CN110831512B

CN110831512B - Surgical instrument and surgical system having jaws constrained to pivot about an axis

Info

Publication number: CN110831512B
Application number: CN201880043846.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: F·E·谢尔顿四世; J·L·哈里斯
Original assignee: Ethicon LLC
Current assignee: Ethicon LLC
Priority date: 2017-06-28
Filing date: 2018-05-31
Publication date: 2023-08-04
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-31
Also published as: JP7341902B2; CN110831512A; JP2020525223A; BR112019027695A2

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a surgical instrument that comprises an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis and that includes a first jaw attached thereto. The second jaw is coupled to the first jaw for selective pivotal travel relative to the first jaw about a fixed jaw pivot axis transverse to the shaft axis and extending therethrough between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The elongate shaft assembly includes a closure member axially movable between a starting position corresponding to a fully open position and an ending position corresponding to a fully closed position. When the closure member is in the starting position, the distal end of the closure member lies in a plane distally spaced from the jaw pivot axis by a distance measured along the shaft axis of no more than 0.090 inches.

Description

Surgical instrument and surgical system having jaws constrained to pivot about an axis

Background

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

Drawings

The various features of the embodiments described herein, together with their advantages, may be understood from the following description taken 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 usable therewith;

FIG. 2 is an exploded assembly view of one of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies depicted in FIG. 1 and a portion 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 the 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 cutaway perspective view of a proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-11;

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

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

FIG. 15 is a cutaway 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 the 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 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 the 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 the anvil thereof 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 the anvil thereof 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 the anvil thereof 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 the anvil thereof 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 the anvil thereof 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 the anvil thereof in a fully open position;

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

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

FIG. 39 is a side elevational view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 3 with the anvil thereof 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 the anvil thereof 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 the anvil thereof 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 the firing member thereof 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 a portion of the surgical end effector of FIGS. 57 and 58 with the firing member initially engaged with its anvil;

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

FIG. 60A is a perspective view of a portion of a firing member assembly of a surgical stapling instrument that includes 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 lockout 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 lockout 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 an elongate channel thereof, 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, wherein the firing member assembly is 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 retaining 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 showing the position of the proximal jaw opening feature when the anvil is in the 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 when the anvil is 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 when the anvil is in the 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 location of the distal jaw opening feature when the anvil is in the 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 location of the distal jaw opening feature when the anvil is in the fully open position;

FIG. 72 is a partial left 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 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 aperture angle and retraction of the distal closure tube segment of FIGS. 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 of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,693, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN OFFSET ARTICULATION JOINT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,729, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM RATIO";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,785, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM RATIO";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,808, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING FIRING MEMBER SUPPORTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,837, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM LOCKABLE TO A FRAME";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,941, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM LOCKABLE BY A CLOSURE SYSTEM";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/636,029 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHAFT INCLUDING A HOUSING ARRANGEMENT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,958, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SELECTIVELY ACTUATABLE ROTATABLE COUPLERS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,981 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING SHORTENED STAPLE CARTRIDGE NOSES";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/636,009, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHAFT INCLUDING A CLOSURE TUBE PROFILE";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,663, entitled "METHOD FOR ARTICULATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,530, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR WITH AXIALLY SHORTENED ARTICULATION JOINT CONFIGURATIONS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,549, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OPEN AND CLOSABLE JAWS AND AXIALLY MOVABLE FIRING MEMBER THAT IS INITIALLY PARKED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE JAWS PRIOR TO FIRING";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,578, entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH IMPROVED JAW APERTURE ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,594 entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING DEVICES WITH PIVOTABLE ANVIL WITH A TISSUE LOCATING ARRANGEMENT IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO AN ANVIL PIVOT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,612, entitled "JAW RETAINER ARRANGEMENT FOR RETAINING A PIVOTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT JAW IN PIVOTABLE RETAINING ENGAGEMENT WITH A SECOND SURGICAL INSTRUMENT JAW";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,621, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,631, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,521, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENT";

U.S. design patent application Ser. No. 29/609,087, entitled "STAPLE FORMING ANVIL";

U.S. design patent application Ser. No. 29/609,083, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT"; and

U.S. design patent application Ser. No. 29/609,093 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE".

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on date 27 at 6.2017, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,024, entitled "SURGICAL ANVIL MANUFACTURING METHODS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,035, entitled "SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,046 entitled "SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,054 entitled "SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,068, entitled "SURGICAL FIRING MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,076, entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,090, entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,099, entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ANVILS"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,117, entitled "ARTICULATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS".

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on day 2016, 12, 21, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,221, entitled "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS";

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

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,950, entitled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES";

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,908 entitled "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE";

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,920 entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. 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 OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,893 entitled "BILATERRALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS";

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS";

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

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

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,915, entitled "FIRING 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 Ser. No. 15/385,924 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,912, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT A FIXED AXIS AND INCLUDE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS";

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,188 entitled "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES"; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,192, entitled "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,206, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES";

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,890 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS";

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,894 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT";

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,932 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT";

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,788, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES"; and

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

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

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

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

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

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on date 2016, 4, 1 and each incorporated herein by reference in their 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 Ser. No. 15/089,326, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,263, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,262 entitled "ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM";

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

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING 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 SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT";

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS";

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

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,331, entitled "ANVIL MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,336, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES";

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,309, entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM"; and

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

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

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

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

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

The applicant of the present application also owns the following identified U.S. patent applications filed on day 2016, 2 and 9, 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 AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR";

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The applicant of the present application also owns the following identified U.S. patent applications filed on date 2016, 2, 12, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

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

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

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

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on 18 th month 6 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925, now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0367256, entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS";

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,914, entitled "MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL 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 BEAM 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 ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0367245.

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,746, entitled "POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", 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 POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/02561185;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832, entitled "ADAPTIVE TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256154;

named as "OVERLAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY

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

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. 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-INSERT OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256160;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,799, entitled "SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT," 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 applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on 27 months 2.2015 and each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249949;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546, entitled "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249115;

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,566, entitled "CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249218;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555, now U.S. patent application publication 2016/024996, entitled "SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542, entitled "REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249508;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548, entitled "POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249009;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,526, entitled "ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249945;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,541, entitled "MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249977; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,562, entitled "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249117.

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on date 18 of 12 of 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING 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 COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174969;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,139, entitled "DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174978;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,148, entitled "LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174976;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,130, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE, now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174972;

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE 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 ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174973;

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

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

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on 1-3 of 2013, each of which is 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 2014/024671;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323, entitled "ROTARY POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/024672;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338, entitled "THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/024957;

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460, entitled "MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL Instruments," now U.S. Pat. No. 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 THROUGH TROCAR", now U.S. patent application publication 9,468,438;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518, entitled "CONTROL METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/024675;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375, entitled "ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM," 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 14 days 3.2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,623, entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117, entitled "ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," 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 INSTRUMENTS," 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 7.3.2014 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 month 3 and 26 of 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",

now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272582;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,099, entitled "STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272581; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094, entitled "VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272580;

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. patent application 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 INSTRUMENT SYSTEM", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272557;

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT 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 on 5.9.2014 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

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

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110, entitled "POLARITY 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 POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066916; and

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590, entitled "MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS", 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 FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT," now U.S. Pat. No. 9,649,110;

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,588, entitled "POWERED 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 ALIGNMENT FEATURES 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 "POWERED 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 SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305990; and

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

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on date 16 of 2013, 4, and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/812,365 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR";

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

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

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

U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/812,372 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE 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 shown in the 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 appreciate that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, so that it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and exemplary. Modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

The term "include" (and any form of "include"), such as "include" and "comprise", "have" (and any form of "have"), such as "have" and "have", "include", any form of "contain" (and "contain") such as "contain" and "contain" (and "contain") are open-system verbs. Thus, a surgical system, apparatus, or device that "comprises," "has," "contains," or "contains" one or more elements has those one or more elements, but is not limited to having only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a 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 also be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," and "lower" 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 can be used in a variety of surgical procedures and applications, including, for example, in connection 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, etc. The working portion or end effector portion of the instrument may be inserted directly into the 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.

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

The nail bin comprises a bin 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 tissue. The anvil is moved toward the 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 a staple cavity defined therein, wherein staples are removably stored in the staple cavity. 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 also possible.

The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. The driver is movable between a first or unfired position and a second or fired position to eject staples from the staple cavities. The driver is retained in the cartridge body by a retainer that extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes a resilient member configured to grip the cartridge body and retain the retainer to the cartridge body. The driver is movable by the sled between its unfired position and its fired position. 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 driver toward the anvil and to lift the driver with staples supported on the driver.

In addition to the above, the sled may be moved distally by the firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled toward the distal end. A longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive a firing member. The anvil further includes a slot configured to receive a firing member. The firing member further includes a first cam that engages the first jaw and a second cam that engages the second jaw. The first cam and the second cam may control a distance or tissue gap between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil as the firing member is advanced distally. The firing member further includes a knife configured to incise tissue trapped 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 a surgical system 10 includes four interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000, each adapted for use interchangeably with a 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 interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 can be effectively used with a robotic-controlled surgical system or an automated surgical system tool drive assembly. For example, the surgical tool assemblies disclosed herein may be used with a variety of robotic systems, instruments, components, and methods, such as, but not limited to, those disclosed in U.S. patent 9,072,535, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Fig. 2 illustrates the attachment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to the handle assembly 500. It should be appreciated 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 conjunction with the attachment of any of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 with a tool drive portion or tool drive housing of a 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 the clinician. As will be briefly discussed 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 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 further 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 apply closure and opening motions to interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 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 a clinician such that the closure trigger 512 can be easily pivoted from a start or "unactuated" position to an "actuated" position, and more particularly to a fully compressed or fully actuated position, when the clinician grips the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly 500. In various forms, the closure drive system 510 further includes a closure link assembly 514 that is pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 512 or otherwise operatively interfaces with the closure trigger 512. As will be discussed in further detail below, in the illustrated example, the closure link assembly 514 includes a lateral attachment pin 516 that facilitates attachment to a corresponding drive system on a surgical tool assembly. In use, to actuate the closure drive system 510, the clinician presses 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 (now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575), entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, the closure drive system 510 is configured to lock the closure trigger 512 in a fully depressed or fully actuated position when the closure trigger 512 is fully depressed by a clinician 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 that 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 a 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 may operatively support another drive system, referred to herein as a firing drive system 530, configured to apply firing motions to corresponding portions of interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 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 DC brush drive motor having a maximum rotation of about 25,000 RPM. In other arrangements, the motor 505 may include 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 include 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 of movement of the drive member. 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 is pivotable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger 532 may be biased into the 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 can 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, a safety button is housed in the handle assembly 500, in which case the safety button is not readily accessible to a clinician and moves 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 pivot downward, which can then be manipulated by the clinician.

In at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member may have teeth (not shown) of a rack 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 may include 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 pivotable into ratchet engagement with teeth in the drive member. Thus, the clinician may manually retract the drive member using the rescue handle assembly to ratchet the drive member in the proximal direction "PD". U.S. patent 8,608,045, entitled "POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses a rescue arrangement, and other components, arrangements, and systems that can 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 toIn which the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700 is operatively supported. 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 SA ₁ Releasably held in a position where articulation is desired. Further details regarding articulation systems and articulation locks may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM LOCKABLE TO A FRAME" (attorney docket number END8217 USNP/170102); this patent application is filed on even date herewith and is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As further seen in fig. 4 and 7-9, the 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 coupleable to the assembled nozzle portions 1242, 1244 by snaps, lugs, screws, and the like, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 including 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. Further, 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, the spine assembly 1250 may be made of an upper spine segment 1251 and a lower spine segment 1252 that are interconnected together by snap features, adhesives, welding, and the like for ease of assembly. In assembled form, the spine assembly 1250 includes a proximal end 1253 that is rotatably supported in the 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 rotatable attachment of the spine assembly 1250 with the tool base 1210 such that the spine assembly 1250 may be selectively rotated relative to the tool base 1210 about the shaft axis SA ₁ And (5) 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 the spine assembly 1250 about the shaft axis SA by rotating the actuator wheel portion 1246 of the nozzle assembly 1240 ₁ Is provided for the rotation of (a).

As can be seen in fig. 4 and 5, the spine assembly 1250 also includes an intermediate spine shaft segment 1256 that has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the proximal end 1253 of the spine assembly 1250. The intermediate spine segment 1256 of the upper spine segment 1251 terminates in an upper lug mounting feature 1260 and the intermediate 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 supportingly mount the upper mounting connector 1264 therein. Similarly, the lower lug mounting feature 1270 has a lug slot 1272 formed therein, the lug slot 1272 being adapted to mountingly support the lower mounting link 1274 therein. Upper mounting link 1264 includes a shaft axis SA therein ₁ Offset 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, which lower pivot pin 1276 is 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, pivot hole 1611 and shaft axis SA ₁ And (3) biasing. The lower pivot pin 1276 is vertically aligned with the pivot socket 1266 to define an articulation axis AA ₁ The surgical end effector 1500 can be articulated about the articulation axis relative to the shaft axis SA ₁ Articulation is performed. Although the articulation axis AA ₁ Transverse toShaft axis SA ₁ But the articulation axis AA ₁ With axis SA of the shaft ₁ Laterally offset from, and not coaxial with, shaft axis SA ₁ And (5) 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. Anvil mounting portion 1820 is movably or pivotably supported on elongate channel 1602 to be about a shaft axis SA transverse thereto ₁ Is fixed to the anvil pivot axis PA ₁ (fig. 15) selective pivotal travel. In the illustrated arrangement, a pivot member or anvil trunnion 1822 extends laterally beyond each side of the anvil mounting portion 1820 for receipt in a corresponding trunnion mount 1614 formed in the upstanding wall 1612 of the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602. The 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 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.

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 that is 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. A pivot hole 1316 is formed in the offset attachment lug 1314 and is configured to pivotally receive therein a proximal link pin 1326 formed on a proximal end 1325 of the articulation link 1320. The distal end 1322 of the articulation link 1320 includes a pivot bore 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 apply an articulation motion to the elongate channel 1602, causing the surgical end effector 1500 to be moved relative to the spine assembly 12 50 about the articulation axis AA ₁ Articulation is performed.

Movement of the anvil 1810 relative to the elongate channel 1602 is accomplished by axial movement of the proximal and distal closure assemblies 1900, 2000. Referring now to fig. 4 and 7, in the illustrated arrangement, the proximal closure assembly 1900 includes a proximal closure tube 1910, the proximal closure tube 1910 having 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 segment 1920. A proximal end 1922 of the proximal closure tube segment 1920 is rotatably supported in a closure shuttle 1940, the closure shuttle 1940 being 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, the attachment pin 516 being attached to the closure link assembly 514 of the handle assembly 500. A proximal end 1922 of the proximal closure tube segment 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 segment 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 be about the shaft axis SA ₁ Rotates 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 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 1000 is operatively coupled to the handle assembly 500.

Referring now to fig. 5 and 6, a 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 that is coupled to a distal closure tube segment 2030. In the illustrated example, the distal closure tube segment 2030 has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the 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 over a connecting 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 protrude distally from the 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 a superior tang 2032 and an inferior tang (not shown) protruding proximally from its proximal end. The upper double pivot connection 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 dual pivot connection 2064 includes a proximal pin 2065 and a distal pin 2066 that engage corresponding holes 2019 in the inferior tangs 2016 of the articulation connector 2010 and 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 also includes a firing system, generally designated 2100. In the illustrated example, firing system 2100 includes a firing member assembly 2110 that is supported for axial travel within spine assembly 1250. In the illustrated embodiment, 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. Firing member assembly 2110 may also be referred to herein as a "second shaft" and/or a "second shaft assembly. As can be seen in fig. 5, the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 can include a longitudinal slot 2124 in its distal end 2122 that can be configured to receive a proximal end 2132 of a knife bar 2130. The longitudinal slot 2124 and the proximal end 2132 of the knife bar 2130 can be sized and configured to allow relative movement therebetween and can include a sliding joint 2134. The sliding joint 2134 may allow movement of the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 of the firing member assembly 2110 to articulate the end effector 1500 without moving, or at least substantially 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 side wall of the longitudinal slot 2124 contacts 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 illustrated 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 disposed into an attachment bracket (not shown) on a 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 locking collar or sleeve 2210 positioned about an intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 of the firing system 2100, wherein the locking sleeve 2210 is rotatable between an engaged position in which the locking 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 lockout sleeve 2210 is in its engaged position, distal movement of firing member assembly 2110 may move proximal articulation driver 1310 distally, and correspondingly, proximal movement of firing member assembly 2110 may move proximal articulation driver 1310 proximally. When locking sleeve 2210 is in its disengaged position, the motion of firing member assembly 2110 is not transferred to proximal articulation driver 1310 and, thus, firing member assembly 2110 may be moved independently of 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 is not moving the proximal articulation driver 1310 in a proximal or distal direction.

In the illustrated arrangement, an intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 of the firing member assembly 2110 is formed with two opposing flat sides 2121, 2123 with a drive recess 2126 formed therein. See fig. 8. As can also be seen in fig. 13, the locking sleeve 2210 includes a cylindrical or at least substantially cylindrical body including 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 tabs 2214, 2216, which locking tabs 2214, 2216 are engagingly received within corresponding portions of the drive recess 2126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 when the locking sleeve 2210 is in one position and are not received within the drive recess 2126 when the locking sleeve 2210 is in another position, 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 locking 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 lock sleeve 2210 is in its engaged position, the locking tabs 2214, 2216 are positioned within the drive recess 2126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 such that distal pushing forces and/or proximal pulling forces can be transferred from the firing member assembly 2110 to the lock 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 effect, when the locking sleeve 2210 is in its engaged (articulation) position, the firing member assembly 2110, locking sleeve 2210 and proximal articulation driver 1310 will move together. On the other hand, when the locking sleeve 2210 is in its disengaged position, the locking tabs 2214, 2216 are not received within the drive recess 2126 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 and, as a result, distal pushing and/or proximal pulling forces may not be transferred from the firing member assembly 2110 to the locking sleeve 2210 (and the proximal articulation driver 1310).

In the illustrated example, the relative movement of the locking sleeve 2210 between its engaged and disengaged positions may be controlled by a clutch assembly 2200, which clutch assembly 2200 interfaces with a proximal closure tube 1910 of the proximal closure assembly 1900. More specifically and with reference to fig. 8 and 9, the clutch assembly 2200 also includes a clutch key 2240, the clutch key 2240 being 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 tab 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 lug 2242 and is configured to cam 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 also includes a shift barrel 2220, the shift barrel 2220 being rotatably received on a proximal end portion of the proximal closure tube portion 1920. As seen in fig. 10-14, the actuator lugs 2242 extend through the axial slot section 2222 in the shift barrel 2220 and are movably received within the arcuate slot section 2224 in the shift barrel 2220. A shift barrel torsion spring 2226 (fig. 12-14) is mounted on the shift barrel 2220 and engages the nozzle portion 1244 to apply a torsion bias or rotation (arrow SR in fig. 10 and 11) that rotates the shift 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 shift barrel 2220 may provide a torsional bias to the clutch key 2240 that causes the locking sleeve 2210 to rotate to its position of engagement 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 (anvil 1810 is in an open position spaced apart from the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700), the actuator lugs 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 may then actuate the proximal closure assembly 1900. Actuation of the proximal closure assembly 1900 will cause distal advancement of the proximal closure tube segment 1920 to ultimately apply a closing motion to the anvil 1810. Such distal advancement of the proximal closure tube segment 1920 will cause the cam opening 1926 to cam with the cam surface 2243 on the actuator lug 2242, thereby causing the clutch key 2240 to rotate the locking sleeve 2210 in the actuation direction AD. Such rotation of the locking sleeve 2210 will cause the locking tabs 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 may be actuated to actuate the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 without actuating the proximal articulation driver 1310. Further details regarding the operation of the shift barrel 2220 and locking sleeve 2210, as well as alternative articulation and firing drive arrangements that may be used with the various interchangeable surgical tool assemblies described herein, can be found in 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, the complete disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Referring again to fig. 8-13, the shift barrel 2220 may further include at least partial circumferential openings 2228, 2230 defined therein that may receive circumferential lugs/mounts 1245 extending from the nozzle portions 1242, 1244 and permit relative rotation (rather than relative translation) between the shift barrel 2220 and the nozzle assembly 1240. The nozzle lugs 1245 extend through corresponding openings 1923 in the proximal closure tube portion 1920 to be seated in the lug seats 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 power to and/or from the surgical end effector 1500 and/or to transmit signals to 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 slip ring assembly 1230 and associated connectors can be found in 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 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263552), entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As also described in further detail in the aforementioned patent applications, which 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 drum 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 latching 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 latching system 1220 includes a locking member or locking yoke 1222 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 legs 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 the pivotal attachment of the lock yoke 1222 to the tool base 1210. The lock yoke 1222 may include two proximally projecting lock lugs 1224 configured for releasable engagement with corresponding lock pawls 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 lock yoke 1222 may be moved to an unlocked position by biasing the latch button 1226 in a distal direction, which also pivots the lock 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 lugs 1224 remain disposed within the corresponding lock pawls or grooves 509 in the distal end of the handle frame 506.

In the illustrated arrangement, the locking yoke 1222 includes at least one and preferably two locking hooks 1227 adapted to contact corresponding locking 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 a distal direction to unlock the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 from the handle assembly 500. When in this position, the locking hook 1227 does not contact the locking 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 a clinician attempts to pivot the lock yoke 1222 to an unlocked position, or for example, the lock yoke 1222 is inadvertently bumped or contacted in a manner that would otherwise cause it to pivot distally, the lock hook 1227 on the lock yoke 1222 will contact the lock ledge 1943 on the closure shuttle 1940 and prevent the lock yoke 1222 from moving to the unlocked position.

Referring again to fig. 6, knife bar 2130 can include a laminated beam structure including at least two beam layers. The beam layers may comprise, for example, stainless steel strips interconnected together by, for example, welding or pinning at their proximal ends and/or at 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 be deployed relative to each other as the end effector is articulated. 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 Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As can also be seen in fig. 6, a firing shaft support member 2300 is used to provide lateral support to the knife bar 2130 as it bends to accommodate articulation of the surgical end effector 1500. Further details regarding the operation of the firing shaft support assembly 2300 and the 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 AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR", each of which is incorporated herein 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 main body portion 2142 that supports a knife or tissue cutting portion 2144. The body portion 2142 protrudes through an elongated slot 1604 in the elongated channel 1602 and terminates in a foot member 2146 extending laterally on each side of the body portion 2142. As the firing member 2140 is driven distally through the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700, the foot member 2146 rides within the channel 1622 (FIG. 48) of the elongate channel 1602 below the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700. In one arrangement, the body portion 2142 includes two laterally protruding center tabs 2145 that may straddle a center channel within the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700. See fig. 6. The tissue cutting portion 2144 is disposed between the distally projecting top nose portion 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. When the firing member 2140 is driven distally, a top portion of the main body portion 2142 extends through the centrally disposed anvil slot 1814 and the anvil engagement features 2147 ride over corresponding anvil ledges 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 ending position adjacent the distal end 1706 of the cartridge body 1702. The cartridge body 1702 is operative to support a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) therein that are aligned in rows on each side of a centrally disposed slot 1708. A centrally disposed slot 1708 enables a 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 staple/fastener pockets 1712 pass through 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 sloped or wedge 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 is aligned with the dovetail slot 507 in the handle frame 506. The clinician may then drape the surgical tool assembly 1000Straight to axis SA of the shaft ₁ To seat the tapered attachment portion 1212 into "operative engagement" with a corresponding dovetail receiving slot 507 in the distal end of the handle frame 506. In so doing, the firing shaft attachment lugs 2128 on the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 will also rest in attachment brackets (not shown) in a longitudinally movable drive member (not shown) within the handle assembly 500 and portions of the attachment pins 516 on the closure link 514 will rest in corresponding hooks 1942 in the closure shuttle 1940. As used herein, the term "operatively engaged" in the context of two components means that the two components are sufficiently engaged with each other such that upon application of an actuation motion thereto, the components can perform their intended actions, functions, and/or procedures.

During a typical surgical procedure, a clinician may introduce the surgical end effector 1500 into the surgical site through a trocar or other opening in the patient to access target tissue. In doing so, the clinician typically aligns the surgical end effector 1500 axially along the shaft axis (unarticulated state). For example, as the surgical end effector 1500 passes through a trocar port, a clinician may need to articulate the end effector 1500 to advantageously position it adjacent to target tissue. This is before closing the anvil onto the target tissue, so the closure drive system 510 will remain unactuated. When in this position, actuation of the firing drive system 530 will cause an articulation motion 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 retain the surgical end effector 1500 in the articulation 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 driver from the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120. Thus, once 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 clamped tissue and fire staples into the severed tissue. Other closure and firing drive arrangements, actuator arrangements (handheld, manual, and automated or robotic) may also be employed to control the axial movement of 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 be effectively 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 that includes 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 pivotally supported relative to the elongate channel 3602. 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 position surgical end effector 3500 relative to shaft axis SA ₂ Releasably 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, can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Additional details regarding articulation lock 3400 may also be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT," filed on even date 2/9 of 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

As seen in fig. 17, interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 includes a tool frame assembly 3200, which is a set of tool framesThe member 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 coupleable to the assembled nozzle portions 3242, 3244 by snaps, lugs, screws, and the like, 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 a surgical end effector 3500, as will be discussed in further detail below. Further, interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 includes a "resilient" spine assembly 3250 that operatively supports proximal closure assembly 3900 and is coupled to surgical end effector 3500. An exemplary form of ridge assembly 3250 is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. For example, the spine assembly 3250 may include 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 tension 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 member 3250 may be made of, for example, a suitable polymeric material, rubber, or the like, having a characteristic labeled ME ₁ For reference purposes. For reference purposes, the stretch limiting insert 3284 may have a designation ME ₂ Elastic modulus of (a). In each case, the stretch limiting insert 3284 further 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 ME ₃ . In at least one arrangement, the ME ₃ <ME ₂ <ME ₁ . Further details regarding at least one implementation of the elastic spine assembly 3250 and the stretch limiting insert 3284 can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. 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 various components are assembled 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, the proximal end of proximal end portion 3253 of spine assembly 3250 is attached to a spine bearing (not shown) that is configured to be supported within base 3210. Such an arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of the spine assembly 3250 to the tool base 3210 such that the spine assembly 3250 may be selectively rotated relative to the tool base 3210 about the shaft axis SA ₂ And (5) 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 the spine assembly 3250 about the shaft axis SA by rotating the actuator wheel portion 3246 of the nozzle assembly 3240 ₂ Is provided for the rotation of (a).

Referring now to fig. 18, the distal end portion 3280 of the resilient spine member 3250 is attached to a distal frame segment 3286 which operatively supports an articulation lock 3400 therein. The spine assembly 3250 is configured to: first, the firing member assembly 4110 slidably supported therein; and second, slidably support a proximal closure tube 3910 extending around the spine assembly 3250. The spine assembly 3250 may also be configured to slidably support a proximal articulation driver 3310. As seen in fig. 18, distal frame segment 3286 is pivotally coupled to elongate channel 3602 by end effector mounting assembly 3290. For example, in one arrangement, the 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 3610 Side end 3610. Pivot pin 3288 defines a transverse axis SA to shaft axis ₂ Is defined by the articulation axis AA of (a) ₂ . See fig. 18. Such an arrangement facilitates the surgical end effector 3500 being articulated about the articulation axis AA relative to the resilient spine assembly 3250 ₂ Pivotal travel (i.e., articulation). Distal frame segment 3286 is further 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 INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Additional details regarding the articulation lock can also be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT," filed on even date 2016, 2 and 9.

In the illustrated example, the surgical end effector 3500 is capable of articulating about an articulation axis AA via an articulation system 3300 ₂ Selectively 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. In addition, a cross-link 3294 can be coupled to the drive pin 3293 and the articulation frame 3402 to assist in articulation of the surgical end effector 3500. Further details regarding the operation of the articulation lock 3400 and the articulation frame 3402 are described above 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 Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," filed on even date 2 and 9 of 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. As further described herein and as incorporated by reference In other disclosures incorporated herein, axial movement of the proximal articulation driver 3310 will cause engagement/disengagement of the articulation lock 3400 to apply an articulation motion to the elongate channel 3602 to cause the surgical end effector 3500 to pivot about the articulation axis AA relative to the spine assembly 3250 ₂ Articulation is performed.

In the illustrated example, the anvil 3810 includes an anvil body 3812 that terminates in an anvil mounting portion 3820. Anvil mounting portion 3820 is movably or pivotably supported on elongate channel 3602 to extend about a transverse axis SA relative thereto ₂ Is fixed to the anvil pivot axis PA ₂ (fig. 18) selective pivotal travel. In the illustrated arrangement, anvil trunnions 3822 extend laterally beyond each side of anvil mounting portion 3820 for receipt in corresponding trunnion pivot holes 3613 formed in upstanding walls 3612 of proximal end portion 3610 of elongate channel 3602. Movement of anvil 3810 relative to elongate channel 3602 is achieved by axial movement of proximal closure assembly 3900 and 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 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 serves 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 SA ₂ Rotates relative to the closure shuttle 7940. As described above in connection with interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000, a closure spring (not shown) may be provided at proximal end 3912 of proximal closure tube 3910Extends upwardly to bias the closure shuttle 3940 in the proximal direction PD, which may be used to pivot a closure trigger 512 on the handle assembly 500 (fig. 2) to an 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 the 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 that protrudes proximally from its proximal end. The upper dual pivot connection 4060 pivotally couples the upper tangs 3917 and 4032 and the lower dual pivot connection 4064 pivotally couples the 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 result in the anvil 3810 being rotated about the fixed anvil pivot axis PA ₂ Closing or pivoting toward the elongate channel 3602. In the illustrated arrangement, the distal closure tube segment 4030 further includes forward jaw or anvil opening features 4040 that are configured to cooperate with a surface or ramp portion on the anvil mounting portion 3820 to pivot the anvil 3810 from the closed position to the open position as the distal closure tube segment 4030 is moved proximally back to the starting position. Other embodiments may not employ a forward 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 anvil opening features can be found, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE 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 illustrated embodiment, the firing member assembly 4110 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 that is 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 can include a longitudinal slot 4124 in a distal end 4122 thereof that can be configured to receive a proximal end 4132 of a knife bar 4130. The longitudinal slot 4124 and the proximal end 4132 of the knife bar 4130 can be sized and configured to allow relative movement therebetween and can include a sliding joint 4134. The slip joint 4134 may allow movement of the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 of the firing member assembly 4110 to articulate the end effector 3500 without moving, or at least substantially without moving, the knife bar 4130, as described above. In the illustrated arrangement, the proximal end 4127 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 has a firing shaft attachment tab 4128 formed thereon, the firing shaft attachment tab 4128 being configured to be disposed into an attachment bracket (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, as described above. This 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 is rotatable 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 the 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 locking sleeve 4210 may comprise diametrically opposed inwardly facing locking tabs 4214, 4216 which are engagingly received within corresponding portions of the drive recess 4126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 when the locking sleeve 4210 is in one position and are not received within the drive recess 4126 when the locking sleeve 4210 is in another position, thereby allowing relative axial movement between the locking 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 sized to be movably received within the notch 3319 in the proximal end of the proximal articulation driver 3310. When the locking sleeve 4210 is in its engaged position, the locking tabs 4214, 4216 are positioned within the drive notches 4126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 such that distal pushing forces and/or proximal pulling forces may be transferred from the firing member assembly 4110 to the locking sleeve 4210. Such axial pushing or pulling motion is then transferred from the locking sleeve 4210 to the proximal articulation driver 3310, thereby articulating the surgical end effector 3500.

As described above, in the illustrated example, the 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 also includes a clutch key 4240 configured to be slidably received within a key recess (similar to the key recess 2217 shown in fig. 8) formed in the outer periphery of the locking sleeve 4210. This arrangement enables the clutch key 4240 to move axially relative to the locking sleeve 4210. The operation of the clutch assembly 4200 may be the same as the operation of the clutch assembly 2200, which clutch assembly 2200 is described in further detail above and will not be repeated for 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, and other disclosures already incorporated herein, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS".

The interchangeable tool assembly 3000 can include a slip ring assembly 3230 that can be configured to conduct power to and/or from the surgical end effector 3500 and/or to transmit signals to and/or from the surgical end effector 7500 and/or back from the surgical end effector 7500 to, for example, 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 can be found in 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 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263552), entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

For example, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 also employs a latching system 3220 for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 to the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. The latching system 3220 may be the same as the latching system 1220 described in detail above. The knife bar 4130 may include a laminated beam structure comprising at least two beam layers. The beam layers may comprise, for example, stainless steel strips interconnected together by, for example, welding or pinning at their proximal ends and/or at 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 be deployed relative to each other as the end effector is articulated. 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 Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As can also be seen in fig. 18, a firing shaft support member 4300 is used to provide lateral support to the knife bar 4130 as it is flexed to accommodate articulation of the surgical end effector 3500. Further details regarding the operation of the firing shaft support assembly 4300 and the alternate 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 AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR", each of which is incorporated herein 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 sled assembly 4150 that is operatively supported within the body 3702 of the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 3700. The sliding assembly 4150 is slidably displaced 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 ending position adjacent the distal end 3706 of the cartridge body 3702. The cartridge body 3702 operatively supports a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) therein that are aligned in rows on each side of the centrally disposed slot 3708. The centrally disposed slot 3708 enables the firing member 4140 to pass therethrough and cut tissue clamped between the anvil 3810 and the staple cartridge 3700. The drivers are associated with corresponding staple pockets 3712, which staple pockets 3712 pass through 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 sloped or wedge cams 4152, wherein each cam 4152 corresponds to a particular line of fasteners or drivers located on one side 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. When the firing member 4140 is driven distally through the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 3700, the foot member 4146 rides in the elongate channel 3602 and is positioned within the passageway 3622 below the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 3700. The tissue cutting portion 4144 is disposed between the distally projecting top nose portion 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. When the firing member 4140 is driven distally, a top portion of the body portion 4142 extends through the centrally disposed anvil slot 3814 and the anvil engagement features 4147 ride over corresponding bosses 3816 formed on each side of the anvil slot 3814. Further details regarding the firing member 4140, the slide assembly 4150, and various alternatives thereof, as well as examples of their operation, are discussed in further detail below, and may also be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS". Interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 may be attached to handle assembly 500 in the manner described above with respect to 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 be effectively 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 includes an anvil 5810 movably supported relative to the elongate channel 5602. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 includes an articulation system 5300 that includes an articulation joint 5302 and an articulation jointLock 5400, which may be configured to couple surgical end effector 5500 relative to shaft axis SA ₃ Releasably 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 operational details, can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,894, entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCK OUT," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Alternative articulation locking arrangements can also be seen in: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT," filed on date 2016, 2, the entire disclosures of each such reference being incorporated herein by reference.

As can be seen in fig. 20, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 includes a tool frame assembly 5200 that 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 coupleable to the assembled nozzle portions 5242, 5244 by snaps, lugs, screws, etc., the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 includes a proximal closure assembly 5900 that is operatively coupled to a distal closure assembly 6000 for closing and/or opening an anvil 5810 of the surgical end effector 5500, as will be discussed in further detail below. Further, 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 illustrated arrangement, the spine assembly 5250 includes 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 the assembled form, the proximal end portion 5253 of the spine assembly 5250 is rotatably supported in the tool base 5210. In an arrangement of In, for 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 spine assembly 5250 to the tool mount 5210 such that the spine assembly 5250 can be selectively rotated relative to the tool mount 5210 about the shaft axis SA ₃ And (5) rotating. Specifically, in one arrangement, for example, the proximal end portion 5253 of the spine assembly 5250 includes 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 spine assembly 5250 about the shaft axis SA by rotating the actuator wheel portion 5246 of the nozzle assembly 5240 ₃ Is provided for the rotation of (a).

Referring now to fig. 21, the distal end portion 5280 of the spine assembly 5250 is attached to a distal frame segment 5286 that operatively supports an articulation lock 5400 therein. The spine assembly 5250 is configured to: first, firing member assembly 6110 is slidably supported therein; and second, a proximal closure tube 5910 that slidably supports extending around the spine assembly 5250. The spine assembly 5250 can also be configured to slidably support the first and second articulation drivers 5310, 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 axis ₃ Is defined by the articulation axis AA of (a) ₃ . See fig. 21. Such an arrangement facilitates articulation of surgical end effector 5500 relative to spine assembly 5250 about articulation axis AA ₃ Pivotal travel (i.e., articulation). The distal frame segment 5286 is also configured to support an articulation lock 5400 therein.

In the illustrated arrangement, the distal end 5314 of the first articulation driver 5310 is formed with a collar 5316 that is adapted to receive a sleeve formed therein that is thinA 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 further includes proximal rack teeth 5315 that are in meshing engagement with an idler gear 5330 rotatably supported in the spine assembly 5250. Similarly, the second articulation driver 5320 further includes proximal rack teeth 5325 that are in meshing engagement with the 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, 5320 will simultaneously provide both pushing and pulling motions to the surgical end effector 5500 to cause the surgical end effector to articulate about the articulation axis AA ₃ Articulation 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 beyond each side of the anvil mounting portion 5820 to be received in corresponding "open" vertical brackets 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 effected by axial movement of the proximal closure assembly 5900 and the distal closure assembly 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 a closure shuttle 5940 that 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 thatConfigured 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 serves 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 be centered about the shaft axis SA ₃ Rotates 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 a 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 that protrudes proximally from its proximal end. The upper dual pivot link 6060 pivotally couples the upper tangs 5917 and 6032 and the lower dual pivot link 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 cam engage the anvil cam surface 5820 on the anvil mounting portion 5820. Distal advancement of the distal closure tube segment 6030 over the anvil mounting portion 5820 will cause the anvil 5810 to be closed or pivotally advanced toward the elongate channel 5602. In the illustrated arrangement, upstanding anvil tabs 5827 are formed on the anvil mounting portion 5820 and are configured to be contacted by two forward 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 upon axial movement of the distal closure tube segment 6030 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 illustrated 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 a knife bar 6130. The longitudinal slot 6124 and the proximal end 6132 of the knife bar 6130 can be sized and configured to allow relative movement therebetween and can include a sliding joint 6134. The sliding joint 6134 may allow movement of the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 of the firing member assembly 6110 to articulate the end effector 5500 without moving, or at least substantially without moving, the knife bar 6130, as described above. In the illustrated arrangement, the proximal end 6127 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 has a firing shaft attachment tab 6128 formed thereon, the firing shaft attachment tab 8128 configured to be disposed into an attachment bracket (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, 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 lock collar or lock sleeve 6210 positioned about the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 of the firing member assembly 6110, wherein the lock sleeve 6210 can be rotated between an engaged position wherein the lock sleeve 6210 couples the first articulation driver 5310 to the firing member assembly 6110 and a disengaged position wherein 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 lockout sleeve 6210 comprises a cylindrical, or at least substantially cylindrical, body including a longitudinal bore configured to receive the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 therethrough. The locking sleeve 6210 may include diametrically opposed inwardly facing locking tabs 6214, 6216 that are engagingly received within corresponding portions of the drive recess 6126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 when the locking sleeve 6210 is in one position and are not received within the drive recess 6126 when the locking sleeve 6210 is in another position, 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 further includes a locking member 6218, the locking member 6218 being sized to be movably received within the recess 5319 in the proximal end of the first articulation driver 5310. When the locking sleeve 6210 is in its engaged position, the locking tabs 6214, 6216 are positioned within the drive notch 6126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 such that distal pushing forces and/or proximal pulling forces can be transferred from the firing member assembly 6110 to the locking sleeve 6210. Such axial pushing or pulling motion is then transferred 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 an opposite direction, thereby causing articulation of the surgical end effector 5500.

As described above, in the illustrated example, the relative movement of the locking sleeve 6210 between its engaged and disengaged positions can 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 the key recess 2217 shown in fig. 8) formed in the outer periphery of the locking sleeve 6210. Such an arrangement enables the clutch key 6240 to move axially relative to the locking sleeve 6210. The operation of the clutch assembly 6200 may be the same as the operation of the clutch assembly 2200, which clutch assembly 2200 is described in further detail above and will not be repeated for 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, and other disclosures already incorporated herein, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS".

The interchangeable tool assembly 5000 can include a slip ring assembly 5230 that can be configured to conduct power to and/or from the surgical end effector 5500 and/or to 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 the slip ring assembly 5230 and associated connectors can be found in 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 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263552), entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

For example, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 also employs a latching system 5220 for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 to the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. The latching system 5220 can be the same as the latching system 1220 described in detail above. The tool bar 6130 can include a laminated beam structure including at least two beam layers. The beam layers may comprise, for example, stainless steel strips interconnected together by, for example, welding or pinning at their proximal ends and/or at 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 be deployed relative to each other as the end effector is articulated. 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 Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE 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 is bent to accommodate articulation of the surgical end effector 5500. Further details regarding the operation of the firing shaft support assembly 6300 and the 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 AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR", each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As also seen in fig. 21 and 50, a firing 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 sled 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 ending position adjacent the distal end 5706 of the cartridge body 5702. The cartridge body 5702 is operative to support a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) therein that are aligned in rows on each side of the 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 through 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 sloped or wedge cams 6152, each of which corresponds to a particular line of fasteners or drivers located on one side of 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 elongated slot 5604 in the elongated channel 5602 and terminates in a foot member 6146 extending laterally on each side of the body portion 6142. When the firing member 6140 is driven distally through the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 5700, the foot member 6146 rides in the elongate channel 5602 positioned within the channel 5622 below the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 5700. The tissue cutting portion 6144 is disposed between the distally projecting top nose portion 6143. As further seen in fig. 21 and 50, the firing member 6140 may also include two laterally extending top tabs, pins, or anvil engagement features 6147. When 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 the firing member 6140, the slide assembly 6150, and various alternatives thereof, as well as examples of their operation, are discussed in further detail below, and may also be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE 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.

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 be effectively used with the same handle assembly 500 to perform different surgical procedures. Turning now to fig. 22-24, interchangeableThe surgical tool assembly 7000 includes a surgical end effector 7500 that includes 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 can be configured to position the surgical end effector 7500 relative to the shaft axis SA ₄ Releasably 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, can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Additional details regarding the articulation lock 7400 and/or alternative articulation lock arrangement may also be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT," filed on date 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

As seen in fig. 24, interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 includes a tool frame assembly 7200 including a tool base 7210 on which a nozzle assembly 7240 is operatively supported. In one form, the nozzle assembly 7240 is comprised of nozzle portions 7242, 7244 and an actuator wheel portion 7246 configured to be coupleable to the assembled nozzle portions 7242, 7244 by snaps, lugs, screws, etc., the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 including a proximal closure assembly 7900 operatively coupled to a distal closure assembly 8000 for closing and/or opening an anvil 7810 of the surgical end effector 7500, as will be discussed in further detail below. Further, interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 includes a spine assembly 7250 that operatively supportsProximal closure assembly 7900 and is coupled to surgical end effector 3500. In the illustrated arrangement, the 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 various components are assembled therein. In the assembled form, the proximal end portion 7253 of the spine assembly 7250 is rotatably supported in the tool base 7210. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end of the proximal end portion 7253 of the spine assembly 7250 is attached to a spine bearing (not shown) configured to be supported within the base 7210. Such an arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of the spine assembly 7250 to the tool base 7210 such that the spine assembly 7250 may be selectively rotated relative to the tool base 7210 about the shaft axis SA ₄ And (5) rotating. Specifically, in one arrangement, for example, the proximal end portion 7253 of the spine assembly 7250 includes two diametrically opposed boss seats 7254 (only one visible in fig. 23) each configured to receive a corresponding nozzle boss (not shown) extending inwardly from each of the nozzle portions 7242, 7244. Such an arrangement facilitates the spine assembly 7250 about the shaft axis SA by rotating the actuator wheel portion 7246 of the nozzle assembly 7240 ₄ Is provided for the rotation of (a).

Referring now to fig. 24, the distal end portion 7280 of the spine assembly 7250 is attached to a distal frame segment 7286 which operatively supports an articulation lock 7400 therein. The spine assembly 7250 is configured to: first, firing member assembly 8110 slidably supported therein; and second, slidably support a proximal closure tube 7910 extending around the spine assembly 7250. The spine assembly 7250 may also be configured to slidably support a proximal articulation driver 7310. As seen 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. The end effector mounting assembly 7290 is received by spring pins 7620 or at the proximal end portion 761 Other suitable components within the mounting hole 7611 in 0 are attached to the proximal end portion 7610 of the elongate channel 7602. Pivot pin 7288 defines a pivot axis SA transverse to shaft axis ₄ Is defined by the articulation axis AA of (a) ₄ . See fig. 24. Such an arrangement facilitates the surgical end effector 7500 being about the articulation axis AA relative to the spine assembly 7250 ₄ Pivotal travel (i.e., articulation). The distal frame segment 7286 is further configured to support an articulation lock 7400 therein. Various articulation lock arrangements may be employed. At least one form of articulation lock 7400 is described in further detail below: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Additional details regarding the articulation lock can also be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT," filed on even date 2016, 2 and 9.

In the illustrated example, the surgical end effector 7500 can be articulated about an articulation axis AA by an articulation system 7300 ₄ Selectively 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 the pivot base portion 7291 of the end effector mounting assembly 7290. In addition, a cross-connect 7294 can be coupled to the drive pin 7293 and the articulation frame 7402 to assist in articulation of the surgical end effector 7500. Further details regarding the operation of the articulation lock 7400 and the articulation frame 7402 are described above 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 7294 can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," filed on even date 2 and 9 of 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by referenceThe manner of reference is incorporated herein. 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 to apply an articulation motion to the elongate channel 7602 to cause the surgical end effector 7500 to pivot about the articulation axis AA relative to the spine assembly 7250 ₄ Articulation is performed.

In the illustrated example, the anvil 7810 includes an anvil body 7812 that terminates in an anvil mounting portion 7820. Anvil mounting portion 7820 is movably supported on elongate channel 7602 for selective pivotal and axial travel relative thereto. In the illustrated arrangement, anvil trunnions 7822 extend laterally beyond 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 closure assembly 7900 and the distal closure assembly 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 that is 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 the annular slot 7916 in the proximal end 7912 of the proximal closure tube 7910 so that it remains within the 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 be about the shaft axis SA ₄ Rotates relative to the closure shuttle 7940. As described above in connection with interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000, a closing spring (not shown) may be providedExtends 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 a superior tang 8032 and an inferior tang 8034 that protrudes proximally from its proximal end. The upper dual pivot connector 8060 pivotally couples the upper tangs 7917 and 8032, and the lower dual pivot connector 8064 pivotally couples the lower tangs 7918 and 8034 together in the manner described above. Distal advancement of the distal closure tube segment 8030 on the anvil mounting portion 7820 will result in the anvil 7810 being closed or pivotally advanced toward the elongate channel 7602. In the illustrated arrangement, upstanding anvil tabs 7824 are formed on the anvil mounting portion 7820 and extend into the horseshoe opening 8038. The opening 8038 defines an opening tab 8039 configured to operatively interface with the anvil tab 7824 when the distal closure tube is retracted in a distal direction. Such interaction between the opening tab 8039 and the anvil tab 7824 imparts an opening motion to the anvil 7810, thereby causing the anvil 7810 to move to an open position.

In the illustrated arrangement, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 further 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 illustrated 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 a knife bar 8130. The longitudinal slot 8124 and the proximal end 8132 of the knife bar 8130 can be sized and configured to allow relative movement therebetween and can include a sliding joint 8134. The slip joint 8134 may allow movement of the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 of the firing member assembly 8110 to articulate the end effector 7500 without moving, or at least substantially without moving, the knife bar 8130, as described above. In the illustrated arrangement, the proximal end 8127 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 has a firing shaft attachment tab 8128 formed thereon, the firing shaft attachment tab 8128 being configured to be disposed into an attachment bracket (not shown) located on a distal end of a longitudinally movable drive member (not shown) of a 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 lock collar or lock sleeve 8210 positioned about the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 of the firing member assembly 8110, wherein the lock sleeve can be rotated between an engaged position in which the lock sleeve 8210 couples the proximal articulation driver 7310 to the firing member assembly 8110 and a disengaged position in which 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 recess 8126. The lockout sleeve 8210 includes a cylindrical, or at least substantially cylindrical, body including a longitudinal bore configured to receive the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 therethrough. The locking sleeve 8210 may include diametrically opposed inward facing locking tabs 8214, 8216 that are engagingly received within corresponding portions of the drive recess 8126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 when the locking sleeve 8210 is in one position and are not received within the drive recess 8126 when the locking sleeve 8210 is in another position, thereby allowing 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 further 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 lockout sleeve 8210 is in its engaged position, the lockout tabs 8214, 8216 are positioned within the drive recess 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 lockout 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, the relative movement of the locking sleeve 8210 between its engaged and disengaged positions may be controlled by a clutch assembly 8200, which clutch assembly 8200 interfaces with a proximal closure tube 7910 of a proximal closure assembly 7900. The clutch assembly 8200 further includes a clutch key 8240 that is configured to be slidably received within a key recess (similar to the 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. The operation of the clutch assembly 8200 may be the same as the operation of the clutch assembly 2200, which clutch assembly 2200 is described in further detail above and will not be repeated for 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, and other disclosures already incorporated herein, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS".

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 to 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 7230 and associated connectors can be found in 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 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263552), entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

For example, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 also employs a latching system 7220 for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 to the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. The latching system 7220 may be identical to the latching system 1220 described in detail above. The knife bar 8130 may comprise a laminated beam structure comprising at least two beam layers. The beam layers may comprise, for example, stainless steel strips interconnected together by, for example, welding or pinning at their proximal ends and/or at 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 be deployed relative to each other as the end effector is articulated. 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 Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE 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 the 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 AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR", each of which is incorporated herein 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 main body 7702 of the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 7700. See fig. 51. The sliding 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 ending position adjacent the distal end 7706 of the cartridge body 7702. The cartridge body 7702 operatively supports 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 through 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 sloped or wedge cams, with each cam corresponding to a particular line of fasteners or drivers located on one side of slot 7708.

In one exemplary form, the firing member 8140 includes a main 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 a foot member 8146 extending laterally on each side of the body portion 8142. When the firing member 8140 is driven distally by the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 7700, the foot member 8146 rides within the channel 7622 in the elongate channel 7602 below the staple cartridge 7700. The 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 may also include two laterally extending top tabs, pins, or anvil engagement features 8147. When the firing member 8140 is driven distally, a top portion of the body portion 8142 extends through the centrally disposed anvil slot 7814 and the anvil engagement features 8147 ride over corresponding ledges 7816 formed on each side of the anvil slot 7814. Further details regarding the firing member 8140, the sliding assembly 8150, and various alternatives thereof, as well as examples of their operation, are discussed in further detail below, and are also found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS". Interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 may 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 interchangeable surgical tool assemblies described above 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 what may appear at first sight to be somewhat subtle differences, but such differences may result in significant improvements in the material composition, design, construction, manufacture, and use of such tools, as will be discussed further below. As will be apparent with continued reference to the detailed description, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes subtle design differences when compared to the other interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 3000, 5000, 7000 described herein, which can result in significant improvements in 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 can further increase the overall efficiency of the tool assembly 1000 and enhance the overall functionality. To better understand these differences and improvements, certain components and systems of each of the tool assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000, 7000 will now be further described below and compared to one another.

For example, each of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000, 7000 must be capable of applying a sufficient amount of closing force to cause the jaws to adequately grip the target tissue in order to allow the firing member to properly treat the gripped tissue upon actuation of the firing drive system. For example, in the illustrated assembly, the respective closure system components must be configured to clamp the anvil and surgical staple/fastener cartridge to the target tissue such that the firing member is configured to properly sever the clamped tissue and eject the lines of staples or fasteners on each side of the tissue cut line. Depending on the thickness and composition of the target tissue, significant closing and firing forces are typically required. Thus, the closure and firing drive systems in the handle assembly housing, the robotic housing, etc. must be capable of generating such forces of sufficient magnitude (e.g., through the use of a motor or manually generated motion) to adequately 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 generally indicated that the closure system components, as well as the firing system components, were made of metal or other suitable material having a relatively large cross-sectional thickness and a substantially enhanced configuration.

The tissue loads encountered during clamping typically create a significant "moment" about the anvil pivot axis PA. The closure system components must be designed to counteract this moment. In various circumstances, for example, a moment about the anvil pivot axis PA in the opposite direction is required. In order to maximize the efficiency of the system (e.g., minimize the amount of force applied), a maximum actual 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 larger the moment arm of the closure system, the more efficient it is at handling clamping loads 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 large impact on the access of the surgical end effector.

Fig. 25-32 illustrate exemplary moment arms of each of the surgical end effectors 1500, 3500, 5500, 7500. Turning first to fig. 25, as described above, anvil trunnions 1822 extend laterally beyond each side of the anvil mounting portion 1820 for receipt in corresponding trunnion mounts 1614 formed in the upstanding walls 1612 of the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602. The anvil trunnions 1822 are pivotally retained in their corresponding trunnion mounts 1614 by a channel cap or anvil retainer 1630. The channel cap 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 be about the pivot axis PA only ₁ Pivoting (see fig. 3). With such an arrangement, the anvil mounting portion 1820 does not move axially or vertically. When at horizontal closing force F _H1 As the distal closure tube segment 2030 is advanced in the distal direction DD (fig. 26), the interaction between the internal cam surface 2036 on the distal closure tube segment 2030 and the anvil cam surface 1821 on the anvil mounting portion 1820 causes a closure force F _C1 Application to anvil cam surface 1821. Closing force F _C1 Comprising a horizontal closing force F _H1 And vertical closing force F _V1 And is substantially "orthogonal" or perpendicular to the cam surface 1821 on the anvil mounting portion 1820. See fig. 26.M is M _A1 Indicating the pivot axis PA from the anvil when the anvil 1810 has been pivoted to the fully closed position ₁ A closure moment arm (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 _A1 May be, for example, about 0.415 inches. M is M _A1 ×F _C1 Closing moment C applied to anvil mounting portion 1820 _M1 。

To ensure that each side of the tissue cut line is secured 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 extending downwardly from each side of the anvil body 1812 (only one tissue stop formation 1830 is visible in fig. 25 and 26). When the anvil 1810 is opened to receive the target tissue between the underside of the anvil and the cartridge deck surface, the downwardly extending tissue stop 1830 serves to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally past the proximal-most staples/fasteners in the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700. If the tissue were to extend proximally beyond the proximal-most staples/fasteners, that portion of tissue may be severed by the firing member and may not be fastened during the firing process, which may lead to catastrophic results. A downwardly extending tissue stop 1830 may prevent this from happening. In the embodiment shown in fig. 26, for example, the proximal-most 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 staple cartridge body/fastener cartridge body 1702.

Returning again to fig. 25, when the anvil 1810 is pivoted closed onto target tissue (not shown) positioned on the underside of the anvil body 1812 or between the tissue contacting surfaces 1813, the tissue will exert a tissue force T _F1 Applied to the underside 1813 of the anvil body 1812, which causes the anvil 1810 to experience a closing torque C that must be developed by the closure system components _M1 Against tissue counter moment C _T1 . The example shown in FIG. 25 illustrates a uniform distribution of tissue forces T on the anvil 1810 _F1 And a tissue moment arm M formed by clamped tissue (clamped tissue not shown in FIG. 25 for clarity purposes) _T1 . As can be seen in this figure, in this example, the moment arm M is organized _T1 Significantly longer than the closing moment arm M _A1 (i.e., M _T1 >M _A1 )。

Turning next to fig. 27 and 28, as described above, the anvil trunnions 3822 of the anvil 3810 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 extend laterally beyond each of the anvil mounting portions 3820Laterally to be received in a corresponding ear hole 3613 formed in an upstanding wall 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 PA ₂ Pivoting (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 As the distal closure tube segment 4030 is advanced in the distal direction DD (fig. 28), the interaction between the inner cam surface 4036 on the distal closure tube segment 4030 and the anvil cam surface 3821 on the anvil mounting portion 3820 causes a closing force F _C2 Application to anvil cam surface 3821. Closing force F _C2 Comprising a horizontal closing force F _H2 And vertical closing force F _V2 And is substantially "orthogonal" or perpendicular to the cam surface 3821 on the anvil mounting portion 3820. See fig. 28.M is M _A2 Indicating the pivot axis PA from the anvil when the anvil 3810 has been pivoted to the fully closed position ₂ (center of anvil trunnion 3822) to the point of closure moment arm of contact between the inner cam surface 4036 on the distal closure tube 4030 and the anvil cam surface 3821 on the anvil mounting portion 3820. In one example, the moment arm M is closed _A2 May be, for example, about 0.539 inches. M is M _A2 ×F _C2 Closing moment C applied to 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 locating 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). When the anvil 3810 is opened to receive target tissue between the underside of the anvil and the cartridge deck surface, the downwardly extending tissue stop formations 3830 serve to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally past the proximal-most staples/fasteners in the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 3700. 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 the portions 3832, 3834 to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally beyond the proximal-most staples/fasteners which are supported in the proximal-most staple/fastener pockets 3720 in the staple cartridge body/fastener cartridge body 3702.

Returning again to fig. 27, when the anvil 3810 is pivoted closed onto target tissue (not shown) positioned on the underside of the anvil body 3812 or between the tissue contacting surfaces 3813, the tissue will exert a tissue force T _F2 Applied to the underside 3813 of the anvil body 3812, which causes the anvil 3810 to experience a closing torque C that must be developed by the closure system components _M2 Against tissue counter moment C _T2 . The example shown in FIG. 27 illustrates a uniform distribution of tissue forces T on the anvil 3810 _F2 And a tissue moment arm M formed by clamped tissue (clamped tissue not shown in FIG. 27 for clarity purposes) _T2 . As can be seen in this figure, in this example, the moment arm M is organized _T2 Significantly 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 beyond each side of the anvil mounting portion 5820 for receipt in corresponding "open" vertical brackets 5613 formed in the upstanding walls 5612 of the proximal end portion 5610 of the elongate channel 5602. In this arrangement, when the distal closure tube segment 6030 cams against the anvil cam surface 5821 on the anvil mounting portion 5820, the anvil trunnions 5822 can be free to pivot within their respective brackets 5613. With 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 As the distal closure tube segment 6030 is advanced in the distal direction DD (fig. 30), the interaction between the inner cam surface 6036 on the distal closure tube segment 6030 and the anvil cam surface 5821 on the anvil mounting portion 5820 causes a closure force F _C3 Application to anvil cam surface 5821. Closing force F _C3 Comprising a horizontal closing force F _H3 And vertical closing force F _V3 And is substantially "orthogonal" or perpendicular to the cam surface on anvil mounting portion 58205821. See fig. 30.M is M _A3 Indicating the pivot axis PA from the anvil when the anvil 5810 has been pivoted to the closed position ₃ A closure moment arm (coincident with the center of the anvil trunnion 5822) to the point of contact between the inner cam surface 6036 on the distal closure tube 6030 and the anvil cam surface 5821 on the anvil mounting portion 5820. In one example, the moment arm M is closed _A3 May be, for example, about 0.502 inches. M is M _A3 ×F _C3 Closing moment C applied to anvil mounting portion 5820 _M3 。

In the example shown in fig. 29 and 30, the anvil body 5812 is formed with two tissue stop formations or tissue locator features 5830 extending downwardly from each side of the anvil body 5812 (only one tissue stop formation 5830 is visible in fig. 29 and 30). When the anvil 5810 is opened to receive the target tissue between the underside of the anvil and the deck surface of the cartridge, the downwardly extending tissue stop formations 5830 serve to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally past the proximal-most staples/fasteners in the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 5700. In the embodiment shown in fig. 29, for example, the proximal-most staple/fastener pocket 5720 is shown in phantom relative to the tissue stop formation 5830. As can be seen in this figure, the 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 which are supported in the proximal-most staples/fastener pockets 5720 in the staple cartridge body/fastener cartridge body 5702.

Returning again to fig. 29, when the anvil 5810 is pivoted closed onto a target tissue (not shown) positioned between the underside 5813 of the anvil body 5812, the tissue will exert a tissue force T _F3 Applied to the underside of the anvil body 5812 or tissue-contacting surface 5813, which causes the anvil 5810 to experience a closing torque C that must be developed by the closure system components _M3 Against tissue counter moment C _T3 . The example shown in FIG. 29 illustrates a uniform distribution of tissue forces T on the anvil 5810 _F3 And a tissue moment arm M formed by clamped tissue (clamped tissue not shown in FIG. 29 for clarity purposes) _T3 . As can be seen in this figure, in this example, the moment arm M is organized _T3 Significantly longer than the closing moment arm M _A3 (i.e., M _T3 >M _A3 )。

Turning now to fig. 31 and 32, as described above, anvil trunnions 7822 of anvil 7810 of interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 extend laterally beyond each side of anvil mounting portion 7820 for receipt in corresponding "kidney-shaped" openings 7613 formed in upstanding wall 7612 of proximal end portion 7610 of elongate channel 7602. Anvil trunnion 7822 may be generally located in bottom portion 7613B of kidney slot 7613 when anvil 7810 is in a "fully" open position. The anvil 7810 can be moved to the closed position by distally advancing the distal closure tube segment 8030 in the distal direction DD such that an internal cam surface 8036 on the distal end 8035 of the distal closure tube segment 8030 rides over an anvil cam surface 7821 formed on the anvil mounting portion 7820 of the anvil 7810. When the internal cam surface 8036 on the distal end 8035 of the distal closure tube segment 8030 is at a horizontal closure force F _H4 As it advances distally along anvil cam surface 7821 on anvil mounting portion 7820 (fig. 32), distal closure tube segment 8030 causes body portion 7812 of anvil 7810 to pivot and move axially relative to surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 7700 as anvil trunnion 7822 moves upwardly and distally into kidney slot 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 bulge 7823 and serves to position the anvil 7810 such that the forming pockets (not shown) in the underside or tissue contacting surface 7813 of the body portion 7812 are properly aligned with staples/fasteners in the staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 7700. An anvil tab 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 surface 7821 does 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-shaped slot 7613. M is M _A4 Representing the pivot axis PA from the anvil when the trunnion 7822 is positioned in the top portion 7613T of the kidney slot 7613 ₄ Moment arm (coincident with the center of anvil trunnion 7822), as shown As shown. In one example, moment arm M _A4 May be, for example, about 0.184 inches. M is M _A4 ×F _H4 Closing moment C applied to anvil mounting portion 7820 _M4 。

In the example shown in fig. 31 and 32, the anvil body 7812 is formed with two tissue stop formations or tissue positioner 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). When the anvil 7810 is opened to receive the target tissue between the underside of the anvil and the deck surface of the cartridge, the downwardly extending tissue stop formations 7830 serve to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally past the proximal-most staples/fasteners in the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 7700. 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, 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 which are supported in the proximal-most staple/fastener pockets 7720 in the staple cartridge body/fastener cartridge body 7702.

Returning again to fig. 31, when anvil 7810 is pivoted closed onto target tissue (not shown) positioned on the underside of anvil body portion 7812 or between tissue contacting surfaces 7813, the tissue will exert a tissue force T _F4 Applied to the underside 7813 of the anvil body 7812, which causes the anvil 7810 to experience a closing torque C that must be developed by the closure system components _M4 Against tissue counter moment C _T4 . The example shown in FIG. 31 illustrates a uniform distribution of tissue force T on anvil 7810 _F4 And a tissue moment arm M formed by clamped tissue (clamped tissue not shown in FIG. 31 for clarity purposes) _T4 . As can be seen in this figure, in this example, the moment arm M is organized _T4 Significantly longer than the closing moment arm M _A4 (i.e., M _T4 >M _A4 )。

The illustrated exemplary interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000, 3000, 5000, 7000 includes employingA surgical stapling device that "separately and differently" closes and fires the system. That is, the closure system for closing the jaws may be independently actuatable from a firing system for driving a firing member through the surgical staple/fastener cartridge to sever 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 is required to advance the firing member 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 may also impart additional closing motions to the anvil when the firing members are fired (i.e., advanced distally through the surgical end effector). As can be seen by referring to fig. 25 to 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 (T) _F Representing the force generated by the tissue as it is clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge. These forces form a "reverse" moment C _T The moment is applied to the anvil about the point/region where the distal closure tube segment is in cam contact with the anvil cam surface on the anvil mounting portion. In these illustrated examples, the tissue moment arm for each surgical instrument (tool assembly) is generally 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 closure moment arm of the instrument 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 stable to handle the considerable 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 than a "hoop stress" state, the side wall of the distal closure tube segment may be thickened so as to contact the side wall of the corresponding elongate channel and 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 also increases the strength of the tube segment (ring) while being The larger bearing or cam surface provides room for the anvil to be lifted down toward the cartridge. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS," discloses a number of distal closure tube segment configurations that can 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 closure system components and may reduce the amount of closure force required to achieve complete closure of the anvil onto tissue. However, as described 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 _A The 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 recess 1730 contains therein the distal-most staple or fastener (not shown). Each of the distal-most staples or fasteners corresponds to a distal-most staple/fastener forming pocket 1815 (shown in phantom in fig. 33) formed in an underside or tissue contacting surface 1813 of the anvil body 1812. The distance J between the distal-most staple/fastener pocket 1730 and the corresponding distal-most staple/fastener forming pocket 1815 _A1 Is the "jaw aperture" of the surgical end effector 1500. In at least one embodiment, for example, J _A1 About 1.207 inches. FIG. 34 illustrates a jaw aperture J of a surgical end effector 3500 _A2 . In the illustrated example, the distal-most staple/fastener pocket 3730 contains therein a distal-most staple or fastener (not shown). Each of the distal-most staples or fasteners corresponds to a distal-most staple/fastener forming pocket 3815 formed in an underside or tissue contacting surface 3813 of the anvil body 3812. The distance J between the distal-most staple/fastener pocket 3730 and the corresponding distal-most staple/fastener forming pocket 3815 _A2 Is the "jaw aperture" of the surgical end effector 3500. In at least one embodimentIn, for example, J _A2 About 0.781 inches. FIG. 35 illustrates a jaw aperture J of the surgical end effector 5500 _A3 . In the illustrated example, the distal-most staple/fastener pocket 5730 contains therein a distal-most staple or fastener (not shown). Each of the distal-most staples/fasteners corresponds to a distal-most staple/fastener forming pocket 5815 formed in the underside of the anvil body 5812 or tissue-contacting surface 5813. The distance J between the distal-most staple/fastener pocket 5730 and the corresponding distal-most staple/fastener forming pocket 5815 _A3 Is the "jaw aperture" of the surgical end effector 5500. In at least one embodiment, for example, J _A3 About 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 therein a distal-most staple or fastener (not shown). Each of the distal-most staples or fasteners corresponds to a distal-most staple/fastener forming pocket 7815 formed in an underside or tissue contacting surface 7813 of the anvil body 7812. The distance J between the distal-most staple/fastener pocket 7730 and the corresponding distal-most staple/fastener forming pocket 7815 _A4 Is the "jaw aperture" of the surgical end effector 7500. In at least one embodiment, for example, J _A4 About 0.717 inches. Thus, for these embodiments, J _A1 >J _A3 >J _A2 >J _A4 . In this way, the surgical end effector 1500 has a maximum jaw aperture, as compared to the prior art.

In those surgical end effector designs employing separate and distinct closure and firing systems (utilizing an axially movable closure ring or distal closure tube segment such as the examples described above), the anvil or jaw pivot axis P _A And the relationship between the distal end of the distal closure tube segment and the stability of the anvil mounting portion may determine the size of the jaw aperture that may be achieved for each particular end effector design. These interrelationships can 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 pivot axis P defining a reference pivot axis _AR Anvil of (c)Trunnion 1822R, anvil mounting portion 1820R may pivot about the reference pivot axis relative to elongate channel 1602R. The surgical end effector 1500R also employs a distal closure tube segment 2030R having a distal end 2035R configured to cam against the anvil mounting portion 1820R in the various manners described above. Surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700R is supported in elongate channel 1602R and has a cartridge deck surface or tissue contacting surface 1710R. Fig. 37 shows a reference pivot axis P _AR Distance D between the distal end 2035R of the distal closure tube segment 2030R _P . Fig. 37 shows anvil 1810R in solid line. 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 pore angle APA of this configuration _R For example, about ten degrees. The aperture angle APA _R Is typical for many end effector arrangements. In another end effector arrangement, the aperture angle is 12.25 degrees. In one arrangement, e.g., D _P May be about 0.200 inches. To obtain a larger aperture angle APA, e.g. twenty-two degrees _R1 If the distal end 2035R of the distal closure tube segment 2030R and the reference pivot axis P _AR The relationship between them remains unchanged, the anvil mounting portion 1820R ₁ Cross-sectional width M of (2) _W Which must be undesirably reduced. Anvil 1810R ₁ Shown in dashed lines. As can be seen in this figure, there must be an anvil body 1812R ₁ And anvil mounting portion 1820R ₁ A steep protrusion is formed therebetween so that the cross-sectional width of the anvil mounting portion is reduced. Hole angle APA _R1 Is from anvil body 1812R ₁ Is not shown at 1813R ₁ And deck surface 1710R of 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 may be less desirable than an anvil having an anvil mounting portion with a larger cross-sectional profile.

Referring now to fig. 38 and 39, the increase in jaw aperture (or aperture angle) can be more readily achieved as the pivot or pivot axis PA moves closer to the distal end of the starting or proximal position of the distal closure tube segment. Fig. 38 illustrates a surgical end effector 1500 'that is substantially similar to the surgical end effector 1500 except for the position 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 is denoted by DP' and the bore angle APA when the distal closure tube segment 2030 is in its proximal-most starting position. 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 illustrates a distance DP ' between the aperture angle APA of the surgical end effector 1500' and 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, with the distal closure tube segment 2030 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 bore angle APA ₁ Greater than APA. For example, in at least one embodiment, the distance DP is about 0.090 inches and the aperture angle APA ₁ About 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 the need to reduce the cross-sectional width of the anvil mounting location. This may represent a significant improvement over other surgical end effector arrangements. In various instances, the center of the anvil trunnion 1822 may desirably be located between 0.010 inches and 0.060 inches from the distal end 2035 of the distal closure tube segment 2030 when the distal closure tube segment is in the starting (proximal-most) position. The maximum distance for a large jaw aperture application may be, for example, 0.090 inches. As can also be seen in fig. 39, when the anvil 1810 is in its fully open position as shown, the tissue stop 1830 The downward extension 1832 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 positioner arrangement 1830 employed on one form of surgical end effector 1500. As noted, the tissue stop 1830 includes a downwardly extending portion 1832 and a chamfered portion 1834. The downwardly extending portion 1832 includes a distal edge 1833 terminating in a distal corner portion 1835. Fig. 40 shows the anvil 1810 in its fully open position. The underside 1813 of the anvil body 1812 is positioned at the aperture angle APA ₁ Where it is located. 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, surgical end effector 1500 may also have proximal aperture P _APP1 The 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, large proximal holes may be most advantageous when cutting and fastening lung tissue that is partially expandable when introduced between an anvil and a cartridge. The proximal hole may be measured from the center of the proximal-most fastener pocket or pocket pair that is 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 corner 1835 does not extend above the cartridge deck surface 1710 in order to prevent tissue from moving proximally of the proximal-most staple pockets 1720. In at least one embodiment, upstanding channel stop portions 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 stops 1830 and the channel stop portions 1619. Fig. 41 shows the anvil 1810 in a fully closed position. When in this position, the distal edge 1833 of the tissue stop 1830 is generally aligned with or coincides with the position of the proximal-most staples/fasteners in the staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700. From articulation axis AA ₁ The distance to the nearest nail/fastener is identified as T _SD1 . In one arrangement, T _SD1 For example, largeAbout 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 to facilitate easy insertion through a standard trocar of a corresponding size. In at least one example, the tissue stop 1830 of the anvil 1810 is sized and shaped relative to the elongate channel 1602 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 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 a hole angle APA ₂ Where it is located. In at least one arrangement, the aperture angle APA ₂ About thirteen degrees half (13.5 °). When in this fully open position, surgical end effector 3500 may also have a proximal aperture P _APP2 The proximal aperture may be, for example, about 0.242 inches in at least one arrangement. When the anvil 3830 is in the fully open position as shown in fig. 42, the distal corners 3835 do not extend above the cartridge deck surface 3710 in order to prevent tissue from moving proximally in the proximal-most staple/fastener pockets 3720. 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 generally aligned with or coincident with the position of the proximal-most staple/fastener in the staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 3700. From articulation axis AA ₂ The distance to the nearest nail/fastener is identified as T _SD2 . In one arrangement, T _SD2 For example, about 1.318 inches.

Fig. 44 and 45 illustrate a tissue stop arrangement 5830 employed on one form of surgical end effector 5500. As noted, the tissue stop 5830 includes a downwardly extending portion 5832 and a chamfered portion 5834. The downwardly extending portion 5832 includes a distal edge 5833 which terminates in a distal corner portion 5835. Fig. 44 shows the anvil 5810 in its fully open position. AnvilThe underside 5813 of the seat body 5812 is positioned at the aperture angle APA ₃ Where it is located. In at least one arrangement, the aperture angle APA ₃ About eight degrees (8 °). When in this fully open position, the surgical end effector 5500 may also have a proximal aperture P _APP3 The 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 shown in fig. 44, the distal corner 3835 extends slightly above the cartridge deck surface 5710. Fig. 45 shows the anvil 5810 in a fully closed position. When in this position, the distal edge 5833 of the tissue stop 5830 is generally aligned with or coincides with the position of the proximal-most staple/fastener in the staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 5700. From articulation axis AA ₃ The distance to the nearest nail/fastener is identified as T _SD3 . In one arrangement, T _SD3 For example, about 1.664 inches.

Fig. 46 and 47 illustrate a tissue stop arrangement 7830 employed on one form of surgical end effector 7500. As noted, tissue stop 7830 includes downwardly extending portion 7832 and chamfered portion 7834. The downwardly extending portion 7832 includes a distal edge 7833 that terminates in a distal corner portion 7835. Fig. 46 shows anvil 7810 in its fully open position. The underside 7813 of the anvil body portion 7812 is positioned at the aperture angle APA ₄ Where it is located. In at least one arrangement, the aperture angle APA ₄ About ten degrees (10 °). When in this fully open position, the surgical end effector 7500 can also have a proximal aperture P _APP4 The 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 portion 7835 extends slightly below the cartridge deck surface 7710 to prevent tissue from approaching the proximal-most staples/fasteners in the proximal-most staple pockets 7720. Fig. 47 shows the anvil 7810 in a fully closed position. When in this position, the distal edge 7833 of the tissue stop 7830 is generally aligned or coincident with the position of the proximal-most staple/fastener in the staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 7700. From articulation axis AA ₄ The distance to the nearest nail/fastener is identified as T _SD4 . In one arrangement, T _SD4 For example, largeAbout 1.686 inches.

In various instances, the relationship of the firing member to the articulation axis AA and to the jaw pivot axis PA about which the anvil pivots may relate to the length of the articulation joint arrangement. Of course, longer articulation joint arrangements can adversely affect the maneuverability of the end effector within tight spaces and also limit the size of the jaw aperture that may ultimately be achieved 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 AA ₁ The distance between them is defined by AJD ₁ And (3) representing. In at least one example, AJD ₁ About 0.517 inches. By 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 AA ₂ Distance between AJD ₂ About 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 AA ₃ Distance between AJD ₃ About 1.045 inches. Turning to fig. 51, in at least one example, from the distal end of each of the anvil engagement features 8147 to the articulation axis AA ₄ Distance between AJD ₄ About 1.096 inches. Thus, as can be seen by this comparison, the articulation joint arrangement of surgical end effector 1500 (as defined by distance AJD ₁ 、AJD ₂ 、AJD ₃ 、AJD ₄ Measured) are more compact and thus may be more steerable than surgical end effectors 3500, 5500, and 7500 in at least some surgical applications.

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 shows an anvil 1810 of a 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 can be seen in this figure, for comparison of joint transportOne useful measure of the "compactness" of the dynamic joint arrangement is the proximal end 2149 and anvil pivot axis PA of each of the top anvil engagement features 2147 ₁ Proximal tab distance TD therebetween ₁ . In at least one preferred arrangement, the proximal tab distance TD when the anvil 1810 is in the fully open position and the firing member 2140 is in its most proximal or starting position ₁ About greater than the total length TL of each of the anvil engagement features 2147 ₁ Thirty-five percent (35%). In other words, when the anvil 1810 and the firing member 2140 are in the above-described positions, at least 35% of each of the anvil engagement features 2147 extends proximally through the anvil pivot axis PA ₁ . FIG. 53 illustrates the end effector 1500 with the anvil 1810 in a closed position and the firing member 2140 in its proximal-most or starting position. As can be seen in this figure, at least 35% of each of the anvil engagement features 2147 extends proximally past the anvil pivot axis PA ₁ 。

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 proximal-most or starting position. As can be seen in this figure, each of the anvil engagement features 4147 is completely away from the anvil pivot axis PA ₂ Resulting in a longer articulation joint arrangement. Thus, the distance TD ₂ Proximal end 4149 of anvil engagement feature 4147 and anvil pivot axis PA ₂ Distal distance between. Fig. 55 illustrates the position of the firing member 6140 of the surgical end effector 5500 with the anvil 5810 in its fully open position and the firing member 6140 in its proximal-most 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 PA ₃ Resulting in a longer articulation joint arrangement. Thus, the distance TD ₃ Proximal end 6149 of anvil engagement feature 6147 and anvil pivot axis PA ₃ Distal distance between. FIG. 56 illustrates the firing of the surgical end effector 7500 with the anvil 7810 in its fully open position and the firing member 8140 in its proximal-most or starting positionThe position of the hair member 8140. As can be seen in this figure, each of the anvil engagement features 8147 is entirely remote from the anvil pivot axis PA ₄ Resulting in a longer articulation joint arrangement. Thus, the distance TD ₄ Proximal end 8149 of anvil engagement feature 8147 and anvil pivot axis PA ₄ Distal distance between. For comparison purposes, 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 proximal-most or starting position. The anvil engagement features of each of the firing members of the surgical end effectors 3500, 5500, and 7500 are entirely distal from their respective anvil pivot axes when the firing member is in its proximal-most or starting position. 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. Similar comparisons can be made by comparing the position of the lower channel engagement feature on the firing member to the same distance between the jaw pivot axis when the firing member is in its proximal-most starting position.

Another measure that may be used to assess the compactness of the articulation joint arrangement may include comparing the distance of each end effector from the articulation axis to the distal end of the anvil engagement feature on the firing member (distance AJD ₁ 、AJD ₂ 、AJD ₃ 、AJD ₄ Fig. 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 、TSD ₂ 、TSD ₃ 、TSD ₄ Fig. 41, fig. 43, fig. 45, fig. 47). For example, in a preferred arrangement, AJD/TSD<0.500. The ratio of AJD/TSD may be referred to herein as the "compactness ratio" of this particular surgical end effector. In one arrangement, such as end effector 1500, AJD ₁ /TSD ₁ =0.517 inch/1.044 inch=0.495. In one illustrative example of end effector 3500, AJD ₂ /TSD ₂ =0.744 inch/1.318 inch=0.564. In one illustrative example of end effector 5500, AJD ₃ /TSD ₃ =1.045 inches/1.664 inches= 0.628. In one example arrangement, AJD ₄ /TSD ₄ =1.096 inches/1.686 inches=.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 an anvil 1810 of a 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 a 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 apart 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 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 section 1829 is formed proximal to each horizontal anvil boss 1816. Fig. 59 shows the firing member 2140 after it has been advanced distally to a position in which the anvil engagement feature 2147 has initially engaged the horizontal anvil boss 1816 on the anvil 1810, and fig. 61 shows the firing member 2140 and anvil 1810 in position such that as the firing member 2140 continues to be advanced distally, the anvil engagement feature fully engages the anvil boss 1816 to apply an "over-closing" force on the 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), the 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 distally advance the firing member 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 shows anvil 1810 of surgical end effector 1500 in its fully open position. As described above, each of the anvil trunnions 1822 is received in a corresponding trunnion support 1614 formed in the upstanding wall 1612 of the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602. The anvil trunnions 1822 are pivotally retained in their corresponding trunnion mounts 1614 by a channel cap or anvil retainer 1630. The channel cap 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 on thick tissue, the opposing forces developed during tissue clamping tend to push the anvil trunnions 1822 out of their respective trunnion mounts 1614. The channel cap 1630 includes a pair of slot cap sections 1632 corresponding to each trunnion support 1614. Each slot cap portion 1632 is configured to retain the anvil trunnion 1822 within its respective trunnion support 1614 during the closing process when the channel cap 1630 is mounted onto the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602. As seen in fig. 62 and 63, each slot top cover portion 1632 may have an arcuate bottom portion 1638 configured to pivotally receive a corresponding anvil trunnion 1822. Each slot cover 1632 may have a wedge shape to completely block the open end of the trunnion support 1614. Such a channel cap arrangement 1630 may facilitate easy assembly of the anvil 1810 to the elongate channel 1602. When the anvil trunnions 1822 have been placed into their respective trunnion mounts 1614, the channel cap 1630 may then be installed as shown. In at least one arrangement, the distal closure tube segment 2030 is used 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 device.

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 forward 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 forward 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 forward anvil opening features are axially aligned with each other and are configured to operatively interface with corresponding opening ramps formed on the underside of anvil mounting portion 3820. When the anvil 3810 and the distal closure tube segment 4030 are in their fully closed positions, each of the forward anvil opening features 4040 is positioned in a cavity formed between the anvil opening ramp and the bottom portion of the elongate channel 3602. When in this position, the forward anvil opening feature 4040 does not contact the anvil mounting portion 3820 or at least may not apply any significant opening action or force thereto. As the distal closure tube segment 4030 moves 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 can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE 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 forward anvil opening tabs 6038 that may 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 upstanding anvil tails 5827 formed on the anvil mounting portion 5820. As the distal closure tube segment 6030 moves 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 imparted to the anvil 7810 by the distal closure tube segment 8030. As described above, the upstanding anvil tab 7824 is formed on the anvil mounting portion 7820 and extends into the horseshoe opening 8038 in the distal closure tube segment 8030. See fig. 24. The opening 8038 defines an opening tab 8039 configured to operatively interface with the anvil tab 7824 when the distal closure tube segment 8030 is retracted in a distal direction. Such interaction between the opening tab 8039 and the anvil tab 7824 imparts an opening motion to the anvil 7810, thereby 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 forward jaw opening features 2040 and 2050, as shown in fig. 64-77. As can be seen in fig. 64 and 65, the proximal forward jaw opening feature 2040 is axially proximate to the distal forward jaw opening feature 2050 by an axially offset distance AOF. In fig. 65, the proximal forward jaw opening feature 2040 is located at the shaft axis SA ₁ As viewed by a user of the tool assembly). Fig. 66, 72 and 73 illustrate the position of the proximal forward jaw opening feature 2040 when the anvil 1810 is in the closed position. As can be seen most particularly in fig. 66, when in this position, the proximal forward jaw opening feature 2040 is located in a right or first buffer region 1825 formed in the anvil mounting portion 1820. Fig. 69, 72 and 73 illustrate the position of the distal forward 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 forward 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 forward jaw opening feature 2040 contacts the first or right jaw opening cam surface 1826 and begins to apply jaw opening movement to the anvil 1810. See fig. 67, 74 and 75. As 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 may move axially within a second or left buffer region 1840 formed in the anvil mounting portion 1820. Thus, when the proximal forward jaw opening feature 2040 applies a first or initial opening movement to the anvil mounting portion 1820, the distal forward jaw opening feature 2050 does not apply any significant opening movement to the anvil 1810. Further proximal movement of the distal closure tube segment 2030 will cause the distal forward jaw opening feature 2050 to contact the left anvil opening tab 1842 and disengage the proximal forward jaw opening feature 2040 from the jaw opening cam surface 1826. Accordingly, the proximal forward jaw opening feature 2040 has disengaged from the anvil mounting portion 1820 and no further opening movement is applied to the anvil mounting portion 1820 as the distal forward jaw opening feature 2050 applies a second jaw opening movement 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 illustrates in image form 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 ("anvil aperture angle") from about 0 ° to about 22 °, and the bottom or horizontal axis represents approximately proximal axial travel of the distal closure tube segment 2030 from a position where the anvil is fully closed to a position where the anvil is fully open. As noted above, an "anvil aperture angle" or "jaw aperture angle" may refer to an 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". When the anvil is fully closed, the anvil aperture angle may be, for example, about 0 °. In the illustrated arrangement, the distal closure tube segment 2030 can be moved proximally from a first position (1850 in the figures) corresponding to a fully closed position, for example, a proximal distance of about 0.040 inches to reach a first intermediate position (1852 in the figures) before the proximal forward 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 from the first intermediate position 1852 to the second intermediate position (1854 in the figures) a further proximal distance of, for example, about 0.040 inches to about 0.120 inches, the proximal forward jaw opening feature 2040 moves the anvil 1810 through an anvil aperture angle of from 0 ° to about 10 °. As the distal closure tube segment 2030 continues to travel proximally a further proximal distance (from about 0.120 inch to about 0.140 inch) from the second intermediate position 1854 to the third intermediate position (1856 in the figures), the anvil remains at an anvil aperture angle of about 10 °. The distal closure tube segment 2030 has been moved further proximally (from about 0.140 inch to about 0.240 inch) a proximal distance from the third intermediate position 1856 to a fourth intermediate position (1858 in the drawings), and the distal forward 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 inch to about 0.240 inch) from the third intermediate position 1856 to a fourth intermediate position (1858 in the figures), the distal forward jaw opening feature 2050 moves the anvil 1810 relative to the elongate channel 1602 such that the anvil aperture angle increases, for example, from 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 inch to about 0.260 inch) from the fourth intermediate position 1858 to a final proximal position (1860 in the figures), the anvil 1810 remains in the fully open position with the anvil aperture angle of about 22 °.

The closing process of the illustrated example of the interchangeable tool assembly 1000 may be understood by reference to fig. 67-69 and 70-72 and 78. Fig. 68 and 71 illustrate the anvil 1810 in its fully open position. As can be seen in these figures, the proximal forward jaw opening feature 2040 is not in 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. The anvil 1810 remains in its fully open position as the distal closure tube segment moves from the final proximal position 1860 to the fourth intermediate position 1858 (fig. 78). Thus, when the closure process begins, in at least one example, the distal closure tube segment 2030 can be moved 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 motion to the anvil 1810. In at least one example, the first or initial predetermined closing distance may 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 cam surface 1821 (fig. 67 and 70) on the anvil mounting portion 1820 until the inner cam surface 2036 on the distal closure tube segment 2030 begins to cam contact the anvil cam surface 1821. As the inner cam surface 2036 rides over the anvil cam surface 1821, the anvil 1810 pivots to a fully closed position. The anvil cam surface 1821 and the inner cam surface 2036 can be configured to allow the distal closure tube segment 2030 to be further distally advanced 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 closing distance may be about 0.040 inches.

In those surgical stapling devices that employ a firing member assembly that includes 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 there is no staple cartridge at all and the firing member is advanced distally through the end effector, the tissue will be severed, but not stapled. Similarly, if there is a spent staple cartridge (i.e., a staple cartridge from which at least some staples have been fired) in the end effector and the firing member is advanced, the tissue will be severed, but may not be fully stapled. It should be appreciated that such conditions may lead to undesirable catastrophic results during the surgical procedure. U.S. patent 6,988,649 to "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCOUT", U.S. patent 7,044,352 to "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING", U.S. patent 7,380,695 to "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING", U.S. patent application publication 2016-0367247-A1 to "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS SPENT OR MISSING", and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,958 to "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT" each disclose various firing member LOCKOUT arrangements. Each of these U.S. patents is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

60A-60I, a surgical end effector 9010 is illustrated that includes a portion of a surgical tool assembly 9000 that includes 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 a 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 an open position and a closed position 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 cam engage the cam surface 9128 on the anvil mounting portion 9126 upon axial advancement of the distal closure tube segment 9410 in the distal direction DD. The distal closure tube segment 9410 can also be configured to impart an opening motion to the anvil mounting portion 9126 when the distal closure tube segment 9410 is moved in the proximal direction PD. See fig. 60C and 60D.

The surgical tool assembly 9000 further includes a firing system 9500, which in the illustrated arrangement includes a firing member assembly 9510 configured to receive firing motions from a firing control system supported in a housing of a handheld control system or a robotic control system, for example. In the illustrated embodiment, one form of firing member assembly 9510 includes a first firing member element 9520 that is 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 a corresponding portion of the firing system 9500 to receive firing motions from the firing control system. The firing member body 9522 can comprise a second jaw or anvil engagement feature 9526 that can comprise 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 further 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 platform 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 tissue. The anvil 9122 is moved 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 tissue. The cartridge body 9602 includes staple cavities or fastener cavities (not shown) defined therein in which staples or fasteners (not shown) are removably stored. 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.

Staples or fasteners are supported by staple drivers (not shown) movably supported in cartridge body 9602. The driver is movable between a first or unfired position and a second or fired position to eject staples or fasteners from the cavity. The driver is held in the cartridge body 9602 by a retainer (not shown) that extends around the bottom of the cartridge body 9602 and includes resilient members configured to grip the cartridge body and retain the retainer 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 adjacent the distal end (after firing). As seen in fig. 60G, the slider 9610 includes a plurality of ramps or cam surfaces 9620 configured to slide under the driver and lift the driver and staples or fasteners supported thereon toward the anvil. By "unfired", "unused", "fresh" or "new" staple cartridge 9600 is meant herein that staple cartridge 9600 has all of its staples or fasteners in their "ready to fire position". When in this position, the sled 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 a surgical end effector 9010 in which a new or unfired surgical staple cartridge 9600 is disposed. As 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 through the surgical end effector 9010, the illustrated surgical tool assembly 9000 employs a firing member lockout system, generally designated 9700, unless an unfired or new surgical staple cartridge 9600 has been properly positioned within the elongate channel 9022.

Referring now to fig. 60E and 60F, in one form, a firing member lockout system 9700 includes a second firing member element 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, for example 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 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 generally 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 seen in fig. 60F, when the second firing member element 9710 is in the unlocked position, a space, generally indicated as 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 that includes 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 lockout 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 locking 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 the locking engagement portion 9730. The spring arm 9742 is used to bias the second firing member element 9710 into a lockout position, as shown in fig. 60B-60D.

Turning now to fig. 60G-60I, the sled 9630 includes an unlocking portion 9630 configured to engage a sled engagement portion 9630 on the second firing member element 9710 when the sled 9610 is in an unfired position. Such an arrangement serves to pivot the second firing member element 9710 to an 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 recess 9026 in the elongate channel 9022 such that the firing member assembly 9510 can be fired or advanced distally through the staple cartridge. If the staple cartridge that has been loaded into the elongate channel 9022 was previously fired or even partially fired, the sled 9610 will not be in an unfired position in order to pivot the second firing member element 9710 into an unlocked position. In this example, the clinician will therefore not be able to advance or fire the firing member assembly 9510 distally. When in the unlocked position, actuation of the firing system 9500 will result in distal travel of the firing member assembly 9510. As described above, when firing member assembly 9510 is driven distally, second firing member element 9710 contacts firing member body 9522 via pivot member 9714. However, when the second firing member element 9710 is pivoted into the lockout position (FIG. 60E), a portion of the proximal surface 9722 is in abutting contact with an 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 load is transferred directly to the firing member body 9522 through the second firing member element rather than through the pivot members 9714. As seen in fig. 60E, the angled latching surface 9527 facilitates pivotal travel of the slider engagement portion 9720 into the locked position. When the second firing member element 9720 is in the lockout position, if the clinician inadvertently applies a firing motion FM to the firing member assembly 9510 in the distal direction DD, engagement between the second firing member element 9720 and the lockout recess 9026 in the elongate channel 9022 will prevent distal advancement of the firing member assembly 9510 and result in a resulting unlocking load force UL being 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 should the clinician inadvertently attempt to advance the firing member assembly 9510 while in the locked position. Thus, such a 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 can 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 locked 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 may inadvertently cause misalignment with the anvil and elongate channel when moved to an unlocked state for firing. Further, because the first firing member element 9520 is not vertically moving, 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 can 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 machine direction than previous welding configurations and may result in excellent 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 electric motors; 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 effector and/or tool assemblies disclosed herein may be used with robotic surgical instrument systems. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS," discloses several examples of robotic surgical instrument systems in greater detail.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in connection with the deployment and modification of staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not limited thereto. For example, various embodiments are contemplated for deploying fasteners other than staples, such as clips or tacks. Further, various embodiments utilizing any suitable means for sealing tissue are also contemplated. For example, end effectors according to various embodiments may include electrodes configured to heat and seal tissue. Additionally, for example, end effectors in accordance with certain embodiments may apply vibrational energy to seal tissue.

Examples

Embodiment 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 an 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 position. 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 cam contact with a jaw cam surface on one of the first and second end effector jaws. The first distance between the articulation axis and the cam contact area between the closure member cam surface and the jaw cam surface divided by the second distance from the articulation axis to the proximal-most fastener position is less than 0.5.

Embodiment 2-the surgical instrument of embodiment 1 wherein a first distance between the jaw pivot axis and a cam 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 position is greater than 0.2 and less than 0.5.

Embodiment 3-the surgical instrument of embodiments 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.

Embodiment 5-the surgical instrument of embodiment 3, wherein the anvil comprises at least one tissue stop member comprising a distal tissue contacting surface that corresponds 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.

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

Embodiment 8-the surgical instrument of embodiment 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 is operatively interfaced with a closure system configured to selectively apply an axial closing and opening motion thereto.

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

Embodiment 11-the surgical instrument of embodiment 10, wherein the closure system is supported by a housing operatively interfacing 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 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 cam contact with an anvil cam surface on the anvil. The first distance between the articulation axis and the cam contact area between the closure member cam surface and the cam surface divided by the second distance from the articulation axis to the 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 cam contact area between the closure member cam surface and the anvil cam surface divided by a second distance from the articulation axis to the proximal-most fastener position is greater than 0.2 and less than 0.5.

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

Embodiment 15-the surgical instrument of embodiments 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.

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

Embodiment 17-the surgical instrument of embodiment 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 is pivotally coupled to the axially movable distal closure tube segment.

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

Embodiment 19-the surgical instrument of embodiment 18, further comprising a firing member operatively supported to travel axially through the surgical fastener cartridge when an axial firing motion is applied thereto.

Embodiment 20-a surgical system comprising a housing that operatively supports a closure system in the housing. The surgical system also includes an interchangeable surgical tool assembly including 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 closing motion from the closure system. The elongate 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 an 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 position. One of the first end effector jaw and the second end effector jaw is movable between an open position and a fully closed position by an axially movable distal closure member operatively coupled to a proximal closure portion of the elongate shaft assembly. The distal closure member includes a closure member cam surface configured for cam contact with a jaw cam surface on one of the first end effector jaw and the second end effector jaw. The first distance between the articulation axis and the cam contact area between the closure member cam surface and the jaw cam surface divided by the second distance from the articulation axis to the 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 further 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 also includes an axially movable firing member that comprises at least one jaw engagement feature configured to apply a closing motion to the second end effector jaw as the axially movable 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 movable firing member is in the starting position.

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

Embodiment 23-the surgical instrument of embodiments 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.

Embodiment 24-the surgical instrument of embodiment 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 jaw is in the fully open position.

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

Embodiment 26-the surgical instrument of embodiment 25 wherein the axially movable closure member comprises a closure member cam surface configured for cam contact with a jaw cam surface on the second end effector jaw.

Embodiment 27-the surgical instrument of embodiments 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.

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

Embodiment 30-a surgical instrument includes 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 in the elongate channel. An anvil is coupled to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongate channel about a fixed jaw pivot axis transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical instrument further includes an axially movable firing member that comprises 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 movable firing member is in the starting position.

Embodiment 31-the surgical instrument of embodiment 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.

Embodiment 32-the surgical instrument of embodiments 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.

Embodiment 33-the surgical instrument of embodiments 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 movable firing member is in the starting position.

Embodiment 34-the surgical instrument of embodiment 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.

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

Embodiment 36-the surgical instrument of embodiment 35 wherein the axially movable closure member comprises a closure member cam surface configured for cam contact with an anvil cam surface on the anvil.

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

Embodiment 38-the surgical instrument of embodiments 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 the 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.

Embodiment 40-a surgical system comprising a housing operatively supporting a closure system and a firing system. The closure member and the firing member are 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 elongate 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 in the elongate channel. An anvil is coupled to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongate channel 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 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 jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis when the axially movable firing member is in the starting position.

Embodiment 41-the surgical system of embodiment 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 transverse to the shaft axis and extending therethrough. The elongate shaft assembly includes a closure member 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 lies in a plane distally spaced from the jaw pivot axis by a distance measured along the shaft axis of no more than 0.090 inches.

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

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

Embodiment 45-the surgical instrument of embodiments 42, 43, or 44 wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment comprising a closure cam surface configured to cam engage a jaw cam surface on the second end effector jaw when the axially movable distal closure tube segment moves from the starting position to the ending position.

Embodiment 46-the surgical instrument of embodiments 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.

Embodiment 47-the surgical instrument of embodiment 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.

Embodiment 48-the surgical instrument of embodiments 46 or 47 wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment comprising a closure cam surface configured to cam 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.

Embodiment 49-the surgical instrument of embodiment 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.

Embodiment 50-the surgical instrument of embodiment 49, wherein the proximal closure tube assembly is operatively interfaced with a closure system configured to selectively apply an axial closing and opening motion thereto.

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

Embodiment 52-the surgical instrument of embodiment 50, wherein the closure system is supported by a housing operatively interfacing with the robotic control actuator.

Example 53-a surgical instrument includes 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 transverse to the shaft axis. An anvil is pivotally coupled to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed jaw pivot axis transverse to the shaft axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The elongate shaft assembly includes a closure member 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 lies in a plane distally spaced from the jaw pivot axis by a distance measured along the shaft axis of no more than 0.090 inches.

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

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

Embodiment 56-the surgical instrument of embodiments 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.

Embodiment 57-the surgical instrument of embodiments 53, 54, 55, or 56, wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment comprising a closure cam surface configured to cam 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.

Embodiment 58-the surgical instrument of embodiment 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 closure and opening motions thereto.

Embodiment 60-the surgical instrument of embodiment 58, wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operatively interfaces with a closure system supported by a housing configured to interface with the 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 operably supports a closure system. The surgical system also includes an interchangeable surgical tool assembly including 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 closing motion from the closure system. The elongate 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 in the elongate channel. An anvil is coupled to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongate channel about a jaw pivot axis transverse to the shaft axis. The elongate shaft assembly includes a closure member 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 lies in a plane distally spaced from the jaw pivot axis by a distance measured along the shaft axis of no more than 0.090 inches.

Example 62-a surgical stapling device including an elongate shaft assembly defining a shaft axis. The surgical end effector is operatively coupled to the elongate shaft assembly by an articulation joint that is 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 operably supports a plurality of surgical staples therein. The 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 the surgical staples in the surgical staple cartridge. The surgical stapling device further includes an axially movable firing member that includes at least one anvil engagement feature on the axially movable firing member that is configured to engage the anvil when the anvil is in the closed position as the axially movable firing member moves from a proximal-most position to a distal-most position. The surgical stapling device further comprises means for: the jaw aperture distance between the most distal staple in the surgical staple cartridge and a corresponding one of the staple forming pockets in the anvil is increased while minimizing the joint distance between the articulation axis and the distal end of the anvil engagement feature on the axially movable firing member when the axially movable firing member is in the proximal-most position.

Embodiment 63-the surgical stapling device of embodiment 62, wherein the means for adding comprises a closure member configured to apply a closing 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 the 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 distally spaced from the distal end of the anvil engagement feature by a horizontal distance in the range of 0.4 inch to 0.9 inch.

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

Embodiment 65-the surgical stapling device of embodiments 62, 63, or 64, wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment comprising a closure cam surface configured to cam engage a cam surface on the anvil when the axially movable distal closure tube segment is moved from the starting position to the ending position.

Embodiment 66-the surgical stapling apparatus of embodiments 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.

Embodiment 67-the surgical stapling apparatus of embodiment 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.

Embodiment 68-the surgical stapling device of embodiments 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.

Embodiment 69-the surgical stapling apparatus of embodiment 68 wherein the axially movable distal closure tube segment comprises a closure cam surface configured to cam 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.

Embodiment 70-the surgical stapling apparatus of embodiments 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.

Embodiment 71-the surgical stapling device of embodiment 70, wherein the closure system is supported by a handheld housing.

Embodiment 72-the surgical stapling apparatus of embodiment 70, wherein the closure system is supported by a housing operatively interfacing with the robotic control actuator.

Embodiment 73-a surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly having an elongate channel coupled thereto, 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 closure motion to the anvil to move the anvil between the fully open position and the 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 additional closing motion to the anvil as the axially movable firing member moves from a proximal-most position to a distal-most position within the elongate channel. The distal end of the closure member is distal to the distal end of the anvil engagement feature when the closure member is in the starting position and the axially movable firing member is in the proximal-most position.

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

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

Embodiment 76-the surgical instrument of embodiments 73, 74, or 75 wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment comprising a closure cam surface configured to cam 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.

Embodiment 77-the surgical instrument of embodiment 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 is pivotally coupled to the axially movable distal closure tube segment.

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

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

Embodiment 80-the surgical instrument of embodiment 78, wherein the closure system is supported by a housing operatively interfacing with the robotic control actuator.

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

Embodiment 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 about the fixed jaw pivot axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position. 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. 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 from occurring therebetween when the second jaw is in the fully open position. The 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.

Embodiment 83-the surgical instrument of embodiment 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.

Embodiment 84-the surgical instrument of embodiments 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 landing surface of the surgical fastener cartridge.

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

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

Embodiment 87-the surgical instrument of embodiments 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.

Embodiment 88-the surgical instrument of embodiments 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, or 87, further comprising means for applying a closing and opening motion to the second jaw.

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

Embodiment 90-a surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector comprising a surgical fastener cartridge comprising a cartridge body operatively supporting a plurality of surgical fasteners in the cartridge body. The cartridge body defines a tissue contacting surface through which surgical fasteners are ejected. The 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 that includes a plurality of fastener forming formations, wherein each fastener forming formation corresponds to one surgical fastener in the surgical fastener cartridge. The fastener forming surface faces a tissue contacting surface on the surgical fastener cartridge. At least one tissue stop protrudes 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 by an axial distance of less than 0.750 inches when the anvil is in the fully closed position, and wherein the vertical distance between the distal-most one of the fasteners in the surgical cartridge and the corresponding one of the fastener forming surfaces is at least 0.900 inches when the anvil is in the fully open position.

Example 91-the surgical instrument of example 90, wherein the 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.

Embodiment 93-the surgical instrument of embodiment 90, 91, or 92, further comprising means for imparting closing and opening motions to the anvil.

Embodiment 94-the surgical instrument of embodiment 93, wherein the means for imparting the closing and opening motions comprises an axially movable closure tube. The axially movable closure tube includes a closure cam surface on a distal end of the axially movable closure tube that is configured to cam engage an anvil cam surface on the anvil to impart 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.

Embodiment 95-the surgical instrument of embodiments 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.

Embodiment 97-the surgical instrument of embodiments 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 from occurring therebetween when the anvil is in the fully open position.

Embodiment 98-the surgical instrument of embodiment 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.

Embodiment 99-the surgical instrument of embodiments 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.

Embodiment 100-a surgical system comprising a housing that operably 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 includes a surgical fastener cartridge comprising a cartridge body that operatively supports a plurality of surgical fasteners in the cartridge body and that defines a tissue contacting surface through which the surgical fasteners are ejected. The 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 that includes a plurality of fastener forming formations, wherein each fastener forming formation corresponds to one surgical fastener in the surgical fastener cartridge. The fastener forming surface faces a tissue contacting surface on the surgical fastener cartridge. At least one tissue stop protrudes 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 by an axial distance of less than 0.750 inches when the anvil is in the fully closed position, and wherein the vertical distance between the distal-most one of the fasteners in the surgical cartridge and the corresponding one of the fastener forming surfaces is at least 0.900 inches when the anvil is in the fully open position.

Embodiment 101-the surgical instrument of embodiment 100, wherein the 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.

Embodiment 102-the surgical instrument of embodiments 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 pivotally received in a corresponding one of the vertical slots in the first jaw such that the pivot member can pivot therein to facilitate pivotal travel of the second jaw relative to the first jaw. The surgical instrument also includes a retainer member configured to operably 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 position and the fully closed position. The axially movable closure member is configured to apply a closing and opening motion to the second jaw and to retain the retainer member in retaining engagement with the proximal end portion of the first jaw.

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

Embodiment 105-the surgical instrument of embodiment 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 sized 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 the open end. A mounting formation is located on the holder body and corresponds to each upstanding vertical wall portion and is configured to be seated in a correspondingly shaped mounting opening therein.

Embodiment 106-the surgical instrument of embodiment 105, wherein the mounting formation is positioned proximate to the slot cap.

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

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

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

Embodiment 110-the surgical instrument of embodiment 109, wherein the proximal closure tube assembly is operatively interfaced with a closure system configured to selectively apply an axial closing and opening motion thereto.

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

Embodiment 112-the surgical instrument of embodiment 110, wherein the closure system is supported by a housing operatively interfacing with the robotic control actuator.

Embodiment 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. The 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 laterally projecting 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 trunnions can 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 to pivotally retain each anvil ear in a corresponding vertical slot as the anvil moves between the fully open and fully closed positions. The axially movable closure member is configured to apply a closing and opening motion to the anvil and to retain the retainer member in retaining engagement with the proximal end portion of the elongate channel.

Example 114: the surgical instrument of embodiment 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 through the open end. Each slot cover has an arcuate bottom portion configured to pivotally receive a corresponding anvil trunnion therein.

Embodiment 115-the surgical instrument of embodiment 113, wherein each vertical slot is formed in a corresponding vertical wall portion of the elongated channel, and wherein the retainer member comprises a retainer body sized 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 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.

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

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

Embodiment 118-the surgical instrument of embodiments 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 opening and closing movement to the anvil and to retain the retainer member in retaining engagement with the proximal end portion of the elongate channel.

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

Embodiment 120-the surgical instrument of embodiment 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.

Embodiment 121-a surgical system comprising a housing that operably supports a closure system. The surgical system also includes an interchangeable surgical tool assembly including 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 closing 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 including 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. The 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 laterally projecting 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 trunnions can pivot therein to facilitate pivotal travel of the anvil relative to the elongate channel. The surgical system further includes a retainer member configured to be supported on the proximal end portion of the elongate channel and to pivotally retain each anvil ear in a corresponding vertical slot as the anvil moves between the fully open and fully closed positions. The axially movable closure member is configured to apply a closing and opening motion to the anvil and to retain the retainer member in retaining engagement with the proximal end portion of the elongate channel.

Embodiment 122-the surgical system of embodiment 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 opening and closing movement 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.

Embodiment 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 the fully open position to the fully closed position and in an axial opening direction to move the second jaw from the fully closed position to the fully open position. The axially movable closure member includes a first jaw opening feature configured to apply a first jaw opening motion to a second jaw. The second jaw opening feature is axially spaced from the first jaw opening feature such that the first jaw opening feature applies a first jaw opening motion to the second jaw when the closure member is moved in the axial opening direction and 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 when the closure member is moved axially a predetermined axial distance in the axial opening direction.

Embodiment 124-the surgical instrument of embodiment 123, wherein the first jaw opening feature is axially proximate to the second jaw opening feature.

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

Embodiment 126-the surgical instrument of embodiments 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 camming surface on the second jaw mounting portion and configured to be axially cammed into contact by the first jaw opening feature upon axial movement of the closure member in the axial opening direction through a predetermined axial distance. 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 camming surface configured to be axially camming contacted by the second jaw opening feature as the closure member continues to move in the axial opening direction beyond a predetermined axial distance.

Embodiment 127-the surgical instrument of embodiment 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 movement thereto.

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

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

Embodiment 130-the surgical instrument of embodiments 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 as the closure member moves axially in the axial opening direction between the second intermediate axial position and a third intermediate axial position.

Embodiment 131-the surgical instrument of embodiment 130, 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 apply the second jaw opening movement to the second jaw.

Embodiment 132-the surgical instrument of embodiment 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 relative to the first jaw to a second jaw aperture angle.

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

Embodiment 134-the surgical instrument of embodiments 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 cease applying the first jaw opening movement to the second jaw.

Embodiment 135-the surgical instrument of embodiment 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 cease applying the second jaw opening movement 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.

Embodiment 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 the fully open position to the 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 impart a first jaw opening motion to the anvil. The distal jaw opening feature is axially spaced from the proximal jaw opening feature such that the proximal jaw opening feature imparts a first jaw opening motion to the anvil when the closure member is moved in the axial opening direction and the proximal jaw opening feature ceases to impart the first jaw opening motion and the distal jaw opening feature imparts a second jaw opening motion to the anvil to move the anvil to the fully open position when the closure member is moved axially a predetermined axial distance in the axial opening direction.

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 when the closure member is axially moved in the axial opening direction from a first intermediate axial position to a second intermediate axial position.

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

Embodiment 140-the surgical instrument of embodiments 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.

Embodiment 141-the surgical instrument of embodiment 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.

Embodiment 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 closing direction to move the anvil from the fully open position to the 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 distal closure tube segment includes a proximal jaw opening feature formed thereon and configured to impart a first jaw opening motion to the anvil. The distal jaw opening feature is formed on the distal closure tube segment and is axially spaced from the proximal jaw opening feature such that the proximal jaw opening feature imparts a first jaw opening motion to the anvil when the distal closure tube segment is moved in the axial opening direction and the proximal jaw opening feature ceases to impart the first jaw opening motion and the distal jaw opening feature imparts a second jaw opening motion to the anvil when the distal closure tube segment is moved axially a predetermined axial distance in the opening direction to move the anvil to the fully open position.

Embodiment 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 the starting position an initial predetermined axial closure distance prior to applying the closure motion to the second jaw.

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

Embodiment 145-the surgical instrument of embodiment 143 or 144, wherein the closure member is configured to move distally through a final predetermined axial closing 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 closing distance is 0.040 inches.

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

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

Embodiment 149-the surgical instrument of embodiment 148, wherein the means for imparting opening movement comprises a first jaw opening feature on the closure member configured to impart a first amount of jaw opening movement 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 start 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 moves axially from the intermediate position to the starting position.

Embodiment 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 closing distance is 0.020 inches.

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

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

Embodiment 154-the surgical instrument of embodiment 152 or 153, wherein the closure member is configured to: the closing movement is applied to the anvil as the closing member moves distally through an intermediate predetermined axial closing distance after the closing member has traveled the initial predetermined axial closing distance and before the final predetermined axial closing distance.

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

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

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

Embodiment 158-the surgical instrument of embodiment 157, 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 anvil as 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 apart from the first jaw opening feature and configured to apply a second amount of jaw opening movement to the anvil as the closure member moves axially from the intermediate axial position to the starting position.

Example 159-a surgical system comprising a housing that operably supports a closure system. The surgical system also includes an interchangeable surgical tool assembly including 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 closing 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 in the elongate channel. 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 configured to apply an axial closing 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 an initial predetermined axial closure distance from a starting position prior to applying a closure motion to the anvil.

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

Embodiment 161-a surgical tool assembly comprising a first jaw and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw. The surgical tool assembly further includes a firing system including 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 be movable between a locked position in which the second firing member element is in locking engagement 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 thereto, and an unlocked position in which the firing member assembly is distally advanced from the starting position upon application of the firing motion thereto. The surgical tool assembly further comprises 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.

Embodiment 162-the surgical tool assembly of embodiment 161 wherein the lockout portion comprises at least one lockout recess in the first jaw configured to remain engaged with the second firing member element when the second firing member element is in the lockout position.

Embodiment 163-the surgical tool assembly of embodiments 161 or 162 further comprising a biasing member in the first jaw configured to bias the second firing member element to the lockout position.

Embodiment 164-the surgical tool assembly of embodiments 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.

Embodiment 165-the surgical tool assembly of embodiment 164, wherein 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 when the firing member assembly is in the starting position regardless of the position of the second firing member element.

Embodiment 166-the surgical tool assembly of embodiment 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.

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

Embodiment 168-the surgical tool assembly of embodiments 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, or 167, wherein a 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 transverse to the shaft axis.

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

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

Embodiment 171-the surgical tool assembly of embodiments 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, or 170, wherein the means for preventing comprises a distal surface on the first firing member element and a lockout surface. The distal surface is configured to be 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 lockout position.

Embodiment 172-the surgical tool assembly of embodiments 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.

Embodiment 173-the surgical tool assembly of embodiment 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 that includes an anvil jaw and a cartridge jaw that includes a lockout surface. The firing member includes a distal end that includes an anvil cam portion and a channel cam portion. The firing member further 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 mounted within the cartridge jaw or when a partially used cartridge is mounted within the cartridge jaw and a firing motion is applied to the firing member. The firing member and lockout member are configured to prevent an unlocking load from being applied to the pivot member when the lockout member is engaged with the lockout surface and a firing motion is applied to the firing member.

Embodiment 175-the stapling assembly of embodiment 174, wherein the staple cartridge jaw comprises a staple cartridge comprising a sled configured to move 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.

Embodiment 176-the stapling assembly of embodiment 174 or 175, further comprising a spring configured to bias the lockout member into a locked configuration relative to the firing member when a partially used staple cartridge is present and when no staple cartridge is present.

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

The embodiment 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 axially move between a starting position and an ending position. The firing member assembly includes a firing member that includes a cutting surface and a tiltable element pivotally coupled to the firing member by an attachment joint. The tiltable element is configured to be movable relative to the firing member between a locked position in which the tiltable element is in locking engagement with the 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 thereto, and an unlocked position in which the firing member assembly is distally advanceable from the starting position upon application of the firing motion thereto. The firing member and the tiltable element are configured to prevent an unlocking load from being applied to the attachment joint when the tiltable element is in the locked position and a firing motion is applied to the firing member assembly. The surgical fastening instrument further comprises means for biasing the tiltable element into the locking engagement unless an unfired surgical fastener cartridge is operatively supported in the first jaw.

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

Embodiment 180-the surgical fastening instrument of embodiment 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 "ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE" issued 4/1995;

U.S. patent 7,000,818 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS" published on month 21 of 2006;

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

U.S. patent 7,464,849 entitled "ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS" issued on 12/16/2008;

U.S. patent 7,670,334 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR" issued on month 3 and 2 of 2010;

U.S. patent 7,753,245 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS" issued on the year 7, month 13 of 2010;

U.S. patent 8,393,514 entitled "SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE" published on 3.3.12 of 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 Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES," filed on month 2 and 14 of 2008;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled "END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT", filed on 2/15/2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443);

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY," filed 12/24/2009; now us patent 8,220,688;

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT", filed on 28/2/2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870;

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE", filed 6/15/2012; now us patent 9,101,358;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,025, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM", filed on day 13 of 3.2013;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM", filed on day 13 of 3.3, 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 1 month 31 2006; and

U.S. patent application publication 2010/0264194, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR", filed on 4/22/2010, now U.S. patent 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, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic shown or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation. In addition, where materials for certain components are disclosed, other materials may be used. Furthermore, 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 above detailed description and the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.

The devices disclosed herein may be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they may be designed for multiple uses. In either case, however, the device may be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Repair may include any combination of steps including, but not limited to, disassembly of the device, subsequent cleaning or replacement of specific components of the device, and subsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, the repair facility and/or surgical team may disassemble the device, and after cleaning and/or replacing particular components of the device, the device may be reassembled 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 treated prior to surgery. First, new or used instruments are available and cleaned as needed. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container (such as a plastic or TYVEK bag). The container and instrument may then be placed in a radiation field, such as gamma radiation, X-rays, and/or energetic electrons, that may penetrate the container. The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep the instrument sterile until the container is opened in the medical facility. The device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art including, but not limited to, beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.

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

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. Accordingly, 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:

an elongate shaft assembly defining a shaft axis;

a first end effector jaw coupled to the elongate shaft assembly; and

a second end effector jaw coupled to the first end effector jaw for selective pivotal travel relative to the first end effector jaw about a fixed jaw pivot axis transverse to the shaft axis and extending therethrough, wherein the elongate shaft assembly includes a closure member axially movable between a starting position corresponding to the fully open position of the second end effector jaw and an ending position corresponding to the fully closed position of the second end effector jaw relative to the first end effector jaw, and wherein a distal end of the closure member is located on a plane distally spaced from the jaw pivot axis by a distance measured along the shaft axis when the closure member is in the starting position, the distance being no more than 0.090 inches;

Wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment comprising a distal opening receiving the first and second end effector jaws, the distal opening comprising a closure cam surface at an inner edge thereof and circumferentially spaced from and facing the first end effector jaw, the closure cam surface being configured to cam engage a jaw cam surface on the second end effector jaw as the axially movable distal closure tube segment moves from the starting position to the ending position.

2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the closure member is located on the plane and the plane intersects the jaw pivot axis when the closure member is in the starting position.

3. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the distance is within 0.010 inches to 0.060 inches.

4. The surgical instrument of claim 1, 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.

5. The surgical instrument of claim 4, wherein the anvil comprises:

an anvil body; and

an anvil mounting portion including an anvil cam surface and a pair of laterally extending anvil trunnions configured to be pivotally supported in corresponding openings in the elongate channel.

6. The surgical instrument of claim 5, wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment comprising a closure cam surface configured to cam engage the anvil cam surface on the anvil as the axially movable distal closure tube segment moves from the starting position to the ending position.

7. The surgical instrument of claim 6 wherein said 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.

8. The surgical instrument of claim 7, wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operatively interfaces with a closure system configured to selectively apply an axial closing and opening motion to the proximal closure tube assembly.

9. The surgical instrument of claim 8, wherein the closure system is supported by a hand-held housing.

10. The surgical instrument of claim 8, wherein the closure system is supported by a housing operatively interfacing with a robotically controlled actuator.

11. A surgical instrument, comprising:

an elongate shaft assembly defining a shaft axis;

an elongate channel configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge therein and to be operably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongate shaft assembly about an articulation axis transverse to the shaft axis; and

an anvil pivotally coupled to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongate channel about a fixed jaw pivot axis transverse to the shaft axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position, wherein the elongate shaft assembly includes a closure member axially movable between a starting position corresponding to the fully open position of the anvil and an ending position corresponding to the fully closed position of the anvil, and wherein a distal end of the closure member is located on a plane distally spaced from the jaw pivot axis by a distance measured along the shaft axis when the closure member is in the starting position, the distance being no more than 0.090 inches;

Wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment comprising a distal opening that accommodates the elongate channel and the anvil, the distal opening comprising a closure cam surface at an inner edge thereof and circumferentially remote from and facing the elongate channel, the closure cam surface being configured to cam engage a jaw cam surface on the anvil as the axially movable distal closure tube segment moves from the starting position to the ending position.

12. The surgical instrument of claim 11, wherein the distal end of the closure member is located on the plane and the plane intersects the jaw pivot axis when the closure member is in the starting position.

13. The surgical instrument of claim 11, wherein the distance is within 0.010 inches to 0.060 inches.

14. The surgical instrument of claim 11, wherein the anvil comprises:

an anvil body; and

15. The surgical instrument of claim 11 wherein said elongate shaft assembly comprises:

a spine assembly operatively coupled to the elongate channel; and

16. The surgical instrument of claim 15, wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operatively interfaces with a closure system supported by a hand-held housing and is configured to selectively apply an axial closing and opening motion to the proximal closure tube assembly.

17. The surgical instrument of claim 15, 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 configured to selectively apply axial closure and opening motions to the proximal closure tube assembly.

18. A surgical system, comprising:

a housing operatively supporting a closure system; and

an interchangeable surgical tool assembly, the 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, the elongate shaft assembly defining a shaft axis; and

a surgical end effector operatively coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective articulation relative thereto about an articulation axis transverse to the shaft axis, the surgical end effector comprising:

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

an anvil coupled to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongate channel about a jaw pivot axis transverse to the shaft axis, wherein the elongate shaft assembly includes a closure member 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, and wherein a distal end of the closure member is located on a plane distally spaced from the jaw pivot axis by a distance measured along the shaft axis when the closure member is in the starting position, the distance being no more than 0.090 inches;