagement" with the distal end of the handle frame 506, the lock lug 1224 remains seated within a corresponding lock detent or groove 509 in the distal end of the handle frame 506.

In the illustrated arrangement, the lock yoke 1222 includes at least one and preferably two lock hooks 1227 adapted to contact corresponding lock lug portions 1943 formed on the closure shuttle 1940. When the closure shuttle 1940 is in the unactuated position, the lock yoke 1222 may be pivoted in the distal direction to unlock the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 from the handle assembly 500. When in this position, the latch hook 1227 does not contact the latch lug portion 1943 on the closure shuttle 1940. However, when the closure shuttle 1940 is moved to the actuated position, the lock yoke 1222 is prevented from pivoting to the unlocked position. In other words, if the clinician attempts to pivot the lock yoke 1222 to the unlocked position, or, for example, the lock yoke 1222 is inadvertently bumped or contacted in a manner that might otherwise cause it to pivot distally, the lock hooks 1227 on the lock yoke 1222 will contact the lock lugs 1943 on the closure shuttle 1940 and prevent the lock yoke 1222 from moving to the unlocked position.

Referring again to fig. 6, cutter bar 2130 may comprise a laminated beam structure comprising at least two beam layers. The beam layers may comprise, for example, stainless steel strips, the strips being interconnected together, for example, by 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 deploy relative to each other as the end effector articulates. Such an arrangement allows knife bar 2130 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 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURES CUTROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As can also be seen in fig. 6, firing shaft support member 2300 is used to provide lateral support to knife bar 2130 as it bends to accommodate articulation of surgical end effector 1500. Further details regarding the operation of the firing shaft support assembly 2300 and an alternative knife bar support arrangement can be found in: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS" and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING ANDAXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR", each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As also seen in fig. 6, a firing or knife member 2140 is attached to the distal end of the knife bar 2130. In one exemplary form, the firing member 2140 includes a body portion 2142 that supports a knife or tissue cutting portion 2144. The body portion 2142 protrudes through the elongated slot 1604 in the elongated channel 1602 and terminates in foot members 2146 that extend laterally on each side of the body portion 2142. When the firing member 2140 is driven distally through the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700, the foot member 2146 rides within a channel 1622 (fig. 48) in the elongate channel 1602 below the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700. In one arrangement, the body portion 2142 includes two laterally projecting central tabs 2145 that can straddle a central passage within the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700. See fig. 6. The tissue cutting portions 2144 are disposed between the distally projecting top nose portions 2143. As further seen in fig. 6, the firing member 2140 may also include two laterally extending top tabs, pins, or anvil engagement features 2147. As the firing member 2140 is driven distally, a top portion of the body portion 2142 extends through the centrally disposed anvil slot 1814 and anvil engagement features 2147 ride over corresponding anvil bosses 1816 formed on each side of the anvil slot 1814. In one arrangement, to facilitate assembly of the anvil 1810 and firing member 2140 arrangement, the top of the anvil body 1812 has an opening 1817 therein. When the anvil 1810 is assembled onto the elongate channel 1602 and the firing member 2140 is installed, the opening 1817 is covered by an anvil cap 1819, which anvil cap 1819 is attached to the anvil body 1812 by welding or other suitable fastening means.

Returning to fig. 6, the firing member 2140 is configured to operatively interface with a sled assembly 2150 that is operatively supported within the body 1702 of the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700. The slide assembly 2150 is slidably displaceable within the surgical staple cartridge body/fastener cartridge body 1702 from a proximal end starting position adjacent the proximal end 1704 of the cartridge body 1702 to an end position adjacent the distal end 1706 of the cartridge body 1702. The cartridge body 1702 operatively supports a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) therein that are aligned in rows on each side of a centrally disposed slot 1708. The centrally disposed slot 1708 enables the firing member 2140 to pass therethrough and cut tissue clamped between the anvil 1810 and the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700. The drivers are associated with corresponding staple/fastener pockets 1712, which pockets 1712 pass by the upper deck surface 1710 of the cartridge body 1702. Each staple driver supports one or more surgical staples/fasteners or fasteners (not shown) thereon. The slide assembly 2150 includes a plurality of angled or wedge-shaped cams 2152, wherein each cam 2152 corresponds to a particular line of fasteners or drivers located on one side of the slot 1708.

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 tool base 1210 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 over or near the distal end of the handle frame 506 such that the tapered attachment portion 1212 formed on the tool base 1210 aligns with the dovetail slot 507 in the handle frame 506. The clinician may then orient the surgical tool assembly 1000 perpendicular to the shaft axis SA₁AnThe mount axis IA moves such that the tapered attachment portion 1212 is disposed in "operative engagement" with a corresponding dovetail receiving slot 507 in the distal end of the handle frame 506. In doing so, the firing shaft attachment lugs 2128 on the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 will also seat in attachment brackets (not shown) in a longitudinally movable drive member (not shown) within the handle assembly 500, and the portions of the attachment pins 516 on the closure link 514 will seat in corresponding hooks 1942 in the closure shuttle 1940. 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.

During a typical surgical procedure, a clinician may introduce the surgical end effector 1500 into a surgical site through a trocar or other opening in a patient to access target tissue. When doing so, the clinician typically axially aligns the surgical end effector 1500 along the shaft axis (unarticulated state). For example, as the surgical end effector 1500 passes through a trocar port, the clinician may need to articulate the end effector 1500 to advantageously position it adjacent to the target tissue. This is prior to closing the anvil onto the target tissue, and thus the closure drive system 510 will remain unactuated. When in this position, actuation of the firing drive system 530 will cause articulation motions to be applied to the proximal articulation driver 1310. When the end effector has reached the desired articulation position, the firing drive system 530 is deactivated and the articulation lock 1400 may maintain the surgical end effector 1500 in the articulated position. The clinician may then actuate the closure drive system 510 to close the anvil 1810 onto the target tissue. Such actuation of the closure drive system 510 may also cause the clutch assembly 2200 to decouple the proximal articulation drive from the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120. Thus, when the target tissue has been captured in the surgical end effector 1500, the clinician can again actuate the firing drive system 530 to axially advance the firing member 2140 through the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700 to sever the clamped tissue and fire the staples into the severed tissue. Other closure and firing drive arrangements, actuator arrangements (handheld, manual and automatic or robotic) may also be employed to control axial movement of the closure system components, articulation system components and/or firing system components of the surgical tool assembly 1000 without departing from the spirit and scope of the various inventions disclosed herein.

Returning now to fig. 1, the surgical system 10 shown in this figure includes four interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000, each of which can effectively be used with the same handle assembly 500 to perform different surgical procedures.

Turning now to fig. 16-18, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 includes a surgical end effector 3500 comprising a first jaw 3600 and a second jaw 3800. In one arrangement, the first jaw includes an elongate channel 3602 configured to operatively support a surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 3700 therein. The second jaw 3800 includes an anvil 3810 that is pivotally supported relative to the elongate channel 3602. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 includes an articulation system 3300 that includes an articulation joint 3302 and an articulation lock 3400 that may be configured to couple the surgical end effector 3500 relative to the shaft axis SA₂Releasably held in a position where articulation is desired. Details regarding the construction and operation of the ARTICULATION LOCK 3400, as well as alternative LOCK configurations and operational details, may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATION motor locking system assembling AN ARTICULATION LOCK," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Additional details regarding the ARTICULATION lock 3400 may also be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,196 entitled "basic interlocking ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED secured quick connect", filed on 9.2.2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

As seen in fig. 17, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 includes a tool frame assembly 3200, which is a tool frame assemblyThe assembly includes a tool base 3210 that operatively supports a nozzle assembly 3240 thereon. In one form, the nozzle assembly 3240 is comprised of

nozzle portions

3242, 3244 and an actuator wheel portion 3246 configured to be coupled to the assembled

nozzle portions

3242, 3244 by snaps, lugs, screws, etc., and the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 includes a proximal closure assembly 3900 operatively coupled to a distal closure assembly 4000 for closing and/or opening an anvil 3810 of the surgical end effector 3500, as will be discussed in further detail below. In addition, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 includes a "resilient" spine assembly 3250 that operatively supports the proximal closure assembly 3900 and is coupled to the surgical end effector 3500. One exemplary form of a spine assembly 3250 is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTITABLE CLOSING AND FIRINGSYSTEMS," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. For example, the spine assembly 3250 may comprise an elastic spine member having a proximal end portion 3253 and a distal end portion 3280, the distal end portion 3280 being separated from the proximal end portion 3253 of the elastic spine assembly 3250 by a stretch feature 3282 formed therebetween. In addition, a stretch limiting insert 3284 is retentively supported between the distal end portion 3280 and the proximal end portion 3253. In various arrangements, the resilient spine assembly 3250 may be made of, for example, a suitable polymer material, rubber, or the like, having a shape designated ME₁Modulus of elasticity for reference purposes. For reference purposes, the stretch limiting insert 3284 may have a designation ME₂The modulus of elasticity of (a). In various instances, the stretch limiting insert 3284 also includes a pair of stretch limiters 3285 (only one shown in fig. 17). For reference purposes, the stretch limiter 3285 may have an elastic modulus ME₃. In at least one arrangement, ME₃<ME₂<ME₁. Further details regarding at least one implementation of the elastic spine assembly 3250 and stretch limiting insert 3284 may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,911.

In the illustrated arrangement, the distal end portion 3280 of the spine assembly 3250 has an opening 3281 therein to facilitate assembly. A ridge cap 3283 may be attached thereto to cover the opening 3281 after assembly of the various components therein. In the assembled form, the proximal end portion 3253 of the spine assembly 3250 is rotatably supported in the tool base 3210. In one arrangement, for example, a proximal end of the proximal end portion 3253 of the spine assembly 3250 is attached to a spine bearing (not shown) that is configured to be supported within the base 3210. Such an arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of ridge assembly 3250 to tool base 3210 such that ridge assembly 3250 may be selectively rotated about axis SA relative to tool base 3210₂And (4) rotating. Specifically, in one arrangement, for example, the proximal end portion 3253 of the spine assembly 3250 includes two diametrically opposed lug seats 3254 (only one visible in fig. 17) that are each configured to receive a corresponding nozzle lug (not shown) extending inwardly from each of the

nozzle portions

3242, 3244. Such an arrangement facilitates spine assembly 3250 in surrounding shaft axis SA by rotating actuator wheel portion 3246 of nozzle assembly 3240₂The rotation of (2).

Referring now to fig. 18, the distal end portion 3280 of the resilient spine assembly 3250 is attached to a distal frame segment 3286 that operatively supports an articulation lock 3400 therein. The spine assembly 3250 is configured to: first, a firing member assembly 4110 is slidably supported therein; and second, a proximal closure tube 3910 extending around spine assembly 3250 is slidably supported. The spine assembly 3250 may also be configured to slidably support the proximal articulation driver 3310. As can be seen in fig. 18, the distal frame segment 3286 is pivotally coupled to the elongate channel 3602 by an end effector mounting assembly 3290. For example, in one arrangement, a distal end of the distal frame segment 3286 has a pivot pin 3288 formed thereon. The pivot pin 3288 is adapted to be pivotally received within a pivot hole 3292 formed in a pivot base portion 3291 of the end effector mounting assembly 3290. End effector mounting assembly 3290 is attached to the proximal end of elongate channel 3602 by spring pins 3620 or other suitable members received within mounting holes 3611 in proximal end portion 3610The side end 3610. The pivot pin 3288 defines a transverse axis SA₂Of the joint movement axis AA₂. See fig. 18. Such an arrangement facilitates articulation of surgical end effector 3500 relative to elastic spine assembly 3250 about articulation axis AA₂Pivotal travel (i.e., articulation). The distal frame segment 3286 is also configured to support an articulation lock 3400 therein. Various articulation lock arrangements may be employed. At least one form of articulation lock 3400 is described in further detail below: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPLEMENTING AND ARTICULATION LOCK," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Additional details regarding this ARTICULATION lock may also be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,196 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITHSLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT", filed on 9.2.2016.

In the illustrated example, the surgical end effector 3500 can be configured about an articulation axis AA via an articulation system 3300₂Selectively articulating. In one form, the articulation system 3300 includes a proximal articulation driver 3310 that operatively interfaces with an articulation lock 3400. The articulation lock 3400 includes an articulation frame 3402 adapted to operatively engage a drive pin 3293 on a pivot base portion 3291 of an end effector mounting assembly 3290. Further, a cross-connect 3294 may be coupled to the drive pin 3293 and the articulation frame 3402 to assist in articulation of the surgical end effector 3500. As described above, further details regarding the operation of the articulation lock 3400 and the articulation frame 3402 may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541). Further details regarding the end effector mounting assembly and cross-connect 3294 can be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,245 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," filed 2016, 2,9, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. As further described herein and incorporated by referenceAs disclosed elsewhere herein, axial movement of the proximal articulation driver 3310 will result in engagement/disengagement of the articulation lock 3400 to thereby apply an articulation motion to the elongate channel 3602 to thereby cause the surgical end effector 3500 to articulate about an articulation axis AA relative to the spine assembly 3250₂The joint movement is performed.

In the illustrated example, the anvil 3810 includes an anvil body 3812 that terminates in an anvil mounting portion 3820. The anvil mounting portion 3820 is movably or pivotally supported on the elongate channel 3602 so as to be rotatable relative thereto about a transverse shaft axis SA₂Fixed anvil pivot axis PA of₂(fig. 18) selective pivotal travel. In the illustrated arrangement, anvil trunnions 3822 extend laterally out of each side of the anvil mounting portion 3820 to be received in corresponding trunnion pivot holes 3613 formed in upstanding walls 3612 of the proximal end portion 3610 of the elongate channel 3602. Movement of the anvil 3810 relative to the elongate channel 3602 is accomplished by axial movement of the proximal closure assembly 3900 and the distal closure assembly 4000. In the illustrated arrangement, the proximal closure assembly 3900 includes a proximal closure tube 3910, the proximal closure tube 3910 having a proximal end 3912 and a distal end 3914. The proximal end 3912 is rotatably supported in a closure shuttle 3940 that is slidably supported within the tool base 3210 such that the closure shuttle 7940 is axially movable relative thereto. In one form, the closure shuttle 3940 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 3942 that are configured for attachment to a lateral attachment pin 516 that is attached to the closure link assembly 514 of the handle assembly 500. The proximal end 3912 is coupled to the closure shuttle 3940 for rotation relative thereto. For example, the U-shaped connector 3944 is inserted into the annular slot 3916 in the proximal end 3912 and retained within the vertical slot 3946 in the closure shuttle 3940. Such an arrangement is used to attach the proximal closure assembly 3900 to the closure shuttle 3940 for axial travel with the closure shuttle 3940 while enabling the proximal closure tube 3910 to surround the shaft axis SA₂Rotating relative to the closure shuttle 7940. As described above in connection with the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000, a closure spring (not shown) may be on the proximal end 3912 of the proximal closure tube 3910Extend to bias the closure shuttle 3940 in the proximal direction PD, which may be used to pivot the closure trigger 512 on the handle assembly 500 (fig. 2) to the unactuated position when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 is operatively coupled to the handle assembly 500 in the manner described above.

As can be seen in fig. 18, the distal end 3914 of the proximal closure tube 3910 is attached to the distal closure assembly 4000. The distal end 3914 includes an upper tang 3917 and a lower tang 3918 configured to be movably coupled to an end effector closure sleeve or distal closure tube segment 4030. The distal closure tube segment 4030 includes an upper tang 4032 and a lower tang 4034 projecting proximally from a proximal end thereof. Upper double pivot connector 4060 pivotally couples upper tangs 3917 and 4032 and lower double pivot connector 4064 pivotally couples lower tangs 3918 and 4034 together in the manner described above. Distal advancement of the distal closure tube segment 4030 over the anvil mounting portion 3820 will cause the anvil 3810 to pivot about the fixed anvil pivot axis PA₂Toward the elongate channel 3602. In the illustrated arrangement, the distal closure tube segment 4030 also includes forward jaw or anvil opening features 4040 that are configured to cooperate with surfaces or ramp portions on the anvil mounting portion 3820 to pivot the anvil 3810 from the closed position to the open position when the distal closure tube segment 4030 is moved proximally back to the starting position. Other embodiments may not employ a positive jaw opening feature, but may rely on a spring or other biasing arrangement to bias the anvil to the open position when the distal closure tube segment has been retracted to its proximal-most starting position. Further details regarding the configuration and operation of the anvil opening features may be found, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTITABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS".

In the illustrated arrangement, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 further includes a firing system, generally designated 4100. In various examples, the firing system 4100 includes a firing member assembly 4110 that is supported for axial travel within the spine assembly 3250. In the exemplified embodiment, the firing member assembly 4110 comprises an intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 configured for attachment to a distal cutting portion or knife bar 4130. The support sleeve arrangement 4121 may be used to support the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 within the spine assembly 3250. The firing member assembly 4110 may also be referred to herein as a "second shaft" and/or a "second shaft assembly". As seen in fig. 18, the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 may include a longitudinal slot 4124 in its distal end 4122, which may be configured to receive the proximal end 4132 of the knife bar 4130. The longitudinal slot 4124 and the proximal end 4132 of the knife bar 4130 may be sized and configured to allow relative movement therebetween and may include a sliding joint 4134. The sliding joint 4134 can allow the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 of the firing member assembly 4110 to move to articulate the end effector 3500 as described above without moving, or at least substantially without moving, the knife bar 4130. In the exemplified arrangement, the proximal end 4127 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 has a firing shaft attachment lug 4128 formed thereon, which firing shaft attachment lug 4128 is configured to be seated into an attachment cradle (not shown) located on the distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member (not shown) of the firing drive system 530 within the handle assembly 500, as described above. Such an arrangement facilitates axial movement of the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 upon actuation of the firing drive system 530. Other attachment configurations may also be employed to couple the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 to other firing drive arrangements (e.g., manually actuated, robotic, etc.).

In addition to the above, the interchangeable tool assembly 3000 may include a clutch assembly 4200 in the manner described above, which may be configured to selectively and releasably couple the proximal articulation driver 3310 to the firing member assembly 4110. In one form, the clutch assembly 4200 includes a lock collar or lock sleeve 4210 positioned about the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 of the firing member assembly 4110, wherein the lock sleeve may be rotated between an engaged position in which the lock sleeve 4210 couples the proximal articulation driver 3310 to the firing member assembly 4110 and a disengaged position in which the proximal articulation driver 3310 is not operatively coupled to the firing member assembly 4110. As described above, the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 of the firing member assembly 4110 is formed with a drive notch 4126. The lockout sleeve 4210 comprises a cylindrical, or at least substantially cylindrical, body including a longitudinal bore 4212 configured to receive the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 therethrough. The lock sleeve 4210 may include diametrically opposed inwardly facing

lock protrusions

4214, 4216 that are engagingly received within corresponding portions of the drive notch 4126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 when the lock sleeve 4210 is in one position and are not received within the drive notch 4126 when the lock sleeve 4210 is in another position, thereby allowing relative axial movement between the lock sleeve 8210 and the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120, as discussed in further detail above. The locking sleeve 4210 further comprises a locking member 4218 that is sized to be movably received within a recess 3319 in the proximal end of the proximal articulation driver 3310. When the lock sleeve 4210 is in its engaged position, the

lock protrusions

4214, 4216 are positioned within the drive notch 4126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 such that a distal pushing force and/or a proximal pulling force may be transmitted from the firing member assembly 4110 to the lock sleeve 4210. Such axial push or pull motion is then transferred from the lock sleeve 4210 to the proximal articulation driver 3310, thereby articulating the surgical end effector 3500.

As described above, in the illustrated example, relative movement of the locking sleeve 4210 between its engaged and disengaged positions may be controlled by the clutch assembly 4200, which clutch assembly 8200 interfaces with the proximal closure tube 3910 of the proximal closure assembly 3900. The clutch assembly 4200 further includes a clutch key 4240 configured to be slidably received within a key recess (similar to key recess 2217 shown in fig. 8) formed in an outer periphery of the locking sleeve 4210. Such an arrangement enables clutch key 4240 to move axially relative to lock sleeve 4210. The operation of the clutch assembly 4200 may be identical to the operation of the clutch assembly 2200, which operation of the clutch assembly 2200 is described in further detail above and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. Further details, alternative arrangements and drive configurations that may be employed are disclosed in other arrangements that may be employed, which are disclosed in the following: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541), and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTTLYACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS," among other publications that have been incorporated herein.

The interchangeable tool assembly 3000 can include a slip ring assembly 3230, which can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the surgical end effector 3500 and/or to transmit signals to and/or from the surgical end effector 7500, for example, to the microcontroller 560 or robotic system controller in the handle assembly 500, as described above. Additional details regarding slip ring assembly 3230 and associated connectors may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541) and U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,196 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) and U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,067 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263552, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE thinskess SENSOR SYSTEM".

For example, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 also employs a latch system 3220 for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 to the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. The latch system 3220 may be identical to the latch system 1220 described in detail above. The tool bar 4130 may comprise a laminated beam structure comprising at least two beam layers. The beam layers may comprise, for example, stainless steel strips, the strips being interconnected together, for example, by 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 deploy relative to each other as the end effector articulates. Such an arrangement allows the knife bar 4130 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 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURES CUTROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As can also be seen in fig. 18, the firing shaft support member 4300 is used to provide lateral support to the knife bar 4130 as it bends to accommodate articulation of the surgical end effector 3500. Further details regarding the operation of the firing shaft support assembly 4300 and alternative knife bar support arrangements may be found in: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS" and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING ANDAXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR", each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As also seen in fig. 18, a firing member or knife member 4140 is attached to the distal end of the knife bar 4130. The firing member 4140 is configured to operatively interface with a slide assembly 4150 that is operatively supported within the body 3702 of the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 3700. The slide assembly 4150 is slidably displaceable within the surgical staple cartridge body/fastener cartridge body 3702 from a proximal end starting position adjacent the proximal end 3704 of the cartridge body 3702 to an end position adjacent the distal end 3706 of the cartridge body 3702. The cartridge body 3702 can operably support a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) therein that are aligned in rows on each side of the centrally disposed slot 3708. A centrally disposed slot 3708 enables firing member 4140 to pass therethrough and cut tissue clamped between anvil 3810 and staple cartridge 3700. The drivers are associated with corresponding staple pockets 3712, and these staple pockets 3712 pass over the deck surface 3710 of the cartridge body 3702. Each staple driver supports one or more surgical staples/fasteners or fasteners (not shown) thereon. The slide assembly 4150 includes a plurality of angled or wedge-shaped cams 4152, wherein each cam 4152 corresponds to a particular line of fasteners or drivers located on the sides of the slot 3708.

In one exemplary form, the firing member 4140 includes a body portion 4142 that supports a knife or tissue cutting portion 4144. See fig. 49. The body portion 4142 protrudes through the elongated slot 3604 in the elongated channel 3602 and terminates in foot members 4146 extending laterally on each side of the body portion 4142. As the firing member 4140 is driven distally through the surgical cartridge/fastener cartridge 3700, the foot member 4146 rides in the elongate channel 3602 positioned within the pathway 3622 below the surgical cartridge/fastener cartridge 3700. The tissue cutting portion 4144 is disposed between the distally projecting top nose portions 4143. As can be further seen in fig. 18, the firing member 4140 may also include two laterally extending top tabs, pins, or anvil engagement features 4147. As the firing member 4140 is driven distally, a top portion of the body portion 4142 extends past the centrally-disposed anvil slot 3814 and the anvil engagement features 4147 ride over corresponding tabs 3816 formed on each side of the anvil slot 3814. Further details regarding examples of the firing member 4140, the slide assembly 4150, and various alternatives thereof, as well as their operation, will be discussed in further detail below, and may also be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,911, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTITABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS". The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 may be attached to the handle assembly 500 in the manner described above with respect to the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000.

Returning again to fig. 1, as noted above, the surgical system 10 shown in this figure includes four interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000, each of which can effectively be used with the same handle assembly 500 to perform different surgical procedures. Turning now to fig. 19-21, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 includes a surgical end effector 5500 that includes a first jaw 5600 and a second jaw 5800. In one arrangement, the first jaw includes an elongate channel 5602 configured to operatively support a surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 5700 therein. The second jaw 5800 can comprise an anvil 5810 movably supported relative to the elongate channel 5602. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 includes an articulation system 5300, which includes an articulation joint 5302 and an articulation jointA kinematic lock 5400 that can be configured to couple the surgical end effector 5500 relative to the shaft axis SA₃Releasably held in a position where articulation is desired. Details regarding the construction and operation of the articulation LOCK 5400, as well as alternative LOCK configurations and operating details, can be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,894 entitled "SHAFT assist assembling a LOCK OUT," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Alternative articulation locking arrangements can also be found in: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPLEMENTING AND ARTICULATION LOCK," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTIRAINT," filed on 9/2/2016, the entire disclosure of each such reference being hereby incorporated by reference.

As seen in fig. 20, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 includes a tool frame assembly 5200 which includes a tool base 5210 that operatively supports a nozzle assembly 5240 thereon. In one form, the nozzle assembly 5240 is comprised of

nozzle portions

5242, 5244 and an actuator wheel portion 5246 that is configured to be coupled to the assembled

nozzle portions

5242, 5244 by snaps, lugs, screws, or the like, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 including a proximal closure assembly 5900 that is operatively coupled to a distal closure assembly 6000 that is used to close and/or open an anvil 5810 of the surgical end effector 5500, as will be discussed in further detail below. In addition, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 includes a spine assembly 5250 that operatively supports the proximal closure assembly 5900 and is coupled to the surgical end effector 5500. In the exemplified arrangement, the spine assembly 5250 comprises a distal end portion 5280 having an opening 5281 therein to facilitate assembly. A ridge cap 5283 may be attached thereto to cover the opening 5281 after various components are assembled therein. In an assembled form, the proximal end portion 5253 of the spine assembly 5250 is rotatably supported in the tool base 5210. In an arrangementFor example, the proximal end of the proximal end portion 5253 of the spine assembly 5250 is attached to a spine bearing (not shown) that is configured to be supported within the base 5210. Such an arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of the ridge assembly 5250 with the tool base 5210 such that the ridge assembly 5250 can be selectively rotated relative to the tool base 5210 about the shaft axis SA₃And (4) rotating. Specifically, in one arrangement, for example, the proximal end portion 5253 of the ridge assembly 5250 comprises two diametrically opposed lug seats 5254 (only one visible in fig. 20) that are each configured to receive a corresponding nozzle lug (not shown) extending inwardly from each of the

nozzle portions

5242, 5244. Such an arrangement facilitates the ridge assembly 5250 to rotate about the shaft axis SA by rotating the actuator wheel portion 5246 of the nozzle assembly 5240₃The rotation of (2).

Referring now to fig. 21, the distal end portion 5280 of the spine assembly 5250 is attached to a distal frame segment 5286, which operatively supports an articulation lock 5400 therein. The spine assembly 5250 is configured to: first, a firing member assembly 6110 slidably supported therein; and second, slidably supporting a proximal closure tube 5910 extending around the spine assembly 5250. The spine assembly 5250 can also be configured to slidably support the first and

second articulation drivers

5310 and 5320. As can be seen in fig. 21, the distal frame segment 5286 is pivotally coupled to the proximal end 5610 of the elongate channel 5602. For example, in one arrangement, the distal end of the distal frame segment 5286 has a pivot pin 5288 formed thereon. The pivot pin 5288 is adapted to be pivotally received within a pivot hole 5611 formed in the proximal end portion 5610 of the elongate channel 5602. The pivot pin 5288 defines a transverse axis SA to the shaft axis₃Of the joint movement axis AA₃. See fig. 21. Such an arrangement facilitates the surgical end effector 5500 to articulate about an articulation axis AA relative to the spine assembly 5250₃Pivotal travel (i.e., articulation). Distal frame segment 5286 is also configured to support articulation lock 5400 therein.

In the illustrated arrangement, the distal end 5314 of the first articulation driver 5310 is formed with a loop 5316 that is adapted to receive therein a loop formed in the thin wallA first articulation pin 5618 on the proximal end portion 5610 of the long channel 5602. Similarly, the distal end 5324 of the second articulation driver 5320 has a collar 5326 that is adapted to receive a second articulation pin 5619 formed on the proximal end portion 5610 of the elongate channel 5602 therein. In one arrangement, for example, the first articulation driver 5310 also includes proximal rack teeth 5315 in meshing engagement with an idler gear 5330 rotatably supported in the spine assembly 5250. Similarly, the second articulation driver 5320 also includes proximal rack teeth 5325 in meshing engagement with an idler gear 5330. Thus, in such an arrangement, movement of the first articulation driver 5310 in the distal direction DD will result in movement of the second articulation driver 5320 in the proximal direction PD. Movement of the first articulation driver 5310 in the proximal direction PD will result in movement of the second articulation driver 5320 in the distal direction DD. Thus, such movement of the first and

second articulation drivers

5310 and 5320 will simultaneously provide push and pull motions to the surgical end effector 5500 to cause the surgical end effector to articulate about the articulation axis AA₃The joint movement is performed.

In the illustrated example, the anvil 5810 includes an anvil body 5812 that terminates in an anvil mounting portion 5820. The anvil mounting portion 5820 is movably supported on the elongate channel 5602 for selective pivotal and vertical travel relative thereto. In the illustrated arrangement, the anvil trunnions 5822 extend laterally out of each side of the anvil mounting portion 5820 to be received in corresponding "open" vertical braces 5613 formed in the upstanding walls 5612 of the proximal end portion 5610 of the elongate channel 5602. Movement of the anvil 5810 relative to the elongate channel 5602 is effectuated by axial movement of the proximal and distal closure assemblies 5900, 6000. In the illustrated arrangement, the proximal closure assembly 5900 includes a proximal closure tube 5910 having a proximal end 5912 and a distal end 5914. The proximal end 5912 is rotatably supported in the closure shuttle 5940, which is slidably supported within the tool base 5210 such that the closure shuttle 7940 is axially movable relative thereto. In one form, the closure shuttle 5940 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 5942 thatThey are configured for attachment to a lateral attachment pin 516 that is attached to the closure link assembly 514 of the handle assembly 500. The proximal end 5912 of the proximal closure tube 5910 is coupled to the closure shuttle 5940 for rotation relative to the closure shuttle 7940. For example, the U-shaped connector 5944 is inserted into an annular slot 5916 in the proximal end 5912 and retained within a vertical slot 5946 in the closure shuttle 5940. Such an arrangement is used to attach the proximal closure assembly 5900 to the closure shuttle 5940 for axial travel with the closure shuttle 5940 while enabling the proximal closure tube 5910 to surround the shaft axis SA₃Rotating relative to the closure shuttle 7940. As described above in connection with the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000, a closure spring (not shown) may extend over the proximal end 5912 of the proximal closure tube 5910 to bias the closure shuttle 5940 in the proximal direction PD, which may be used to pivot the closure trigger 512 on the handle assembly 500 (fig. 2) to an unactuated position when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 is operatively coupled to the handle assembly 500 in the manner described above.

As can be seen in fig. 21, the distal end 5914 of the proximal closure tube 5910 is attached to the distal closure assembly 6000. The distal end 5914 includes an upper tang 5917 and a lower tang 7918 configured to be movably coupled to an end effector closure sleeve or distal closure tube segment 6030. The distal closure tube segment 6030 includes an upper tang 6032 and a lower tang 6034 projecting proximally from a proximal end thereof. An upper double pivot connection 6060 pivotally couples the upper tangs 5917 and 6032, and a lower double pivot connection 6064 pivotally couples the lower tangs 5918 and 6034 together in the manner described above. The distal closure tube segment 6030 includes an inner cam surface 6036 that is configured to cammingly engage an anvil cam surface 5821 on an anvil mounting portion 5820. Distal advancement of the distal closure tube segment 6030 over the anvil mounting portion 5820 will result in closure or pivotal travel of the anvil 5810 toward the elongate channel 5602. In the illustrated arrangement, an upstanding anvil tab 5827 is formed on the anvil mounting portion 5820 and is configured to be contacted by two positive jaw opening tabs 6038 that extend inwardly within the distal closure tube segment 6030. Each forward jaw opening tab 6038 is configured to engage a corresponding one of the anvil tabs 5827 to pivot the anvil 5810 to the open position as the distal closure tube segment 6030 is axially moved in the proximal direction PD.

In the illustrated arrangement, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 also includes a firing system generally designated 6100. In various examples, the firing system 6100 includes a firing member assembly 6110 that is supported for axial travel within the spine assembly 5250. In the exemplified embodiment, the firing member assembly 6110 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 configured for attachment to a distal cutting portion or knife bar 6130. The firing member assembly 6110 may also be referred to herein as a "second shaft" and/or a "second shaft assembly". As seen in fig. 21, the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 can include a longitudinal slot 6124 in a distal end 6122 thereof, which can be configured to receive a proximal end 6132 of the knife bar 6130. The longitudinal slot 6124 and the proximal end 6132 of the knife bar 6130 may be sized and configured to allow relative movement therebetween and may include a slip joint 6134. The sliding joint 6134 can allow the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 of the firing member assembly 6110 to move to articulate the end effector 5500 without moving, or at least without substantially moving, the knife bar 6130, as described above. In the exemplified arrangement, the proximal end 6127 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 has a firing shaft attachment lug 6128 formed thereon, which firing shaft attachment lug 8128 is configured to be seated into an attachment cradle (not shown) located on the distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member (not shown) of the firing drive system 530 within the handle assembly 500, as described above. Such an arrangement facilitates axial movement of the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 upon actuation of the firing drive system 530. Other attachment configurations may also be employed to couple the intermediate firing shaft portion to other firing drive arrangements (e.g., manually actuated, robotic, etc.).

In addition to the above, the interchangeable tool assembly 5000 can include a clutch assembly 6200 in the manner described above, which can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the first articulation driver 5310 to the firing member assembly 6110. In one form, the clutch assembly 6200 includes a locking collar or locking sleeve 6210 positioned about the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 of the firing member assembly 6110, wherein the locking sleeve 6210 is rotatable between an engaged position in which the locking sleeve 6210 couples the first articulation driver 5310 to the firing member assembly 6110 and a disengaged position in which the first articulation driver 5310 is not operatively coupled to the firing member assembly 6110. As described above, the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 of the firing member assembly 6110 is formed with a drive notch 6126. The locking sleeve 6210 includes a cylindrical, or at least substantially cylindrical, body that includes a longitudinal bore configured to receive the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 therethrough. The locking sleeve 6210 can include diametrically opposed inwardly facing locking projections 6214, 6216 that are engagingly received within corresponding portions of the drive notch 6126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 when the locking sleeve 6210 is in one position and are not received within the drive notch 6126 when the locking sleeve 6210 is in another position, thereby allowing relative axial movement between the locking sleeve 8210 and the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120, as discussed in further detail above. The locking sleeve 6210 also includes a locking member 6218, the locking member 6218 being sized to be movably received within a notch 5319 in the proximal end of the first articulation driver 5310. When the locking sleeve 6210 is in its engaged position, the locking projections 6214, 6216 are positioned within the drive notch 6126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 such that a distal pushing force and/or a proximal pulling force can be transmitted from the firing member assembly 6110 to the locking sleeve 6210. Such axial pushing or pulling motion is then transmitted from the locking sleeve 6210 to the proximal articulation driver 5310. Axial movement of the first articulation driver 5310 causes axial movement of the second articulation driver 5320 in the opposite direction, thereby causing the surgical end effector 5500 to articulate.

As mentioned above, in the illustrated example, relative movement of the locking sleeve 6210 between its engaged and disengaged positions may be controlled by the clutch assembly 6200, which clutch assembly 8200 interfaces with the proximal closure tube 5910 of the proximal closure assembly 5900. The clutch assembly 6200 further includes a clutch key 6240 configured to be slidably received within a key recess (similar to key recess 2217 shown in fig. 8) formed in an outer periphery of the locking sleeve 6210. Such an arrangement enables the clutch key 6240 to move axially relative to the locking sleeve 6210. Operation of the clutch assembly 6200 may be identical to operation of the clutch assembly 2200, which operation of the clutch assembly 2200 is described in further detail above and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. Further details, alternative arrangements and drive configurations that may be employed are disclosed in other arrangements that may be employed, which are disclosed in the following: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541), and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTTLYACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS," among other publications that have been incorporated herein.

The interchangeable tool assembly 5000 can include a slip ring assembly 5230, which can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the surgical end effector 5500 and/or transmit signals to and/or from the surgical end effector 7500 back to, for example, the microcontroller 560 or robotic system controller in the handle assembly 500, as described above. Additional details regarding slip ring assembly 5230 and associated connectors may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541) and U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,196 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) and U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,067 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263552, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE thinskess SENSOR SYSTEM".

For example, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 also employs a latch system 5220 for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 to the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. The latch system 5220 may be identical to the latch system 1220 described in detail above. The tool bar 6130 may comprise a laminated beam structure comprising at least two beam layers. The beam layers may comprise, for example, stainless steel strips, the strips being interconnected together, for example, by 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 deploy relative to each other as the end effector articulates. Such an arrangement allows the knife bar 6130 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 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURES CUTROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As can also be seen in fig. 21, a firing shaft support member 6300 is used to provide lateral support to the knife bar 6130 as it bends to accommodate articulation of the surgical end effector 5500. Further details regarding the operation of the firing shaft support assembly 6300 and alternative knife bar support arrangements can be found in: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS" and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING ANDAXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR", each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As also seen in fig. 21 and 50, a firing member or knife member 6140 is attached to the distal end of the knife bar 6130. The firing member 6140 is configured to operatively interface with a slide assembly 6150 that is operatively supported within the body 5702 of the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 5700. The slide assembly 6150 is slidably displaceable within the surgical staple cartridge body/fastener cartridge body 5702 from a proximal end starting position adjacent the proximal end 5704 of the cartridge body 5702 to an end position adjacent the distal end 5706 of the cartridge body 5702. The cartridge body 5702 operably supports a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) therein that are aligned in rows on each side of a centrally disposed slot 5708. A centrally disposed slot 5708 enables the firing member 6140 to pass therethrough and cut tissue clamped between the anvil 5810 and the staple cartridge 5700. The drivers are associated with corresponding staple pockets that pass over the upper deck surface of the cartridge body 5702. Each staple driver supports one or more surgical staples/fasteners or fasteners (not shown) thereon. The slide assembly includes a plurality of angled or wedge cams 6152, where each cam corresponds to a particular line of fasteners or drivers located on one side of the slot 5708.

In one exemplary form, the firing member 6140 includes a body portion 6142 that supports a knife or tissue cutting portion 6144. See fig. 50. The body portion 6142 protrudes through the elongate slot 5604 in the elongate channel 5602 and terminates in a foot member 6146 extending laterally on each side of the body portion 6142. As the firing member 6140 is driven distally through the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 5700, the foot member 6146 rides in the elongate channel 5602 positioned within the channel 5622 below the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 5700. The tissue cutting portion 6144 is disposed between the distally projecting top nose portions 6143. As further seen in fig. 21 and 50, the firing member 6140 can also include two laterally extending top tabs, pins, or anvil engagement features 6147. As the firing member 6140 is driven distally, a top portion of the body portion 6142 extends through the centrally disposed anvil slot 5814 and the anvil engagement features 6147 ride over corresponding bosses 5816 formed on each side of the anvil slot 5814. Further details regarding examples of the firing member 6140, the slide assembly 6150, and various alternatives thereof, as well as their operation, are discussed in further detail below, and can also be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,911, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTITABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS". The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 may be operatively coupled to the handle assembly 500 in the manner described above with respect to the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000.

surgical tool assemblies

1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000, each of which can effectively be used with the same handle assembly 500 to perform different surgical procedures. Turning now to FIGS. 22 toFig. 24, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 includes a surgical end effector 7500 including a first jaw 7600 and a second jaw 7800. In one arrangement, the first jaw includes an elongate channel 7602 configured to operatively support a surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 7700 therein. The second jaw 7800 includes an anvil 7810 movably supported relative to the elongate channel 7602. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 includes an articulation system 7300 that includes an articulation joint 7302 and an articulation lock 7400 that may be configured to position the surgical end effector 7500 relative to the shaft axis SA₄Releasably held in a position where articulation is desired. Details regarding the construction and operation of the articulation LOCK 7400, as well as alternative LOCK configurations and operational details, may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 entitled "articulation motor LOCK assembly machinery description and operation LOCK," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Additional details regarding the articulation lock 7400 and/or alternative articulation lock arrangements may also be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,196 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTATIONAL TERTIALCULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT," filed on 9.2.2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

As seen in fig. 24, interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 includes a tool frame assembly 7200 that includes a tool base 7210 that operatively supports a nozzle assembly 7240 thereon. In one form, nozzle assembly 7240 is comprised of

nozzle portions

7242, 7244 and an actuator wheel portion 7246 configured to be coupled to the assembled

nozzle portions

7242, 7244 by snaps, lugs, screws, or the like, and interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 includes a proximal closure assembly 7900 operatively coupled to a distal closure assembly 8000 for closing and/or opening anvil 7810 of surgical end effector 7500, as will be discussed in further detail below. In addition, interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 includes spine assembly 7250 whichOperatively supports the proximal closure assembly 7900 and is coupled to the surgical end effector 3500. In the exemplified arrangement, spine assembly 7250 includes a distal end portion 7280 having an opening 7281 therein to facilitate assembly. A ridge cap 7283 may be attached thereto to cover the opening 7281 after the various components are assembled therein. In an assembled form, proximal end portion 7253 of spine assembly 7250 is rotatably supported in tool base 7210. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end of proximal end portion 7253 of spine assembly 7250 is attached to a spine bearing (not shown) that is configured to be supported within base 7210. Such an arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of ridge assembly 7250 to tool base 7210 such that ridge assembly 7250 can be selectively rotated relative to tool base 7210 about axis SA₄And (4) rotating. Specifically, in one arrangement, for example, proximal end portion 7253 of ridge assembly 7250 includes two diametrically opposed lug seats 7254 (only one visible in fig. 23) that are each configured to receive a corresponding nozzle lug (not shown) extending inwardly from each of

nozzle portions

7242, 7244. Such an arrangement facilitates spine assembly 7250 about shaft axis SA by rotating actuator wheel portion 7246 of nozzle assembly 7240₄The rotation of (2).

Referring now to fig. 24, the distal end portion 7280 of the spine assembly 7250 is attached to a distal frame segment 7286 that operatively supports an articulation lock 7400 therein. Spine assembly 7250 is configured to: first, a firing member assembly 8110 slidably supported therein; and second, slidably supports a proximal closure tube 7910 extending around spine assembly 7250. Spine assembly 7250 may also be configured to slidably support proximal articulation driver 7310. As shown in fig. 24, the distal frame segment 7286 is pivotally coupled to the elongate channel 7602 by an end effector mounting assembly 7290. For example, in one arrangement, the distal end of the distal frame segment 7286 has a pivot pin 7288 formed thereon. The pivot pin 7288 is adapted to be pivotally received within a pivot hole 7292 formed in a pivot base portion 7291 of the end effector mounting assembly 7290. End effector mounting assembly 7290 is received at the proximal end by spring pin 7620Other suitable components within the mounting hole 7611 in the portion 7610 are attached to the proximal end portion 7610 of the elongate channel 7602. The pivot pin 7288 defines a transverse axis SA₄Of the joint movement axis AA₄. See fig. 24. Such an arrangement facilitates articulation of surgical end effector 7500 relative to spine assembly 7250 about articulation axis AA₄Pivotal travel (i.e., articulation). The distal frame segment 7286 is also configured to support an articulation lock 7400 therein. Various articulation lock arrangements may be employed. At least one form of the articulation lock 7400 is described in further detail below: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPLEMENTING AND ARTICULATION LOCK," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Additional details regarding this ARTICULATION lock may also be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,196 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITHSLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT", filed on 9.2.2016.

In the illustrated example, the surgical end effector 7500 can be configured to articulate about an articulation axis AA via an articulation system 7300₄Selectively articulating. In one form, the articulation system 7300 includes a proximal articulation driver 7310 that operatively interfaces with an articulation lock 7400. The articulation lock 7400 includes an articulation frame 7402 that is adapted to operatively engage a drive pin 7293 on a pivot base portion 7291 of an end effector mounting assembly 7290. In addition, a cross-connect 7294 can be coupled to the drive pins 7293 and the articulation frame 7402 to assist in articulation of the surgical end effector 7500. As mentioned above, more details regarding the operation of the articulation lock 7400 and the articulation frame 7402 may be found in U.S. patent application Serial No. 13/803,086, now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541. Further details regarding the end effector mounting assembly and cross-link 7294 can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. 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 referenceIncorporated herein by reference. As further described herein and in other disclosures incorporated by reference herein, axial movement of the proximal articulation driver 7310 will cause engagement/disengagement of the articulation lock 7400, thereby applying an articulation motion to the elongate channel 7602, thereby causing the surgical end effector 7500 to articulate about an articulation axis AA relative to the spine assembly 7250₄The joint movement is performed.

In the illustrated example, the anvil 7810 includes an anvil body 7812 that terminates in an anvil mounting portion 7820. The anvil mounting portion 7820 is movably supported on the elongate channel 7602 for selective pivotal and axial travel relative thereto. In the exemplified arrangement, anvil trunnions 7822 extend laterally out of each side of anvil mounting portion 7820 to be received in corresponding "kidney-shaped" openings 7613 formed in upstanding walls 7612 of proximal end portion 7610 of elongate channel 7602. Movement of the anvil 7810 relative to the elongate channel 7602 is accomplished by axial movement of the proximal and

distal closure assemblies

7900, 8000. In the illustrated arrangement, the proximal closure assembly 7900 includes a proximal closure tube 7910 having a proximal end 7912 and a distal end 7914. The proximal end 7912 is rotatably supported in a closure shuttle 7940 that is slidably supported within the tool base 7210 such that the closure shuttle 7940 is axially movable relative thereto. In one form, the closure shuttle 7940 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 7942 configured for attachment to a lateral attachment pin 516 attached to the closure link assembly 514 of the handle assembly 500. The proximal end 7912 of the proximal closure tube 7910 is coupled to the closure shuttle 7940 for rotation relative to the closure shuttle 7940. For example, the U-shaped connector 7944 is inserted into an annular slot 7916 in the proximal end 7912 of the proximal closure tube 7910 such that it remains within a vertical slot 7946 in the closure shuttle 7940. Such an arrangement serves to attach the proximal closure assembly 7900 to the closure shuttle 7940 for axial travel with the closure shuttle 7940 while enabling the proximal closure tube 7910 to surround the shaft axis SA₄Rotating relative to the closure shuttle 7940. As described above in connection with the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000, a closure spring (not shown)) May extend over the proximal end 7912 of the proximal closure tube 7910 to bias the closure shuttle 7940 in the proximal direction PD, which may be used to pivot the closure trigger 512 on the handle assembly 500 (fig. 2) to an unactuated position when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 is operatively coupled to the handle assembly 500 in the manner described above.

As can be seen in fig. 24, the distal end 7914 of the proximal closure tube 3910 is attached to the distal closure assembly 8000. The distal end 7914 includes an upper tang 7917 and a lower tang 7918 configured to be movably coupled to an end effector closure sleeve or distal closure tube segment 8030. The distal closure tube segment 8030 includes an upper tang 8032 and a lower tang 8034 projecting proximally from a proximal end thereof. The upper double pivot connection 8060 pivotally couples the

upper tangs

7917 and 8032, and the lower double pivot connection 8064 pivotally couples the lower tangs 7918 and 8034 together in the manner described above. Distal advancement of the distal closure tube segment 8030 over the anvil mounting portion 7820 will result in closure or pivotal travel of the anvil 7810 toward the elongate channel 7602. In the illustrated arrangement, an upstanding anvil tab 7824 is formed on the anvil mounting portion 7820 and extends into the horseshoe shaped opening 8038. The opening 8038 defines an opening tab 8039 that is configured to operatively interface with the anvil tab 7824 when the distal closure tube is retracted in the distal direction. Such interaction between the opening tab 8039 and the anvil tab 7824 imparts an opening motion to the anvil 7810, causing the anvil 7810 to move to an open position.

In the illustrated arrangement, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 also includes a firing system, generally designated 8100. In various examples, the firing system 8100 includes a firing member assembly 8110 that is supported for axial travel within the spine assembly 7250. In the exemplified embodiment, the firing member assembly 8110 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 configured for attachment to a distal cutting portion or knife bar 8130. The firing member assembly 8110 may also be referred to herein as a "second shaft" and/or a "second shaft assembly. As seen in fig. 24, the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 can include a longitudinal slot 8124 in a distal end 8122 thereof, which can be configured to receive a proximal end 8132 of the knife bar 8130. The longitudinal slot 8124 and the proximal end 8132 of the knife bar 8130 may be sized and configured to allow relative movement therebetween and may include a slip joint 8134. The sliding joint 8134 can allow the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 of the firing member assembly 8110 to move to articulate the end effector 7500 without moving, or at least substantially without moving, the knife bar 8130, as described above. In the exemplified arrangement, the proximal end 8127 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 has a firing shaft attachment lug 8128 formed thereon, which firing shaft attachment lug 8128 is configured to be seated into an attachment cradle (not shown) located on the distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member (not shown) of the firing drive system 530 within the handle assembly 500, as described above. Such an arrangement facilitates axial movement of the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 upon actuation of the firing drive system 530. Other attachment configurations may also be employed to couple the intermediate firing shaft portion to other firing drive arrangements (e.g., manually actuated, robotic, etc.).

In addition to the above, the interchangeable tool assembly 7000 can include a clutch assembly 8200 in the manner described above, which can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the proximal articulation driver 7310 to the firing member assembly 8110. In one form, the clutch assembly 8200 includes a locking collar or locking sleeve 8210 positioned about the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 of the firing member assembly 8110, wherein the locking sleeve can be rotated between an engaged position, wherein the locking sleeve 8210 couples the proximal articulation driver 7310 to the firing member assembly 8110, and a disengaged position, wherein the proximal articulation driver 7310 is not operatively coupled to the firing member assembly 8110. As described above, the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 of the firing member assembly 8110 is formed with a drive notch 8126. The locking sleeve 8210 comprises a cylindrical, or at least substantially cylindrical, body comprising a longitudinal bore configured to receive the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 therethrough. The locking sleeve 8210 can include diametrically opposed inwardly facing locking

projections

8214, 8216 engagingly received within corresponding portions of the drive notch 8126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 when the locking sleeve 8210 is in one position and not received within the drive notch 8126 when the locking sleeve 8210 is in another position, thereby permitting relative axial movement between the locking sleeve 8210 and the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120, as discussed in further detail above. The locking sleeve 8210 also includes a locking member 8218 that is sized to be movably received within a recess 7319 in the proximal end of the proximal articulation driver 7310. When the locking sleeve 8210 is in its engaged position, the locking

protrusions

8214, 8216 are positioned within the drive notch 7126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 such that distal pushing forces and/or proximal pulling forces can be transferred from the firing member assembly 8110 to the locking sleeve 8210. Such axial pushing or pulling motion is then transferred from the locking sleeve 8210 to the proximal articulation driver 7310, thereby articulating the surgical end effector 7500.

As described above, in the illustrated example, relative movement of the locking sleeve 8210 between its engaged and disengaged positions can be controlled by the clutch assembly 8200, which clutch assembly 8200 interfaces with the proximal closure tube 7910 of the proximal closure assembly 7900. The clutch assembly 8200 also includes a clutch key 8240 configured to be slidably received within a key recess (similar to key recess 2217 shown in fig. 8) formed in the outer periphery of the locking sleeve 8210. Such an arrangement enables the clutch key 8240 to move axially relative to the locking sleeve 8210. Operation of the clutch assembly 8200 may be identical to operation of the clutch assembly 2200, which operation of the clutch assembly 2200 is described in further detail above and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. Further details, alternative arrangements and drive configurations that may be employed are disclosed in other arrangements that may be employed, which are disclosed in the following: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541), and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTTLYACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS," among other publications that have been incorporated herein.

The interchangeable tool assembly 7000 can include a slip ring assembly 7230 which can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the surgical end effector 7500 and/or transmit signals to and/or from the surgical end effector 7500 and/or back to, for example, the microcontroller 560 or robotic system controller in the handle assembly 500, as described above. Additional details regarding slip ring assembly 7230 and associated connectors may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541) and U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,196 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) and U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,067 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263552, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE thinskess SENSOR SYSTEM".

For example, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 also employs a latch system 7220 for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 to the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. The latch system 7220 can be identical to the latch system 1220 described in detail above. The tool bar 8130 may comprise a laminated beam structure comprising at least two beam layers. The beam layers may comprise, for example, stainless steel strips, the strips being interconnected together, for example, by 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 deploy relative to each other as the end effector articulates. Such an arrangement allows the knife bar 8130 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 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURES CUTROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As can also be seen in fig. 24, a firing shaft support member 8300 is used to provide lateral support to the knife bar 8130 as it bends to accommodate articulation of the surgical end effector 7500. Further details regarding the operation of the firing shaft support assembly 8300 and alternative knife bar support arrangements can be found in: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS" and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING ANDAXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR", each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As also seen in fig. 24, a firing member or knife member 8140 is attached to the distal end of the knife bar 8130. The firing member 8140 is configured to operatively interface with a sled assembly 8150 that is operatively supported within the body 7702 of the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 7700. See fig. 51. The slide assembly 8150 is slidably displaceable within the surgical staple cartridge body/fastener cartridge body 7702 from a proximal end starting position adjacent the proximal end 7704 of the cartridge body 7702 to an end position adjacent the distal end 7706 of the cartridge body 7702. The cartridge body 7702 is operable to support a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) therein that are aligned in rows on each side of the centrally disposed slot 7708. The centrally disposed slot 7708 enables the firing member 8140 to pass therethrough and cut tissue clamped between the anvil 7810 and the staple cartridge 7700. The drivers are associated with corresponding staple pockets that pass over the upper deck surface of the cartridge body 7702. Each staple driver supports one or more surgical staples/fasteners or fasteners (not shown) thereon. The slide assembly includes a plurality of angled or wedge-shaped cams, wherein each cam corresponds to a particular line of fasteners or drivers located on one side of the slot 7708.

In one exemplary form, the firing member 8140 includes a body portion 8142 that supports a knife or tissue cutting portion 8144. See fig. 51. The body portion 8142 protrudes through an elongated slot 7604 in the elongated channel 7602 and terminates in foot members 8146 that extend laterally on each side of the body portion 8142. As the firing member 8140 is driven distally through the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 7700, the foot member 8146 rides within a channel 7622 in the elongate channel 7602 below the staple cartridge 7700. A tissue cutting portion 8144 is disposed between the distally projecting top nose portion 8143. As can be further seen in fig. 24, the firing member 8140 can also include two laterally extending top tabs, pins, or anvil engagement features 8147. As the firing member 8140 is driven distally, a top portion of the body portion 8142 extends past the centrally-disposed anvil slot 7814 and the anvil engagement features 8147 ride over corresponding tabs 7816 formed on each side of the anvil slot 7814. Further details regarding examples of the firing member 8140, the slide assembly 8150, and various alternatives thereof, as well as their operation, are discussed in further detail below, and may also be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,911, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERSWITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTITABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS". Interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 can be operatively coupled to handle assembly 500 in the manner described above with respect to interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing description, the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies described herein can be actuated by the same handle assembly, robotic system, or other automated actuation system. All of the above-described interchangeable surgical tool assemblies include surgical cutting and fastening instruments having somewhat similar closure and firing components. However, the closure and firing systems and components of each of these tool assemblies have differences that may appear somewhat subtle at first glance, but, as will be discussed further below, such differences may result in significant improvements in the material composition, design, construction, manufacture, and use of such tools. As will be apparent by continued reference to the detailed description, when compared to the other interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

3000, 5000, 7000 described herein, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 incorporates subtle design differences that can result in significant improvements in the overall functionality, reliability and cost of the tool assembly. Furthermore, we have found that in some cases there is a synergistic effect between certain component arrangements employed by the tool assembly 1000, which may further increase the overall efficiency and enhance the overall functionality of the tool assembly 1000. To better understand these differences and improvements, certain components and systems of each of the

tool assemblies

1000, 3000, 5000, 7000 will now be described further below and compared to each other.

For example, each of the interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

1000, 3000, 5000, 7000 must be capable of applying a sufficient amount of closure force to cause the jaws to sufficiently clamp the target tissue in order to allow the firing member to properly treat the clamped tissue upon actuation of the firing drive system. For example, in the illustrated assembly, the respective closure system components must be capable of clamping the anvil and surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge to the target tissue so that the firing member can properly sever the clamped tissue and eject a line of staples or fasteners on each side of the tissue cutting line. Depending on the thickness and composition of the target tissue, significant closing and firing forces are often required. Thus, the closure and firing drive systems in handle assembly housings, robot housings, and the like must be capable of generating such forces (e.g., through the use of a motor or manually generated motion) of sufficient magnitude to sufficiently close the jaws and fire the firing member through the clamped tissue. Such procedures also require that the components within the interchangeable shaft assembly be sufficiently robust to accommodate the amount of force being transmitted therethrough. In the past, the magnitude of such forces has generally indicated that the closure system components as well as the firing system components are made of metal or other suitable materials having a relatively large cross-sectional thickness and a substantially enhanced configuration.

The tissue loads encountered during clamping typically generate a significant "moment" about the anvil pivot axis PA. The closure system components must be designed to counteract this moment. In each case, for example, a moment about the anvil pivot axis PA in the opposite direction is required. To maximize the efficiency of the system (e.g., minimize the amount of force applied), the largest practical moment arm is required. However, as will be discussed further below, there are tradeoffs with other design variables when attempting to create large opposing moments. For example, there is a balance between the distance from the articulation joint to the first staple and the length of the moment arm of the closure system, where the firing and closure systems are separate and distinct. The greater the moment arm of the closure system, the more efficient it is in handling the clamping load and tissue compression. However, when the surgical end effector is positioned into a tight space within a laparoscopic environment, the distance between the articulation joint and the first staple may have a greater impact on the entry of the surgical end effector.

Fig. 25-32 illustrate example moment arms for each of the

surgical end effectors

1500, 3500, 5500, 7500. Turning first to fig. 25, as described above, anvil trunnions 1822 extend laterally out of each side of the anvil mounting portion 1820 to be received in corresponding trunnion mounts 1614 formed in the upstanding wall 1612 of the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602. Anvil trunnions 1822 are pivotally retained in their corresponding trunnion mounts 1614 by a channel cap or anvil retainer 1630. The channel top cover 1630 includes a pair of attachment lugs 1636 configured to be retainably received within corresponding lug grooves or notches 1616 formed in the upstanding wall 1612 of the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602. Such an arrangement constrains the anvil 1810 to only about the pivot axis PA₁Pivoting (see fig. 3). In such an arrangement, the anvil mounting portion 1820 does not move axially or vertically. When at horizontal closing force F_H1(FIG. 26) As the distal closure tube segment 2030 is advanced in the distal direction DD, the interaction between the inner camming surface 2036 on the distal closure tube segment 2030 and the anvil camming surface 1821 on the anvil mounting portion 1820 results in a closing force F_C1Application to the anvil cam surface 1821. Closing force F_C1Involving a horizontal closing force F_H1And a vertical closing force F_V1And substantially "orthogonal" or perpendicular to the cam surface 1821 on the anvil mounting portion 1820. See fig. 26. M_A1Represents the pivot axis PA from the anvil when the anvil 1810 has pivoted to the fully closed position₁(coincident with the center of the anvil trunnion 1822) to the point of contact between the inner cam surface 2036 on the distal closure tube segment 2030 and the anvil cam surface 1821 on the anvil mounting portion 1820. In one example, the moment arm M is closed_A1And may be, for example, about 0.415 inches. M_A1×F_C1The closing torque C applied to the anvil mounting portion 1820_M1。

To ensure that each side of the tissue cut line is fastened by staples or fasteners extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the tissue cut line, the proximal end portion 1818 of the anvil body 1812 is formed with two tissue stop formations or tissue positioning features 1830 that extend downward from each side of the anvil body 1812 (only one tissue stop formation 1830 is visible in fig. 25 and 26). A downwardly extending tissue stop 1830 is used to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally past the most proximal staples/fasteners in the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700 when the anvil 1810 is opened to receive the target tissue between the underside of the anvil and the cartridge deck surface. If the tissue were to extend proximally beyond the most proximal staples/fasteners, that portion of the tissue could be severed by the firing member during the firing process and may not be fastened, which could lead to catastrophic results. A downwardly extending tissue stop 1830 may prevent this from occurring. In the embodiment shown in fig. 26, for example, the most proximal staple/fastener pocket 1720 is shown in phantom relative to the tissue stop 1830. As can be seen in this figure, the tissue stop 1830 has a downwardly extending portion 1832 and a chamfered portion 1834. The target tissue is contacted by the

portions

1832, 1834 to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally beyond the proximal-most staples/fasteners supported in the proximal-most staple/fastener pockets 1720 in the cartridge body/fastener cartridge body 1702.

Returning again to fig. 25, as the anvil 1810 is pivoted closed onto target tissue (not shown) positioned between the underside or tissue contacting surface 1813 of the anvil body 1812, the tissue imparts a tissue force T_F1Applied to the underside 1813 of the anvil body 1812, which results in the anvil 1810 experiencing a closing moment C that must be developed by the closure system components_M1Overcome tissue counter moment C_T1. The example shown in fig. 25 illustrates an evenly distributed tissue force T on the anvil 1810_F1And a tissue moment arm M formed by the clamped tissue (for clarity, clamped tissue is not shown in FIG. 25)_T1. As can be seen in this figure, in this example, the tissue moment arm M_T1Is obviously longer than the closing moment arm M_A1(i.e., M)_T1>M_A1)。

Turning next to fig. 27 and 28, as noted above, anvil trunnion 3822 of anvil 3810 of interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 extends laterally beyond the anvil mounting portion3820 to be received in corresponding ear canal holes 3613 formed in upstanding walls 3612 of a proximal end portion 3610 of the elongate channel 3602. Such an arrangement constrains the anvil 3810 to only about the anvil pivot axis PA₂Pivoting (see fig. 18). With such an arrangement, the anvil mounting portion 3820 does not move axially or vertically. When at horizontal closing force F_H2(FIG. 28) As the distal closure tube segment 4030 is advanced in the distal direction DD, the interaction between the inner camming surface 4036 on the distal closure tube segment 4030 and the anvil camming surface 3821 on the anvil mounting portion 3820 causes a closing force F_C2Application to the anvil cam surface 3821. Closing force F_C2Involving a horizontal closing force F_H2And a vertical closing force F_V2And substantially "orthogonal" or perpendicular to the cam surface 3821 on the anvil mounting portion 3820. See fig. 28. M_A2Illustrating the pivot axis PA from the anvil when the anvil 3810 has been pivoted to the fully closed position₂(center of anvil trunnion 3822) to the point of contact between the inner camming surface 4036 on the distal closure tube 4030 and the anvil camming surface 3821 on the anvil mounting portion 3820. In one example, the moment arm M is closed_A2And may be, for example, about 0.539 inches. M_A2×F_C2A closing torque C applied to the anvil mounting portion 3820_M2。

In the example shown in fig. 27 and 28, the anvil body 3812 is formed with two tissue stop formations or tissue positioning features 3830 that extend downwardly from each side of the anvil body 3812 (only one tissue stop formation 3830 is visible in fig. 27 and 28). The downwardly extending tissue stop formations 3830 serve to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally past the most proximal staples/fasteners in the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 3700 when the anvil 3810 is opened to receive the target tissue between the underside of the anvil and the cartridge deck surface. In the embodiment shown in fig. 28, for example, the proximal-most staple pocket 3720 is shown in phantom relative to the tissue stop formation 3830. As can be seen in this figure, the tissue stop formation 3830 has a downwardly extending portion 3832 and a chamfered portion 3834. The target tissue is contacted by

portions

3832, 3834 to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally beyond the proximal-most staples/fasteners supported in the proximal-most staple/fastener pockets 3720 in the cartridge body/fastener body 3702.

Returning again to fig. 27, as the anvil 3810 is pivoted closed onto target tissue (not shown) positioned between the underside or tissue contacting surface 3813 of the anvil body 3812, the tissue imparts a tissue force T_F2Applied to the underside 3813 of the anvil body 3812, which causes the anvil 3810 to experience a closing moment C that must be developed by the closing system components_M2Overcome tissue counter moment C_T2. The example shown in FIG. 27 illustrates a uniform distribution of tissue force T across the anvil 3810_F2And a tissue moment arm M formed by the clamped tissue (for clarity, clamped tissue is not shown in FIG. 27)_T2. As can be seen in this figure, in this example, the tissue moment arm M_T2Is obviously longer than the closing moment arm M_A2(i.e., M)_T2>M_A2)。

Turning next to fig. 29 and 30, as described above, the anvil trunnions 5822 of the anvil 5810 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 extend laterally out of each side of the anvil mounting portion 5820 to be received in corresponding "open" vertical braces 5613 formed in the upstanding wall 5612 of the proximal end portion 5610 of the elongate channel 5602. In this arrangement, the anvil trunnions 5822 are free to pivot within their respective brackets 5613 when the distal closure tube segment 6030 cammingly contacts the anvil cam surfaces 5821 on the anvil mounting portion 5820. In such an arrangement, the anvil 5810 does not move axially, but the anvil trunnions 5822 are free to move vertically (arrow V) within their respective brackets 5613. When at horizontal closing force F_H3(FIG. 30) As the distal closure tube segment 6030 is advanced in the distal direction DD, the interaction between the inner camming surface 6036 on the distal closure tube segment 6030 and the anvil camming surface 5821 on the anvil mounting portion 5820 results in a closing force F_C3Application to the anvil cam surface 5821. Closing force F_C3Involving a horizontal closing force F_H3And a vertical closing force F_V3And substantially "orthogonal" or perpendicular to the anvil mounting portion5820. See fig. 30. M_A3Illustrating the pivot axis PA from the anvil when the anvil 5810 has been pivoted to the closed position₃(coincident with the center of the anvil trunnion 5822) to the point of contact between the inner camming surface 6036 on the distal closure tube 6030 and the anvil camming surface 5821 on the anvil mounting portion 5820. In one example, the moment arm M is closed_A3And may be, for example, about 0.502 inches. M_A3×F_C3A closing moment C applied to the anvil mounting portion 5820_M3。

In the example illustrated in fig. 29 and 30, the anvil body 5812 is formed with two tissue stop formations or tissue locator features 5830 that extend downwardly from each side of the anvil body 5812 (only one tissue stop formation 5830 is visible in fig. 29 and 30). The downwardly extending tissue stop formations 5830 serve to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally past the most proximal staples/fasteners in the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 5700 when the anvil 5810 is opened to receive the target tissue between the underside of the anvil and the cartridge deck surface. In the embodiment shown in fig. 29, for example, the proximal-most staple/fastener pocket 5720 is shown in phantom relative to tissue stop formation 5830. As can be seen in this figure, tissue stop formation 5830 has a downwardly extending portion 5832 and a chamfered portion 5834. The target tissue is contacted by the

portions

5832, 5834 to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally beyond the proximal-most staples/fasteners supported in the proximal-most staple/fastener pockets 5720 in the cartridge body/fastener cartridge body 5702.

Returning again to fig. 29, as the anvil 5810 is pivoted closed onto the target tissue (not shown) positioned between the underside 5813 of the anvil body 5812, the tissue imparts a tissue force T_F3Applied to the underside or tissue contacting surface 5813 of the anvil body 5812, which results in the anvil 5810 experiencing a closing moment C that must be developed by the closing system components_M3Overcome tissue counter moment C_T3. The example shown in fig. 29 illustrates a uniformly distributed tissue force T on the anvil 5810_F3And by the clamped tissue (for clarity, the clamped tissue is not shown in FIG. 29)Tissue moment arm M_T3. As can be seen in this figure, in this example, the tissue moment arm M_T3Is obviously longer than the closing moment arm M_A3(i.e., M)_T3>M_A3)。

Turning now to fig. 31 and 32, as noted above, anvil trunnions 7822 of anvil 7810 of interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 extend laterally out of each side of anvil mounting portion 7820 to be received in corresponding "kidney" openings 7613 formed in upstanding walls 7612 of proximal end portion 7610 of elongate channel 7602. Anvil trunnions 7822 may generally be located in bottom portion 7613B of kidney slot 7613 when anvil 7810 is in the "fully" open position. The anvil 7810 can be moved to the closed position by advancing the distal closure tube segment 8030 distally in the distal direction DD such that the inner camming surfaces 8036 on the distal end 8035 of the distal closure tube segment 8030 ride over the anvil camming surfaces 7821 formed on the anvil mounting portion 7820 of the anvil 7810. When the inner cam surface 8036 on the distal end 8035 of the distal closure tube segment 8030 is at a horizontal closure force F_H4(fig. 32) as the anvil cam surfaces 7821 on the anvil mounting portion 7820 are advanced distally, the distal closure tube segment 8030 causes the body portion 7812 of the anvil 7810 to pivot and move axially relative to the surgical cartridge/fastener cartridge 7700 as the anvil trunnions 7822 move upwardly and distally into the kidney slots 7613. When the distal closure tube segment 8030 reaches the end of its closure stroke, the distal end 8035 of the distal closure tube segment 8030 abuts/contacts the abrupt anvil boss 7823 and serves to position the anvil 7810 such that the formed pockets (not shown) in the underside or tissue contacting surface 7813 of the body portion 7812 are properly aligned with the staples/fasteners in the staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 7700. An anvil boss 7823 is defined between an anvil cam surface 7821 on anvil mounting portion 7820 and anvil body portion 7812. In other words, in this arrangement, the anvil cam surfaces 7821 do not extend to the outermost surface 7817 of the anvil body 7812. When in this position, anvil trunnion 7822 is located at top portion 7613T of kidney slot 7613. M_A4Indicating the pivot axis PA from the anvil when the trunnion 7822 is located in the top portion 7613T of the kidney slot 7613₄(coinciding with the center of the anvil trunnion 7822) As shown in the figure. In one example, the moment arm M_A4And may be, for example, about 0.184 inches. M_A4×F_H4A closing torque C applied to the anvil mounting portion 7820_M4。

In the example shown in fig. 31 and 32, the anvil body 7812 is formed with two tissue stop or tissue locator formations 7830 extending downwardly from each side of the anvil body 7812 (only one tissue stop formation 7830 is visible in fig. 31 and 32). The downwardly extending tissue stop formations 7830 serve to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally past the most proximal staples/fasteners in the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 7700 when the anvil 7810 is opened to receive the target tissue between the underside of the anvil and the cartridge deck surface. In the embodiment shown in fig. 31, for example, the proximal-most staple/fastener pocket 7720 is shown in phantom relative to the tissue stop formation 7830. As can be seen in this figure, the tissue stop formation 7830 has a downwardly extending portion 7832 and a chamfered portion 7834. The target tissue is contacted by the

portions

7832, 7834 to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally beyond the proximal-most staples/fasteners supported in the proximal-most staple/fastener pockets 7720 in the cartridge body/fastener cartridge body 7702.

Returning again to FIG. 31, as the anvil 7810 is pivoted closed onto target tissue (not shown) positioned between the underside or tissue contacting surfaces 7813 of the anvil body portions 7812, the tissue imparts a tissue force T_F4Applied to the underside 7813 of the anvil body 7812 which results in the anvil 7810 experiencing a closing moment C which must be developed by the closing system components_M4Overcome tissue counter moment C_T4. The example illustrated in FIG. 31 shows a uniformly distributed tissue force T on the anvil 7810_F4And a tissue moment arm M formed by the clamped tissue (for clarity, clamped tissue is not shown in FIG. 31)_T4. As can be seen in this figure, in this example, the tissue moment arm M_T4Is obviously longer than the closing moment arm M_A4(i.e., M)_T4>M_A4)。

The illustrated exemplary interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

1000, 3000,5000. 7000 includes surgical stapling devices that employ "separate and distinct" closure and firing systems. That is, the closure system for closing the jaws can be separately actuated from a firing system that is used to drive a firing member through the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge to cut and fasten tissue. These separate and distinct closure and firing systems can be distinguished from those surgical stapling instruments in which actuation of the firing system to advance the firing member is required to move the jaws from the open position to the closed position. However, as will be discussed in further detail below, the firing members of some of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies disclosed herein can also apply additional closing motions to the anvil when the firing members are fired (i.e., advanced distally by the surgical end effector). As can be seen by reference to fig. 25-32, in the illustrated example, M_A2>M_A3>M_A1>M_A4. Fig. 25, 27, 29 and 31 also illustrate the resistance created by the tissue during the closing process. T is_FRepresenting the force generated by the tissue as it is clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge. These forces form a "counter" moment C_TThe moment is applied to the anvil about the point/area where the distal closure tube segment cams against the anvil cam surface on the anvil mounting portion. In these illustrative examples, the tissue moment arm for each surgical instrument (tool assembly) is typically greater than the closing moment arm for that instrument. It will be appreciated that the difference between the typical tissue moment arm encountered in clamping tissue between the anvil and the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge and the instrument's closure moment arm results in the need for a sufficient closure force to be applied to the anvil by the distal closure tube segment in order to adequately close the anvil to the tissue. Thus, the distal closure tube segment must be sufficiently strong and robust to handle the substantial stresses that develop therein during the closure process. To create a stress state in the distal closure tube segment that more closely approximates a "hoop stress" state rather than a "hoop stress" state, the sidewalls of the distal closure tube segment may be thickened so as to contact the sidewalls of the corresponding elongate channel and the anvil mounting portion. Such an arrangement may also increase the strength of the overall annular structure of the tube. Maximizing the thickness on the anvil side of the distal closure tube segment may also increase the tubeThe strength of the segments (rings) while providing room for a larger bearing or cam surface to jack the anvil down the cartridge. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITHINDEPENDENTLY ACTITABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS," discloses several distal closure tube segment configurations that may be used in the various interchangeable SURGICAL tool assemblies disclosed herein.

The foregoing discussion and comparison may show that a closure system design with a large closure moment arm may result in increased efficiency of the closure system components and may reduce the amount of closure force required to achieve full closure of the anvil onto the tissue. However, as noted above, there may be tradeoffs with other design variables when attempting to maximize the closing moment arm. For example, another desirable attribute relates to "jaw aperture". "jaw aperture" may refer to distance J_AThe distance is measured from the middle of the center of the distal-most staple or fastener along a line perpendicular to the corresponding distal-most staple forming pocket on the underside or tissue contacting surface of the anvil body portion. FIG. 33 illustrates a jaw aperture J of a surgical end effector 1500_A1. In the illustrated example, the distal-most staple/fastener pocket 1730 contains a distal-most staple or fastener therein (not shown). Each distal-most staple or fastener corresponds to a distal-most staple/fastener forming pocket 1815 (shown in phantom in fig. 33) formed in the underside or tissue contacting surface 1813 of anvil body 1812. The distance J between the distal-most staple/fastener pocket 1730 and the corresponding distal-most staple/fastener forming pocket 1815_A1Is the "jaw hole" of the surgical end effector 1500. In at least one embodiment, for example, J_A1About 1.207 inches. FIG. 34 illustrates jaw aperture J of surgical end effector 3500_A2. In the illustrated example, the distal-most staple/fastener pocket 3730 contains a distal-most staple or fastener (not shown) therein. Each distal-most staple or fastener corresponds to a distal-most staple/fastener forming pocket 3815 formed in the underside or tissue contacting surface 3813 of the anvil body 3812. The distance J between the most distal staple/fastener pocket 3730 and the corresponding most distal staple/fastener forming pocket 3815_A2Is the "jaw hole" of the surgical end effector 3500.In at least one embodiment, for example, J_A2About 0.781 inches. FIG. 35 illustrates the jaw aperture J of the surgical end effector 5500_A3. In the illustrated example, the distal-most staple/fastener pocket 5730 contains a distal-most staple or fastener (not shown) therein. Each distal-most staple/fastener corresponds to a distal-most staple/fastener forming pocket 5815 formed in the underside or tissue contacting surface 5813 of the anvil body 5812. The distance J between the most distal staple/fastener pocket 5730 and the corresponding most distal staple/fastener forming pocket 5815_A3Is the "jaw hole" of the surgical end effector 5500. In at least one embodiment, for example, J_A3About 0.793 inches. FIG. 36 illustrates a jaw aperture J of a surgical end effector 7500_A4. In the illustrated example, the distal-most staple/fastener pocket 7730 contains a distal-most staple or fastener therein (not shown). Each distal-most staple or fastener corresponds to a distal-most staple/fastener forming pocket 7815 formed in the underside or tissue contacting surface 7813 of the anvil body 7812. The distance J between the most distal staple/fastener pocket 7730 and the corresponding most distal staple/fastener forming pocket 7815_A4Is the "jaw hole" of the surgical end effector 7500. In at least one embodiment, for example, J_A4About 0.717 inches. Thus, for these embodiments, J_A1>J_A3>J_A2>J_A4. Thus, the surgical end effector 1500 has a maximum jaw aperture, by comparison.

In those surgical end effector designs that employ separate and distinct closure and firing systems (utilizing axially movable closure rings or distal closure tube segments such as the examples described above), the anvil or jaw pivot axis P_AAnd the distal end of the distal closure tube segment, and the robustness of the anvil mounting portion, can determine the size of the jaw opening achievable with each particular end effector design. These interrelationships may be better understood, for example, by reference to FIG. 37. Fig. 37 illustrates a surgical end effector 1500R employing an anvil 1810R having an anvil mounting portion 1820R shown in solid lines. The anvil mounting portion 1820R includes a defined reference pivotAxis P_ARThe anvil trunnion 1822R, the anvil mounting portion 1820R is pivotable relative to the elongate channel 1602R about the reference pivot axis. The surgical end effector 1500R also employs a distal closure tube segment 2030R having a distal end 2035R configured to cam contact the anvil mounting portion 1820R in the various manners described above. A surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700R is supported in the elongate channel 1602R and has a cartridge deck surface or tissue contacting surface 1710R. FIG. 37 shows the reference pivot axis P_ARAnd the distal end 2035R of the distal closure tube segment 2030R_P. Fig. 37 shows the anvil 1810R in solid lines. When the distal closure tube segment 2030R is in its proximal-most starting position relative to the anvil mounting portion 1820R, the anvil body 1812R is in its maximum open position. Maximum aperture angle APA of this configuration_RFor example about ten degrees. This hole angle APA_RAre typical for many end effector arrangements. In another end effector arrangement, the aperture angle is 12.25 degrees. In one arrangement, e.g. D_PAnd may be about 0.200 inches. In order to obtain a larger hole angle APA, for example twenty-two degrees_R1If the distal end 2035R of the distal closure tube segment 2030R and the reference pivot axis P_ARThe relationship therebetween remains unchanged, the anvil mounting portion 1820R₁Cross-sectional width M of_WMust be undesirably reduced. Anvil 1810R₁Shown in dashed lines. As can be seen in this figure, there must be at the anvil body 1812R₁And an anvil mounting portion 1820R₁A steep bulge is formed therebetween so that the cross-sectional width of the anvil mounting portion is reduced. Hole angle APA_R1Is from the anvil body 1812R₁Lower side 1813R of₁And a deck surface 1710R of the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700R. Such a reduction in the robustness of the anvil mounting portion of the anvil may result in reduced anvil reliability and is less desirable than anvils having anvil mounting portions with larger cross-sectional profiles.

Referring now to fig. 38 and 39, the increase in jaw aperture (or aperture angle) may be more easily achieved when the pivot or pivot axis PA moves closer to the distal end of the distal closure tube segment at the starting or proximal position. Fig. 38 shows a surgical end effector 1500 'that is substantially similar to the surgical end effector 1500, except for the location of the pivot axis PA' relative to the distal end 2035 of the distal closure tube segment 2030. As can be seen in this figure, the distance between the pivot axis PA 'and the distal end 20305 of the distal closure tube segment 2030 when the distal closure tube segment 2030 is in its proximal-most starting position is denoted by DP' and the aperture angle is APA. In other words, when the distal closure tube segment 2030 is in its starting position corresponding to the fully open position of the anvil 1810, its distal end 2035 is on a reference plane RF perpendicular to the shaft axis SA. The distance between the pivot axis PA ' and the reference plane RF ', measured along a line perpendicular to the reference plane RF ' and extending through the pivot axis PA ', is DP '. In at least one arrangement, DP' is about 0.200 inches and the aperture angle APA may be about 10 °.

Fig. 38 shows the hole angle APA of the surgical end effector 1500 ' and the distance DP ' between the reference pivot axis PA ' and the distal end 2035 of the distal closure tube segment 2030. Turning next to fig. 39, as can be seen in this figure, when the distal closure tube segment 2030 is in its proximal-most starting position, the distance DP between the pivot axis PA 'and the reference plane RF on which the distal end 2035 of the distal closure tube segment 2030 is located is less than the distance DP' and the aperture angle APA₁Greater than the APA. For example, in at least one embodiment, the distance DP is about 0.090 inches and the hole angle APA₁About twenty-two degrees. Thus, by moving the pivot axis PA closer to the distal end of the distal closure tube segment when the distal closure tube segment is in its proximal-most starting position, the jaw aperture can be significantly increased without reducing the cross-sectional width of the anvil mounting location. This may represent a significant improvement over other surgical end effector arrangements. In various circumstances, the center of the anvil trunnion 1822 may desirably be located between 20350.010 inches and 0.060 inches from the distal end 20350.010 of the distal closure tube segment 2030 when the distal closure tube segment is in the starting (most proximal) position. The maximum distance of application of the large jaw hole may be, for example, 0.090 inches. As also seen in FIG. 39, when the anvil 1810 is shown in its fully open positionIn the open position, the downwardly extending portion 1832 of the tissue stop 1830 generally stops at the cartridge deck surface 1710 to prevent any proximal movement of the target tissue during clamping.

Fig. 40 and 41 illustrate a tissue stop or tissue positioning element arrangement 1830 employed on one form of the surgical end effector 1500. As noted, the tissue stop 1830 includes a downwardly extending portion 1832 and a chamfered portion 1834. The downward extending portion 1832 includes a distal edge 1833 that terminates in a distal corner portion 1835. Fig. 40 illustrates the anvil 1810 in its fully open position. The underside 1813 of anvil body 1812 is positioned at hole angle APA₁To (3). In at least one arrangement, the aperture angle APA1 is greater than 12.25 degrees (12.25 °) and may be as great as eighteen degrees (18 °). When in this fully open position, the surgical end effector 1500 may also have a proximal aperture P_APP1The proximal aperture may be, for example, about 0.254 inches in at least one arrangement. The proximal aperture defines how much tissue can be positioned between the proximal portions of the jaws (anvil and cartridge). For example, a large proximal aperture may be most advantageous when cutting and fastening lung tissue that may be partially expanded when introduced between the anvil and the cartridge. The proximal aperture can be measured from the center of the most proximal fastener pocket or pair of pockets directly perpendicular to the underside or tissue contacting surface on the anvil body.

When the anvil 1810 is in the fully open position as shown in fig. 40, the distal corners 1835 do not extend above the cartridge deck surface 1710 so as to prevent tissue from moving proximate the proximal-most staples in the proximal-most staple pockets 1720. In at least one embodiment, the upright channel stop portion 1619 can extend upwardly from the side walls of the elongate channel 1602 so as to coincide with each corresponding tissue stop 1830 to further prevent any proximal penetration of tissue between the tissue stop 1830 and the channel stop portion 1619. Fig. 41 illustrates the anvil 1810 in a fully closed position. When in this position, the distal edge 1833 of the tissue stop 1830 is substantially aligned with or coincides with the position of the most proximal staple/fastener in the cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700. From the joint movement axis AA₁The distance to the proximal-most nail/fastener is identified as T_SD1. In a clothIn the middle, T_SD1For example, about 1.044 inches. When the anvil 1810 is fully closed, the tissue stop 1830 may be sized and shaped relative to the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602 so as to facilitate easy insertion through a correspondingly sized standard trocar. In at least one example, the tissue stop 1830 of the anvil 1810 is sized and shaped relative to the elongate channel 1602 so as to allow the surgical end effector 1500 to be inserted through a conventional 12mm trocar.

Fig. 42 and 43 illustrate a tissue stop arrangement 3830 employed on one form of a surgical end effector 3500. As noted, the tissue stop 3830 includes a downwardly extending portion 3832 and a chamfered portion 3834. The downwardly extending portion 3832 includes a distal edge 3833 that terminates in a distal corner portion 3835. Fig. 42 shows the anvil 3810 in its fully open position. The underside 3813 of the anvil body 3812 is positioned at the hole angle APA₂To (3). In at least one arrangement, the aperture angle APA₂About thirteen and one-half degrees (13.5 °). When in this fully open position, the surgical end effector 3500 may also have a proximal aperture P _APP2The proximal aperture may be, for example, about 0.242 inches in at least one arrangement. When the anvil 3810 is in the fully open position as shown in fig. 42, the distal corner 3835 does not extend above the cartridge deck surface 3710 so as to prevent tissue from moving in the proximal-most staple/fastener pocket 3720 proximate to the proximal-most staple/fastener. Fig. 43 shows the anvil 3810 in a fully closed position. When in this position, the distal edge 3833 of the tissue stop 3830 is substantially aligned with or coincides with the position of the most proximal staples/fasteners in the cartridge/fastener cartridge 3700. From the joint movement axis AA₂The distance to the proximal-most nail/fastener is identified as T_SD2. In one arrangement, T_SD2For example, about 1.318 inches.

Fig. 44 and 45 illustrate a tissue stop arrangement 5830 employed on one form of the surgical end effector 5500. As noted, the tissue stop 5830 includes a downwardly extending portion 5832 and a chamfered portion 5834. Downwardly extending portion 5832 includes a distal edge 5833 that terminates in a distal corner portion 5835. FIG. 44 shows at whichA fully open position anvil 5810. The underside 5813 of the anvil body 5812 is positioned at the hole angle APA₃To (3). In at least one arrangement, the aperture angle APA₃About eight degrees (8 °). When in this fully open position, the surgical end effector 5500 may also have a proximal aperture P_APP3The proximal aperture may be, for example, about 0.226 inches in at least one arrangement. When the anvil 5810 is in the fully open position as illustrated in fig. 44, the distal corner 3835 extends slightly above the cartridge deck surface 5710. Fig. 45 illustrates the anvil 5810 in a fully closed position. When in this position, the distal edge 5833 of the tissue stop 5830 is substantially aligned with or coincides with the position of the most proximal staples/fasteners in the cartridge/fastener cartridge 5700. From the joint movement axis AA₃The distance to the proximal-most nail/fastener is identified as T_SD3. In one arrangement, T_SD3Such as about 1.664 inches.

Fig. 46 and 47 illustrate a tissue stop arrangement 7830 employed on one form of a surgical end effector 7500. As noted, the tissue stop 7830 includes a downwardly extending portion 7832 and a chamfered portion 7834. The downward extending portion 7832 includes a distal edge 7833 that terminates in a distal corner portion 7835. FIG. 46 shows the anvil 7810 in its fully open position. An underside 7813 of anvil body portion 7812 is positioned at hole angle APA₄To (3). In at least one arrangement, the aperture angle APA₄About ten degrees (10 °). When in this fully open position, the surgical end effector 7500 can also have a proximal aperture P_APP4The proximal aperture may be, for example, about 0.188 inches in at least one arrangement. When the anvil 7810 is in the fully open position as shown in fig. 46, the distal corner portions 7835 extend slightly below the cartridge deck surface 7710 in order to prevent tissue from accessing the proximal-most staples/fasteners in the proximal-most staple pockets 7720. FIG. 47 illustrates the anvil 7810 in a fully closed position. When in this position, the distal edge 7833 of the tissue stop 7830 is substantially aligned with or coincides with the position of the most proximal staple/fastener in the cartridge/fastener cartridge 7700. From the joint movement axis AA₄The distance to the proximal-most nail/fastener is identified as T_SD4. In a clothIn the middle, T_SD4Such as about 1.686 inches.

In various circumstances, the relationship of the firing member to the articulation axis AA and to the jaw pivot axis PA about which the anvil pivots can relate to the length of the articulation joint arrangement. Of course, longer articulation joint arrangements may adversely affect the maneuverability of the end effector into tight spaces and also limit the size of the jaw aperture that may ultimately be obtained by the end effector. Fig. 48 shows the surgical end effector 1500 in a fully open position. That is, the anvil 1810 has been pivoted to its fully open position and the firing member 2140 is in its home or starting position. The distal end of each of the anvil engagement features 2147 and the articulation axis AA₁The distance between them is represented by AJD₁And (4) showing. In at least one example, AJD₁About 0.517 inches. By way of comparison and turning to fig. 49, in at least one example, from the distal end of each of the anvil engagement features 4147 to the articulation axis AA₂A distance AJD between₂About 0.744 inches. Referring to fig. 50, in at least one example, from the distal end of each of the anvil engagement features 6147 to the articulation axis AA₃A distance AJD between₃About 1.045 inches. Turning to fig. 51, in at least one example, from a distal end of each of the anvil engagement features 8147 to the articulation axis AA₄A distance AJD between₄About 1.096 inches. Thus, as can be seen by this comparison, the articulation joint arrangement of the surgical end effector 1500 (as defined by distance AJD)₁、AJD₂、AJD₃、AJD₄Measured) is more compact and thus may be more steerable in at least some surgical applications than the

surgical end effectors

3500, 5500, and 7500.

Another factor that may affect the length of the joint arrangement relates to the position of the firing member relative to the anvil pivot axis PA about which the anvil pivots. For example, fig. 52 illustrates the anvil 1810 of the surgical end effector 1500 in its fully open position. When in this position, the firing member 2140 is in its parked or "home position". As inAs can be seen in the figures, one useful measure for comparing the "compactness" of the articulation joint arrangement is the proximal end 2149 of each of the top anvil engagement features 2147 and the anvil pivot axis PA₁The proximal tab distance TD therebetween₁. In at least one preferred arrangement, the proximal tab distance TD is when the anvil 1810 is in the fully open position and the firing member 2140 is in its most proximal or starting position₁Approximately greater than the total length TL of each of the anvil engagement features 2147₁Thirty-five percent (35%). In other words, at least 35% of each of the anvil engagement features 2147 extends proximally past the anvil pivot axis PA when the anvil 1810 and firing member 2140 are in the positions described above₁. Fig. 53 illustrates the end effector 1500 with the anvil 1810 in the closed position and the firing member 2140 in its most proximal or starting position. As can be seen in this figure, at least 35% of each of the anvil engagement features 2147 extend proximally past the anvil pivot axis PA₁。

Fig. 54 illustrates the position of the firing member 4140 of the surgical end effector 3500 with the anvil 3810 in its fully open position and the firing member 4140 in its most proximal or starting position. As can be seen in this figure, each of the anvil engagement features 4147 is completely distal from the anvil pivot axis PA₂Resulting in a longer articulation joint arrangement. Thus, the distance TD₂ Proximal end 4149 of anvil engagement feature 4147 and anvil pivot axis PA₂The distal distance therebetween. Fig. 55 illustrates the position of the firing member 6140 of the surgical end effector 5500 when the anvil 5810 is in its fully open position and the firing member 6140 is in its most proximal or starting position. As can be seen in this figure, each of the anvil engagement features 6147 is completely distal from the anvil pivot axis PA₃Resulting in a longer articulation joint arrangement. Thus, the distance TD₃A proximal end 6149 of the anvil engagement feature 6147 and an anvil pivot axis PA₃The distal distance therebetween. FIG. 56 illustrates the anvil 7810 in its fully open position and the firing member 8140 in its most proximal or starting positionThe position of the firing member 8140 of the surgical end effector 7500 is timed. As can be seen in this figure, each of the anvil engagement features 8147 is completely distal from the anvil pivot axis PA₄Resulting in a longer articulation joint arrangement. Thus, the distance TD₄A proximal end 8149 of the anvil engagement feature 8147 and an anvil pivot axis PA₄The distal distance therebetween. For purposes of comparison, the surgical end effector 1500 is the only surgical end effector in which a portion of the anvil engagement feature on the firing member extends proximally past the anvil pivot axis when the firing member is in its most proximal or starting position. When the firing members are in their most proximal or starting positions, the anvil engagement features of each of the firing members of the

surgical end effectors

3500, 5500, and 7500 are completely distal from their respective anvil pivot axes. Further to this comparison, for example, the surgical end effector 1500 is the only surgical end effector in which at least thirty-five percent (35%) of the anvil engagement feature resides between the anvil pivot axis and the articulation axis when the firing member is in its starting position and the anvil is fully open. A similar comparison can be drawn by comparing the position of the lower channel engagement feature on the firing member to the same distance between the jaw pivot axes when the firing member is in its proximal-most starting position.

Another metric that may be used to assess the compactness of the articulation joint arrangement may include comparing the distance (distance AJD) of each end effector from the articulation axis to the distal end of the anvil engagement feature on the firing member₁、AJD₂、AJD₃、AJD₄Fig. 48-51) relative to the distance from the articulation axis to the distal edge of the tissue stop or the proximal-most staple/fastener (distance TSD)₁、TSD₂、TSD₃、TSD₄Fig. 41, fig. 43, fig. 45, fig. 47). For example, in one preferred arrangement, AJD/TSD<0.500. The ratio of AJD/TSD may be referred to herein as the "compaction ratio" for that particular surgical end effector. In one arrangement, such as the end effector 1500, AJD₁/TSD₁0.517 inch/1.044 inch 0.495. In one illustrative example of the end effector 3500, AJD₂/TSD₂0.744 inch/1.318 inch 0.564. In one illustrated example of the end effector 5500, AJD₃/TSD₃1.045 inch/1.664 inch 0.628. In one example arrangement, AJD₄/TSD₄1.096 inch/1.686 inch 650. Thus, in at least one preferred arrangement in which the articulation joint arrangement is the most compact, has the largest jaw aperture, and is the most steerable, the ratio between the distance from the articulation axis to the proximal end of the anvil engagement feature on the firing member and the distance from the articulation axis to the distal edge of the tissue stop is less than about 0.500.

Fig. 57-61 illustrate a progressive closing arrangement for moving the anvil 1810 of the surgical end effector 1500 from a fully open position to a closed position and then to an over-closed position. Fig. 57 and 58 illustrate the anvil 1810 in the closed position. In both figures, the distal closure tube segment 2030 has been advanced in the distal direction DD to its fully closed position. As described above, the interaction between the inner cam surface 2036 on the distal closure tube segment 2030 and the anvil cam surface 1821 on the anvil mounting portion 1820 causes the anvil 1810 to pivot to the closed position. As can be seen in fig. 58, the staple forming underside or tissue contacting surface 1813 of the anvil body 1812 can be relatively parallel and spaced relative to the cartridge deck surface 1710 of the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge. When in this initial closed position, the firing member 2140 is in its starting position, as can be seen in fig. 57. When in this position, the anvil engagement feature 2147 of the firing member 2140 does not engage the anvil 1810, but is substantially horizontally aligned with the boss 1816 formed in the anvil 1810. In at least one arrangement, a ramp segment 1829 is formed proximal to each horizontal anvil boss 1816. Fig. 59 shows firing member 2140 after it has advanced distally to a position in which anvil engagement feature 2147 has initially engaged horizontal anvil protrusion 1816 on anvil 1810, and fig. 61 shows the position of firing member 2140 and anvil 1810 such that, as firing member 2140 continues to advance distally, the anvil engagement feature fully engages anvil protrusion 1816 to apply an "over-closure" force on anvil 1810. In at least one arrangement as shown in fig. 61, for example, when the anvil 1810 is in an over-closed position (no tissue is clamped between the anvil and the cartridge), a distal portion of the anvil 1810 will be in contact with the cartridge deck surface 1710. As a result of such configurations, the force required to advance the firing member distally from its starting position to its ending position within the end effector may generally be less than other surgical end effector arrangements that do not employ such progressive closure arrangements.

Fig. 62 illustrates the anvil 1810 of the surgical end effector 1500 in its fully open position. As described above, each of the anvil trunnions 1822 is received in a corresponding trunnion mount 1614 formed in the upstanding wall 1612 of the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602. Anvil trunnions 1822 are pivotally retained in their corresponding trunnion mounts 1614 by a channel cap or anvil retainer 1630. The channel top cover 1630 includes a pair of attachment lugs 1636 configured to be retainably received within corresponding lug grooves or notches 1616 formed in the upstanding wall 1612 of the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602. During a portion of the closing stroke of the anvil 1810 over thick tissue, the opposing forces developed during tissue clamping tend to push the anvil trunnions 1822 out of their respective trunnion mounts 1614. Channel top cover 1630 includes a pair of slot top cover portions 1632 corresponding to each trunnion bracket 1614. When the channel cap 1630 is mounted onto the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602, each slot cap portion 1632 serves to retain the anvil trunnions 1822 within their respective trunnion mounts 1614 during the closing process. As seen in fig. 62 and 63, each slot cap portion 1632 can have an arcuate bottom portion 1638 configured to pivotally receive a corresponding anvil trunnion 1822. Each slot top cover 1632 can have a wedge shape to completely block the open end of trunnion mount 1614. Such a channel cap arrangement 1630 may facilitate easy assembly of the anvil 1810 to the elongate channel 1602. When anvil trunnions 1822 have been placed into their respective trunnion mounts 1614, channel top cap 1630 may then be installed as shown. In at least one arrangement, the distal closure tube segment 2030 serves to hold the channel cap 1630 in place, which serves to prevent the anvil trunnions 1822 from moving vertically in their respective trunnion mounts 1614 during closure as shown in fig. 63. In another arrangement, the attachment lugs 1636 may be frictionally retained within their respective notches 1616, or otherwise retained therein by an adhesive or other fastening means.

The four

interchangeable tool assemblies

1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 employ different jaw opening configurations to facilitate moving the anvil from the closed position to the fully open position. For example, the distal closure tube segment 4030 of the interchangeable tool assembly 3000 includes a positive jaw or anvil opening feature 4040 corresponding to and projecting inwardly from each of the side walls of the distal closure tube segment 4030. The positive anvil opening feature 4040 extends inwardly through a corresponding opening in the transition sidewall and may be welded to the distal closure tube segment 4030. In this arrangement, the positive anvil opening features are axially aligned with one another and are configured to operatively interface with corresponding opening ramps formed on the underside of the anvil mounting portion 3820. When the anvil 3810 and distal closure tube segment 4030 are in their fully closed positions, each of the positive anvil opening features 4040 are positioned in a cavity formed between the anvil opening ramp and the bottom portion of the elongate channel 3602. When in this position, the positive anvil opening feature 4040 does not contact the anvil mounting portion 3820 or at least may not apply any significant opening motion or force thereto. As the distal closure tube segment 4030 is moved in the proximal direction, the anvil opening feature 4040 comes into contact with the anvil opening ramp to cause the anvil 3810 to pivot to the open position. Further details regarding the forward anvil opening feature 4040 may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLING CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS".

With respect to the surgical end effector 5000 of the tool assembly 5500, the distal closure tube segment 6030 includes two inwardly extending positive anvil opening tabs 6038 that can be punched into the wall of the distal closure tube segment 6030. See fig. 21. In the illustrated arrangement, the tabs 6038 are axially aligned with one another and are configured to contact corresponding upright anvil tail portions 5827 formed on the anvil mounting portion 5820. As the distal closure tube segment 6030 is moved in the proximal direction, the anvil opening feature 6038 comes into contact with the anvil tail 5827 to cause the anvil 5810 to pivot to the open position.

With respect to the surgical end effector 7500 of the tool assembly 7000, as the distal closure tube segment 8030 is moved proximally, a positive anvil opening motion is applied to the anvil 7810 by the distal closure tube segment 8030. As described above, an upstanding anvil tab 7824 is formed on the anvil mounting portion 7820 and extends into a horseshoe shaped opening 8038 in the distal closure tube segment 8030. See fig. 24. The opening 8038 defines an opening tab 8039 that is configured to operatively interface with the anvil tab 7824 when the distal closure tube segment 8030 is retracted in the distal direction. Such interaction between the opening tab 8039 and the anvil tab 7824 imparts an opening motion to the anvil 7810, causing the anvil 7810 to move to an open position.

With respect to the surgical end effector 1500 of the interchangeable tool assembly 1000, in the illustrated example, the distal closure tube segment 2030 employs two axially offset proximal and distal positive jaw opening features 2040 and 2050, as shown in fig. 64-77. As can be seen in fig. 64 and 65, the proximal positive jaw opening feature 2040 axially approximates the distal positive jaw opening feature 2050 by an axial offset distance AOF. In fig. 65, the proximal positive jaw opening feature 2040 is located at the shaft axis SA₁As viewed by a user of the tool assembly. Fig. 66, 72, and 73 illustrate the position of the proximal positive jaw opening feature 2040 when the anvil 1810 is in the closed position. As can be most particularly seen in fig. 66, when in this position, the proximal forward jaw opening feature 2040 is located in a right side or first buffer zone 1825 formed in the anvil mounting portion 1820. Fig. 69, 72, and 73 illustrate the position of the distal positive jaw opening feature 2050 when the anvil 1810 is in the closed position. As can be seen most particularly in fig. 69, when in this position, the distal positive jaw opening feature is in contact with the stepped portion 1823 of the anvil cam surface 1821.

To begin the opening process, the jaw closure system is actuated to move the distal closure tube segment 2030 in the proximal direction PD. As the distal closure tube segment 2030 moves in the proximal direction PD, the proximal positive jaw opening feature 2040 contacts the first or right jaw opening cam surface 1826 and begins applying a jaw opening motion to the anvil 1810. See fig. 67, 74 and 75. As can be seen in fig. 70, 74 and 75, during this proximal movement of the distal closure tube segment 2030, the distal forward jaw opening feature 2050 can move axially within a second or left bumper region 1840 formed in the anvil mounting portion 1820. Thus, when the proximal positive jaw opening feature 2040 applies a first or initial opening motion to the anvil mounting portion 1820, the distal positive jaw opening feature 2050 does not apply any significant opening motion to the anvil 1810. Further proximal movement of the distal closure tube segment 2030 will cause the distal positive jaw opening feature 2050 to contact the left anvil opening tab 1842 and disengage the proximal positive jaw opening feature 2040 from the jaw opening cam surface 1826. Thus, the proximal forward jaw opening feature 2040 has disengaged from the anvil mounting portion 1820 and does not impart any further opening motion to the anvil mounting portion when the distal forward jaw opening feature 2050 imparts a second jaw opening motion to the anvil mounting portion 1820 to pivot the anvil 1810 to the fully open position illustrated in fig. 68, 71, 76, and 77.

Fig. 78 graphically illustrates an anvil or jaw opening process employed by the interchangeable tool assembly 1000. As can be seen in this figure, the left or vertical axis of the figure represents the amount of jaw aperture from about 0 ° to about 22 ° ("anvil aperture angle"), and the bottom or horizontal axis represents the approximate proximal axial travel of the distal closure tube segment 2030 from a position in which the anvil is fully closed to a position in which the anvil is fully open. As described above, "anvil aperture angle" or "jaw aperture angle" may refer to the angle between a cartridge deck surface or tissue contacting surface on a surgical fastener cartridge or "first jaw" and a fastener forming surface or tissue contacting surface on an anvil or "second jaw". The anvil bore angle may be, for example, approximately 0 ° when the anvil is fully closed. In the illustrated arrangement, the distal closure tube segment 2030 can be moved proximally a proximal distance of, for example, about 0.040 inches from a first position (1850 on the figures) corresponding to a fully closed position to reach a first intermediate position (1852 on the figures) before the proximal positive jaw opening feature 2040 begins to apply a first jaw opening motion to the anvil 1810. As the distal closure tube segment 2030 continues to move proximally a further proximal distance, e.g., from about 0.040 inches to about 0.120 inches, from the first intermediate position 1852 to a second intermediate position (1854 in the figures), the proximal positive jaw opening feature 2040 moves the anvil 1810 through an anvil hole angle from 0 ° to about 10 °. As the distal closure tube segment 2030 continues to travel proximally a further proximal distance (from about 0.120 inches to about 0.140 inches) from the second intermediate position 1854 to a third intermediate position (1856 on the figure), the anvil remains at an anvil hole angle of about 10 °. The distal closure tube segment 2030 has moved further proximally (from about 0.140 inches to about 0.240 inches) a proximal distance from the third intermediate position 1856 to a fourth intermediate position (1858 in the figures) and the distal positive jaw opening feature 2050 begins to apply a second jaw opening motion to the anvil 1810. As the distal closure tube segment 2030 continues to move proximally a further proximal distance (e.g., from about 0.140 inches to about 0.240 inches) from the third intermediate position 1856 to the fourth intermediate position (1858 in the figures), the distal positive jaw opening feature 2050 moves the anvil 1810 relative to the elongate channel 1602 such that the anvil aperture angle increases from, for example, about 10 ° to about 22 °. As the distal closure tube segment 2030 continues to travel proximally a further proximal distance (e.g., from about 0.240 inches to about 0.260 inches) from the fourth intermediate position 1858 to a final proximal position (1860 in the figures), the anvil 1810 remains in a fully open position with an anvil aperture angle of about 22 °.

The closing process of the illustrated example of the interchangeable tool assembly 1000 may be understood by referring to fig. 67-69 and 70-72 and 78. Fig. 68 and 71 show the anvil 1810 in its fully open position. As can be seen in these figures, the proximal forward jaw opening feature 2040 is out of contact with the anvil mounting portion 1820 and the distal forward jaw opening feature 2050 is in contact with the left anvil opening tab 1842. When the anvil closure process begins, the closure drive system is actuated to move the distal closure tube segment 2030 in the distal direction DD. When the distal closure tube segment is moved from the final proximal position 1860 to the fourth intermediate position 1858 (fig. 78), the anvil 1810 remains in its fully open position. Thus, when the closure process begins, in at least one example, the distal closure tube segment 2030 may move distally a first or initial predetermined axial closure distance before the anvil 1810 begins to move. In other words, the distal closure tube segment may be moved a first predetermined axial closure distance prior to applying any closure motions to the anvil 1810. In at least one example, the first or initial predetermined closing distance can be about 0.020 inches. As the distal closure tube segment 2030 continues to move distally through the intermediate axial closure distance, the distal end 2035 of the distal closure tube segment 2030 begins to contact the anvil camming surface 1821 on the anvil mounting portion 1820 (fig. 67 and 70) until the inner camming surface 2036 on the distal closure tube segment 2030 begins to cam against the anvil camming surface 1821. As the inner cam surface 2036 travels over the anvil cam surface 1821, the anvil 1810 pivots to the fully closed position. The anvil camming surfaces 1821 and the inner camming surfaces 2036 can be configured to allow the distal closure tube segment 2030 to travel further distally from, for example, a first intermediate point or position 1852 to a first position 1850 (fig. 78). Thus, in at least one example, after the anvil 1810 has reached its fully closed position, the distal closure tube segment 2030 may be moved distally a final predetermined axial closure distance during the closure process. In at least one example, the final predetermined axial closure distance can be about 0.040 inches.

In those surgical stapling devices that employ firing member assemblies that include a firing member having a tissue cutting surface, it may be advantageous for portions of the firing system and end effector to be configured in such a manner as to prevent inadvertent advancement of the firing member unless an unused staple cartridge is properly supported in the end effector. For example, if a staple cartridge were not present at all and the firing member was advanced distally past 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 is understood that such situations may lead to undesirable catastrophic results during a surgical procedure. US patent 6,988,649 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING A SPENTCARTRIDGE LOCKOUT", US patent 7,044,352 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTHAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING", US patent FI45 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF THE MISING", US patent publication 2016-03247-A1 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT RANGEMENT FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTION WHEN ACARTRIDGE IS SPENT OR MISSING", US patent publication 82923 UNUN STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT ARRANGENTMENT FOR 2 SYSTERATION 82923. various ARRANGEMENTS are disclosed. Each of these U.S. patents is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Referring to fig. 60A-60I, a surgical end effector 9010 including a portion of a surgical tool assembly 9000 is shown including a first jaw 9020 and a second jaw 9120. In the illustrated arrangement, for example, the first jaw 9020 includes an elongate channel 9022 configured to removably and operatively support a surgical staple cartridge 9600 therein. The elongate channel 9022 is attached to an elongate shaft assembly 9300 of the surgical tool assembly. In the arrangement shown in fig. 60C-60D, for example, the elongate channel 9022 is pivotally coupled to the spine assembly 9310 of the elongate shaft assembly 9300 for selective articulation relative thereto. See fig. 60D, 60E, 60H, and 60I. The elongate shaft assembly 9300 can define a shaft axis SA. The second jaw 9120 includes an anvil 9122 movably supported on the elongate channel 9022 and movable between open and closed positions by a closure system 9400. The anvil 9122 includes an anvil body 9124 and an anvil mounting portion 9126 that is pivotally supported for pivotal travel relative to the proximal end 9024 of the elongate channel 9022. The closure system 9400 can comprise, for example, an axially movable distal closure tube segment 9410 that is configured to cammingly engage a cam surface 9128 on the anvil mounting portion 9126 as the distal closure tube segment 9410 is axially advanced in the distal direction DD. The distal closure tube segment 9410 can also be configured to apply an opening motion to the anvil mounting portion 9126 as the distal closure tube segment 9410 is moved in the proximal direction PD. See fig. 60C and 60D.

The surgical tool assembly 9000 further comprises a firing system 9500, which in the illustrated arrangement comprises a firing member assembly 9510 configured to receive a firing motion from a firing control system supported, for example, in a housing of a hand-held or robotic control system. In the exemplified embodiment, one form of firing member assembly 9510 comprises a first firing member element 9520 comprised of a firing member body 9522 supporting a tissue cutting surface or blade 9524 thereon. The firing member body 9522 is coupled to a firing bar or knife bar 9530 that operatively interfaces with corresponding portions of the firing system 9500 to receive firing motions from the firing control system. The firing member body 9522 can include a second jaw or anvil engagement feature 9526 that can include a laterally extending tab feature configured to be received within a corresponding second jaw channel or slot 9125 in the anvil body 9124. In addition, the firing member body 9522 can also include a first jaw or channel engagement feature or foot 9528 configured to be received in a corresponding first jaw channel or slot or opening 9023 in the elongate channel 9022.

The staple cartridge 9600 includes a cartridge body 9602. See fig. 60H and 60I. The cartridge body 9602 includes a proximal end 9604, a distal end (not shown), and a deck 9606 extending between the proximal and distal ends. In use, the staple cartridge 9600 is positioned on a first side of tissue to be stapled and the anvil 9122 is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil 9122 moves toward the staple cartridge 9600 to compress and clamp tissue against the deck 9606. Staples or fasteners removably stored in the cartridge body 9602 can then be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body 9602 includes staple or fastener cavities (not shown) defined therein, wherein the staples or fasteners (not shown) are removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cavities may be arranged in longitudinal rows. In one arrangement, for example, 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. The longitudinal slot is configured to axially receive a first firing member element 9520 therethrough. Other arrangements of staple cavities/fastener cavities and staples or fasteners are also possible.

The staples or fasteners are supported by staple drivers (not shown) that are movably supported in the cartridge body 9602. The driver is movable between a first or unfired position and a second or fired position to eject the staples or fasteners from the cavity. The drivers are held in the cartridge body 9602 by holders (not shown) that extend around the bottom of the cartridge body 9602 and include resilient members configured to grip the cartridge body and hold the holders to the cartridge body. The driver is movable between its unfired position and its fired position by a sled 9610. The sled 9610 is movable between a proximal or "unfired" position adjacent the proximal end 9604 and a distal or "fired" position (after firing) adjacent the distal end. As seen in fig. 60G, the sled 9610 includes a plurality of ramps or cam surfaces 9620 configured to slide under the driver and lift the driver and the staples or fasteners supported thereon toward the anvil. An "unfired," unused, "" fresh, "or" new "staple cartridge 9600 is intended herein to mean that the staple cartridge 9600 has all of its staples or fasteners in their" ready to fire position. When in this position, the slide assembly 9610 is in its starting or "unfired" position. A new staple cartridge 9600 is disposed within the elongate channel 9022 and can be retained therein by snap features on the cartridge body 9602 that are configured to remain engaged with corresponding portions of the elongate channel 9022. Fig. 60G and 60H illustrate a portion of the surgical end effector 9010 with a new or unfired surgical staple cartridge 9600 disposed therein. As can be seen in fig. 60G and 60H, the sled 9610 is in an unfired position. To prevent the firing system 9500 from being activated, and more precisely, to prevent the first firing member element 9520 from being driven distally past the surgical end effector 9010, the illustrated surgical tool assembly 9000 employs a firing member lockout system generally designated as 9700 unless an unfired or new surgical staple cartridge 9600 has been properly seated within the elongate channel 9022.

Referring now to fig. 60E and 60F, in one form, the firing member lockout system 9700 includes a second firing member or tiltable element 9710 that includes a sliding engagement portion 9720. In the illustrated arrangement, the second firing member element 9710 is pivotally coupled to the firing member body 9522 by an attachment joint 9713, e.g., in the form of one or more pivot members 9714 that are pivotally received in corresponding pivot holes 9523 provided in the firing member body 9522 for pivotal travel relative thereto about a pivot axis PA that is transverse to the shaft axis SA. Such an arrangement facilitates pivotal travel of the second firing member element 9710 relative to the firing member body 9522 between a locked position (fig. 60E) and an unlocked position (fig. 60F). In the illustrated example, the firing member body 9522 includes a distal surface 9525 that is substantially perpendicular to the channel engagement feature 9528 and a lockout surface 9527 that is angled relative to the distal surface 9525. In addition, one or more support ramps 9529 are formed on the firing member body 9522 for defining corresponding seating surfaces 9531 for receiving the second firing member element 9710 when in the locked configuration. See fig. 60E.

As can be seen in fig. 60F, when the second firing member element 9710 is in the unlocked position, a space, generally indicated at 9724, is provided between the proximal surface 9722 of the second firing member element 9710 and the distal surface 9525 of the firing member body 9522. Thus, when in the unlocked position, the proximal surface 9722 of the second firing member element 9710 is not in contact with the distal surface 9525 of the firing member body 9522. Referring now to fig. 60A-60D, the second firing member element 9710 further includes at least one lockout engagement portion 9730 including an angled locking end 9732 configured to engage a corresponding lockout recess 9026 formed in the elongate channel 9022 when the second firing member element 9710 is in a locked position. In one embodiment, for example, the second firing member element 9710 includes two lockout engagement portions 9730. As can also be seen in fig. 60A-60D, a latch spring or biasing member 9740 is mounted in the proximal end 9024 of the elongate channel 9022 and includes two spring arms 9742 that each correspond to a latch engagement portion 9730. The spring arm 9742 serves to bias the second firing member element 9710 into a locked position, as shown in fig. 60B-60D.

Turning now to fig. 60G-60I, the sled 9630 includes an unlocking portion 9630 that is configured to engage the sled engaging portion 9630 on the second firing member element 9710 when the sled 9610 is in the unfired position. Such an arrangement is used to pivot the second firing member element 9710 to the unlocked position. When in the unlocked position, the angled locking end 9732 of each lockout engagement portion 9730 is pivoted out of the corresponding lockout notch 9026 in the elongate channel 9022 such that the firing member assembly 9510 can be fired or advanced distally through the staple cartridge. If a staple cartridge loaded into the elongate channel 9022 was previously fired, or even partially fired, the sled 9610 will not be in the unfired position in order to pivot the second firing member 9710 into the unlocked position. In such an example, the clinician would therefore not be able to advance or fire the firing member assembly 9510 distally. When in the unlocked position, actuation of firing system 9500 will result in distal advancement of firing member assembly 9510. As described above, when the firing member assembly 9510 is driven distally, the second firing member element 9710 contacts the firing member body 9522 through the pivot member 9714. However, when the second firing member element 9710 is pivoted into the locked position (fig. 60E), a portion of the proximal surface 9722 is in abutting contact with the angled lockout surface 9527 on the firing member body 9522. Further, as can be seen most particularly in fig. 60E and 60F, the pivot holes 9523 in the firing member body 9522 are sized relative to the corresponding pivot members 9714 to provide a gap C therebetween such that the load is transmitted directly to the firing member body 9522 through the second firing member element rather than through the pivot members 9714. As can be seen in fig. 60E, the angled latching surface 9527 facilitates the pivoting of the slider engagement portion 9720 into the locked position. When the second firing member element 9720 is in the locked position, if the clinician inadvertently applies a firing motion FM in the distal direction DD to the firing member assembly 9510, the engagement between the second firing member element 9720 and the lockout notch 9026 in the elongate channel 9022 will prevent distal advancement of the firing member assembly 9510 and cause a resulting unlocking load force UL to be applied to the second firing member element 9720. This unlocking load force UL will be applied to the angled lockout surface 9527 on the firing member body 9522 and will not be applied to the pivot member 9714. Such an arrangement avoids loading or stressing the pivot member 9714 if the clinician inadvertently attempts to advance the firing member assembly 9510 while in the locked position. Thus, this configuration may prevent the pivot member 9714 from shearing during such attempted advancement of the first firing member assembly 9510.

Thus, the foregoing firing member assembly 9510 and firing member lockout assembly 9700 may provide several advantages. For example, as described above, the distal surface 9525 on the firing member body 9522 carries loads during firing and avoids transferring such loads to the pivot member that attaches the second firing member element 9710 to the first firing member element 9520. When in the latched state or position, the load is carried by the angled locking end 9732 on the latch engagement portion 9730. This arrangement also avoids the need for the firing member assembly 9510, or more precisely the first firing member element 9520, to move vertically, which could inadvertently result in misalignment with the anvil and elongate channel when moved to the unlocked state for firing. Further, since the first firing member element 9520 does not move vertically, the anvil engagement features as well as the channel engagement features can be advantageously shaped and designed to achieve a desired engagement with the anvil and channel during firing. The design and shape of the firing member body may also provide a large surface area for attachment to the knife bar by, for example, welding. For example, the distal end of the knife bar may be attached to the firing member body by a butt weld and laser welding from both sides to interconnect the laminates that form the knife bar at the distal end. Such welding configurations may be more compact in the longitudinal direction than previous welding configurations and may result in superior joint lengths. Other advantages may also be obtained from the foregoing firing member and lockout system arrangement.

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. For example, U.S. patent application serial No. 13/118,241 (now U.S. patent 9,072,535), 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 instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly defining a shaft axis. The surgical end effector is operatively coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongate shaft assembly about an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector includes a first end effector jaw coupled to an articulation joint that is coupled to the elongate shaft assembly. The second end effector jaw is coupled to the first end effector jaw for selective pivotal travel relative to the first end effector jaw about a jaw pivot axis transverse to the shaft axis. One of the first end effector jaw and the second end effector jaw is configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge therein that includes a proximal-most fastener location. One of the first and second end effector jaws is movable between an open position and a fully closed position by an axially movable closure member that includes a closure member cam surface configured for camming contact with a jaw cam surface on one of the first and second effector jaws. A first distance between the articulation axis and a camming contact area between the closure member cam surface and the jaw cam surface divided by a second distance from the articulation axis to a proximal-most fastener position is less than 0.5.

Example 2-the surgical instrument of example 1, wherein a first distance between the jaw pivot axis and a camming contact area between the closure cam member surface and the jaw cam surface divided by a second distance from the articulation axis to the proximal fastener location is greater than 0.2 and less than 0.5.

Example 3-the surgical instrument of examples 1 or 2, wherein the surgical fastener cartridge is supported in the first end effector jaw, and wherein the second end effector jaw comprises an anvil comprising a jaw cam surface.

Example 4-the surgical instrument of examples 1, 2, or 3, wherein the jaw pivot axis is fixed.

Example 5-the surgical instrument of example 3, wherein the anvil comprises at least one tissue stop member comprising a distal tissue contacting surface corresponding to a proximal-most fastener position when the anvil is in the fully closed position.

Example 6-the surgical instrument of examples 3 or 5, wherein the anvil comprises an anvil body and an anvil mounting portion comprising a jaw cam surface and a pair of laterally extending anvil trunnions configured to be pivotally supported in corresponding openings in the first end effector jaw.

Example 7-the surgical instrument of examples 1, 2, 3,4, 5, or 6, wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment comprising the closure member camming surface.

Example 8-the surgical instrument of example 7, wherein the elongate shaft assembly comprises a spine assembly operatively coupled to the first end effector jaw and a proximal closure tube assembly movably supported for axial travel relative to the spine assembly and pivotally coupled to the axially movable distal closure tube segment.

Example 9-the surgical instrument of example 8, wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operatively interfaces with a closure system configured to selectively apply axial closing and opening motions thereto.

Example 10-the surgical instrument of example 9, wherein the closure system is supported by the hand held housing.

Example 11-the surgical instrument of example 10, wherein the closure system is supported by a housing that operatively interfaces with the robotic control actuator.

Example 12-a surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly defining a shaft axis and further comprising a surgical end effector operatively coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongate shaft assembly about an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector includes an elongate channel coupled to an articulation joint that is coupled to an elongate shaft assembly. The elongate channel is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge. The surgical fastener cartridge includes a proximal-most fastener location. The surgical end effector also includes an anvil pivotally coupled to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongate channel about a fixed anvil pivot axis transverse to the shaft axis. The anvil is movable between an open position and a fully closed position by an axially movable closure member that includes a closure member cam surface configured for camming contact with an anvil cam surface on the anvil. A first distance between the articulation axis and a camming contact area between the closure member cam surface and the cam surface divided by a second distance from the articulation axis to a proximal-most fastener position is less than 0.5.

Example 13-the surgical instrument of example 12, wherein a first distance between the anvil pivot axis and a camming contact area between the closure member cam surface and the anvil cam surface divided by a second distance from the articulation axis to the most proximal fastener position is greater than 0.2 and less than 0.5.

Example 14-the surgical instrument of examples 12 or 13, wherein the anvil comprises at least one tissue stop member comprising a distal tissue contacting surface corresponding to a proximal-most fastener position when the anvil is in the fully closed position.

Example 15-the surgical instrument of examples 12, 13, or 14, wherein the anvil comprises an anvil body and an anvil mounting portion comprising an anvil cam surface and a pair of laterally extending anvil trunnions configured to be pivotally supported in corresponding openings in the elongate channel.

Example 16-the surgical instrument of examples 12, 13, 14, or 15, wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment comprising a closure member cam surface.

Example 17-the surgical instrument of example 16, wherein the elongate shaft assembly comprises a spine assembly operatively coupled to the elongate channel. The proximal closure tube assembly is movably supported for axial travel relative to the spine assembly and pivotally coupled to an axially movable distal closure tube segment.

Example 18-the surgical instrument of example 17, wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operatively interfaces with a closure system configured to selectively apply axial closing and opening motions thereto.

Example 19-the surgical instrument of example 18, further comprising a firing member operatively supported for axial travel through the surgical fastener cartridge upon application of an axial firing motion thereto.

Example 20-a surgical system comprising a housing that operatively supports a closure system therein. The surgical system also includes an interchangeable surgical tool assembly including an elongate shaft assembly that is operably and removably coupled to the housing such that a proximal closure portion of the elongate shaft assembly is configured to receive an axial closure motion from the closure system. The elongated shaft assembly defines a shaft axis. The surgical end effector is operatively coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongate shaft assembly about an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector includes a first end effector jaw coupled to an articulation joint that is coupled to the elongate shaft assembly. The second end effector jaw is coupled to the first end effector jaw for selective pivotal travel relative to the first end effector jaw about a jaw pivot axis transverse to the shaft axis. One of the first end effector jaw and the second end effector jaw is configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge including a proximal-most fastener location. One of the first and second end effector jaws is movable between an open position and a fully closed position by an axially movable distal closure member that is operatively coupled to a proximal closure portion of the elongate shaft assembly. The distal closure member includes a closure member cam surface configured for camming contact with a jaw cam surface on one of the first and second end effector jaws. A first distance between the articulation axis and a camming contact area between the closure member cam surface and the jaw cam surface divided by a second distance from the articulation axis to a proximal-most fastener position is less than 0.5.

Example 21-a surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly defining a shaft axis. The surgical end effector is operatively coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongate shaft assembly about an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector also includes a first end effector jaw coupled to an articulation joint that is coupled to the elongate shaft assembly. The second end effector jaw is coupled to the first end effector jaw for selective pivotal travel relative to the first end effector jaw about a jaw pivot axis transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical instrument further includes an axially moveable firing member comprising at least one jaw engagement feature configured to apply a closing motion to the second end effector jaw as the axially moveable firing member moves within the first end effector jaw from a starting position to an ending position. The at least one jaw engagement feature is configured such that a portion of the at least one jaw engagement feature is positioned between the jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis when the axially moveable firing member is in the starting position.

Example 22-the surgical instrument of example 21, wherein when the axially movable firing member is in the starting position and the second end effector jaw is in the fully open position, the portion of the at least one jaw engagement feature is positioned between the jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis.

Example 23-the surgical instrument of examples 21 or 22, wherein at least thirty-five percent of each jaw engagement feature is located between the jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis when the axially movable firing member is in the starting position.

Example 24-the surgical instrument of example 22, wherein at least thirty-five of each jaw engagement feature is located between the jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis when the axially movable firing member is in the starting position and the end effector jaws are in a fully open position.

Example 25-the surgical instrument of examples 21, 22, 23, or 24, further comprising an axially moveable closure member independently moveable relative to the axially moveable firing member and configured to selectively apply additional closure motions to the second end effector jaw.

Example 26-the surgical instrument of example 25, wherein the axially moveable closure member comprises a closure member cam surface configured for camming contact with a jaw cam surface on the second end effector jaw.

Example 27-the surgical instrument of examples 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or 26, wherein the axially movable firing member comprises a tissue cutting surface.

Example 28-the surgical instrument of examples 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, or 27, wherein the first end effector jaw comprises an elongate channel configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge therein, and wherein the second end effector jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 29-the surgical instrument of examples 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, or 28, wherein the jaw pivot axis is fixed.

Example 30-a surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly defining a shaft axis. The surgical end effector is operatively coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongate shaft assembly about an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector includes an elongate channel coupled to the elongate shaft assembly and configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge therein. An anvil is coupled to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed jaw pivot axis transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical instrument further includes an axially movable firing member including at least one anvil engagement feature configured to apply a closing motion to the anvil as the axially movable firing member moves within the elongate channel from a starting position to an ending position. The at least one anvil engagement feature is configured such that a portion of the at least one jaw engagement feature is positioned between the fixed jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis when the axially moveable firing member is in the starting position.

Example 31-the surgical instrument of example 30, wherein the portion of the at least one jaw engagement feature is positioned between the fixed jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis when the axially movable firing member is in the starting position and the anvil is in the fully open position.

Example 32-the surgical instrument of examples 30 or 31, wherein at least thirty-five percent of each anvil engagement feature is located between the fixed jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis when the axially movable firing member is in the starting position.

Example 33-the surgical instrument of examples 30, 31, or 32, wherein at least thirty-five percent of each anvil engagement feature is located between the fixed jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis when the axially moveable firing member is in the starting position.

Example 34-the surgical instrument of example 30, wherein at least thirty-five of each anvil engagement feature is located between the jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis when the axially movable firing member is in the starting position and the anvil is in the fully open position.

Example 35-the surgical instrument of examples 30, 31, 32, 33, or 34, further comprising an axially moveable closure member independently moveable relative to the axially moveable firing member and configured to selectively apply additional closure motions to the anvil.

Example 36-the surgical instrument of example 35, wherein the axially moveable closure member comprises a closure member cam surface configured for camming contact with an anvil cam surface on the anvil.

Example 37-the surgical instrument of examples 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, or 36, wherein the firing member comprises a tissue cutting surface.

Example 38-the surgical instrument of examples 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, or 36, wherein the firing member comprises a firing member body comprising a tissue cutting surface thereon, and wherein the at least one anvil engagement feature comprises a first anvil engagement tab protruding from a first side of a top portion of the firing member body and a second anvil engagement tab protruding from a second side of the top portion of the firing member body.

Example 39-the surgical instrument of example 38, wherein the firing member body extends through a slot in the anvil mounting portion of the anvil when the firing member is in the starting position.

Example 40-a surgical system comprising a housing operatively supporting a closure system and a firing system. The closure member and the firing member may be independently actuatable relative to one another. The surgical system also includes an interchangeable surgical tool assembly including an elongate shaft assembly operably and removably coupled to the housing such that a proximal closure portion of the elongate shaft assembly is configured to receive an axial closure motion from the closure system and a proximal firing member of the elongate shaft assembly is configured to receive a firing motion from the firing system. The elongated shaft assembly defines a shaft axis. The surgical end effector is operatively coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongate shaft assembly about an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector includes an elongate channel coupled to the elongate shaft assembly and configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge therein. An anvil is coupled to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto about a jaw pivot axis transverse to the shaft axis. An axially movable firing member is operatively coupled to the proximal firing member and includes at least one anvil engagement feature configured to apply a closing motion to the anvil as the axially movable firing member moves from a starting position to an ending position within the elongate channel. The at least one anvil engagement feature is configured such that a portion of the at least one jaw engagement feature is positioned between the jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis when the axially moveable firing member is in the starting position.

Example 41-the surgical system of example 40, wherein the housing comprises a portion of a robotic system.

Example 42-a surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly defining a shaft axis. The first end effector jaw is coupled to the elongate shaft assembly and the second end effector jaw is coupled to the first end effector jaw for selective pivotal travel relative to the first end effector jaw between a fully open position and a fully closed position about a fixed jaw pivot axis that is transverse to and extends through the shaft axis. The elongated shaft assembly includes a closure member that is axially movable between a starting position corresponding to a fully open position of the second end effector jaw and an ending position corresponding to a fully closed position of the second end effector jaw relative to the first end effector jaw. When the closure member is in the starting position, the distal end of the closure member is located on a plane that is spaced distally from the jaw pivot axis by a distance measured along the shaft axis that is no more than 0.090 inches.

Example 43-the surgical instrument of example 42, wherein, when the closure member is in the starting position, the distal end of the closure member lies on a plane and the plane intersects the jaw pivot axis.

Example 44-the surgical instrument of examples 42 or 43, wherein the distance is within 0.010 inches to 0.060 inches.

Example 45-the surgical instrument of examples 42, 43, or 44, wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment comprising a closure cam surface configured to cammingly engage a jaw cam surface on the second end effector jaw as the axially movable distal closure tube segment is moved from the starting position to the ending position.

Example 46-the surgical instrument of examples 42, 43, 44, or 45, wherein the first end effector jaw comprises an elongate channel configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge therein, and wherein the second end effector jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 47-the surgical instrument of example 46, wherein the anvil comprises an anvil body and an anvil mounting portion comprising an anvil cam surface and a pair of laterally extending anvil trunnions configured to be pivotally supported in corresponding openings in the elongate channel.

Example 48-the surgical instrument of examples 46 or 47, wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment comprising a closure cam surface configured to cammingly engage an anvil cam surface on the anvil as the axially movable distal closure tube segment is moved from the starting position to the ending position.

Example 49-the surgical instrument of example 48, wherein the elongate shaft assembly comprises a spine assembly operatively coupled to the elongate channel and a proximal closure tube assembly movably supported for axial travel relative to the spine assembly and pivotally coupled to the axially movable distal closure tube segment.

Example 50-the surgical instrument of example 49, wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operatively interfaces with a closure system configured to selectively apply axial closing and opening motions thereto.

Example 51-the surgical instrument of example 50, wherein the closure system is supported by the hand held housing.

Example 52-the surgical instrument of example 50, wherein the closure system is supported by a housing that operatively interfaces with the robotic control actuator.

Example 53-a surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly defining a shaft axis. The elongate channel is configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge therein and is operably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongate shaft assembly about an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. An anvil is pivotally coupled to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto between a fully open position and a fully closed position about a fixed jaw pivot axis that transversely intersects the shaft axis. The elongated shaft assembly includes a closure member that is axially movable between a starting position corresponding to a fully open position of the anvil and an ending position corresponding to a fully closed position of the anvil. When the closure member is in the starting position, the distal end of the closure member is located on a plane that is spaced distally from the jaw pivot axis by a distance measured along the shaft axis that is no more than 0.090 inches.

Example 54-the surgical instrument of example 53, wherein, when the closure member is in the starting position, the distal end of the closure member lies on a plane and the plane intersects the jaw pivot axis.

Example 55-the surgical instrument of examples 53 or 54, wherein the distance is within 0.010 inches to 0.060 inches.

Example 56-the surgical instrument of examples 53, 54, or 55, wherein the anvil comprises an anvil body and an anvil mounting portion comprising an anvil cam surface and a pair of laterally extending anvil trunnions configured to be pivotally supported in corresponding openings in the elongate channel.

Example 57-the surgical instrument of examples 53, 54, 55, or 56, wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment comprising a closure cam surface configured to cammingly engage an anvil cam surface on the anvil as the axially movable distal closure tube segment moves from the starting position to the ending position.

Example 58-the surgical instrument of example 57, wherein the elongate shaft assembly comprises a spine assembly operatively coupled to the elongate channel and a proximal closure tube assembly movably supported for axial travel relative to the spine assembly and pivotally coupled to the axially movable distal closure tube segment.

Example 59-the surgical instrument of example 58, wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operatively interfaces with a closure system supported by the hand held housing and configured to selectively apply axial closing and opening motions thereto.

Example 60-the surgical instrument of example 58, wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operatively interfaces with a closure system supported by a housing configured to interface with a robotic system. The closure system is configured to selectively apply axial closing and opening motions to the proximal closure tube assembly.

Example 61-a surgical system comprising a housing that operatively supports a closure system. The surgical system also includes an interchangeable surgical tool assembly including an elongate shaft assembly that is operably and removably coupled to the housing such that a proximal closure portion of the elongate shaft assembly is configured to receive an axial closure motion from the closure system. The elongated shaft assembly defines a shaft axis. The surgical end effector is operatively coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongate shaft assembly about an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector includes an elongate channel coupled to the elongate shaft assembly and configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge therein. An anvil is coupled to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto about a jaw pivot axis that transversely intersects the shaft axis. The elongated shaft assembly includes a closure member that is axially movable between a starting position corresponding to a fully open position of the anvil and an ending position corresponding to a fully closed position of the anvil. When the closure member is in the starting position, the distal end of the closure member is located on a plane that is spaced distally from the jaw pivot axis by a distance measured along the shaft axis that is no more than 0.090 inches.

Example 62-a surgical stapling device comprising an elongate shaft assembly defining a shaft axis. The surgical end effector is operatively coupled to the elongate shaft assembly by an articulation joint configured to facilitate selective articulation of the surgical end effector about an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector includes a surgical staple cartridge that operatively supports a plurality of surgical staples therein. An anvil is supported for selective pivotal travel relative to the surgical staple cartridge between a fully open position and a closed position. The anvil includes a plurality of staple forming pockets corresponding to surgical staples in the surgical staple cartridge. The surgical stapling device further comprises an axially moveable firing member comprising at least one anvil engagement feature on the axially moveable firing member configured to engage the anvil when the anvil is in the closed position as the axially moveable firing member is moved from a proximal-most position to a distal-most position. The surgical stapling device further comprises means for: increasing a jaw hole distance between a distal-most staple in the surgical staple cartridge and a corresponding one of the staple forming pockets in the anvil while minimizing a joint distance between the articulation axis and a distal end of an anvil engagement feature on the axially movable firing member when the axially movable firing member is in a proximal-most position.

Example 63-the surgical stapling device of example 62, wherein the means for adding comprises a closure member configured to apply a closure motion to the anvil, wherein the closure member is axially movable between a starting position corresponding to the fully open position of the second end effector jaw and an ending position corresponding to a fully closed position of the anvil. When the closure member is in the starting position and the axially movable firing member is in the proximal-most position, the distal end of the closure member is spaced distally from the distal end of the anvil engagement feature by a horizontal distance in the range of 0.4 inches to 0.9 inches.

Example 64-the surgical stapling device of example 63, wherein the horizontal distance is measured along a horizontal line parallel to or coincident with the shaft axis.

Example 65-the surgical stapling device of examples 62, 63, or 64 wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment that includes a closure cam surface configured to cammingly engage a cam surface on the anvil as the axially movable distal closure tube segment is moved from the starting position to the ending position.

Example 66-the surgical stapling device of examples 62, 63, 64, or 65 wherein the surgical fastener cartridge is removably supported in an elongate channel that is operatively coupled to the elongate shaft assembly by the articulation joint.

Example 67-the surgical stapling device of example 66 wherein the anvil comprises an anvil body and an anvil mounting portion comprising an anvil cam surface and a pair of laterally extending anvil trunnions configured to be pivotally supported in corresponding openings in the elongate channel.

Example 68-the surgical stapling device of examples 63, 64, 65, 66, or 67 wherein the elongate shaft assembly comprises an axially movable proximal closure tube assembly and wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment that is operatively coupled to the axially movable proximal closure tube assembly.

Example 69-the surgical stapling device of example 68, wherein the axially movable distal closure tube segment comprises a closure cam surface configured to cam against an anvil cam surface on the anvil as the axially movable distal closure tube segment is moved from the starting position to the ending position.

Example 70-the surgical stapling device of examples 68 or 69 wherein the elongate shaft assembly comprises a spine assembly operatively coupled to the elongate channel and movably supporting at least a portion of the proximal closure tube assembly thereon, and wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operatively interfaces with a closure system configured to selectively apply axial closing and opening motions to the proximal closure tube assembly.

Example 71-the surgical stapling device of example 70, wherein the closure system is supported by a hand held housing.

Example 72-the surgical stapling device of example 70, wherein the closure system is supported by a housing that operatively interfaces with the robotically controlled actuator.

Example 73-a surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly having an elongate channel coupled to the elongate shaft assembly, the elongate channel configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge therein. An anvil is pivotally coupled to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed jaw pivot axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The closure member is configured to apply a closing motion to the anvil to move the anvil between a fully open position and a fully closed position as the closure member moves from the starting position to the ending position. The surgical instrument further includes an axially movable firing member having at least one anvil engagement feature thereon configured to apply an additional closing motion to the anvil when the axially movable firing member is moved from a proximal-most position to a distal-most position within the elongate channel. When the closure member is in the starting position and the axially movable firing member is in the proximal-most position, the distal end of the closure member is distal to the distal end of the anvil engagement feature.

Example 74-the surgical instrument of example 73, wherein when the closure member is in the starting position and the axially movable firing member is in the proximal-most position, the distal end of the closure member is spaced distally from the distal end of the anvil engagement feature a horizontal distance in the range of 0.4 inches to 0.9 inches.

Example 75-the surgical instrument of example 74, wherein the elongate shaft assembly defines a shaft axis, and wherein the horizontal distance is measured along a horizontal line that is parallel to or coincident with the shaft axis.

Example 76-the surgical instrument of examples 73, 74, or 75, wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment comprising a closure cam surface configured to cammingly engage an anvil cam surface on the anvil when the axially movable distal closure tube segment is moved from the starting position to the ending position.

Example 77-the surgical instrument of example 76, wherein the elongate shaft assembly comprises a spine assembly operatively coupled to the elongate channel. The proximal closure tube assembly is movably supported for axial travel relative to the spine assembly and pivotally coupled to an axially movable distal closure tube segment.

Example 78-the surgical instrument of example 77, wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operatively interfaces with a closure system configured to selectively apply axial closing and opening motions thereto.

Example 79-the surgical instrument of example 78, wherein the closure system is supported by the hand held housing.

Example 80-the surgical instrument of example 78, wherein the closure system is supported by a housing that operatively interfaces with the robotic control actuator.

Example 81-a surgical system comprising a housing that operatively supports a closure system. The surgical system also includes an interchangeable surgical tool assembly including an elongate shaft assembly that is operably and removably coupled to the housing such that a proximal closure portion of the elongate shaft assembly is configured to receive an axial closure motion from the closure system. The elongated shaft assembly defines a shaft axis. The surgical tool assembly also includes a surgical end effector operatively coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongate shaft assembly about an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector includes an elongate channel coupled to the elongate shaft assembly and configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge therein. An anvil is coupled to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto between a fully open position and a fully closed position about a jaw pivot axis transverse to the shaft axis. The elongate shaft assembly includes a distal closure member operatively coupled to the proximal closure portion and configured to apply a closing motion to the anvil to move the anvil between a fully open position and a fully closed position as the distal closure member moves from a starting position to an ending position. The axially movable firing member includes at least one anvil engagement feature configured to apply an additional closing motion to the anvil when the axially movable firing member is moved from a proximal-most position to a distal-most position within the elongate channel. When the distal closure member is in the starting position and the axially movable firing member is in the proximal-most position, the distal end of the distal closure member is distal to the distal end of the anvil engagement feature.

Example 82-a surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw defining a first tissue contacting surface and a second jaw pivotally coupled to the first jaw. The second jaw is selectively movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position about a fixed jaw pivot axis. The second jaw includes a second tissue contacting surface facing the first tissue contacting surface. At least one tissue positioning feature is on the second jaw and extends downwardly beyond the second tissue contacting surface and is configured to prevent tissue received between the first and second tissue contacting surfaces from extending proximally beyond a distal end portion of the at least one tissue positioning feature when the second jaw is in the fully closed position. When the second jaw is in the fully open position, the distal end portion of each tissue positioning feature is positioned relative to a corresponding portion of the first tissue contacting surface to prevent a gap therebetween. A jaw aperture angle between the first tissue contacting surface and the second tissue contacting surface is greater than 12.25 degrees when the second jaw is in the fully open position.

Example 83-the surgical instrument of example 82, wherein the distal end portion of each tissue positioning feature is located at a distance of less than 0.750 inches from the fixed jaw pivot axis when the second jaw is in the fully closed position.

Example 84-the surgical instrument of examples 82 or 83, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge therein, and wherein the first tissue-contacting surface comprises a deck surface of the surgical fastener cartridge.

Example 85-the surgical instrument of examples 82, 83, or 84, wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil, and wherein the second tissue contacting surface comprises a fastener forming a lower surface of a portion of the anvil.

Example 86-the surgical instrument of example 85, wherein the anvil comprises an anvil body portion, and wherein the at least one tissue positioning feature is formed on a proximal portion of the anvil body portion.

Example 87-the surgical instrument of examples 82, 83, 84, 85, or 86, wherein the surgical end effector is sized to pass through a trocar cannula when the second jaw is in the fully closed position.

Example 88-the surgical instrument of examples 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, or 87, further comprising means for applying closing and opening motions to the second jaw.

Example 89-the surgical instrument of example 88, wherein the means for imparting a closing and opening motion comprises an axially moveable closure tube. The closure tube includes a closure cam surface on a distal end of the closure tube configured to cammingly engage a jaw camming surface on the second jaw to apply a closure motion thereto, and at least one jaw opening feature configured to apply a jaw opening motion to the second jaw when the axially movable closure tube is moved in a proximal direction.

Example 90-a surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector comprising a surgical fastener cartridge comprising a cartridge body that operatively supports a plurality of surgical fasteners therein. The cartridge body defines a tissue contacting surface through which surgical fasteners are ejected. An anvil is pivotally supported relative to the surgical fastener cartridge for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongate channel about a fixed jaw pivot axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The anvil includes an anvil body defining a fastener-forming surface including a plurality of fastener-forming formations, wherein each fastener-forming formation corresponds to one surgical fastener in a surgical fastener cartridge. The fastener forming surface faces a tissue contacting surface on the surgical fastener cartridge. At least one tissue stop projects from the anvil body and extends downwardly beyond the fastener forming surface, and is configured to prevent tissue received between the tissue contacting surface and the fastener forming surface from extending proximally beyond a distal end portion of the tissue stop when the anvil is in the fully closed position. The distal end portion of each tissue stop is spaced from the fixed jaw pivot axis an axial distance of less than 0.750 inches when the anvil is in the fully closed position, and wherein a vertical distance between a distal-most one of the fasteners in the surgical cartridge and a corresponding one of the fastener-forming formations on the fastener-forming surface is at least 0.900 inches when the anvil is in the fully open position.

Example 91-the surgical instrument of example 90, wherein a jaw aperture angle between the fastener forming surface and the tissue contacting surface is greater than 12.25 degrees when the anvil is in the fully open position.

Example 92-the surgical instrument of examples 90 or 91, wherein the surgical end effector is sized to pass through the trocar cannula when the anvil is in the fully closed position.

Example 93-the surgical instrument of examples 90, 91, or 92, further comprising means for applying closing and opening motions to the anvil.

Example 94-the surgical instrument of example 93, wherein the means for imparting a closing and opening motion comprises an axially moveable closure tube. The axially movable closure tube includes a closure cam surface on a distal end of the axially movable closure tube configured to cam an anvil cam surface on the anvil to apply a closure motion thereto. The at least one jaw opening feature is configured to apply a jaw opening motion to the anvil when the axially movable closure tube is moved in a proximal direction.

Example 95-the surgical instrument of examples 90, 91, 92, 93, or 94, wherein the surgical end effector is operatively coupled to an elongate shaft assembly defining a shaft axis.

Example 96-the surgical instrument of example 95, wherein the tissue-contacting surface of the cartridge body is parallel to the shaft axis, and wherein the vertical distance is measured along a line extending from the distal-most fastener and the corresponding fastener-forming formation and perpendicular to the shaft axis.

Example 97-the surgical instrument of examples 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, or 96, wherein the distal end portion of each tissue stop is positioned relative to a corresponding portion of the tissue contacting surface to prevent a gap therebetween when the anvil is in the fully open position.

Example 98-the surgical instrument of example 97, wherein a portion of each tissue stop is flush with or extends below the tissue contacting surface when the anvil is in the fully open position to prevent tissue on the tissue contacting surface from extending proximally past the tissue stop.

Example 99-the surgical instrument of examples 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, or 98, wherein a portion of each tissue stop is flush with or extends below the tissue contacting surface when the anvil is in the fully open position to prevent tissue on the tissue contacting surface from extending proximally past the tissue stop.

Example 100-a surgical system comprising a housing that operatively supports a closure system. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly includes an elongate shaft assembly operably and removably coupled to the housing such that a proximal closure portion of the elongate shaft assembly is configured to receive an axial closure motion from the closure system and define a shaft axis. The surgical end effector is operatively coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongate shaft assembly about an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector comprises a surgical fastener cartridge comprising a cartridge body that operatively supports a plurality of surgical fasteners therein and defines a tissue-contacting surface through which the surgical fasteners are ejected. An anvil is pivotally supported relative to the surgical fastener cartridge for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongate channel about a fixed jaw pivot axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The anvil includes an anvil body defining a fastener-forming surface including a plurality of fastener-forming formations, wherein each fastener-forming formation corresponds to one surgical fastener in a surgical fastener cartridge. The fastener forming surface faces a tissue contacting surface on the surgical fastener cartridge. The at least one tissue stop projects from the anvil body and extends downwardly beyond the fastener forming surface, and is configured to prevent tissue received between the tissue contacting surface and the fastener forming surface from extending proximally beyond a distal end portion of the at least one tissue stop when the anvil is in the fully closed position. The distal end portion of each tissue stop is spaced from the fixed jaw pivot axis an axial distance of less than 0.750 inches when the anvil is in the fully closed position, and wherein a vertical distance between a distal-most one of the fasteners in the surgical cartridge and a corresponding one of the fastener-forming formations on the fastener-forming surface is at least 0.900 inches when the anvil is in the fully open position.

Example 101-the surgical instrument of example 100, wherein a jaw aperture angle between the fastener forming surface and the tissue contacting surface is greater than 12.25 degrees when the anvil is in the fully open position.

Example 102-the surgical instrument of examples 100 or 101, wherein the surgical end effector is sized to pass through the trocar cannula when the anvil is in the fully closed position.

Example 103-a surgical instrument comprising a first jaw comprising a pair of laterally aligned vertical slots formed in a proximal end portion of the first jaw. Each vertical slot has an open upper end. The second jaw is movably supported for selective pivotal travel relative to the first jaw between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The second jaw includes a second jaw body and a pair of pivot members projecting laterally from a proximal end of the second jaw body. Each pivot member is pivotably received in a corresponding one of the vertical slots in the first jaw such that the pivot member is pivotable therein to facilitate pivotal travel of the second jaw relative to the first jaw. The surgical instrument also includes a retainer member configured to operatively engage the proximal end portion of the first jaw and retain the pivot member in the corresponding vertical slot as the second jaw moves between the fully open and fully closed positions. The axially movable closure member is configured to apply closing and opening motions to the second jaw and to maintain the retainer member in retaining engagement with the proximal end portion of the first jaw.

Example 104-the surgical instrument of example 103, wherein each pivot member has a circular cross-sectional shape, and wherein the retainer member comprises a slot cap corresponding to each vertical slot and sized to extend therethrough past the open end. Each slot cap has an arcuate bottom portion configured to pivotally receive a corresponding pivot pin therein.

Example 105-the surgical instrument of example 103, wherein each vertical slot is formed in a corresponding vertical wall portion of the first jaw, and wherein the retainer member comprises a retainer body having a lower portion configured to span between the vertical wall portions. The retainer member also includes a slot cap corresponding to each vertical slot and sized to extend therethrough past the open end. A mounting formation is located on the retainer body and corresponds to each upstanding vertical wall portion and is configured to seat in a correspondingly shaped mounting opening therein.

Example 106-the surgical instrument of example 105, wherein the mounting formation is positioned proximal to the slot cap.

Example 107-the surgical instrument of examples 103, 104, 105, or 106, wherein the axially moveable closure member comprises an axially moveable distal closure tube segment sized to slidably move onto the retainer member to provide the opening and closing motions to the second jaw and to retain the retainer member in retaining engagement with the proximal end portion of the first jaw.

Example 108-the surgical instrument of example 107, wherein the first jaw is operatively coupled to the elongate shaft assembly.

Example 109-the surgical instrument of example 108, wherein the elongate shaft assembly comprises a spine assembly operatively coupled to the first jaw. The proximal closure tube assembly is movably supported for axial travel relative to the spine assembly and pivotally coupled to an axially movable distal closure tube segment.

Example 110-the surgical instrument of example 109, wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operatively interfaces with a closure system configured to selectively apply axial closing and opening motions thereto.

Example 111-the surgical instrument of example 110, wherein the closure system is supported by the hand held housing.

Example 112-the surgical instrument of example 110, wherein the closure system is supported by a housing that operatively interfaces with the robotic control actuator.

Example 113-a surgical instrument comprising an elongate channel configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge therein. The elongate channel includes a pair of laterally aligned vertical slots formed in a proximal end portion of the elongate channel, wherein each vertical slot includes an open upper end. An anvil is movably supported for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongate channel between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The anvil includes an anvil body and a pair of anvil trunnions that project laterally from an anvil mounting portion of the anvil body. Each anvil trunnion is pivotally received in a corresponding vertical slot in the elongate channel such that the anvil trunnion may pivot therein to facilitate pivotal travel of the anvil relative to the elongate channel. The surgical instrument further includes a retainer member configured to be supported on the proximal end portion of the elongate channel and pivotally retain each anvil trunnion in the corresponding vertical slot as the anvil is moved between the fully open and fully closed positions. The axially movable closure member is configured to apply closing and opening motions to the anvil and to maintain the retainer member in retaining engagement with the proximal end portion of the elongate channel.

Example 114-the surgical instrument of example 113, wherein each anvil trunnion comprises a circular cross-sectional shape, and wherein the retainer member comprises a slot cap corresponding to each vertical slot and sized to extend therethrough past the open end. Each slot cap has an arcuate bottom portion configured to pivotally receive a corresponding anvil trunnion therein.

Example 115-the surgical instrument of example 113, wherein each vertical slot is formed in a corresponding vertical wall portion of the elongate channel, and wherein the retainer member comprises a retainer body having a lower portion configured to straddle between the vertical wall portions. The retainer member also includes a slot cap corresponding to each vertical slot and sized to extend therethrough past the open end. The retainer member also includes a mounting formation on the retainer body corresponding to each upstanding vertical wall portion and configured to be seated in a correspondingly shaped mounting opening therein.

Example 116-the surgical instrument of example 115, wherein the slot cap has a wedge shape configured to be inserted into the open end of the corresponding vertical slot.

Example 117-the surgical instrument of examples 113, 114, 115, or 116, wherein the retainer member is attached to the elongate channel by at least one of a frictional engagement with the elongate channel, an adhesive, and a weld.

Example 118-the surgical instrument of examples 113, 114, 115, 116, or 117, wherein the axially movable closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment sized to slidably move onto the retainer member to provide the opening and closing motion to the anvil and to retain the retainer member in retaining engagement with the proximal end portion of the elongate channel.

Example 119-the surgical instrument of examples 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, or 118, wherein the elongate channel is operatively coupled to the elongate shaft assembly.

Example 120-the surgical instrument of example 119, wherein the elongate shaft assembly comprises a spine assembly operatively coupled to the elongate channel and a proximal closure tube assembly movably supported for axial travel relative to the spine assembly and pivotally coupled to the axially movable closure member.

Example 121-a surgical system comprising a housing that operatively supports a closure system. The surgical system also includes an interchangeable surgical tool assembly including an elongate shaft assembly that is operably and removably coupled to the housing such that a proximal closure portion of the elongate shaft assembly is configured to receive an axial closure motion from the closure system. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly also includes a surgical end effector comprising an elongate channel configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge therein and comprising a pair of laterally aligned vertical slots formed in a proximal end portion of the elongate channel. Each vertical slot includes an open upper end. An anvil is movably supported for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongate channel between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The anvil includes an anvil body and a pair of anvil trunnions that project laterally from an anvil mounting portion of the anvil body. Each anvil trunnion is pivotally received in a corresponding vertical slot in the elongate channel such that the anvil trunnion may pivot therein to facilitate pivotal travel of the anvil relative to the elongate channel. The surgical system also includes a retainer member configured to be supported on the proximal end portion of the elongate channel and pivotally retain each anvil trunnion in the corresponding vertical slot as the anvil is moved between the fully open and fully closed positions. The axially movable closure member is configured to apply closing and opening motions to the anvil and to maintain the retainer member in retaining engagement with the proximal end portion of the elongate channel.

Example 122-the surgical system of example 121, wherein the axially movable closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment sized to slidably move onto the retainer member to provide the opening and closing motion to the anvil and to retain the retainer member in retaining engagement with the proximal end portion of the elongate channel. The elongate shaft assembly further includes a spine assembly operatively coupled to the elongate channel; and a proximal closure tube assembly movably supported for axial travel relative to the spine assembly and pivotally coupled to the axially movable distal closure tube segment.

Example 123-a surgical instrument comprising a first jaw and a second jaw coupled to the first jaw for selective pivotal travel relative to the first jaw between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The axially movable closure member is selectively axially movable in a closing direction to move the second jaw from a fully open position to a fully closed position, and in an axial opening direction to move the second jaw from a fully closed position to a fully open position. The axially moveable closure member includes a first jaw opening feature configured to apply a first jaw opening motion to the second jaw. The second jaw opening feature is axially spaced from the first jaw opening feature such that when the closure member is moved in the axial opening direction, the first jaw opening feature applies a first jaw opening motion to the second jaw, and when the closure member has been axially moved a predetermined axial distance in the axial opening direction, the first jaw opening feature ceases to apply the first jaw opening motion and the second jaw opening feature applies a second jaw opening motion to the second jaw to move the second jaw to the fully open position.

Example 124-the surgical instrument of example 123, wherein the first jaw opening feature axially approximates the second jaw opening feature.

Example 125-the surgical instrument of examples 123 or 124, wherein the first jaw defines a central jaw axis, wherein the first jaw opening feature is axially spaced apart from the central jaw axis on a first side thereof on the closure member, and wherein the second jaw opening feature is spaced apart from the central jaw axis on a second side thereof opposite the first side on the closure member.

Example 126-the surgical instrument of examples 123, 124, or 125, wherein the second jaw comprises a second jaw mounting portion pivotally supported on the first jaw. The second jaw mounting portion includes a second jaw cam surface on the second jaw mounting portion and configured to be axially cammed in contact by the first jaw opening feature when the closure member is axially moved through a predetermined axial distance in the axial opening direction. The second jaw cam surface is configured to disengage the first jaw opening feature when the closure member continues to move in the axial opening direction beyond a predetermined axial distance. The second jaw mounting portion further includes a second jaw cam surface configured to be axially cammed in contact by the second jaw opening feature as the closure member continues to move in the axial opening direction beyond the predetermined axial distance.

Example 127-the surgical instrument of example 126, wherein the closure member is axially movable in the axial opening direction from a first position corresponding to the fully closed position of the second jaw to a first intermediate axial position without imparting the first jaw opening motion thereto.

Example 128-the surgical instrument of example 127, wherein the first jaw opening feature imparts the first jaw opening motion to the second jaw to cause the second jaw to move relative to the first jaw through a second jaw aperture angle when the closure member is moved axially in the axial opening direction from the first intermediate axial position to a second intermediate axial position.

Example 129-the surgical instrument of example 128, wherein the second jaw aperture angle is 10 °.

Example 130-the surgical instrument of examples 128 or 129, wherein the first jaw opening feature does not move the second jaw relative to the first jaw beyond the second jaw aperture angle when the closure member is axially moved in the axial opening direction between the second intermediate axial position and a third intermediate axial position.

Example 131-the surgical instrument of example 130, wherein axial movement of the closure member in the axial opening direction from the third intermediate axial position to a fourth intermediate axial position causes the second jaw opening feature to apply the second jaw opening motion to a second jaw.

Example 132-the surgical instrument of example 131, wherein axial movement of the closure member in the axial opening direction between the third intermediate axial position and the fourth intermediate axial position causes the second jaw to move to a second jaw aperture angle relative to the first jaw.

Example 133-the surgical instrument of example 132, wherein the second jaw aperture angle is 22 °.

Example 134-the surgical instrument of examples 131, 132, or 133, wherein axial movement of the closure member in the axial opening direction from the third intermediate axial position to the fourth intermediate axial position causes the first jaw opening feature to stop applying the first jaw opening motion to the second jaw.

Example 135-the surgical instrument of example 134, wherein axial movement of the closure member in the axial opening direction from the fourth intermediate axial position to the final axial position causes the second jaw opening feature to stop applying the second jaw opening motion to the second jaw.

Example 136-the surgical instrument of examples 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, or 135, wherein the first jaw comprises a surgical fastener cartridge, and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 137-a surgical instrument comprising an elongate channel configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge therein. An anvil is pivotally supported on the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The axially movable closure member is selectively axially movable in a closing direction to move the anvil from a fully open position to a fully closed position and in an axial opening direction to move the anvil from the fully closed position to the fully open position. The axially movable closure member includes a proximal jaw opening feature configured to apply a first jaw opening motion to the anvil. The distal jaw opening feature is axially spaced from the proximal jaw opening feature such that when the closure member is moved in the axial opening direction, the proximal jaw opening feature applies a first jaw opening motion to the anvil, and when the closure member has been axially moved a predetermined axial distance in the axial opening direction, the proximal jaw opening feature ceases to apply the first jaw opening motion and the distal jaw opening feature applies a second jaw opening motion to the anvil to move the anvil to the fully open position.

Example 138-the surgical instrument of example 137, wherein the first jaw opening feature causes the anvil to move through a first jaw aperture angle measured between a deck surface of the surgical fastener cartridge supported in the elongate channel and fasteners forming an underside of the anvil as the closure member is axially moved in the axial opening direction from a first intermediate axial position to a second intermediate axial position.

Example 139-the surgical instrument of example 138, wherein the first jaw aperture angle is 10 °.

Example 140-the surgical instrument of examples 138 or 139, wherein the first jaw opening feature does not move the anvil relative to the elongate channel beyond the first jaw aperture angle when the closure member is axially moved in the axial opening direction between the second intermediate axial position and the third intermediate axial position.

Example 141-the surgical instrument of example 140, wherein axial movement of the closure member in the axial opening direction from the third intermediate axial position to the fourth intermediate axial position causes the second jaw opening feature to move the anvil through a second jaw aperture angle that is greater than the first jaw aperture angle.

Example 142-a surgical instrument comprising an elongate channel configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge therein. An anvil is pivotally supported on the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The axially movable distal closure tube segment is selectively axially movable in a closure direction to move the anvil from a fully open position to a fully closed position and in an axial opening direction to move the anvil from a fully closed position to a fully open position. The axially movable distal closure tube segment includes a proximal jaw opening feature formed thereon and configured to apply a first jaw opening motion to the anvil. A distal jaw opening feature is formed on the distal closure tube segment and is axially spaced from the proximal jaw opening feature such that when the distal closure tube segment is moved in the axial opening direction, the proximal jaw opening feature applies a first jaw opening motion to the anvil, and when the distal closure tube segment is moved axially in the opening direction a predetermined axial distance, the proximal jaw opening feature ceases to apply the first jaw opening motion and the distal jaw opening feature applies a second jaw opening motion to the anvil to move the anvil to the fully open position.

Example 143-a surgical instrument comprising a first jaw and a second jaw coupled to the first jaw for selective pivotal travel relative to the first jaw between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The closure member is configured to apply a closing motion to the second jaw when the closure member is axially movable in a distal direction from a starting position corresponding to a fully open position of the second jaw to an ending position corresponding to a fully closed position of the second jaw. The closure member is further configured to move distally from a starting position an initial predetermined axial closure distance prior to applying a closure motion to the second jaw.

Example 144-the surgical instrument of example 143, wherein the initial predetermined axial closure distance is 0.020 inches.

Example 145-the surgical instrument of examples 143 or 144, wherein the closure member is configured to move distally past a final predetermined axial closure distance after the second jaw has moved to the fully closed position.

Example 146-the surgical instrument of example 145, wherein the final predetermined axial closure distance is 0.040 inches.

Example 147-the surgical instrument of examples 143, 144, 145, or 146, wherein the closure member comprises a closure camming surface configured to cammingly engage a jaw camming surface on the second jaw to apply the closure motion thereto.

Example 148-the surgical instrument of examples 143, 144, 145, 146, or 147, wherein the closure member further comprises means for applying an opening motion to the second jaw when the closure member is axially moved in the proximal direction from the end position to the starting position.

Example 149-the surgical instrument of example 148, wherein the means for imparting an opening motion comprises a first jaw opening feature on the closure member configured to impart a first amount of jaw opening motion to the second jaw when the closure member is axially moved from the end position to an intermediate axial position between the end position and the starting position. The device also includes a second jaw opening feature on the closure member axially spaced from the first jaw opening feature and configured to apply a second amount of jaw opening movement to the second jaw as the closure member is axially moved from the intermediate position to the starting position.

Example 150-a surgical instrument comprising an elongate channel configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge therein. An anvil is pivotally supported on the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The closure member is configured to apply a closing motion to the anvil when the closure member is axially movable in a distal direction from a starting position corresponding to a fully open position of the anvil to an ending position corresponding to a fully closed position of the anvil. The closure member is configured to move distally from a starting position an initial predetermined axial closure distance prior to applying a closure motion to the anvil.

Example 151-the surgical instrument of example 150, wherein the initial predetermined axial closure distance is 0.020 inches.

Example 152-the surgical instrument of examples 150 or 151, wherein the closure member is configured to move distally past a final predetermined axial closure distance after the anvil has moved to the fully closed position.

Example 153-the surgical instrument of example 152, wherein the final predetermined axial closure distance is 0.040 inches.

Example 154-the surgical instrument of examples 152 or 153, wherein the closure member is configured to: after the closure member has traveled the initial predetermined axial closure distance and before the final predetermined axial closure distance, the closure motion is applied to the anvil as the closure member moves distally past an intermediate predetermined axial closure distance.

Example 155-the surgical instrument of example 154, wherein the intermediate predetermined axial closure distance is 0.200 inches.

Example 156-the surgical instrument of examples 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, or 155, wherein the closure member comprises a closure camming surface configured to cammingly engage an anvil camming surface on an anvil mounting portion of the anvil to apply a closing motion thereto.

Example 157-the surgical instrument of examples 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, or 157, wherein the closure member further comprises means for applying an opening motion to the anvil when the closure member is axially moved in the proximal direction from the end position to the starting position.

Example 158-the surgical instrument of example 157, wherein the means for applying an opening motion comprises a first jaw opening feature on the closure member configured to apply a first amount of jaw opening motion to the anvil when the closure member is axially moved from the end position to an intermediate axial position between the end position and the starting position. The device also includes a second jaw opening feature on the closure member axially spaced from the first jaw opening feature and configured to apply a second amount of jaw opening motion to the anvil as the closure member is axially moved from the intermediate axial position to the starting position.

Example 159-a surgical system comprising a housing that operatively supports a closure system. The surgical system also includes an interchangeable surgical tool assembly including an elongate shaft assembly that is operably and removably coupled to the housing such that a proximal closure portion of the elongate shaft assembly is configured to receive an axial closure motion from the closure system. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly also includes a surgical end effector operatively coupled to the elongate shaft assembly. The surgical end effector includes an elongate channel coupled to the elongate shaft assembly and configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge therein. An anvil is coupled to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The elongate shaft assembly includes an axially movable proximal closure member configured to receive an axial closure motion. The distal closure member is operatively coupled to the proximal closure member and is configured to apply an axial closure motion to the anvil when the distal closure member is axially movable in a distal direction from a starting position corresponding to a fully open position of the anvil to an ending position corresponding to a fully closed position of the anvil. The distal closure member is configured to move distally from a starting position an initial predetermined axial closure distance prior to applying a closure motion to the anvil.

Example 160-the surgical instrument of example 159, wherein the distal closure member is configured to move distally past a final predetermined axial closure distance after the anvil has moved to the fully closed position.

Example 161-a surgical tool assembly comprising a first jaw and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw. The surgical tool assembly further comprises a firing system comprising a firing member assembly configured to move distally from a starting position upon application of a firing motion thereto. The firing member assembly includes a first firing member element and a second firing member element pivotally coupled to the first firing member element at an attachment joint. The second firing member element is configured to move between a locked position in which the second firing member element is lockingly engaged with the lockout portion of the first jaw to prevent distal movement of the firing member assembly from the starting position upon application of the firing motion to the firing member assembly, and an unlocked position in which the firing member assembly is distally advanceable from the starting position upon application of the firing motion to the firing member assembly. The surgical tool assembly further includes means for preventing an unlocking load from being applied to the attachment joint when the second firing member is in the locked position and a firing motion is applied to the first firing member element.

Example 162-the surgical tool assembly of example 161, wherein the lockout portion comprises at least one lockout notch in the first jaw configured to remain engaged with the second firing member element when the second firing member element is in the locked position.

Example 163-the surgical tool assembly of examples 161 or 162, further comprising a biasing member in the first jaw configured to bias the second firing member element to the locked position.

Example 164-the surgical tool assembly of examples 161, 162, or 163, wherein the first firing member element comprises: at least one first jaw engagement feature configured to be movably received within a corresponding first jaw channel; and at least one second jaw engagement feature configured to be movably received within a corresponding second jaw channel.

Example 165-the surgical tool assembly of example 164, wherein, regardless of the position of the second firing member element, when the firing member assembly is in the starting position, each first jaw engagement feature is axially aligned with the corresponding first jaw channel and each second jaw engagement feature is axially aligned with the corresponding second jaw channel.

Example 166-the surgical tool assembly of example 165, wherein each first jaw engagement feature is axially aligned with the corresponding first jaw channel and each said second jaw engagement feature is axially aligned with the corresponding second jaw channel when the firing member assembly is in the starting position and the second firing member element is in the locked position.

Example 167-the surgical tool assembly of examples 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, or 166, wherein the first jaw is configured to operably support a removable surgical member therein that operably supports a movable member element therein. The movable component element is movable between an unfired position and a fired position. The second firing member element is configured to be moved from a locked position by the movable component element when the movable component is supported in the first jaw and the movable component element is in an unfired position.

Example 168-the surgical tool assembly of examples 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, or 167, wherein the first jaw is operatively coupled to an elongate shaft defining a shaft axis, and wherein the second firing member element is pivotable relative to the first firing member element about a pivot axis that is transverse to the shaft axis.

Example 169-the surgical tool assembly of claims examples 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, or 168, wherein the first firing member element comprises a tissue cutting surface.

Example 170-the surgical tool assembly of examples 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 168, or 169, wherein the first jaw is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge that operably supports a sled therein. The sled is movable between an unfired position and a fired position. The second firing member element is configured to be moved from a locked position by the sled when the surgical staple cartridge is supported in the first jaw and the sled is in an unfired position.

Example 171-the surgical tool assembly of examples 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, or 170, wherein the means for preventing comprises a distal surface and a lockout surface on the first firing member element. The distal surface is configured relative to a proximal surface on the second firing member element such that when the second firing member is in the unlocked position, a space is provided between the distal surface and the proximal surface. The proximal surface abuts the lockout surface when the second firing member element is in the locked position.

Example 172-the surgical tool assembly of examples 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, or 171, wherein the attachment joint comprises at least one pivot member on the second firing member element and pivotally received within a corresponding pivot hole in the first firing member element.

Example 173-the surgical tool assembly of example 172, further comprising a gap between each pivot member and its corresponding pivot hole such that the unlocking load is not transferred to the at least one pivot member when the second firing member is in the locked position and the firing motion is applied to the first firing member element.

Example 174-a stapling assembly comprising an anvil jaw and a cartridge jaw comprising a lockout surface. The firing member includes a distal end that includes an anvil camming portion and a channel camming portion. The firing member also includes a distal edge that includes a cutting member and a lockout force receiving surface. The lockout member is pivotally coupled to the distal end of the firing member by at least one pivot member. The lockout member is configured to engage a lockout surface of the cartridge jaw to block advancement of the firing member when the cartridge is not installed within the cartridge jaw or when a partially used cartridge is installed within the cartridge jaw and a firing motion is applied to the firing member. The firing member and lockout member are configured to prevent application of an unlocking load to the pivot member when the lockout member is engaged with the lockout surface and applies a firing motion to the firing member.

Example 175-the stapling assembly of example 174, wherein the staple cartridge jaw comprises a staple cartridge comprising a sled movable between an unfired position and a fired position. The sled is configured to engage the lockout member when the sled is in the unfired position to prevent movement of the lockout member relative to the firing member to engage the lockout surface.

Example 176-the stapling assembly of examples 174 or 175, further comprising a spring configured to bias the lockout member in a locked configuration relative to the firing member when a partially used staple cartridge is present and when a staple cartridge is not present.

Example 177-the stapling assembly of examples 174, 175, or 176, wherein the firing member is configured to not move substantially vertically.

Example 178-a surgical fastening instrument comprising a first jaw configured to operably support an unfired surgical fastener cartridge therein. An anvil is movably supported relative to the first jaw. The surgical fastening instrument further includes a firing system including a firing member assembly configured to move axially between a starting position and an ending position. The firing member assembly includes a firing member that includes a cutting surface and a tiltable side element pivotally coupled to the firing member by an attachment joint. The tiltable side element is configured to move relative to a firing member between a locked position in which the tiltable side element is in locking engagement with a lockout portion of the first jaw to prevent distal movement of the firing member assembly from the starting position upon application of a firing motion to the firing member assembly and an unlocked position in which the firing member assembly is distally advanceable from the starting position upon application of the firing motion to the firing member assembly. The firing member and the tiltable side element are configured to prevent an unlocking load from being applied to the attachment joint when the tiltable side element is in a locked position and a firing motion is applied to the firing member assembly. The surgical fastening instrument further comprises means for biasing the tiltable side members into the locking engagement unless an unfired surgical fastener cartridge is operatively supported in the first jaw.

Example 179-the surgical fastening instrument of example 178, wherein the attachment joint comprises at least one pivot member on the tiltable side element and pivotally received within a corresponding pivot hole in the firing member.

Example 180-the surgical fastening instrument of example 179, further comprising a gap between each pivot member and its corresponding pivot hole such that the unlocking load is not transferred to each pivot member when the tiltable element is in the locked position and the firing motion is applied to the firing member element.

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 HAVINGSEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS" published on 21.2.2006;

-U.S. patent 7,422,139 entitled "MOTOR-driving warming and warming insulation WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK fed", published 9.9.2008;

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

-U.S. patent 7,670,334 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVATING ANARTICULATING 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 IMPLANTABLEFASTENER 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 INSTRUMENTS HAVARING RF ELECTRORDES" filed on 14.2.2008;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 12/031,873 entitled "END efffectors FOR a SURGICAL CUTTING and applying in insurment" filed on 15.2.2008 (now U.S. patent 7,980,443);

-U.S. patent application serial No. 12/235,782 entitled "MOTOR-driver basic CUTTING insert", now U.S. patent 8,210,411;

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 12/647,100 entitled "MOTOR-drive minor cutlingument WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR direct CONTROL assignment" 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, 2012, now U.S. patent 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 8,561,870;

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/524,049 entitled "articulatale surgicial instrumentco publication A FIRING DRIVE" filed on 6, 15/2012; now us patent 9,101,358;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,025 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE thicknownstess sensorstem" filed on 3, 13, 2013, now U.S. patent 9,345,481;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,067 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE thicknownstess sensorstem" 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 INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM" filed on 31.1.2006; and

U.S. patent application publication 2010/0264194 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH ANARTICULATABLE 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 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, then, the instruments may be sterilized.

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 instrument, comprising:

a first jaw;

a second jaw coupled to the first jaw for selective pivotal travel relative to the first jaw between a fully open position and a fully closed position; and

a closure member configured to apply a closure motion to the second jaw in a distal direction upon axial movement from a starting position corresponding to the fully open position of the second jaw to an ending position corresponding to the fully closed position of the second jaw, the closure member configured to move distally an initial predetermined axial closure distance from the starting position prior to application of the closure motion to the second jaw.

2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the initial predetermined axial closure distance is 0.020 inches.

3. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the closure member is configured to move distally past a final predetermined axial closure distance after the second jaw has moved to the fully closed position.

4. The surgical instrument of claim 3, wherein the final predetermined axial closure distance is 0.040 inches.

5. The surgical instrument of claim 3, wherein the closure member is configured to apply the closing motion to the second jaw as the closure member moves distally past an intermediate predetermined axial closure distance after the closure member travels the initial predetermined axial closure distance and before the final predetermined axial closure distance.

6. The surgical instrument of claim 5, wherein the intermediate predetermined axial closure distance is 0.200 inches.

7. The surgical instrument of claim 3, wherein the closure member comprises a closure camming surface configured to cammingly engage a jaw camming surface on the second jaw to apply the closure motion thereto.

8. The surgical instrument of claim 3, wherein the closure member further comprises means for applying an opening motion to the second jaw as the closure member is axially moved in a proximal direction from the end position to the starting position.

9. The surgical instrument of claim 8, wherein the means for imparting an opening motion comprises:

a first jaw opening feature on the closure member and configured to apply a first amount of jaw opening motion to the second jaw upon axial movement of the closure member from the end position to an intermediate axial position between the end position and the starting position; and

a second jaw opening feature on the closure member axially spaced from the first jaw opening feature and configured to apply a second amount of jaw opening motion to the second jaw as the closure member is axially moved from the intermediate position to the starting position.

10. A surgical instrument, comprising:

an elongate channel configured to operably support a surgical staple/fastener cartridge therein;

an anvil pivotally supported on the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto between a fully open position and a fully closed position; and

a closure member configured to apply a closure motion to the anvil upon axial movement in a distal direction from a starting position corresponding to the fully open position of the anvil to an ending position corresponding to the fully closed position of the anvil, the closure member configured to move an initial predetermined axial closure distance distally from the starting position prior to application of the closure motion to the anvil.

11. The surgical instrument of claim 10, wherein the initial predetermined axial closure distance is 0.020 inches.

12. The surgical instrument of claim 10, wherein said closure member is configured to move distally past a final predetermined axial closure distance after said anvil has been moved to said fully closed position.

13. The surgical instrument of claim 12, wherein the final predetermined axial closure distance is 0.040 inches.

14. The surgical instrument of claim 12, wherein said closure member is configured to apply said closure motion to said anvil as said closure member moves distally past an intermediate predetermined axial closure distance after said closure member travels said initial predetermined axial closure distance and before said final predetermined axial closure distance.

15. The surgical instrument of claim 14, wherein the intermediate predetermined axial closure distance is 0.200 inches.

16. The surgical instrument of claim 12, wherein the closure member comprises a closure camming surface configured to cammingly engage an anvil camming surface on an anvil mounting portion of the anvil to apply the closure motion thereto.

17. The surgical instrument of claim 12, wherein the closure member further comprises means for applying an opening motion to the anvil as the closure member is axially moved in a proximal direction from the ending position to the starting position.

18. The surgical instrument of claim 17, wherein the means for imparting an opening motion comprises:

a first jaw opening feature on the closure member and configured to apply a first amount of jaw opening motion to the anvil when the closure member is axially moved from the end position to an intermediate axial position between the end position and the starting position; and

a second jaw opening feature on the closure member axially spaced from the first jaw opening feature and configured to apply a second amount of jaw opening motion to the anvil when the closure member is axially moved from the intermediate axial position to the starting position.

19. A surgical system, comprising:

a housing operably supporting a closure system;

an interchangeable surgical tool assembly comprising:

an elongate shaft assembly operably and removably coupleable to the housing such that a proximal closure portion of the elongate shaft assembly is configured to receive an axial closure motion from the closure system; and

a surgical end effector operably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly, the surgical end effector comprising:

an elongate channel coupled to the elongate shaft assembly and configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge therein;

an anvil coupled to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto between a fully open position and a fully closed position, wherein the elongate shaft assembly comprises:

an axially movable proximal closure member configured to receive the axial closure motion; and

a distal closure member operably coupled to the proximal closure member and configured to apply the axial closure motion to the anvil as the distal closure member is axially moved in a distal direction from a starting position corresponding to the fully open position of the anvil to an ending position corresponding to the fully closed position of the anvil, the distal closure member configured to move an initial predetermined axial closure distance distally from the starting position prior to applying the closure motion to the anvil.

20. The surgical system of claim 19, wherein said distal closure member is configured to move distally past a final predetermined axial closure distance after said anvil has moved to said fully closed position.