CN110868942A - Surgical end effector with improved jaw hole arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a surgical instrument that includes a surgical end effector having a first jaw and a second jaw pivotally attached to the first jaw for pivotal travel between a fully open position and a fully closed position by an axially movable closure member. The instrument further includes an axially movable firing member having at least one jaw engagement feature configured to apply an additional closing motion to the second jaw as the axially movable firing member moves from a proximal-most position to a distal-most position within the first end effector jaw. A distal end of the closure member is distal to a distal end of the at least one jaw engagement feature when the closure member is in the starting position and the axially movable firing member is in the proximal-most position.

Description

Surgical end effector with improved jaw hole arrangement

Background technique

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

Description of drawings

The various features of the embodiments described herein, along with their advantages, can be understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

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

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

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

Figure 4 is an exploded assembled view of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is another exploded assembly view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 3 and 4;

Figure 6 is another exploded assembly view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 3-5;

Figure 7 is an exploded assembled view of the proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 3-6;

Figure 8 is another exploded assembled view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 3-7;

Figure 9 is another exploded assembly view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 3-8;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 3-9;

Figure 11 is another perspective view of the proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 3-10;

Figure 12 is a cutaway perspective view of a proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 3-11;

Figure 13 is another cutaway perspective view of the proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 3-12;

Figure 14 is another cutaway perspective view of the proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 3-13;

Figure 15 is a cutaway perspective view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 3-14;

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

Figure 17 is an exploded assembled view of the proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 16;

Figure 18 is another exploded assembly view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 16 and 17;

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

Figure 20 is an exploded assembled view of the proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 19;

Figure 21 is another exploded assembly view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 19 and 20;

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

Figure 23 is an exploded assembled view of the proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 22;

Figure 24 is another exploded assembly view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 22 and 23;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 41 is a side elevational view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 39 and 40 with its anvil in a fully closed position;

Figure 42 is an enlarged side elevational view of the anvil mounting portion and elongated channel of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 16 with its anvil in a fully open position;

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

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

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

Figure 46 is an enlarged side elevational view of the anvil mounting portion and elongated channel of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 22 with its anvil in a fully open position;

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

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

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

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

Figure 51 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil mounting portion and elongated channel of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 22 with its anvil in a fully open position;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 59 is another partial cross-sectional view of the portion of the surgical end effector of Figures 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 procedure;

Figure 60A is a perspective view of a portion of a firing member assembly of a surgical stapling instrument, the firing member assembly including a first firing member element and a second firing member element capable of being in a locked position relative to the first firing member element movement to and from the unlocked position;

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

Figure 60C is a cross-sectional front view of the surgical stapling instrument of Figure 60A with the firing member assembly in the starting position;

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 61 is another side elevational view of the surgical end effector of Figures 57-60 with the anvil in the over-closed position;

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 segment shown in phantom to show the anvil retention member;

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

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

Figure 65 is a top plan view of the distal closure segment and anvil of Figure 64;

Figure 66 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil and distal closure segment of Figures 64 and 65 showing the position of the proximal jaw opening feature with the anvil in the fully closed position;

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

Figure 68 is another partial cross-sectional view of the anvil and a portion of the distal closure segment of Figures 64-67 showing the position of the proximal jaw opening feature when the anvil is in the fully open position;

Figure 69 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil and distal closure segment of Figures 64-68 showing the position of the distal jaw opening feature with the anvil in the fully closed position;

Figure 70 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil and distal closure segment of Figures 64-69 showing the position of the distal jaw opening feature when the anvil is between the fully open and fully closed positions;

Figure 71 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the anvil and distal closure segment of Figures 64-70 showing the position of the distal jaw opening feature when the anvil is in a fully open position;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications described herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention in one form, and such exemplifications should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Detailed ways

The applicant of the present application has the following US patent applications filed on the same date as the present application and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

- US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN OFFSET ARTICULATION JOINT"; Attorney's Docket No. END8207USNP/170098;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM RATIO"; Attorney's Docket No. END8210USNP/170099;

- US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM RATIO"; Attorney's Docket No. END8204USNP/170100;

- US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING FIRING MEMBER SUPPORTS"; Attorney Docket No. END8218USNP/170101;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEMLOCKABLE TO A FRAME"; Attorney's Docket No. END8217USNP/070102;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEMLOCKABLE BY A CLOSURE SYSTEM"; Attorney's Docket No. END8211USNP/170103;

- US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHAFT INCLUDING A HOUSINGARRANGEMENT"; Attorney's Docket No. END8215USNP/170107;

- US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SELECTIVELY ACTUATABLEROTATABLE COUPLERS"; Attorney Docket No. END8201USNP/170104;

- US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING SHORTENED STAPLECARTRIDGE NOSES"; Attorney's Docket No. END8206USNP/170105;

- US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHAFT INCLUDING A CLOSURETUBE PROFILE"; Attorney's Docket No. END8212USNP/170106;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "METHOD FOR ARTICULATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT"; Attorney's Docket No. END8200USNP/170089M;

- US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR WITHAXIALLY SHORTENED ARTICULATION JOINT CONFIGURATIONS"; Attorney's Docket No. END8214USNP/170090;

- US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OPEN AND CLOSABLE JAWS AND AXIALLYMOVABLE FIRING MEMBER THAT IS INITIALLY PARKED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE JAWSPRIOR TO FIRING"; Attorney's Docket No. END8202USNP/170091;

- US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS CONSTRAINED TO PIVOT ABOUT ANAXIS UPON CONTACT WITH A CLOSURE MEMBER THAT IS PARKED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TOTHE PIVOT AXIS"; Attorney Docket No. END8213USNP/170092;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING DEVICES WITH PIVOTABLE ANVILWITH A TISSUE LOCATING ARRANGEMENT IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO AN ANVIL PIVOT"; Attorney's Docket No. END8205USNP/170094;

- US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "JAW RETAINER ARRANGEMENT FOR RETAINING A PIVOTABLE SURGICALINSTRUMENT JAW IN PIVOTABLE RETAINING ENGAGEMENT WITH A SECOND SURGICALINSTRUMENT JAW"; Attorney's Docket No. END8216USNP/170095;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES"; Attorney's Docket No. END8208USNP/170096;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER"; Attorney's Docket No. END8209USNP/170097;

-US Patent Application Serial No. ________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENT"; Attorney's Docket No. END8233USNP/170084;

-US Design Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "STAPLE FORMING ANVIL"; Attorney's Docket No. END8236USDP/170109D;

- U.S. Design Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT"; Attorney's Docket No. END8239USDP/170108D; and

-Serial number __________ of US design patent application entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE"; attorney docket number END8240USDP/170110D.

The applicant of the present application has the following US patent applications filed on June 27, 2017, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-US Patent Application Serial No. ________ entitled "SURGICAL ANVIL MANUFACTURING METHODS"; Attorney's Docket No. END8165USNP/170079M;

- US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS"; Attorney Docket No. END8168USNP/170080;

- US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS"; Attorney Docket No. END8170USNP/170081;

- US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS"; Attorney Docket No. END8164USNP/170082;

- US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL FIRING MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS"; Attorney Docket No. END8169USNP/170083;

- US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS"; Attorney's Docket No. END8167USNP/170085;

- US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS"; Attorney's Docket No. END8232USNP/170086;

- US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ANVILS"; Attorney's Docket No. END8166USNP/170087; and

-US Patent Application Serial No. __________ entitled "ARTICULATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; Attorney's Docket No. END8171USNP/170088.

The applicant of the present application has the following US patent applications filed on December 21, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/386,185 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIESTHEREOF";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/386,230 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/386,221 entitled "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/386,209 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/386,198 entitled "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS ANDREPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/386,240 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,939 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLECAVITIES THEREIN";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,941 entitled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FORSHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES ANDARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,943 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,950 entitled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTIONFEATURES";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,945 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLECAVITIES THEREIN";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,946 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,951 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASINGA JAW OPENING DISTANCE";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,953 entitled "METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,954 entitled "FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FORSURGICAL END EFFECTORS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,955 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOPARRANGEMENTS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,948 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,956 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,958 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTINGFIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,947 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLECAVITIES THEREIN";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,896 entitled "METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,898 entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENTTYPES OF STAPLES";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,899 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,901 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,902 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,904 entitled "STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/ORSPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,905, entitled "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,907 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUTAND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,908 entitled "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,909 entitled "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,920 entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,913 entitled "ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,914 entitled "METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OFSTAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,893 entitled "BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,929 entitled "CLOSURE MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,911 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLECLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,927 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,917 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPINGBREADTHS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,900 entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARYSIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,931 entitled "NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FORSURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,915 entitled "FIRING MEMBER PIN ANGLE";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,897 entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMINGSURFACE GROOVES";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,922 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,924 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,912 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT AFIXED AXIS AND INCLUDE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,910 entitled "ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,906 entitled "FIRING MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/386,188 entitled "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/386,192 entitled "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAPSETTING FEATURES";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/386,206 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES";

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/386,222 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITHPOSITIVE OPENING FEATURES";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/386,236 entitled "CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICALSTAPLING INSTRUMENTS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,887 entitled "METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICALINSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,889 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,890 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE ANDRETRACTABLE SYSTEMS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,891 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THEOUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,892 entitled "SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO ANARTICULATION STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,894 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,895 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,916 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,918 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,919 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,921 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMINGMEMBER CONFIGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,923 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,925 entitled "JAW ACTUATED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OFA FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNLESS AN FIRED CARTRIDGE ISINSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,926 entitled "AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,928 entitled "PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN AMOVABLE JAW AND ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,930 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENINGFEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,932 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFTARRANGEMENT";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,933 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLELINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,934 entitled "ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR INAN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM";

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,935 entitled "LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FORLOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION"; and

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,936 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKEAMPLIFICATION FEATURES";

The applicant of the present application has the following US patent applications filed on June 24, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/191,807 entitled "STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPEDSTAPLES";

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

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

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

The applicant of the present application has the following US patent applications filed on June 24, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

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

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

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

The applicant of the present application has the following patent applications filed on April 1, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

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

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

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

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,296 entitled "INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL ENDEFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS";

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The applicant of the present application also owns the following identified US patent applications filed on February 9, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,206 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLYARTICULATABLE RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY";

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 15/043,289 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS".

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/742,925 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENINGARRANGEMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0367256;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/742,941 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSINGFEATURES", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0367248;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/742,914 entitled "MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0367255;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/742,900 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAMSTRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0367254;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/742,885 entitled "DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0367246; and

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/742,876 entitled "PUSH/PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0367245.

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,746 entitled "POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0256184;

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,832 entitled "ADAPTIVE TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURERATES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0256154;

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

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

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

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

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,765 entitled "SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGEINTO A SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0256160;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,799 entitled "SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON AROTATABLE SHAFT", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0256162; and

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

The applicant of the present application has the following patent applications filed on February 27, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,546 entitled "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCEPARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0249915;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,560 entitled "SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONEOR MORE BATTERIES", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0249910;

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,555 entitled "SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TOBE SERVICED", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0249916;

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

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

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,562 entitled "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFEPARAMETER", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0249917.

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

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

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/575,148 entitled "LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITHARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0174976;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/575,130 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLEABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE, now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0174972;

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/575,154 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS ANDIMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0174973;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/574,493 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLEARTICULATION SYSTEM"; now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0174970; and

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/574,500 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLEARTICULATION SYSTEM", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0174971.

The applicant of the present application has the following patent applications filed on March 1, 2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,499 entitled "ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RelayARRANGEMENT", now US Patent Application Publication 9,358,003;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,460 entitled "MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICALINSTRUMENTS", now US Patent 9,554,794;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,358 entitled "JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL Instruments", now US Patent Application Publication 9,326,767;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,481 entitled "SENSOR STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGHTROCAR", now US Patent Application Publication 9,468,438;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,518 entitled "Control Methods for Surgical Instruments with RemovableImplement Portions", now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0246475;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,375 entitled "ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OFFREEDOM", now US Patent Application Publication 9,398,911; and

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

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on March 14, 2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,193 entitled "CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICALINSTRUMENT", now US Patent Application Publication 9,332,987;

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

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

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,066 entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICALINSTRUMENTS", now US Patent 9,629,623;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,117 entitled "ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICALINSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication 9,351,726;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,130 entitled "DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICALINSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication 9,351,727; and

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

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent application filed on March 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/200,111 entitled "CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent 9,629,629.

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

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,094 entitled "VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT", now US Patent Application Publication 2015/0272580;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,117 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUITAND WAKE UP CONTROL", now US Patent Application Publication 2015/0272574;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,075 entitled "MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFTASSEMBLIES", now US Patent Application Publication 2015/0272579;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,093 entitled "FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICALINSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication 2015/0272569;

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,071 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETYPROCESSOR", now US Patent Application Publication 2015/0272578;

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

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,081 entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT", now US Patent Application Publication 2015/0277471;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,076 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLEVOLTAGE PROTECTION", now US Patent Application Publication 2015/0280424;

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

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

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/479,119 entitled "ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUECOMPRESSION", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0066914;

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/478,895 entitled "MULTIPLE SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR'SOUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0066909;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/479,110 entitled "POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0066915;

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/479,098 entitled "SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0066911;

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

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

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on April 9, 2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/248,581 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRINGDRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT", now US Patent 9,649,110;

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

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 14/248,584 entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENTFEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS", now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0305994;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/812,385 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS ANDMOTOR CONTROL"; and

- US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/812,372 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY ASINGLE MOTOR".

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

The term "comprise" (and any form of "comprise" such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and "have" any form, such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of "include", such as "includes" and "including" "), and "contain" (and any form of "contain" such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended copulas. Thus, a surgical system, device, or device that "comprises," "has," "comprises," 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 feature part.

The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein with respect to a clinician manipulating the 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 should also be understood that, for brevity and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," and "lower" may be used herein in connection with 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. The reader will readily appreciate, however, that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in a variety of surgical procedures and applications, including, for example, in conjunction with open surgical procedures. With continued reference to this detailed description, the reader will further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into the body in any manner, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or puncture formed in tissue, and the like. The working or end effector portion of the instrument can be inserted directly into the patient or through an access device having a working channel through which the end effector and elongated shaft of the surgical instrument can 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 cannot be removed from the first jaw, or at least easily replaceable from the first jaw. The second jaw includes an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about the closing axis; however, other embodiments are contemplated in which the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system also includes an articulation joint configured to allow rotation or articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments are contemplated that do not include articulation joints.

The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a platform extending between the proximal and distal ends. 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 moves toward the staple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the platform. The staples, which are removably stored in the cartridge body, can then be deployed into tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein, wherein the staples are removably stored in the staple cavities. The nail 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 staple cavities and staples are also possible.

The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. The drive device is movable between a first or non-fired position and a second or fired position to fire staples from the staple cartridge. The drive device 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 and retain the retainer to the cartridge body. The drive is movable between its non-fired position and its fired position by means of a slide. The slider is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The slider includes a plurality of ramp surfaces configured to slide under the drive device toward the anvil and to lift the drive device, and the staples are supported on the drive device.

In addition to the above, the slider can also be moved distally by the firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the slider and urge the slider toward the distal end. A longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive a firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member also includes a first cam engaging the first jaw and a second cam engaging the second jaw. The first and second cams may control the distance or tissue clearance between the platform of the staple cartridge and the anvil as the firing member is advanced distally. The firing member also includes a knife configured to cut through tissue captured between the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for the knife to be positioned at least partially proximate the ramp surface so that the nails are fired ahead of the knife.

FIG. 1 shows a motor-driven surgical system 10 that can be used to perform a variety of different surgical procedures. As can be seen in this figure, one example of the surgical system 10 includes four interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 1000 , 3000 , 5000 and 7000 each adapted to be interchangeable with the handle assembly 500 use together. Each interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 may be designed for use in conjunction with the performance of one or more specific surgical procedures. In another surgical system embodiment, one or more of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 can be effectively used with a tool drive assembly of a robotically controlled surgical system or an automated surgical system. For example, the surgical tool assemblies disclosed herein may be used with various robotic systems, instruments, components, and methods such as, but not limited to, those disclosed in US Pat. No. 9,072,535, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS," which patent The application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 2 shows the attachment of interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to handle assembly 500 . It should be understood that any of the other interchangeable tool assemblies 3000, 5000 and 7000 may be coupled to the handle assembly 500 in a similar manner. The attachment arrangement and method depicted in Figure 2 may also be used in conjunction with the attachment of any of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 to a tool drive portion or tool drive housing of a robotic system. The handle assembly 500 can include a handle housing 502 that includes a pistol grip portion 504 that can be grasped and manipulated by a clinician. As will be discussed briefly below, the handle assembly 500 operably supports a plurality of drive systems 510, 530 configured to generate and apply various control motions to the operably attached Corresponding portions of interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000 and/or 7000 to which it is attached.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the handle assembly 500 may also include a handle frame 506 that operably supports a plurality of drive systems. For example, handle frame 506 may operably support a "first" or closing drive system, generally designated 510, which may be used to apply closing and opening motion to the operably attached Or interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 1000 , 3000 , 5000 and 7000 coupled to 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 would allow the closure trigger 512 to be manipulated by the clinician such that when the clinician grasps the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly 500, the closure trigger 512 can be easily removed from the activated or "unactuated" position Pivoting to an "actuated" position and more specifically to a fully compressed or fully actuated position. In various forms, the closure drive system 510 also includes a closure linkage assembly 514 that is pivotally coupled to or otherwise operably connected to the closure trigger 512 . As will be discussed in further detail below, in the illustrated example, the closure linkage assembly 514 includes a lateral attachment pin 516 that facilitates attachment to a corresponding drive system on the surgical tool assembly. In use, to actuate the closure drive system 510 , the clinician 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 "SURGICALINSTRUMENT 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 into a fully depressed or fully actuated position when the clinician fully depresses the closure trigger 512 to achieve the 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 close release button assembly 518 can also be configured to interact with various sensors that communicate with the microprocessor 560 in the handle assembly 500 to track the position of the close trigger 512 . Further details regarding the construction and operation of the close-release button assembly 518 can be found in US Patent Application Publication 2015/0272575.

In at least one form, handle assembly 500 and handle frame 506 can operably support another drive system, referred to herein as firing drive system 530, configured to apply firing motion to the attachment to its counterpart in an interchangeable surgical tool assembly. As described in detail in US 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 with a maximum rotation of about 25,000 RPM. In other arrangements, the motor 505 may comprise a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor 505 may be powered by a power source 522, which in one form may include a removable power pack. The power pack may support multiple 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 . Additionally, 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 that 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 an unactuated position by a spring or other biasing arrangement such that when the clinician releases the firing trigger 532, the firing trigger may be pivoted or otherwise returned by the spring or biasing arrangement to the unactuated position. In at least one form, the firing trigger 532 may be positioned "outside" the closure trigger 512 as described above. As discussed in US Patent Application Publication 2015/0272575, the handle assembly 500 may be equipped with a firing trigger safety button (not shown) to prevent inadvertent actuation of the firing trigger 532 . When the closure trigger 512 is in the unactuated position, the safety button is housed in the handle assembly 500, in which case the clinician cannot easily access the safety button and keep the safety button in a position that prevents actuation of the firing trigger 532. Movement between a safety position and a firing position in which the firing trigger 532 can 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 a rack of teeth (not shown) formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear arrangement (not shown) that interfaces with the motor . Further details on those features can be found in US Patent Application Publication 2015/0272575. At least one form also includes a manually actuatable "rescue" assembly configured to enable a clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 120 if the motor 505 becomes inoperative. The rescue assembly may include a lever or rescue handle assembly that is stored within handle assembly 500 under releasable door 550 . See Figure 2. The lever may be configured to be manually pivotable into ratchet engagement with teeth in the drive member. Thus, the clinician can manually retract the drive member by using the rescue handle assembly to ratchet the drive member in the proximal direction "PD". US Pat. No. 8,608,045, entitled "POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUSWITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a rescue arrangement and is also interoperable with the various disclosed herein. Other components, arrangements, and systems employed with any of the surgical tool assemblies.

Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a surgical end effector 1500 that includes a first jaw 1600 and a second jaw 1800 . In one arrangement, the first jaw includes an elongated channel 1602 configured to operably support a surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700 therein. The second jaw 1800 includes an anvil 1810 pivotally supported relative to the elongated channel 1602 . Interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes an articulation system 1300 that includes an articulation joint 1302 and an articulation lock 1400 ( FIGS. 4-6 ) that can be configured to enable the surgical tip _The actuator 1500 is releasably held in the desired articulation position relative to the shaft axis SA1. Further details regarding articulation systems and articulation locks may be found in US patent application entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM LOCKABLE TO AFRAME" (Attorney Docket No. END8217USNP/170102); co-located with the present application date filed and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As further seen in FIGS. 4 and 7-9, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a tool frame assembly 1200 that includes a tool base 1210 that operably supports a nozzle assembly 1240 thereon. In one form, nozzle assembly 1240 consists of nozzle portions 1242, 1244 and an actuator wheel portion 1246 configured to be coupled to the assembled nozzle portion by snaps, lugs, screws, etc. 1242, 1244, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a proximal closure assembly 1900 operably coupled to a distal closure assembly 2000 for closing and/or opening the surgical end The anvil 1810 of the actuator 1500, as will be discussed in further detail below. Additionally, interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes spine assembly 1250 that operably supports proximal closure assembly 1900 and is coupled to surgical end effector 1500 . In various cases, to facilitate assembly, spine assembly 1250 may be made of upper spine segment 1251 and lower spine segment 1252 interconnected together by snap features, adhesives, welding, or the like. In assembled form, spine assembly 1250 includes a proximal end 1253 rotatably supported in tool base 1210 . In one arrangement, for example, proximal end 1253 of spine assembly 1250 is attached to a spine bearing (not shown) configured to be supported within tool base 1210 . Such an arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of spine assembly 1250 to tool base 1210 such that spine assembly 1250 is selectively rotatable relative to tool base 1210 _about shaft axis SA1. Specifically, in one arrangement, for example, the proximal end 1253 of the spine assembly 1250 includes an upper lug seat 1254 (FIGS. 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10) and a lower lug seat (not shown) ), each of the lug seats is configured to receive a corresponding nozzle lug 1245 extending inwardly from each of the nozzle portions 1242, 1244. Such an arrangement facilitates rotation of the spine assembly 1250 _about the shaft axis SA1 by rotating the actuator wheel portion 1246 of the nozzle assembly 1240.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 , spine assembly 1250 also includes an intermediate spine shaft segment 1256 having a diameter that is less than the diameter of proximal end 1253 of spine assembly 1250 . The intermediate spine segment 1256 of the upper spine segment 1251 terminates in the upper lug mounting feature 1260 and the intermediate spine segment of the lower spine segment 1252 terminates in the 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 adapted to mountably support the upper mounting connector 1264 therein. Similarly, the lower lug mounting feature 1270 has formed therein a lug slot 1272 adapted to mountably support the lower mounting connector 1274 therein. The upper mounting link 1264 includes therein _a pivot bearing socket 1266 that is offset from the shaft axis SA1. The pivot bearing socket 1266 is adapted to rotatably receive therein a pivot pin 1634 formed on a channel cap or anvil holder 1630 attached to the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongated channel 1602 . The lower mounting link 1274 includes a lower pivot pin 1276 adapted to be received within a pivot hole 1611 formed in the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongated channel 1602 . See Figure 6. Lower pivot pin 1276 and pivot hole 1611 are offset from shaft axis SA ₁ . The lower pivot pin 1276 is vertically aligned with the pivot socket 1266 to define an articulation axis AA ₁ about which the surgical end effector 1500 can articulate relative to the shaft axis SA ₁ . Although the articulation axis AA ₁ is transverse to the shaft axis SA ₁ , the articulation axis AA ₁ is laterally offset from the shaft axis SA ₁ and does not intersect the shaft axis SA ₁ .

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 15 , in the illustrated example, anvil 1810 includes an anvil body 1812 that terminates in anvil mounting portion 1820 . Anvil mounting portion 1820 is movably or pivotably supported on elongated channel 1602 for selective pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed anvil pivot axis PA ₁ ( FIG. 15 ) transverse to shaft axis SA ₁ . In the illustrated arrangement, a pivot member or anvil trunnion 1822 extends laterally out of each side of the anvil mounting portion 1820 for receipt in an upstanding wall 1612 formed in the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongated channel 1602 In the corresponding trunnion bracket 1614. Anvil trunnions 1822 are pivotally retained in their corresponding trunnion brackets 1614 by channel caps or anvil retainers 1630 . The channel cap or anvil retainer 1630 includes a pair of attachment lugs 1636 configured to be retainably received on an upstanding wall 1612 formed at the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongated channel 1602 Corresponding lug grooves or notches 1616 in .

In the illustrated example, surgical end effector 1500 is selectively articulatable about articulation axis AA1 by articulation system 1300 . In one form, articulation system 1300 includes a proximal articulation driver 1310 pivotally coupled to articulation link 1320 . As can be seen most particularly in FIG. 6 , an offset 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 pivotably receive a proximal link pin 1326 formed on the proximal end 1325 of the articulation link 1320 therein. The distal end 1322 of the articulation link 1320 includes a pivot hole 1324 configured to pivotably receive therein a channel pin formed on the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongated channel 1602 1618. Accordingly, axial movement of proximal articulation driver 1310 will thereby impart articulation action to elongated channel 1602, thereby causing surgical end effector 1500 to articulate relative to spine assembly 1250 _about articulation axis AA1.

Movement of anvil 1810 relative to elongated channel 1602 is accomplished by axial movement of proximal closure assembly 1900 and distal closure assembly 2000 . Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 7 , in the illustrated arrangement, the proximal closure assembly 1900 includes a 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 portion 1920. The proximal end 1922 of the proximal closure tube portion 1920 is rotatably supported in a closure shuttle 1940 that is slidably supported within the tool base 1210 such that the closure shuttle 1940 can be relative to the its axial movement. In one form, the closure shuttle 1940 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 1942 that are configured to attach to the attachment pin 516 that attaches to the closure connection of the handle assembly 500 Rod assembly 514 . The proximal end 1922 of the proximal closure tube portion 1920 is coupled to the closure shuttle 1940 for rotation relative to the closure shuttle 1940 . For example, U-shaped connector 1944 is inserted into annular slot 1924 in proximal closure tube portion 1920 and retained within vertical slot 1946 in closure shuttle 1940. Such an arrangement serves to attach proximal closure assembly 1900 to closure shuttle 1940 for axial travel with closure shuttle 1940 while enabling proximal closure assembly 1900 relative to the closure shuttle _about shaft axis SA1 1940 Rotation. A closure spring 1948 ( FIGS. 12-14 ) extends on the proximal closure tube portion 1920 to bias the closure shuttle 1940 in the proximal direction PD, which can be used to operably in the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 Coupling to handle assembly 500 pivots the closure trigger 512 on handle assembly 500 (FIG. 2) to an unactuated position.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 , the distal portion 1930 of the proximal closure tube 1910 is attached to the distal closure assembly 2000 . In the illustrated arrangement, for example, the distal closure assembly 2000 includes an articulation connector 2010 coupled to a distal closure tube segment 2030. In the illustrated example, the diameter of the distal closure tube segment 2030 is greater than the diameter of the distal portion 1930 of the proximal closure tube 1910 . Articulation connector 2010 has a proximally extending end portion 2012 adapted to be received on attachment flange 1934 formed on the distal end of distal portion 1930. Articulation connector 2010 may be retained on connection flange 1934 by suitable fastener arrangements, such as adhesives, welding, etc. Articulation connector 2010 includes upper tang 2014 and lower tang 2016 projecting distally from a distal end of articulation connector 2010 to movably couple to an end effector closure sleeve or distal closure segment 2030 . The distal closure segment 2030 includes an upper tang 2032 and a lower tang (not shown) projecting proximally from its proximal end. The upper dual pivot link 2060 includes a proximal pin 2061 and a distal pin 2062 that engage corresponding ones of the upper tangs 2014, 2032 of the articulation connector 2010 and the distal closure tube segment 2030, respectively Holes 2015, 2034. Similarly, the lower dual pivot link 2064 includes a proximal pin 2065 and a distal pin 2066 that engage in the articulation connector 2010 and the lower tang 2016 of the distal closure tube segment 2030, respectively Corresponds to hole 2019. As will be discussed in further detail below, distal and proximal axial translation of proximal closure assembly 1900 and distal closure assembly 2000 will cause anvil 1810 to close and open relative to elongated channel 1602.

In at least one arrangement, interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 also includes a firing system generally designated 2100. In the illustrated example, the firing system 2100 includes a firing member assembly 2110 that is supported for axial travel within the spine assembly 1250 . In the illustrated embodiment, the firing member assembly 2110 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 configured for attachment to the distal cutting portion or shank 2130. The firing member assembly 2110 may also be referred to herein as the "second shaft" and/or the "second shaft assembly." As can be seen in FIG. 5 , the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 can include a longitudinal slot 2124 in the distal end 2122 thereof, which can be configured to receive the proximal end 2132 of the arbor 2130 . The longitudinal slot 2124 and the proximal end 2132 of the shank 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 shank 2130 . Once the end effector 1500 has been properly oriented, the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 can be advanced distally until the proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot 2124 comes into contact with a portion of the blade shank 2130 to advance the blade shank 2130 and fire into position Surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700 within elongated 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 that is configured to be seated to the In the attachment bracket (not shown), the attachment bracket is located on the distal end of the 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 when the firing drive system 530 is actuated.

In addition to the above, interchangeable tool assembly 1000 can include clutch assembly 2200 that can be configured to selectively and releasably couple proximal articulation driver 1310 to firing system 2100 . In one form, the clutch assembly 2200 includes a locking collar or locking sleeve 2210 positioned about the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 of the firing system 2100, wherein the locking sleeve 2210 is rotatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, in the engaged position At , the locking sleeve 2210 is coupled to the proximal articulation driver 1310 to the firing member assembly 2110, and at the disengaged position, the proximal articulation driver 1310 is not operatively coupled to the firing member assembly 2110. When the locking sleeve 2210 is in its engaged position, distal movement of the firing member assembly 2110 can move the proximal articulation driver 1310 distally, and correspondingly, proximal movement of the firing member assembly 2110 can cause proximal articulation The driver 1310 is moved proximally. Movement of the firing member assembly 2110 is not transmitted to the proximal articulation driver 1310 when the locking sleeve 2210 is in its disengaged position, and thus, the firing member assembly 2110 can move independently of the proximal articulation driver 1310 . In various instances, 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, the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 of the firing member assembly 2110 is formed with two opposing flat sides 2121 , 2123 with the drive recess 2126 formed therein. See Figure 8. As also seen in Figure 13, the locking sleeve 2210 includes a cylindrical or at least substantially cylindrical body including a longitudinal bore 2212 configured to receive an intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 therethrough. The locking sleeve 2210 may include diametrically opposed inward facing locking protrusions 2214, 2216 that are engagedly received in drive recesses in the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 when the locking sleeve 2210 is in one position within the corresponding portion of the port 2126 and not received within the drive recess 2126 when the locking sleeve 2210 is in another position, thereby allowing relative axial movement between the locking sleeve 2210 and the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 12-14 , in the illustrated example, the locking sleeve 2210 further includes a locking member 2218 sized to be movably received proximally of the proximal articulation driver 1310 Inside recess 1319 in side end 1318. This arrangement allows the locking sleeve 2210 to rotate slightly into and out of engagement with the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 while maintaining engagement with the notch 1319 in the proximal articulation driver 1310. For example, when the locking sleeve 2210 is in its engaged position, the locking tabs 2214, 2216 are positioned within the drive notches 2126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 so that a distal push and/or proximal pull can be pulled from the firing member assembly 2110 is passed to locking sleeve 2210. Such axial pushing or pulling motion is then transmitted from locking sleeve 2210 to proximal articulation driver 1310, thereby articulating surgical end effector 1500. In effect, when locking sleeve 2210 is in its engaged (articulating) position, 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 thus, the distal thrust and/or proximal pull may not be From the firing member assembly 2110 will be communicated to the locking sleeve 2210 (and the proximal articulation driver 1310).

In the illustrated example, relative movement of locking sleeve 2210 between its engaged and disengaged positions may be controlled by clutch assembly 2200 that interfaces with proximal closure tube 1910 of proximal closure assembly 1900 . More specifically and with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 , the clutch assembly 2200 also includes a clutch key 2240 configured to be slidably received within a key groove 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 FIGS. 8-11 , the clutch key 2240 includes an actuator lug 2242 that extends through a cam slot or cam opening 1926 in the proximal closure tube portion 1920 . See Figure 9. A cam surface 2243 is also provided adjacent the actuator lug 2242, the cam surface being configured to cammingly interact with the cam opening 1926 to cause the clutch key 2240 to respond to the axial direction of the proximal closure tube portion 1920 Movement and rotation.

Also in the illustrated example, the clutch assembly 2200 also includes a switch barrel 2220 that is rotatably received on the proximal end portion of the proximal closure tube portion 1920 . As can be seen in FIGS. 10-14 , actuator lugs 2242 extend through axial slot segments 2222 in switching barrel 2220 and are movably received within arcuate slot segments 2224 in switching barrel 2220 . A switch barrel torsion spring 2226 ( FIGS. 12-14 ) is mounted on the switch barrel 2220 and engages the nozzle portion 1244 to apply a torsional bias or rotation (arrow SR in FIGS. 10 and 11 ) for The switching barrel 2220 is rotated until the actuator lugs 2242 reach the ends of the arcuate slot segments 2224. See Figures 11 and 12. When in this position, the switch barrel 2220 can provide a torsional bias to the clutch key 2240 that causes the locking sleeve 2210 to rotate into a position where it engages the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120. This position also corresponds to the unactuated configuration of 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 from the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700), the actuator lugs 2242 are positioned proximally In the upper portion of the cam opening 1926 in the side 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 the desired orientation, the user can then actuate the proximal closure assembly 1900. Actuation of the proximal closure assembly 1900 will result in distal advancement of the proximal closure tube portion 1920 to ultimately apply a closing motion to the anvil 1810. This distal advancement of the proximal closure tube portion 1920 will cause the cam opening 1926 to cam interact with the cam surface 2243 on the actuator lug 2242, 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 can be actuated to actuate the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 without actuating the proximal articulation driver 1310 . Further details regarding the operation of the switching cartridge 2220 and locking sleeve 2210 and alternative articulation and firing drive arrangements that may be used with the various interchangeable surgical tool assemblies described herein can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/ 803,086 (now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541) and US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,196, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Referring again to FIGS. 8-13 , the switching cartridge 2220 can further include at least partially circumferential openings 2228 , 2230 defined therein that can receive circumferential lugs/mounts 1245 extending from the nozzle portions 1242 , 1244 and allow for Relative rotation (rather than relative translation) between the barrel 2220 and the nozzle assembly 1240 is switched. Nozzle lugs 1245 extend through corresponding openings 1923 in proximal closure tube portion 1920 to seat in lug seats 1254 in spine assembly 1250. See Figures 8 and 9. This arrangement enables the user to rotate the spine assembly 1250 about the shaft axis by rotating the nozzle assembly 1250 .

As also shown in FIGS. 7 and 12-14, the interchangeable tool assembly 1000 can include a slip ring assembly 1230 that can be configured to conduct electrical power to the surgical end effector 1500 and/or from the surgical end effector 1500. The surgical end effector 1500 conducts power and/or transmits signals to and/or from the surgical end effector 1500 back to, for example, the microcontroller 560 in the handle assembly 500 (Fig. 2) or the robot system controller. Additional details regarding slip ring assembly 1230 and associated connectors can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086 (now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541) and US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,196 (both patent applications each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) and US Patent Application Serial No. 13/800,067 (now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263552) entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSORSYSTEM", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety This article). Also as described in further detail in the aforementioned patent applications, which have been incorporated by reference herein, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may also include at least one sensor configured to detect the position of the switching barrel 2220 .

Referring again to FIG. 2, the tool base 1210 includes at least one and preferably two tapered attachment portions 1212 formed thereon, the tapered attachment portions 1212 adapted to be received within corresponding dovetail shaped slots 507, the dovetails A shaped slot 507 is formed in the distal end portion of the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. Various interchangeable surgical tool assemblies employ a latch system 1220 for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500 . As can be seen in FIG. 7 , for example, in at least one form, latch system 1220 includes a locking member or locking yoke 1222 movably coupled to tool chassis 1210 . In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the locking yoke 1222 has a U-shape with two spaced, 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 pivotal attachment of locking yoke 1222 to tool base 1210 . The locking yoke 1222 may include two proximally protruding locking lugs 1224 configured to interface with corresponding locking pawls in the distal end of the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500 or The groove 509 is releasably engaged. See Figure 2. In various forms, the locking yoke 1222 is biased in the proximal direction by a spring or biasing member 1225. Actuation of the locking yoke 1222 may be accomplished by a latch button 1226 slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly 1221 mounted to the tool chassis 1210 . The latch button 1226 can be biased in a proximal direction relative to the locking yoke 1222 . The locking yoke 1222 can be moved to the unlocked position by biasing the latch button 1226 in the distal direction, which also pivots the locking yoke 1222 out of engagement with the distal end of the handle frame 506 . The locking lugs 1224 remain seated within corresponding locking pawls or grooves 509 in the distal end of the handle frame 506 when the locking yoke 1222 is "remained in engagement" with 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 locking yoke 1222 can pivot in the 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 locking yoke 1222 is prevented from pivoting to the unlocked position. In other words, if the clinician attempts to pivot the locking yoke 1222 to the unlocked position, or, for example, the locking yoke 1222 is inadvertently bumped or contacted in a manner that might otherwise have caused it to pivot distally, the locking yoke 1222 is placed on the locking yoke 1222. The locking hook 1227 of the will contact the locking lug 1943 on the closure shuttle 1940 and prevent the locking yoke 1222 from moving to the unlocked position.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the cutter bar 2130 may comprise 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 elsewhere along their lengths. In an alternative embodiment, the distal ends of the straps are not connected together to allow the laminate or straps to unfold relative to each other when the end effector is articulated. Such an arrangement allows the knife bar 2130 to be flexible enough to accommodate articulation of the end effector. Various laminated arbor arrangements are disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,245, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURESTROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As can also be seen in FIG. 6 , the firing shaft support member 2300 is used to provide lateral support for the knife rod 2130 as it flexes to accommodate the articulation of the surgical end effector 1500 . Further details regarding the operation of the firing shaft support assembly 2300 and alternative arbor support arrangements can be found in: US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,245 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS" and "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING" ANDAXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR" US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,220, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As also seen in FIG. 6 , a firing member or knife member 2140 is attached to the distal end of the knife shaft 2130 . In one exemplary form, the firing member 2140 includes a body portion 2142 that supports a knife or tissue cutting portion 2144 . Body portion 2142 protrudes through elongated slot 1604 in elongated channel 1602 and terminates in foot members 2146 extending laterally on each side of body portion 2142 . When the firing member 2140 is driven distally through the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700, the foot member 2146 straddles the passageway 1622 in the elongated passageway 1602 below the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700 (FIG. 48) Inside. In one arrangement, the body portion 2142 includes two laterally projecting central tabs 2145 that can straddle the central passageway within the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700 . See Figure 6. Tissue cutting portions 2144 are disposed between distally projecting top nose portions 2143. As further seen in FIG. 6 , the firing member 2140 may also include two laterally extending top tab, pin or anvil engagement features 2147 . When the firing member 2140 is driven distally, the top portion of the body portion 2142 extends through the centrally positioned anvil slot 1814 and the anvil engagement features 2147 straddle each side formed on the anvil slot 1814 on the corresponding anvil boss 1816. 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 anvil 1810 is assembled to elongated channel 1602 and firing member 2140 is installed, opening 1817 is covered by anvil cap 1819 that is attached to the anvil by welding or other suitable fastening means main body 1812.

Returning to FIG. 6 , the firing member 2140 is configured to operably interface with the slide assembly 2150 , which is operably supported within the body 1702 of the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700 . Slide assembly 2150 is slidably displaced within surgical staple/fastener cartridge body 1702 from a proximal end starting position adjacent proximal end 1704 of cartridge body 1702 to a distal end adjacent cartridge body 1702 1706's end position. Cartridge body 1702 operably supports therein a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) aligned in rows on each side of centrally disposed slot 1708 . The centrally positioned slot 1708 enables the firing member 2140 to pass therethrough and cut tissue held between the anvil 1810 and the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700 . The drivers are associated with corresponding staple/fastener pockets 1712 that 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. Slide assembly 2150 includes a plurality of angled or wedge-shaped cams 2152 , where each cam 2152 corresponds to a particular line of fasteners or drivers located on one side of 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 in contact with the handle The dovetail slots 507 in the upper frame 506 are aligned. The clinician can then move the surgical tool assembly 1000 along the mounting axis IA perpendicular to the shaft axis SA1 to seat the tapered attachment portion 1212 with _a corresponding dovetail-shaped receiving slot in the distal end of the handle frame 506 507 "Operably Engaged". In doing so, the firing shaft attachment lugs 2128 on the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 will also seat in the attachment brackets (not shown) in the longitudinally movable drive member (not shown) within the handle assembly 500 , and the portion of the attachment pin 516 on the closure link 514 will seat in the corresponding hook 1942 in the closure shuttle 1940 . As used herein, the term "operably engaged" in the context of two components means that the two components are sufficiently engaged with each other such that once actuating motion is applied thereto, the components can perform their intended actions, functions and/or or program.

During a typical surgical procedure, the 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. When 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 is passed through the trocar port, the clinician may need to articulate the end effector 1500 to advantageously position it adjacent the target tissue. This is prior to closing the anvil to the target tissue, so the closure drive system 510 will remain unactuated. When in this position, actuation of the firing drive system 530 will result in the application of an articulation motion 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 can hold the surgical end effector 1500 in the articulation position. The clinician can then actuate the closure drive system 510 to close the anvil 1810 to the target tissue. Such actuation of the closed drive system 510 may also cause the clutch assembly 2200 to decouple the proximal articulation driver from the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120. Thus, when the target tissue has been captured in the surgical end effector 1500, the clinician can again actuate the firing drive system 530 to axially advance the firing member 2140 through the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700 to The clamped tissue is cut and the staples are fired into the cut tissue. Other closure and firing drive arrangements, actuator arrangements (handheld, manual and automatic or robotic) may also be employed to control the operation of surgical tool assembly 1000 without departing from the spirit and scope of the various inventions disclosed herein. Axial movement of closure system components, articulation system components, and/or firing system components.

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 is used together to perform various surgical procedures.

Turning now to FIGS. 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 elongated channel 3602 configured to operably support a surgical staple/fastener cartridge 3700 therein. The second jaw 3800 includes an anvil 3810 pivotally supported relative to the elongated channel 3602 . The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 includes an articulation system 3300 including an articulation joint 3302 and an articulation lock 3400 that can be configured to position the surgical end effector 3500 relative to the shaft axis SA ₂ Releasably held in the desired articulation position. Details regarding the construction and operation of the articulation lock 3400, as well as alternative lock configurations and operational details, can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK", now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Additional details regarding articulation lock 3400 can also be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,196, "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARYCONSTRAINT," filed February 9, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. into this article.

As can be seen in Figure 17, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 includes a tool frame assembly 3200 that includes a tool base 3210 that operably supports a nozzle assembly 3240 thereon. In one form, nozzle assembly 3240 is comprised of nozzle portions 3242, 3244 and an actuator wheel portion 3246 configured to be coupled to the assembled nozzle portion by snaps, lugs, screws, etc. 3242, 3244, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 includes a proximal closure assembly 3900 operably coupled to a distal closure assembly 4000 for closing and/or opening surgical end performance The anvil 3810 of the device 3500, as will be discussed in further detail below. Additionally, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 includes an "elastic" spine assembly 3250 that operably supports the proximal closure assembly 3900 and is coupled to the surgical end effector 3500. An exemplary form of spine assembly 3250 is disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,911 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING ANDFIRING SYSTEMS", the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference This article. For example, spine assembly 3250 can include an elastic spine member having a proximal end portion 3253 and a distal end portion 3280 that is proximal to elastic spine assembly 3250 by tensile features 3282 formed therebetween. The side end portions 3253 are separated. Additionally, stretch-limiting insert 3284 remains supported between distal end portion 3280 and proximal end portion 3253. In various arrangements, the elastic spine assembly 3250 may be made of, for example, a suitable polymeric material, rubber, etc., having a modulus of elasticity designated ME ₁ for reference purposes. For reference purposes, stretch limiting insert 3284 may have a modulus of elasticity designated ME ₂ . In each case, the stretch limiter insert 3284 also includes a pair of stretch limiters 3285 (only one is shown in Figure 17). For reference purposes, stretch limiter 3285 may have a modulus of elasticity _ME3 . In at least one arrangement, ME ₃ <ME ₂ <ME ₁ . Further details regarding at least one specific implementation of the elastic spine assembly 3250 and stretch limiting insert 3284 can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,911.

In the illustrated arrangement, the distal end portion 3280 of the spine assembly 3250 has an opening 3281 therein to facilitate assembly. A ridge top cover 3283 may be attached thereto to cover the opening 3281 after the 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) configured to be supported within base 3210 . Such an arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of spine assembly 3250 to tool base 3210 such that spine assembly 3250 is selectively rotatable relative to tool base 3210 about shaft axis _SA2 . 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 is visible in FIG. 17 ), each of which is configured to enable Corresponding nozzle lugs (not shown) extending inwardly from each of the nozzle portions 3242, 3244 are received. Such an arrangement facilitates rotation of the spine assembly 3250 about the shaft axis _SA2 by rotating the actuator wheel portion 3246 of the nozzle assembly 3240.

Referring now to FIG. 18, the distal end portion 3280 of the resilient spine assembly 3250 is attached to a distal frame segment 3286 that operably supports the articulation lock 3400 therein. The spine assembly 3250 is configured to: first, slidably support the firing member assembly 4110 therein; and second, slidably support the proximal closure tube 3910 extending around the spine assembly 3250. The spine assembly 3250 may also be configured to slidably support the proximal articulation driver 3310. As can be seen in FIG. 18 , the distal frame segment 3286 is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel 3602 by an 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 the pivot base portion 3291 of the end effector mounting assembly 3290. The end effector mounting assembly 3290 is attached to the proximal end 3610 of the elongated channel 3602 by a spring pin 3620 or other suitable member received within the mounting hole 3611 in the proximal end portion 3610. Pivot pin 3288 defines an articulation axis AA _{2 transverse to shaft axis SA 2 .} See Figure 18. Such an arrangement facilitates pivotal travel (ie, articulation) of the surgical end effector 3500 relative to the resilient spine assembly 3250 about the articulation axis _AA2 . The distal frame segment 3286 is also configured to support the articulation lock 3400 therein. Various articulation lock arrangements are available. At least one form of articulation lock 3400 is described in further detail in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK," now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541, the entire disclosure of which is The contents are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Additional details regarding this articulation lock can also be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,196, filed February 9, 2016, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT."

In the illustrated example, surgical end effector 3500 is capable of selective articulation by articulation system 3300 about articulation axis _AA2 . In one form, the articulation system 3300 includes a proximal articulation driver 3310 that operably interfaces with the articulation lock 3400 . Articulation lock 3400 includes articulation frame 3402 adapted to operably engage drive pins 3293 on pivot base portion 3291 of end effector mount assembly 3290. Additionally, cross-links 3294 may be coupled to drive pins 3293 and articulation frame 3402 to assist in articulation of the surgical end effector 3500. As noted above, further details regarding the operation of the articulation lock 3400 and the articulation frame 3402 can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086 (now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541). Further details regarding the end effector mounting assembly and cross-connect 3294 can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,245, filed February 9, 2016, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," The entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference herein. As described further herein and in other disclosures incorporated herein by reference, axial movement of the proximal articulation driver 3310 will cause engagement/disengagement of the articulation lock 3400 , thereby applying articulation action to the elongated channel 3602 , thereby causing the surgical end effector 3500 to articulate relative to the spine assembly 3250 about the articulation axis _AA2 .

In the illustrated example, anvil 3810 includes an anvil body 3812 terminating in anvil mounting portion 3820 . Anvil mounting portion 3820 is movably or pivotably supported on elongated channel 3602 for selective pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed anvil pivot axis PA ₂ ( FIG. 18 ) transverse to shaft axis SA ₂ . In the illustrated arrangement, anvil trunnions 3822 extend laterally out of each side of anvil mounting portion 3820 to receive corresponding trunnion pivots formed in upstanding walls 3612 of proximal end portion 3610 of elongated channel 3602 in the shaft hole 3613. Movement of anvil 3810 relative to elongated channel 3602 is accomplished by axial movement of proximal closure assembly 3900 and distal closure assembly 4000. In the illustrated arrangement, proximal closure assembly 3900 includes a 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, which is slidably supported within the tool base 3210 such that the closure shuttle 3940 can move axially relative to it. In one form, the closure shuttle 3940 includes a pair of proximally protruding hooks 3942 configured for attachment to the lateral attachment pins 516 attached to the handle assembly 500 The linkage assembly 514 is closed. Proximal end 3912 is coupled to closure shuttle 3940 for rotation relative thereto. For example, U-shaped connector 3944 is inserted into annular slot 3916 in proximal end 3912 and retained within vertical slot 3946 in 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 relative to the closure shuttle about the shaft axis _SA2 3940 spins. As described above in connection with interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000, a closure spring (not shown) may extend on proximal end 3912 of proximal closure tube 3910 to bias closure shuttle 3940 in proximal direction PD , which can be used to pivot the closure trigger 512 on the handle assembly 500 ( FIG. 2 ) to the unactuated position when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 is operably 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 that are 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 projecting proximally from its proximal end. Upper dual pivot connection 4060 pivotally couples upper tangs 3917 and 4032, and lower dual pivot connection 4064 pivotally couples lower tangs 3918 and 4034 together in the manner described above. Distal advancement of the distal closure tube segment 4030 _over the anvil mounting portion 3820 will cause the anvil 3810 to close or pivotally travel toward the elongated channel 3602 about the fixed anvil pivot axis PA2. In the illustrated arrangement, the distal closure segment 4030 also includes positive jaw or anvil opening features 4040 that are configured to engage with surfaces on the anvil mounting portion 3820 or The ramp portions cooperate to pivot the anvil 3810 from the closed position to the open position as the distal closure tube section 4030 is moved proximally back to the starting position. Other embodiments may not employ the positive jaw opening feature, but may rely on a spring or other biasing arrangement to bias the anvil to the open position when the distal closure segment has been retracted to its most proximal starting position. Further details regarding the configuration and operation of the anvil opening features can be found, for example, in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,911 entitled "SURGICALSTAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS".

In the illustrated arrangement, interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 also 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 4110 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 configured for attachment to the distal cutting portion or shank 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 the "second shaft" and/or the "second shaft assembly." As can be seen in FIG. 18 , the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 can include a longitudinal slot 4124 in the distal end 4122 thereof, which can be configured to receive the proximal end 4132 of the arbor 4130 . The longitudinal slot 4124 and the proximal end 4132 of the shank 4130 can be sized and configured to allow relative movement therebetween and can include a sliding joint 4134 . The sliding 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 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 lug 4128 formed thereon that is configured to be seated into an attachment bracket ( not shown), the attachment bracket is located on the distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member (not shown) of the firing drive system 530 within the handle assembly 500, as described above. This arrangement facilitates axial movement of the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 when the firing drive system 530 is actuated. Other attachment configurations may also be employed to couple the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 to other firing drive arrangements (eg, manually actuated, robotic, etc.).

In addition to the above, the interchangeable tool assembly 3000 can include the clutch assembly 4200 in the manner described above, which can 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 locking collar or locking sleeve 4210 positioned about the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 of the firing member assembly 4110, wherein the locking sleeve is rotatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, where the In the position, the locking sleeve 4210 is coupled to the proximal articulation driver 3310 to the firing member assembly 4110, and in the disengaged position, the proximal articulation driver 3310 is not operatively coupled to the firing member assembly 4110. As described above, the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 of the firing member assembly 4110 is formed with a drive notch 4126. The locking sleeve 4210 includes a cylindrical or at least substantially cylindrical body including a longitudinal bore 4212 configured to receive an intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 therethrough. The locking sleeve 4210 may include diametrically opposed inward facing locking protrusions 4214, 4216 that are engagedly received in drive recesses in the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120 when the locking sleeve 4210 is in one position within the corresponding portion of the port 4126 and 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 4210 and the intermediate firing shaft portion 4120, as further above discussed in detail. The locking sleeve 4210 also includes a locking member 4218 sized to be movably received within a 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 so that distal push and/or proximal pull forces can be transmitted from the firing member assembly 4110 to the Locking sleeve 4210. Such axial pushing or pulling motion is then transferred from locking sleeve 4210 to proximal articulation driver 3310, thereby articulating surgical end effector 3500.

As discussed above, in the illustrated example, relative movement of locking sleeve 4210 between its engaged and disengaged positions may be controlled by clutch assembly 4200 that interfaces with proximal closure tube 3910 of proximal closure assembly 3900. Clutch assembly 4200 also includes clutch key 4240 configured to be slidably received within a key groove (similar to key groove 2217 shown in FIG. 8 ) formed in the outer periphery of locking sleeve 4210 . This arrangement enables the clutch key 4240 to move axially relative to the locking sleeve 4210 . The operation of clutch assembly 4200 may be the same as that of clutch assembly 2200, which is described in further detail above and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. Further details, alternative arrangements and drive configurations that may be employed are disclosed in Other Arrangements that may be employed, which are disclosed in: US Patent entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLYACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS" Application Serial No. 15/385,911, US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086 (now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541), and US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,196, among other disclosures incorporated herein.

The interchangeable tool assembly 3000 can include a slip ring assembly 3230 that can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the surgical end effector 3500 and/or to Signals are communicated to and/or from the surgical end effector 3500 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 3230 and associated connectors can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086 (now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541) and US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,196 (both patent applications each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety) and US Patent Application Serial No. 13/800,067 (now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263552) entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. into this article).

For example, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 also employs a latch system 3220 for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 to the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. The latch system 3220 may be the same as the latch system 1220 described in detail above. The cutter bar 4130 may comprise 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 elsewhere along their lengths. In an alternative embodiment, the distal ends of the straps are not connected together to allow the laminate or straps to unfold relative to each other when 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 arbor arrangements are disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,245, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURESTROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As can also be seen in FIG. 18 , the firing shaft support member 4300 is used to provide lateral support for the knife rod 4130 as it flexes to accommodate the articulation of the surgical end effector 3500 . Further details regarding the operation of the firing shaft support assembly 4300 and alternative arbor support arrangements can be found in: US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,245 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS" and "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING" ANDAXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR" US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,220, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As also seen in FIG. 18 , a firing member or knife member 4140 is attached to the distal end of the knife shaft 4130 . The firing member 4140 is configured to operably interface with the slide assembly 4150 , which is operably supported within the body 3702 of the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 3700 . Sliding assembly 4150 is slidably displaceable within surgical staple/fastener cartridge body 3702 from a proximal end starting position adjacent proximal end 3704 of cartridge body 3702 to a distal end adjacent cartridge body 3702 The end position of 3706. Cartridge body 3702 operably supports therein a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) aligned in rows on each side of centrally disposed slot 3708 . The centrally positioned slot 3708 enables the firing member 4140 to pass therethrough and cut tissue sandwiched between the anvil 3810 and the staple cartridge 3700. The drivers are associated with corresponding staple pockets 3712 that 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. Slide assembly 4150 includes a plurality of angled or wedge-shaped cams 4152 , where each cam 4152 corresponds to a particular line of fasteners or drivers located on one side of 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 Figure 49. Body portion 4142 protrudes through elongated slot 3604 in elongated channel 3602 and terminates in foot members 4146 extending laterally on each side of body portion 4142 . When the firing member 4140 is driven distally through the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 3700, the foot member 4146 straddles the elongated channel 3602 within the passageway 3622 positioned below the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 3700. Tissue cutting portions 4144 are disposed between distally projecting top nose portions 4143. As further seen in FIG. 18 , the firing member 4140 may also include two laterally extending top tab, pin or anvil engagement features 4147 . When the firing member 4140 is driven distally, the top portion of the body portion 4142 extends through the centrally disposed anvil slot 3814 and the anvil engagement features 4147 straddle each side formed on the anvil slot 3814 on the corresponding convex portion 3816. Further details regarding firing member 4140, slide assembly 4150 and examples of their various alternatives and their operation are discussed in further detail below, and can also be found in the United States entitled "SURGICALSTAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS" Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,911. 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 discussed above, the surgical system 10 shown in this figure includes four interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000, each of which can effectively Used with the same handle assembly 500 to perform different surgical procedures. Turning now to FIGS. 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 elongated channel 5602 configured to operably support a surgical staple/fastener cartridge 5700 therein. The second jaw 5800 includes an anvil 5810 that is movably supported relative to the elongated channel 5602. Interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 includes an articulation system 5300 including an articulation joint 5302 and an articulation lock 5400 that can be configured to position the surgical end effector 5500 relative to the shaft axis SA ₃ Releasably held in the desired articulation position. Details regarding the construction and operation of articulation lock 5400, as well as alternative lock configurations and operational details, can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,894 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCK OUT", the entire disclosure of which is hereby relied upon Incorporated herein by reference. Alternative articulation locking arrangements can also be found in: US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING ANARTICULATION LOCK", now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541 and filed February 9, 2016 US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,196 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT," the entire disclosure of each such reference is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

As can be seen in Figure 20, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 includes a tool frame assembly 5200 that includes a tool base 5210 that operably 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 configured to be coupled to the assembled nozzle portion 5242 by snaps, lugs, screws, etc. , 5244, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 includes a proximal closure assembly 5900 operably coupled to a distal closure assembly 6000 for closing and/or opening a surgical end effector Anvil 5810 of 5500, as will be discussed in further detail below. Additionally, interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 includes spine assembly 5250 that operably supports proximal closure assembly 5900 and is coupled to surgical end effector 5500. In the illustrated arrangement, spine assembly 5250 includes a distal end portion 5280 having an opening 5281 therein to facilitate assembly. A ridge top cover 5283 can be attached thereto to cover the opening 5281 after the 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 one arrangement, for example, the proximal end of proximal end portion 5253 of spine assembly 5250 is attached to a spine bearing (not shown) configured to be supported within base 5210. Such an arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of spine assembly 5250 to tool base 5210 such that spine assembly 5250 is selectively rotatable relative to tool base 5210 about shaft axis _SA3 . 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 is visible in FIG. 20 ), each of which is configured to enable Corresponding nozzle lugs (not shown) extending inwardly from each of the nozzle portions 5242, 5244 are received. Such an arrangement facilitates rotation of the spine assembly 5250 about the shaft axis SA3 by rotating the actuator wheel portion 5246 _of the nozzle assembly 5240.

Referring now to Figure 21, the distal end portion 5280 of the spine assembly 5250 is attached to a distal frame segment 5286 that operably supports the articulation lock 5400 therein. The spine assembly 5250 is configured to: first, slidably support the firing member assembly 6110 therein; and second, slidably support the proximal closure tube 5910 extending around the spine assembly 5250. The spine assembly 5250 may also be configured to slidably support the first articulation driver 5310 and the second articulation driver 5320. As can be seen in FIG. 21 , the distal frame segment 5286 is pivotally coupled to the proximal end 5610 of the elongated 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 elongated channel 5602. Pivot pin 5288 defines an articulation axis AA _{3 transverse to shaft axis SA 3 .} See Figure 21. Such an arrangement facilitates pivotal travel (ie, articulation) of the surgical end effector 5500 relative to the spine assembly 5250 about the articulation axis _AA3 . The distal frame segment 5286 is also configured to support the articulation lock 5400 therein.

In the illustrated arrangement, the distal end 5314 of the first articulation driver 5310 is formed with a collar 5316 adapted to receive therein a first articulation formed on the proximal end portion 5610 of the elongated channel 5602 Movement pin 5618. Similarly, the distal end 5324 of the second articulation driver 5320 has a collar 5326 adapted to receive a second articulation pin 5619 formed on the proximal end portion 5610 of the elongated channel 5602 therein. In one arrangement, for example, the first articulation driver 5310 also includes a proximal rack tooth 5315 in meshing engagement with an idler gear 5330 rotatably supported in the spine assembly 5250. Similarly, second articulation driver 5320 also includes proximal rack teeth 5325 in meshing engagement with idler gear 5330 . Thus, in such arrangements, 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 articulation driver 5310 and the second articulation driver 5320 will simultaneously provide push and pull motions to the surgical end effector 5500 to articulate the surgical end effector about the articulation axis _AA3 .

In the illustrated example, anvil 5810 includes an anvil body 5812 terminating in anvil mounting portion 5820 . Anvil mounting portion 5820 is movably supported on elongated channel 5602 for selective pivoting and vertical travel relative thereto. In the illustrated arrangement, anvil trunnions 5822 extend laterally out of each side of anvil mounting portion 5820 to receive corresponding "open" upright walls 5612 formed in proximal end portion 5610 of elongated channel 5602 ” in the vertical bracket 5613. Movement of anvil 5810 relative to elongated channel 5602 is accomplished by axial movement of proximal closure assembly 5900 and distal closure assembly 6000. In the illustrated arrangement, 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, which is slidably supported within the tool base 5210 such that the closure shuttle 5940 can move axially relative to it. In one form, the closure shuttle 5940 includes a pair of proximally protruding hooks 5942 that are configured to attach to the lateral attachment pin 516 attached to the handle assembly 500 The linkage assembly 514 is closed. The proximal end 5912 of the proximal closure tube 5910 is coupled to the closure shuttle 5940 for rotation relative to the closure shuttle 5940. For example, U-shaped connector 5944 is inserted into annular slot 5916 in proximal end 5912 and retained within vertical slot 5946 in 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 relative to the closure shuttle about the shaft axis _SA3 5940 spins. As described above in connection with the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000, a closure spring (not shown) may extend on the proximal end 5912 of the proximal closure tube 5910 to bias the closure shuttle 5940 in the proximal direction PD , which can be used to pivot the closure trigger 512 on the handle assembly 500 ( FIG. 2 ) to the unactuated position when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 is operably coupled to the handle assembly 500 in the manner described above.

As can be seen in FIG. 21 , the distal end 5914 of the proximal closure tube 5910 is attached to the distal closure assembly 6000. The distal end 5914 includes an upper tang 5917 and a lower tang 7918 that are configured to be movably coupled to the end effector closure sleeve or distal closure tube segment 6030. The distal closure tube segment 6030 includes an upper tang 6032 and a lower tang 6034 projecting proximally from its proximal end. Upper dual pivot connection 6060 pivotally couples upper tangs 5917 and 6032, and lower dual pivot connection 6064 pivotally couples lower tangs 5918 and 6034 together in the manner described above. The distal closure segment 6030 includes an inner cam surface 6036 configured to cammingly engage the anvil cam surface 5820 on the anvil mounting portion 5820. Distal advancement of the distal closure segment 6030 over the anvil mounting portion 5820 will cause the anvil 5810 to close or pivotally travel toward the elongated channel 5602. In the illustrated arrangement, upstanding anvil tabs 5827 are formed on anvil mounting portion 5820 and are configured to be contactable by two positive jaw opening tabs 6038 extending inwardly within distal closure segment 6030. Each positive jaw opening tab 6038 is configured to engage a corresponding one of the anvil tabs 5827 to pivot the anvil 5810 to when the distal closure segment 6030 is moved axially in the proximal direction PD Open location.

In the illustrated arrangement, 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 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 the distal cutting portion or shank 6130. The firing member assembly 6110 may also be referred to herein as the "second shaft" and/or the "second shaft assembly." As can be seen in FIG. 21 , the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 can include a longitudinal slot 6124 in the distal end 6122 thereof, which can be configured to receive the proximal end 6132 of the knife shank 6130 . The longitudinal slot 6124 and the proximal end 6132 of the shank 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 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 lug 6128 formed thereon that is configured to be seated into an attachment bracket ( not shown), the attachment bracket is located on the distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member (not shown) of the firing drive system 530 within the handle assembly 500, as described above. This arrangement facilitates axial movement of the intermediate firing shaft portion 6120 when the firing drive system 530 is actuated. Other attachment configurations may also be employed to couple the intermediate firing shaft portion to other firing drive arrangements (eg, manually actuated, robotic, etc.).

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

As discussed above, in the illustrated example, relative movement of locking sleeve 6210 between its engaged and disengaged positions may be controlled by clutch assembly 6200 that interfaces with proximal closure tube 5910 of proximal closure assembly 5900. The clutch assembly 6200 also includes a clutch key 6240 configured to be slidably received within a key groove (similar to the key groove 2217 shown in FIG. 8 ) formed in the outer periphery of the locking sleeve 6210 . This arrangement enables the clutch key 6240 to move axially relative to the locking sleeve 6210 . The operation of clutch assembly 6200 may be the same as that of clutch assembly 2200, which is described in further detail above and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. Further details, alternative arrangements and drive configurations that may be employed are disclosed in Other Arrangements that may be employed, which are disclosed in: US Patent entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLYACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS" Application Serial No. 15/385,911, US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086 (now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541), and US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,196, among other disclosures incorporated herein.

The interchangeable tool assembly 5000 can include a slip ring assembly 5230 that can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the surgical end effector 5500 and/or to Signals are communicated to and/or from the surgical end effector 5500 back to, for example, the microcontroller 560 or robotic system controller in the handle assembly 500, as described above. Additional details regarding slip ring assembly 5230 and associated connectors can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086 (now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541) and US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,196 (both patent applications each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety) and US Patent Application Serial No. 13/800,067 (now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263552) entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. into this article).

For example, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 also employs a latch system 5220 for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 to the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. The latch system 5220 may be the same as the latch system 1220 described in detail above. The cutter bar 6130 may comprise 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 elsewhere along their lengths. In an alternative embodiment, the distal ends of the straps are not connected together to allow the laminate or straps to unfold relative to each other when 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 arbor arrangements are disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,245, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURESTROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As can also be seen in FIG. 21 , the firing shaft support member 6300 is used to provide lateral support for the knife rod 6130 as it flexes to accommodate the articulation of the surgical end effector 5500 . Further details regarding the operation of the firing shaft support assembly 6300 and alternative arbor support arrangements can be found in: US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,245 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS" and "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING ANDAXIALLY" TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR" US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,220, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As also seen in FIGS. 21 and 50 , a firing member or knife member 6140 is attached to the distal end of the knife shank 6130 . The firing member 6140 is configured to operably interface with the slide assembly 6150 , which is operably supported within the body 5702 of the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 5700 . Slide assembly 6150 is slidably displaceable within surgical staple/fastener cartridge body 5702 from a proximal end starting position adjacent proximal end 5704 of cartridge body 5702 to a distal end adjacent cartridge body 5702 The end position of 5706. Cartridge body 5702 operably supports therein a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) aligned in rows on each side of centrally positioned slot 5708. The centrally positioned slot 5708 enables the firing member 6140 to pass therethrough and cut tissue sandwiched 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-shaped cams 6152 , where each cam corresponds to a particular line of fasteners or drivers located on one side of the slot 5708 .

In one exemplary form, the firing member 6140 includes a body portion 6142 that supports a knife or tissue cutting portion 6144. See Figure 50. Body portion 6142 protrudes through elongated slot 5604 in elongated channel 5602 and terminates in foot members 6146 extending laterally on each side of body portion 6142. When the firing member 6140 is driven distally through the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 5700, the foot member 6146 straddles the elongated channel 5602 within the passageway 5622 positioned below the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 5700. Tissue cutting portions 6144 are disposed between distally projecting top nose portions 6143. As further seen in FIGS. 21 and 50 , the firing member 6140 may also include two laterally extending top tab, pin or anvil engagement features 6147 . When the firing member 6140 is driven distally, the top portion of the body portion 6142 extends through the centrally disposed anvil slot 5814 and the anvil engagement features 6147 straddle each side formed on the anvil slot 5814 on the corresponding convex portion 5816. Further details regarding firing member 6140, slide assembly 6150, and examples of their various alternatives and their operation are discussed in further detail below, and can also be found in the United States entitled "SURGICALSTAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS" Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,911. Interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 may be operably coupled to handle assembly 500 in the manner described above with respect to interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 .

Returning again to FIG. 1, as discussed above, the surgical system 10 shown in this figure includes four interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000, each of which can effectively Used with the same handle assembly 500 to perform different surgical procedures. Turning now to FIGS. 22-24 , the interchangeable 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 elongated channel 7602 configured to operably support a surgical staple/fastener cartridge 7700 therein. The second jaw 7800 includes an anvil 7810 that is movably supported relative to the elongated channel 7602. Interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 includes an articulation system 7300 including 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 the desired articulation position. Details regarding the construction and operation of the articulation lock 7400 as well as alternative lock configurations and operational details can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISINGAN ARTICULATION LOCK", now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Additional details regarding articulation lock 7400 and/or alternative articulation lock arrangements can also be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,196, filed February 9, 2016, entitled "SURGICALINSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT" , the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

As can be seen in Figure 24, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 includes a tool frame assembly 7200 that includes a tool base 7210 that operably supports a nozzle assembly 7240 thereon. In one form, the nozzle assembly 7240 consists of nozzle portions 7242, 7244 and an actuator wheel portion 7246 configured to be coupled to the assembled nozzle portion 7242 by snaps, lugs, screws, etc. , 7244, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 includes a proximal closure assembly 7900 operably coupled to a distal closure assembly 8000 for closing and/or opening a surgical end effector Anvil 7810 of 7500, as will be discussed in further detail below. Additionally, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 includes a spine assembly 7250 that operably supports the proximal closure assembly 7900 and is coupled to the surgical end effector 3500. In the illustrated arrangement, spine assembly 7250 includes a distal end portion 7280 having an opening 7281 therein to facilitate assembly. A ridge cap 7283 can be attached thereto to cover the opening 7281 after the 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 proximal end portion 7253 of spine assembly 7250 is attached to a spine bearing (not shown) configured to be supported within base 7210. Such an arrangement facilitates the rotatable attachment of the spine assembly 7250 to the tool base 7210 such that the spine assembly 7250 is selectively rotatable relative to the tool base 7210 about the shaft axis _SA4 . Specifically, in one arrangement, for example, the proximal end portion 7253 of the spine assembly 7250 includes two diametrically opposed lug seats 7254 (only one is visible in FIG. 23 ), each of which is configured to enable Corresponding nozzle lugs (not shown) extending inwardly from each of the nozzle portions 7242, 7244 are received. Such an arrangement facilitates rotation of the spine assembly 7250 about the shaft axis _SA4 by rotating the actuator wheel portion 7246 of the nozzle assembly 7240.

Referring now to Figure 24, the distal end portion 7280 of the spine assembly 7250 is attached to a distal frame segment 7286 that operably supports the articulation lock 7400 therein. The spine assembly 7250 is configured to: first, slidably support the firing member assembly 8110 therein; and second, slidably support the proximal closure tube 7910 extending around the spine assembly 7250. The spine assembly 7250 may also be configured to slidably support the proximal articulation driver 7310. As can be seen in FIG. 24 , the distal frame segment 7286 is pivotally coupled to the elongated 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 the pivot base portion 7291 of the end effector mounting assembly 7290. The end effector mounting assembly 7290 is attached to the proximal end portion 7610 of the elongated channel 7602 by a spring pin 7620 or other suitable member received within the mounting hole 7611 in the proximal end portion 7610. Pivot pin 7288 defines an articulation axis AA _{4 transverse to shaft axis SA 4 .} See Figure 24. Such an arrangement facilitates pivotal travel (ie, articulation) of the surgical end effector 7500 relative to the spine assembly 7250 about the articulation axis _AA4 . The distal frame segment 7286 is also configured to support the articulation lock 7400 therein. Various articulation lock arrangements are available. At least one form of articulation lock 7400 is described in further detail in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTCOMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK," now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541, the entire disclosure of which is The contents are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Additional details regarding this articulation lock can also be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,196, filed February 9, 2016, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT."

In the illustrated example, surgical end effector 7500 is capable of selective articulation by articulation system 7300 about articulation axis _AA4 . In one form, the articulation system 7300 includes a proximal articulation driver 7310 that operably interfaces with the articulation lock 7400 . Articulation lock 7400 includes articulation frame 7402 adapted to operably engage drive pins 7293 on pivot base portion 7291 of end effector mount assembly 7290. Additionally, cross-links 7294 can be coupled to drive pins 7293 and articulation frame 7402 to assist in articulation of the surgical end effector 7500. As noted above, further details regarding the operation of the articulation lock 7400 and the articulation frame 7402 can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086 (now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541). Further details regarding the end effector mounting assembly and cross-connect 7294 can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,245, filed February 9, 2016, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," The entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference herein. As described further herein and in other disclosures incorporated herein by reference, axial movement of the proximal articulation driver 7310 will cause engagement/disengagement of the articulation lock 7400, thereby applying articulation action to the elongated channel 7602 , thereby causing the surgical end effector 7500 to articulate relative to the spine assembly 7250 about the articulation axis _AA4 .

In the illustrated example, anvil 7810 includes an anvil body 7812 terminating in anvil mounting portion 7820 . Anvil mounting portion 7820 is movably supported on elongated channel 7602 for selective pivoting and axial travel therewith. In the illustrated arrangement, the anvil trunnions 7822 extend laterally out of each side of the anvil mounting portion 7820 to receive corresponding "kidneys" formed in the upstanding walls 7612 of the proximal end portion 7610 of the elongated channel 7602 " in opening 7613. Movement of anvil 7810 relative to elongated channel 7602 is accomplished by axial movement of proximal closure assembly 7900 and distal closure assembly 8000. In the illustrated arrangement, 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, which is slidably supported within the tool base 7210 such that the closure shuttle 7940 can move axially relative to it. In one form, the closure shuttle 7940 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 7942 that are configured to attach to the lateral attachment pin 516 that attaches to the closure of the handle assembly 500 Linkage assembly 514 . 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, U-connector 7944 is inserted into annular slot 7916 in proximal end 7912 of proximal closure tube 7910 so that it remains within vertical slot 7946 in 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 relative to the closure shuttle about the shaft axis _SA4 7940 spins. As described above in connection with the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000, a closure spring (not shown) may extend on the proximal end 7912 of the proximal closure tube 7910 to bias the closure shuttle 7940 in the proximal direction PD , which can be used to pivot the closure trigger 512 on the handle assembly 500 ( FIG. 2 ) to the unactuated position when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 is operably coupled to the handle assembly 500 in the manner described above.

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 that are configured to be movably coupled to the end effector closure sleeve or distal closure segment 8030. The distal closure segment 8030 includes an upper tang 8032 and a lower tang 8034 projecting proximally from its proximal end. Upper dual pivot connection 8060 pivotally couples upper tangs 7917 and 8032, and lower dual pivot connection 8064 pivotally couples lower tangs 7918 and 8034 together in the manner described above. Distal advancement of the distal closure segment 8030 over the anvil mounting portion 7820 will cause the anvil 7810 to close or pivotally travel toward the elongated channel 7602. In the illustrated arrangement, upstanding anvil tabs 7824 are formed on anvil mounting portion 7820 and extend into horseshoe-shaped opening 8038. The opening 8038 defines an opening tab 8039 that is configured to operably interface with the anvil tab 7824 when the distal closure tube is retracted in the distal direction. Such interaction between the opening tab 8039 and the anvil tab 7824 imparts an opening motion to the anvil 7810, causing the anvil 7810 to move to the open position.

In the illustrated arrangement, interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 also includes a firing system generally designated 8100. In various examples, the firing system 8100 includes a firing member assembly 8110 that is supported for axial travel within the spine assembly 7250. In the illustrated embodiment, the firing member assembly 8110 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 configured for attachment to the distal cutting portion or shank 8130. The firing member assembly 8110 may also be referred to herein as the "second shaft" and/or the "second shaft assembly." As can be seen in FIG. 24 , the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 can include a longitudinal slot 8124 in the distal end 8122 thereof, which can be configured to receive the proximal end 8132 of the knife shank 8130 . The longitudinal slot 8124 and the proximal end 8132 of the shank 8130 can be sized and configured to allow relative movement therebetween and can include a sliding joint 8134. The sliding 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 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 lug 8128 formed thereon that is configured to be seated into an attachment bracket ( not shown), the attachment bracket is located on the distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member (not shown) of the firing drive system 530 within the handle assembly 500, as described above. This arrangement facilitates axial movement of the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 when the firing drive system 530 is actuated. Other attachment configurations may also be employed to couple the intermediate firing shaft portion to other firing drive arrangements (eg, manually actuated, robotic, etc.).

In addition to the above, the interchangeable tool assembly 7000 can include the clutch assembly 8200 in the manner described above, which can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the proximal articulation driver 7310 to the firing member assembly 8110. In one form, the clutch assembly 8200 includes a locking collar or locking sleeve 8210 positioned about the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 of the firing member assembly 8110, wherein the locking sleeve is rotatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, in the engaged position At , the locking sleeve 8210 is coupled to the proximal articulation driver 7310 to the firing member assembly 8110, and at the disengaged position, the proximal articulation driver 7310 is not operatively coupled to the firing member assembly 8110. As described above, the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 of the firing member assembly 8110 is formed with a drive notch 8126. Locking sleeve 8210 includes a cylindrical or at least substantially cylindrical body including a longitudinal bore configured to receive intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 therethrough. The locking sleeve 8210 may include diametrically opposed inward facing locking tabs 8214, 8216 that are engagedly received in the drive recess 8126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 when the locking sleeve 8210 is in one position. within the corresponding portion, and not received within the drive recess 8126 when the locking sleeve 8210 is in another position, 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 also includes a locking member 8218 sized to be movably received within a notch 7319 in the proximal end of the proximal articulation driver 7310. When the locking sleeve 8210 is in its engaged position, the locking tabs 8214, 8216 are positioned within the drive notches 7126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 8120 so that distal push and/or proximal pull forces can be transmitted from the firing member assembly 8110 to the Lock 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 discussed above, in the illustrated example, relative movement of locking sleeve 8210 between its engaged and disengaged positions may be controlled by clutch assembly 8200 that interfaces with proximal closure tube 7910 of proximal closure assembly 7900. Clutch assembly 8200 also includes a clutch key 8240 configured to be slidably received within a key groove (similar to key groove 2217 shown in FIG. 8 ) formed in the outer periphery of locking sleeve 8210 . This arrangement enables the clutch key 8240 to move axially relative to the locking sleeve 8210 . The operation of clutch assembly 8200 may be the same as that of clutch assembly 2200, which is described in further detail above and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. Further details, alternative arrangements and drive configurations that may be employed are disclosed in Other Arrangements that may be employed, which are disclosed in: US Patent entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLYACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS" Application Serial No. 15/385,911, US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086 (now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541), and US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,196, among other disclosures incorporated herein.

The interchangeable tool assembly 7000 can include a slip ring assembly 7230 that can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the surgical end effector 7500 and/or to Signals are transmitted 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 US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086 (now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541) and US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,196 (both patent applications Each is incorporated by reference in its entirety) and US Patent Application Serial No. 13/800,067 (now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263552) entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. into this article).

For example, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 also employs a latch system 7220 for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 to the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. The latch system 7220 may be the same as the latch system 1220 described in detail above. The cutter bar 8130 may comprise 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 elsewhere along their lengths. In an alternative embodiment, the distal ends of the straps are not connected together to allow the laminate or straps to unfold relative to each other when 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 arbor arrangements are disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,245, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURESTROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As can also be seen in FIG. 24 , the firing shaft support member 8300 is used to provide lateral support for the knife rod 8130 as it flexes to accommodate the articulation of the surgical end effector 7500 . Further details regarding the operation of the firing shaft support assembly 8300 and alternative arbor support arrangements can be found in: US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,245 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS" and "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING ANDAXIALLY" TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR" US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,220, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As also seen in FIG. 24 , a firing member or knife member 8140 is attached to the distal end of the knife shaft 8130 . The firing member 8140 is configured to operably interface with the slide assembly 8150 , which is operably supported within the body 7702 of the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 7700 . See Figure 51. Slide assembly 8150 is slidably displaceable within surgical staple/fastener cartridge body 7702 from a proximal end home position adjacent proximal end 7704 of cartridge body 7702 to a distal end adjacent cartridge body 7702 The end position of 7706. The cartridge body 7702 operably supports therein a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) aligned in rows on each side of the centrally disposed slot 7708 . The centrally positioned slot 7708 enables the firing member 8140 to pass therethrough and cut tissue sandwiched 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 angled or wedge-shaped cams, where each cam corresponds to a particular line of fasteners or drivers located on one side of the slot 7708.

In one exemplary form, the firing member 8140 includes a body portion 8142 that supports a knife or tissue cutting portion 8144. See Figure 51. Body portion 8142 protrudes through elongated slot 7604 in elongated channel 7602 and terminates in foot members 8146 extending laterally on each side of body portion 8142. When the firing member 8140 is driven distally through the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 7700, the foot member 8146 straddles within the passageway 7622 in the elongated channel 7602 below the staple cartridge 7700. Tissue cutting portions 8144 are disposed between distally projecting top nose portions 8143. As further seen in FIG. 24 , the firing member 8140 may also include two laterally extending top tab, pin or anvil engagement features 8147 . When the firing member 8140 is driven distally, the top portion of the body portion 8142 extends through the centrally disposed anvil slot 7814 and the anvil engagement features 8147 straddle each side formed on the anvil slot 7814 on the corresponding convex portion 7816. Further details regarding firing member 8140, slide assembly 8150 and examples of their various alternatives and their operation will be discussed in further detail below and can also be found in the United States entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERSWITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS" Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,911. Interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 may be operably 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 may be actuated by the same handle assembly, robotic system, or other automated actuation system. All of the above interchangeable surgical tool assemblies include surgical cutting and fastening instruments with somewhat similar closure and firing components. However, the closure and firing systems and components of each of these tool assemblies have differences that may appear subtle at first glance, however, as will be discussed further below, such differences can result in the material composition, design of such tools, , significant improvements in construction, manufacture and use. As will become apparent with continued reference to the detailed description, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 contains subtle design differences when compared to the other interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 3000, 5000, 7000 described herein that can result in Significant improvements in overall functionality, reliability and cost of tool components. In addition, we have found that in some cases there are synergies between certain component arrangements employed by tool assembly 1000, which can further improve the overall efficiency and overall functionality of tool assembly 1000. To better understand these differences and improvements, certain components and systems of each of the tool assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000, 7000 will now be described further below and compared with each other.

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 adequately grip the target tissue by the jaws to allow the firing member to be actuated upon activation of the firing drive system Properly handle the clamped tissue. For example, in the exemplified assembly, the corresponding closure system components must be able to clamp the anvil and surgical staple/fastener cartridge to the target tissue so that the firing member can properly sever the clamped tissue and The line of nails or fasteners shoots out on each side of the cut line. Depending on the thickness and composition of the target tissue, significant closing and firing forces are often required. Therefore, the closure and firing drive systems in handle assembly housings, robotic housings, etc. must be able to generate such forces of sufficient magnitude (eg, by using a motor or manually generated motion) to adequately close the jaws and cause the firing member Firing through the clamped tissue. Such procedures also require that the components within the interchangeable shaft assembly be sufficiently robust to accommodate the magnitude of the force being transmitted therethrough. In the past, the magnitude of such forces has generally dictated that the closure system components, as well as the firing system components, be made of metal or other suitable material with a relatively large cross-sectional thickness and substantially reinforced configuration.

The tissue loads encountered during the clamping process typically generate large "moments" about the anvil pivot axis PA. Closed system components must be designed to counteract this moment. In each case, for example, a moment in the opposite direction about the pivot axis PA of the anvil is required. To maximize the efficiency of the system (eg, to minimize the magnitude of the applied force), the largest practical moment arm is required. However, as will be discussed further below, there are tradeoffs with other design variables when attempting to create large opposing moments. For example, there is a balance between the distance from the articulation joint to the first staple and the length of the moment arm of the closure system, where the firing and closure systems are separate and distinct. The larger the moment arm of the closed system, the more efficiently it can handle 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 can have a greater effect on the entry of the surgical end effector.

25-32 illustrate exemplary moment arms for each of the surgical end effectors 1500, 3500, 5500, 7500. Turning first to FIG. 25 , as described above, anvil trunnions 1822 extend laterally out of each side of the anvil mounting portion 1820 for receipt in the upstanding walls 1612 formed in the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongated channel 1602 In the corresponding trunnion bracket 1614. Anvil trunnions 1822 are pivotally retained in their corresponding trunnion brackets 1614 by channel caps or anvil retainers 1630 . The channel cap 1630 includes a pair of attachment lugs 1636 configured to retainably receive corresponding lugs formed in the upstanding wall 1612 of the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongated channel 1602 within the groove or notch 1616. Such an arrangement constrains anvil 1810 to pivot only about pivot axis PA ₁ (see FIG. 3 ). In such an arrangement, the anvil mounting portion 1820 does not move axially or vertically. When the distal closure segment 2030 is advanced in the distal direction DD under the horizontal closure force F _H1 ( FIG. 26 ), the inner cam surface 2036 on the distal closure segment 2030 and the anvil cam surface 1821 on the anvil mounting portion 1820 The interaction between them results in the application of closing force F _C1 to the anvil cam surface 1821 . The closing force F _C1 includes the resultant force of the horizontal closing force F _H1 and the vertical closing force F _V1 , and is substantially “normal” or perpendicular to the cam surface 1821 on the anvil mounting portion 1820 . See Figure 26. M _A1 represents the interior cam surface 2036 and the anvil mounting from the anvil pivot axis PA ₁ (coinciding with the center of the anvil trunnion 1822 ) to the distal closure segment 2030 when the anvil 1810 has been pivoted to the fully closed position The closing moment arm of the point of contact between the anvil cam surfaces 1821 on the portion 1820. In one example, the closing moment arm M _A1 may be approximately 0.415 inches, for example. M _A1 ×F _C1 = closing moment C _M1 applied to anvil mounting portion 1820 .

To ensure that each side of the tissue cutting line is secured by staples or fasteners extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the tissue cutting line, the proximal end portion 1818 of the anvil body 1812 is formed with two tissue Stop formations or tissue locating features 1830 extend downwardly from each side of the anvil body 1812 (only one tissue stop formation 1830 is visible in Figures 25 and 26). Downwardly extending tissue stops 1830 serve to prevent target tissue from extending proximally past the surgical staple cartridge/fastening when the anvil 1810 is opened to receive target tissue between the underside of the anvil and the cartridge deck surface The most proximal staple/fastener in the magazine 1700. If tissue were to extend proximally beyond the proximal-most staples/fasteners, that portion of tissue could be severed by the firing member during the firing process and may not be fastened, which could lead to catastrophic results. The downwardly extending tissue stop 1830 prevents 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, tissue stop 1830 has a downwardly extending portion 1832 and a chamfered portion 1834. The target tissue is contacted by portions 1832 , 1834 to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally beyond the proximal-most staples/fasteners supported in the staple/fastener cartridge body 1702 on the proximal-most staples/fasteners. Nail/fastener pocket 1720.

Returning again to Figure 25, when anvil 1810 is pivoted closed onto target tissue (not shown) positioned between the underside of anvil body 1812 or tissue contacting surfaces 1813, the tissue exerts tissue force T _F1 To the underside 1813 of the anvil body 1812, this causes the anvil 1810 to experience a tissue opposing moment C _T1 that must be overcome by the closing moment C _M1 created by the closure system components. The example shown in FIG. 25 shows the tissue force T _F1 evenly distributed on the anvil 1810 and the tissue formed by the clamped tissue (the clamped tissue is not shown in FIG. 25 for clarity purposes) moment arm M _T1 . As can be seen in this figure, in this example, the tissue moment arm M _T1 is significantly longer than the closure moment arm M _A1 (ie, M _T1 >M _A1 ).

27 and 28, as described above, the anvil trunnions 3822 of the anvil 3810 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 extend laterally out of each side of the anvil mounting portion 3820 to receive the In corresponding trunnion holes 3613 in the upstanding wall 3612 of the proximal end portion 3610 of the long channel 3602. Such an arrangement constrains the anvil 3810 to pivot only about the anvil pivot axis PA2 (see Figure ₁₈ ). In such an arrangement, the anvil mounting portion 3820 does not move axially or vertically. When the distal closure segment 4030 is advanced in the distal direction DD under the horizontal closure force F _H2 ( FIG. 28 ), the inner cam surface 4036 on the distal closure segment 4030 and the anvil cam surface 3821 on the anvil mounting portion 3820 The interaction between them results in the application of closing force F _C2 to the anvil cam surface 3821 . The closing force F _C2 includes the resultant force of the horizontal closing force F _H2 and the vertical closing force F _V2 and is substantially "normal" or perpendicular to the cam surface 3821 on the anvil mounting portion 3820 . See Figure 28. M _A2 represents from anvil pivot axis PA ₂ (center of anvil trunnion 3822 ) to interior cam surface 4036 and anvil mounting portion 3820 on distal closure tube 4030 when anvil 3810 has been pivoted to the fully closed position The closing moment arm on the point of contact between the anvil cam surfaces 3821. In one example, the closing moment arm M _A2 may be approximately 0.539 inches, for example. M _A2 ×F _C2 = closing moment C _M2 applied to anvil mounting portion 3820 .

In the example shown in FIGS. 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 (in FIG. 27 ). and only one tissue stop formation 3830 is visible in Figure 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 formation 3830 serves to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally past the surgical staple cartridge/ The most proximal staple/fastener in fastener magazine/fastener magazine 3700. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 28, for example, the proximal-most staple pockets 3720 are shown in phantom relative to the tissue stop formation 3830. As can be seen in this figure, tissue stop formation 3830 has a downwardly extending portion 3832 and a chamfered portion 3834. The target tissue is contacted by portions 3832, 3834 to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally beyond the proximal-most staples/fasteners that are supported in the proximal-most staples/fasteners in the staple/fastener cartridge body 3702. Nail/fastener pocket 3720.

Returning again to FIG. 27, when the anvil 3810 is pivoted closed onto the target tissue (not shown) positioned between the underside of the anvil body 3812 or tissue contacting surfaces 3813, the tissue exerts a tissue force T _F2 To the underside 3813 of the anvil body 3812, this causes the anvil 3810 to experience a tissue opposing moment C _T2 that must be overcome by the closing moment C _M2 created by the closure system components. The example shown in FIG. 27 shows the evenly distributed tissue force T _F2 on the anvil 3810 and the tissue moment created by the clamped tissue (for clarity, the clamped tissue is not shown in FIG. 27 ) Arm M _T2 . As can be seen in this figure, in this example, the tissue moment arm M _T2 is significantly longer than the closing moment arm M _A2 (ie, M _T2 >M _A2 ).

29 and 30, as described above, the anvil trunnions 5822 of the anvil 5810 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 extend laterally out of each side of the anvil mounting portion 5820 to receive the In a corresponding "open" vertical bracket 5613 in the upstanding wall 5612 of the proximal end portion 5610 of the long channel 5602. In this arrangement, the anvil trunnions 5822 are free to pivot within their corresponding brackets 5613 when the distal closure tube segment 6030 cams into contact with the anvil cam surface 5821 on the anvil mounting portion 5820. In such an arrangement, the anvil 5810 does not move axially, but the anvil trunnions 5822 are free to move vertically within their corresponding brackets 5613 (arrow V). When the distal closure segment 6030 is advanced in the distal direction DD under the horizontal closure force F _H3 ( FIG. 30 ), the inner cam surface 6036 on the distal closure segment 6030 and the anvil cam surface 5821 on the anvil mounting portion 5820 The interaction between them results in the application of closing force F _C3 to the anvil cam surface 5821 . The closing force F _C3 includes the resultant force of the horizontal closing force F _H3 and the vertical closing force F _V3 and is substantially "normal" or perpendicular to the cam surface 5821 on the anvil mounting portion 5820 . See Figure 30. M _A3 represents the interior cam surface 6036 and the anvil mounting portion on the distal closure tube 6030 from the anvil pivot axis PA ₃ (coinciding with the center of the anvil trunnion 5822) when the anvil 5810 has been pivoted to the closed position The closing moment arm at the point of contact between the anvil cam surfaces 5821 on the 5820. In one example, the closing moment arm M _A3 may be approximately 0.502 inches, for example. M _A3 ×F _C3 = closing moment C _M3 applied to the anvil mounting portion 5820 .

In the example shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the anvil body 5812 is formed with two tissue stop formations or tissue locator features 5830 that extend downwardly from each side of the anvil body 5812 (in FIG. 29 and Figure 30 only one tissue stop formation 5830 is visible). When anvil 5810 is opened to receive target tissue between the underside of the anvil and the cartridge deck surface, downwardly extending tissue stop formation 5830 serves to prevent target tissue from extending proximally past the surgical staple cartridge/ The most proximal staple/fastener in 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 portions 5832, 5834 to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally beyond the proximal-most staples/fasteners supported in the proximal-most staples/fasteners in the staple/fastener cartridge body 5702. Nail/fastener pocket 5720.

Returning again to FIG. 29, when the anvil 5810 is pivoted closed onto the target tissue (not shown) positioned between the undersides 5813 of the anvil body 5812, the tissue applies a tissue force T _F3 to the anvil body The underside or tissue contacting surface 5813 of 5812, which causes the anvil 5810 to experience a tissue opposing moment C _T3 that must be overcome by the closing moment C _M3 created by the closure system components. The example shown in FIG. 29 shows the tissue force T _F3 evenly distributed on the anvil 5810 and the tissue formed by the clamped tissue (the clamped tissue is not shown in FIG. 29 for clarity purposes) moment arm M _T3 . As can be seen in this figure, in this example, the tissue moment arm _MT3 is significantly longer than the closure moment arm _MA3 (ie, _MT3 >M _A3 ).

Turning now to FIGS. 31 and 32 , as described above, the anvil trunnions 7822 of the anvil 7810 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 extend laterally out of each side of the anvil mounting portion 7820 for receipt in the elongated channel formed in the In the corresponding "kidney" opening 7613 in the upstanding wall 7612 of the proximal end portion 7610 of the 7602. When the anvil 7810 is in the "fully" open position, the anvil trunnions 7822 can generally be located in the bottom portion 7613B of the kidney-shaped slot 7613. By advancing the distal closure tube segment 8030 distally in the distal direction DD such that the inner cam surface 8036 on the distal end 8035 of the distal closure tube segment 8030 rides over the anvil mounting portion 7820 of the anvil 7810 On the anvil cam surface 7821, the anvil 7810 can be moved to the closed position. As the inner cam surface 8036 on the distal end 8035 of the distal closure tube segment 8030 is advanced distally along the anvil cam surface 7821 on the anvil mounting portion 7820 under the horizontal closure force F _H4 (FIG. 32), the distal Side closure tube segment 8030 causes body portion 7812 of anvil 7810 to pivot and move axially relative to surgical staple/fastener cartridge 7700 as anvil trunnion 7822 moves upward and distally into kidney slot 7613. When the distal closure segment 8030 reaches the end of its closing stroke, the distal end 8035 of the distal closure segment 8030 abuts/contacts the steep anvil projection 7823 and serves to position the anvil 7810 such that the underside of the body portion 7812 Or the shaped pockets (not shown) in the tissue contacting surface 7813 are properly aligned with the staples/fasteners in the staple/fastener cartridge 7700. Anvil projection 7823 is defined between 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, the anvil trunnion 7822 is located at the top portion 7613T of the kidney slot 7613. M _A4 represents the moment arm from the anvil pivot axis PA4 (coinciding with the center of the anvil trunnion 7822) when the trunnion 7822 is in the top portion _7613T of the kidney slot 7613, as shown. In one example, moment arm M _A4 may be approximately 0.184 inches, for example. M _A4 ×F _H4 = closing moment C _M4 applied to the anvil mounting portion 7820 .

In the example shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the anvil body 7812 is formed with two tissue stop or tissue locator formations 7830 extending downwardly from each side of the anvil body 7812 (in FIG. Only one tissue stop formation 7830 is visible in Figures 31 and 32). When the anvil 7810 is opened to receive target tissue between the underside of the anvil and the cartridge deck surface, the downwardly extending tissue stop formation 7830 serves to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally past the surgical staple cartridge/ The most proximal staple/fastener in 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, the tissue stop formation 7830 has a downwardly extending portion 7832 and a chamfered portion 7834. The target tissue is contacted by the portions 7832, 7834 to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally beyond the proximal-most staples/fasteners supported in the proximal-most staples/fasteners in the staple cartridge body/fastener cartridge body 7702. Nail/fastener pocket 7720.

Returning again to FIG. 31, when the anvil 7810 is pivoted closed onto target tissue (not shown) positioned between the underside of the anvil body portion 7812 or tissue contacting surfaces 7813, the tissue exerts a tissue force T _F4 Applied to the underside 7813 of the anvil body 7812, this causes the anvil 7810 to experience a tissue opposing moment C _T4 that must be overcome by the closing moment C _M4 created by the closure system components. The example shown in FIG. 31 shows the evenly distributed tissue force T _F4 on the anvil 7810 and the tissue moment created by the clamped tissue (for clarity, the clamped tissue is not shown in FIG. 31 ) Arm _MT4 . As can be seen in this figure, in this example, the tissue moment arm _MT4 is significantly longer than the closure moment arm _MA4 (ie, _MT4 >M _A4 ).

The illustrated exemplary interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000, 7000 include surgical stapling devices employing "separate and distinct" closure and firing systems. That is, the closure system for closing the jaws can be actuated separately from the firing system used to drive the firing member through the surgical staple/fastener cartridge to cut and fasten tissue. These separate and distinct closure and firing systems can be distinguished from those surgical stapling instruments in which actuation of the firing system 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 be used when the firing member is fired (ie, advanced distally by the surgical end effector). An additional closing motion is applied to the anvil. As can be seen by referring to FIGS. 25-32 , in the illustrated example, M _A2 >M _A3 >M _A1 >M _A4 . Figures 25, 27, 29 and 31 also illustrate the resistance created by the tissue during the closure process. TF represents the _force generated by the tissue as it is clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge. These forces create a "reverse" moment _CT that is applied to the anvil around the point/area where the distal closed tube segment cams into 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 typically larger than the closure moment arm for that instrument. It will be appreciated that the difference between the typical tissue moment arm encountered when gripping tissue between the anvil and the surgical staple/fastener cartridge and the closing moment arm of the instrument results in the need to apply sufficient force to the anvil from the distal closure segment. closing force to adequately close the anvil to the tissue. Therefore, the distal closure segment must be strong and robust enough to handle the considerable stresses that develop therein during the closure procedure. To create a stress state in the distal closed segment that more closely approximates a "hoop stress" state rather than a "hoop stress" state, the sidewalls of the distal closure segment may be thickened to contact the sidewalls of the corresponding elongated channel and anvil mount part. 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 closed segment can also increase the strength of the segment (ring) while providing room for larger bearing or cam surfaces to push the anvil down toward the cartridge. US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,911 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS" discloses several distal closure 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 to tissue. However, as discussed above, there may be trade-offs with other design variables when trying to maximize the closing moment arm. For example, another desirable attribute relates to "jaw holes". "Jaw hole" may refer to the distance JA from the distal _- most staple or fastener along a line perpendicular to the corresponding distal-most staple-forming pocket on the underside of the anvil body portion or tissue-contacting surface Measured in the middle of the center. FIG. 33 shows the jaw hole J _A1 of the surgical end effector 1500 . In the illustrated example, the distal-most peg/fastener pockets 1730 contain the distal-most pegs or fasteners (not shown) therein. Each distal-most staple or fastener corresponds to a distal-most staple/fastener forming pocket 1815 (shown in phantom in FIG. 33 ) formed in the underside or tissue-contacting surface 1813 of the anvil body 1812 ). The distance J _A1 between the distal-most staple/fastener pocket 1730 and the corresponding distal-most staple/fastener-forming pocket 1815 is the "jaw hole" of the surgical end effector 1500 . In at least one embodiment, for example, J _A1 is about 1.207 inches. FIG. 34 shows the jaw hole J _A2 of the surgical end effector 3500 . In the illustrated example, the distal-most peg/fastener pockets 3730 contain the distal-most pegs or fasteners (not shown) therein. Each distal-most staple or fastener corresponds to a distal-most staple/fastener forming pocket 3815 formed in the underside or tissue-contacting surface 3813 of the anvil body 3812. The distance _JA2 between the distal-most staple/fastener pocket 3730 and the corresponding distal-most staple/fastener-forming pocket 3815 is the "jaw hole" of the surgical end effector 3500 . In at least one embodiment, for example, J _A2 is about 0.781 inches. FIG. 35 shows the jaw hole J _A3 of the surgical end effector 5500 . In the illustrated example, the distal-most peg/fastener pocket 5730 contains the distal-most pegs or fasteners (not shown) therein. Each distal-most staple/fastener 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 _A3 between the distal most staple/fastener pocket 5730 and the corresponding distal most staple/fastener forming pocket 5815 is the "jaw hole" of the surgical end effector 5500 . In at least one embodiment, for example, J _A3 is about 0.793 inches. FIG. 36 shows the jaw hole J _A4 of the surgical end effector 7500 . In the illustrated example, the distal-most peg/fastener pockets 7730 contain the distal-most pegs or fasteners (not shown) therein. Each distal-most staple or fastener corresponds to a distal-most staple/fastener forming pocket 7815 formed in the underside or tissue-contacting surface 7813 of the anvil body 7812. The distance J _A4 between the distal most staple/fastener pocket 7730 and the corresponding distal most staple/fastener forming pocket 7815 is the "jaw hole" of the surgical end effector 7500 . In at least one embodiment, for example, J _A4 is about 0.717 inches. Thus, for these embodiments, J _A1 > J _A3 > J _A2 > J _A4 . As such, the surgical end effector 1500 has the largest jaw hole in comparison.

In those surgical end effector designs that employ separate and distinct closure and firing systems (using axially movable closure rings or distal closure segments such as the examples above ₎ , the anvil or jaw pivot axis PA The interrelationship with the distal end of the distal closure segment and the stability of the anvil mounting portion may determine the size of the jaw aperture achievable by each particular end effector design. These interrelationships can be better understood by referring to FIG. 37, for example. 37 shows a surgical end effector 1500R employing an anvil 1810R having an anvil mounting portion 1820R shown in solid lines. Anvil mounting portion 1820R includes anvil trunnion _1822R defining a reference pivot axis PAR about which anvil mounting portion 1820R is pivotable relative to elongated channel 1602R. The surgical end effector 1500R also employs a distal closure segment 2030R having a distal end 2035R configured to cam contact the anvil mounting portion 1820R in the various manners described above. The surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700R is supported in the elongated channel 1602R and has a cartridge deck surface or tissue contacting surface 1710R. Figure 37 shows the distance Dp between the reference pivot axis _PAR and the distal end _2035R of the distal closure tube segment 2030R. Figure 37 shows the anvil 1810R in solid line. When the distal closure 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. The maximum aperture angle _APAR for this configuration is, for example, about ten degrees. This bore angle _APAR is typical for many end effector arrangements. In another end effector arrangement, the hole angle is 12.25 degrees. In one arrangement, for example, D _P may be about 0.200 inches. To obtain a larger aperture angle APA _R1 of, for example, twenty-two degrees, if the relationship between the distal end _2035R of the distal closure tube segment 2030R and the reference pivot axis PAR remains the same, the anvil mounting portion 1820R ₁ The cross-sectional width _MW must be undesirably reduced. Anvil _1810R1 is shown in phantom. As can be seen in this figure, a steep protrusion must be formed between the anvil body _1812R1 and the anvil mounting portion _1820R1 so that the cross-sectional width of the anvil mounting portion is reduced. The hole angle APA _R1 is measured from the underside 1813R _{1 of the anvil body 1812R 1 and} the deck surface 1710R of the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700R. Such a reduction in the stability of the anvil-mounting portion of the anvil can result in reduced anvil reliability and is less desirable than an anvil having an anvil-mounting portion having a larger cross-sectional profile.

Referring now to Figures 38 and 39, as the pivot or pivot axis PA moves closer to the starting position of the distal closure segment or the distal end of the proximal position, the increase in the jaw hole (or hole angle) can be more easily implemented. 38 shows a surgical end effector 1500&apos; that is substantially similar to surgical end effector 1500, except for the location of pivot axis PA&apos; As can be seen in this figure, the distance between the pivot axis PA' and the distal end 20305 of the distal closure tube segment 2030 when the distal closure tube segment 2030 is in its most proximal starting position is denoted by DP' and the hole angle is APA. In other words, when the distal closure 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°.

38 shows the aperture angle APA of the surgical end effector 1500' and the distance DP' between the reference pivot axis PA' and the distal end 2035 of the distal closure tube segment 2030. Turning next to Figure 39, as can be seen in this figure, when the distal closure tube segment 2030 is in its most proximal starting position, the pivot axis PA' and the position on which the distal end 2035 of the distal closure tube segment 2030 is located The distance DP between the reference planes RF is smaller than the distance DP' and the aperture angle APA ₁ is larger than APA. For example, in at least one embodiment, the distance DP is about 0.090 inches and the aperture angle APA ₁ is about twenty-two degrees. Thus, by moving the pivot axis PA closer to the distal end of the distal closure segment when the distal closure segment is in its proximal-most starting position, the jaw aperture can be significantly increased without requiring a reduction in the anvil mounting position cross-sectional width. This may represent a significant improvement over other surgical end effector arrangements. In each case, the center of the anvil trunnion 1822 may desirably be located within 0.010 inches to 0.060 inches from the distal end 2035 of the distal closure segment 2030 when the distal closure segment is in the starting (most proximal) position between. The maximum distance for large jaw hole applications may be, for example, 0.090 inches. 39, when the anvil 1810 is shown in its fully open position, the downwardly extending portion 1832 of the tissue stop 1830 typically stops at the cartridge platform surface 1710 to prevent the target tissue from being clamped Any proximal movement during the hold.

40 and 41 illustrate a tissue stop or tissue locator arrangement 1830 employed on one form of surgical end effector 1500. As noted, tissue stop 1830 includes a downwardly extending portion 1832 and a chamfered portion 1834 . Downwardly extending portion 1832 includes a distal edge 1833 terminating in a distal corner portion 1835. Figure 40 shows the anvil 1810 in its fully open position. The underside 1813 of the anvil body 1812 is positioned at hole angle APA ₁ . In at least one arrangement, the aperture angle APA ₁ is greater than 12.25 degrees (12.25°) and may be as large as eighteen degrees (18°). When in the fully open position, the surgical end effector 1500 may also have a proximal aperture _PAPP1 , which in at least one arrangement may be, for example, approximately 0.254 inches. The proximal hole defines how much tissue can be positioned between the proximal portions of the jaws (anvil and cartridge). For example, a large proximal hole may be most beneficial when cutting and securing lung tissue that is partially inflatable when introduced between the anvil and the cartridge. The proximal hole may be measured from the center of the closest fastener pocket or pair of pockets directly perpendicular to the underside or tissue contacting surface on the anvil body.

When the anvil 1810 is in the fully open position as shown in FIG. 40, the distal corners 1835 do not extend above the cartridge deck surface 1710 in order to prevent tissue from moving near the proximal-most staples in the proximal-most staple pockets 1720. In at least one embodiment, the upstanding channel stop portion 1619 can extend upwardly from the sidewall of the elongated channel 1602 so as to coincide with each corresponding tissue stop 1830 to further prevent tissue from being trapped between the tissue stop 1830 and the channel. Any proximal penetration between stop portions 1619. Figure 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 or coincident with the location of the most proximal staples/fasteners in the staple/fastener cartridge 1700. The distance from the articulation axis _AA1 to the proximal-most peg/fastener is identified as T _SD1 . In one arrangement, T _SD1 is, for example, about 1.044 inches. When the anvil 1810 is fully closed, the tissue stop 1830 can be sized and shaped relative to the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongated channel 1602 to facilitate easy insertion through a correspondingly sized standard trocar. In at least one example, tissue stop 1830 of anvil 1810 is sized and shaped relative to elongated channel 1602 to allow surgical end effector 1500 to be inserted through a conventional 12 mm trocar.

42 and 43 illustrate a tissue stop arrangement 3830 employed on one form of surgical end effector 3500. As noted, 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. Figure 42 shows the anvil 3810 in its fully open position. The underside 3813 of the anvil body 3812 is positioned at hole angle APA ₂ . In at least one arrangement, the aperture angle APA ₂ is about thirteen and a half degrees (13.5°). When in the fully open position, the surgical end effector 3500 may also have a proximal aperture _PAPP2 , which may be, for example, approximately 0.242 inches in at least one arrangement. When the anvil 3810 is in the fully open position as shown in FIG. 42 , the distal corners 3835 do not extend above the cartridge deck surface 3710 to prevent tissue from approaching proximal-most staples/fastenings in the proximal-most staple/fastener pockets 3720 Piece moves. Figure 43 shows the anvil 3810 in the fully closed position. When in this position, the distal edge 3833 of the tissue stop 3830 is generally aligned or coincident with the location of the most proximal staples/fasteners in the staple/fastener cartridge 3700. The distance from the articulation axis AA ₂ to the proximal-most peg/fastener is identified as T _SD2 . In one arrangement, T _SD2 is, for example, about 1.318 inches.

44 and 45 illustrate a tissue stop arrangement 5830 employed on one form of surgical end effector 5500. As noted, tissue stop 5830 includes a downwardly extending portion 5832 and a chamfered portion 5834. The downwardly extending portion 5832 includes a distal edge 5833 that terminates in a distal corner portion 5835. Figure 44 shows the anvil 5810 in its fully open position. The underside 5813 of the anvil body 5812 is positioned at hole angle APA ₃ . In at least one arrangement, the aperture angle APA ₃ is about eight degrees (8°). When in the fully open position, the surgical end effector 5500 may also have a proximal aperture _PAPP3 , which in at least one arrangement may be, for example, approximately 0.226 inches. The distal corner 3835 extends slightly above the cartridge deck surface 5710 when the anvil 5810 is in the fully open position as shown in FIG. 44 . Figure 45 shows the anvil 5810 in the fully closed position. When in this position, the distal edge 5833 of the tissue stop 5830 is generally aligned or coincident with the location of the most proximal staples/fasteners in the staple/fastener cartridge 5700. The distance from the articulation axis AA ₃ to the proximal-most peg/fastener is identified as T _SD3 . In one arrangement, T _SD3 is, for example, about 1.664 inches.

46 and 47 illustrate a tissue stop arrangement 7830 employed on one form of surgical end effector 7500. As noted, tissue stop 7830 includes a downwardly extending portion 7832 and a chamfered portion 7834. The downwardly extending portion 7832 includes a distal edge 7833 terminating in a distal corner portion 7835. Figure 46 shows the anvil 7810 in its fully open position. The underside 7813 of the anvil body portion 7812 is positioned at hole angle APA ₄ . In at least one arrangement, the aperture angle APA ₄ is about ten degrees (10°). When in the fully open position, the surgical end effector 7500 may also have a proximal aperture _PAPP4 , which in at least one arrangement may be, for example, approximately 0.188 inches. 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. Figure 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 location of the most proximal staples/fasteners in the staple/fastener cartridge 7700. The distance from the articulation axis _AA4 to the proximal-most peg/fastener is identified as T _SD4 . In one arrangement, T _SD4 is, for example, about 1.686 inches.

In various cases, 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, the longer articulation joint arrangement can adversely affect the manoeuvrability of the end effector in tight spaces, and also limit the size of the jaw aperture ultimately obtainable by the end effector. Figure 48 shows the surgical end effector 1500 in a fully open position. That is, the anvil 1810 has pivoted to its fully open position and the firing member 2140 is in its home or starting position. The distance between the distal end of each of the anvil engagement features 2147 and the articulation axis AA ₁ is represented by AJD ₁ . In at least one example, AJD ₁ is about 0.517 inches. By comparison and turning to FIG. 49, in at least one example, the distance AJD ₂ from the distal end of each of the anvil engagement features 4147 to the articulation axis AA ₂ is approximately 0.744 inches. 50, in at least one example, the distance AJD ₃ from the distal end of each of the anvil engagement features 6147 to the articulation axis AA ₃ is approximately 1.045 inches. Turning to FIG. 51 , in at least one example, the distance AJD ₄ from the distal end of each of the anvil engagement features 8147 to the articulation axis AA ₄ is approximately 1.096 inches. Thus, as can be seen from this comparison, the articulation joint arrangement of the surgical end effector 1500 (as measured by distances AJD ₁ , AJD ₂ , AJD ₃ , AJD ₄ ) is more compact and thus comparable in at least some surgical applications to the surgical end The external actuators 3500, 5500 and 7500 are more steerable.

Another factor that may affect the length of the articulation arrangement relates to the position of the firing member relative to the anvil pivot axis PA about which the anvil pivots. For example, Figure 52 shows the anvil 1810 of the surgical end effector 1500 in its fully open position. When in this position, the firing member 2140 is in its parked or "home position". As can be seen in this figure, one useful measure for comparing the "compactness" of articulation joint arrangements is the proximal end 2149 of each of the top anvil engagement features 2147 and the anvil pivot axis PA ₁ The proximal tab distance between TD ₁ . In at least one preferred arrangement, the proximal tab distance TD1 is _{approximately} greater than each of the anvil engagement features 2147 when the anvil 1810 is in the fully open position and the firing member 2140 is in its proximal-most or starting position Thirty-five percent (35%) of the total length of TL ₁ . In other words, at least 35% of each of the anvil engagement features 2147 extend proximally past the anvil pivot axis PA ₁ when the anvil 1810 and the firing member 2140 are in the aforementioned positions. Figure 53 shows the end effector 1500 with the anvil 1810 in the 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 extend proximally past the anvil pivot axis PA ₁ .

54 shows the position of the firing member 4140 of the surgical end effector 3500 when the anvil 3810 is in its fully open position and the firing member 4140 is in its proximal-most or starting position. As can be seen in this figure, each of the anvil engagement features ₄₁₄₇ is completely distal of the anvil pivot axis PA2, resulting in a longer articulation joint arrangement. Thus, distance _TD2 is the distal distance between proximal end ₄₁₄₉ of anvil engagement feature 4147 and anvil pivot axis PA2. 55 shows the position of the firing member 6140 of the surgical end effector 5500 when the anvil 5810 is in its fully open position and the firing member 6140 is in its proximal-most or home position. As can be seen in this figure, each of the anvil engagement features ₆₁₄₇ is completely distal of the anvil pivot axis PA3, resulting in a longer articulation joint arrangement. Thus, distance TD3 is the distal distance between proximal end 6149 _of anvil engagement feature ₆₁₄₇ and anvil pivot axis PA3. 56 shows the position of the firing member 8140 of the surgical end effector 7500 when the anvil 7810 is in its fully open position and the firing member 8140 is in its proximal-most or home position. As can be seen in this figure, each of the anvil engagement features 8147 is completely distal of the anvil pivot axis PA ₄ , resulting in a longer articulation joint arrangement. Thus, distance _TD4 is the distal distance between proximal end 8149 of anvil engagement feature 8147 and anvil pivot axis _PA4 . For comparison purposes, surgical end effector 1500 is the only surgical end effector in which a portion of the anvil engagement feature on the firing member faces proximally when the firing member is in its proximal-most or home position. Extends through the anvil pivot axis. The anvil engagement features of each of the firing members of the surgical end effectors 3500, 5500, and 7500 are completely distal to their respective anvil pivot axes when the firing members are in their proximal-most or home positions . Taking this comparison further, for example, surgical end effector 1500 is the only surgical end effector in which at least one percent of the anvil engagement feature is when the firing member is in its starting position and the anvil is fully open. Thirty-five (35%) resides between the anvil pivot axis and the articulation axis. A similar comparison can be drawn by comparing the position of the lower channel engagement feature on the firing member to the same distance from the jaw pivot axis when the firing member is in its proximal-most starting position.

Another measure that can be used to assess the compactness of the articulation joint arrangement can 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 , FIGS. 48-51 ) relative to the distance from the axis of articulation to the distal edge or proximal-most peg/fastener of the tissue stop (distance TSD ₁ , TSD ₂ , TSD _{3 )} , TSD ₄ , Fig. 41, Fig. 43, Fig. 45, Fig. 47). For example, in one preferred arrangement, AJD/TSD<0.500. The ratio of AJD/TSD may be referred to herein as the "compactness ratio" for that particular surgical end effector. In one arrangement such as end effector 1500, AJD ₁ /TSD ₁ = 0.517 inches/1.044 inches = 0.495. In one illustrated example of the end effector 3500, _AJD2 / _TSD2 =0.744 inches/1.318 inches=0.564. In one illustrated example of the end effector 5500, _AJD3 /TSD3 ₌ 1.045 inches/1.664 inches=0.628. In one illustrated arrangement, _AJD4 / _TSD4 =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 bore, and is the most steerable, the distance from the articulation axis to the proximal end of the anvil engagement feature on the firing member and The ratio between the distances from the articulation axis to the distal edge of the tissue stop is less than about 0.500.

57-61 illustrate a progressive closure arrangement for moving the anvil 1810 of the surgical end effector 1500 from a fully open position to a closed position and then to an over-closed position. 57 and 58 show 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 discussed above, the interaction between the inner cam surface 2036 on the distal closure 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 Figure 58, the staple forming underside or tissue contacting surface 1813 of the anvil body 1812 may be relatively parallel and spaced relative to the cartridge deck surface 1710 of the surgical staple/fastener cartridge. When in this initial closed position, the firing member 2140 is in its starting position, as can be seen in FIG. 57 . When in this position, the anvil engagement features 2147 of the firing member 2140 do not engage the anvil 1810, but are aligned substantially horizontally with the projections 1816 formed in the anvil 1810. In at least one arrangement, ramp segments 1829 are formed proximal of each horizontal anvil projection 1816 . 59 shows the firing member 2140 after its distal advancement to a position where 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 The anvil 1810 is positioned such that as the firing member 2140 continues to be advanced distally, the anvil engagement features fully engage the anvil lugs 1816 to apply an "over-closing" force on the anvil 1810. In at least one arrangement as shown in Figure 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 Contact. As a result of such a configuration, the force required to advance the firing member distally from its starting position to its ending position within the end effector may generally be less than other surgical ends that do not employ such progressive closure arrangements Actuator arrangement.

Figure 62 shows the anvil 1810 of the surgical end effector 1500 in its fully open position. As described above, each of the anvil trunnions 1822 is received in a corresponding trunnion bracket 1614 formed in the upstanding wall 1612 of the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongated channel 1602. Anvil trunnions 1822 are pivotally retained in their corresponding trunnion brackets 1614 by channel caps or anvil retainers 1630 . The channel cap 1630 includes a pair of attachment lugs 1636 configured to retainably receive corresponding lugs formed in the upstanding wall 1612 of the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongated channel 1602 within the groove or notch 1616. During a portion of the closing stroke of the anvil 1810 on thick tissue, the opposing forces created during the tissue clamping attempt to push the anvil trunnions 1822 out of their corresponding trunnion holders 1614. Channel cap 1630 includes a pair of slot cap portions 1632 corresponding to each trunnion bracket 1614 . When the channel cap 1630 is mounted on the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongated channel 1602, each slot cap portion 1632 serves to retain the anvil trunnion 1822 within its corresponding trunnion holder 1614 during the closing process . As can be seen in FIGS. 62 and 63 , each slot cap portion 1632 may have an arcuate bottom portion 1638 configured to pivotably receive a corresponding anvil trunnion 1822 . Each slot cap 1632 may have a wedge shape to completely block the open end of the trunnion bracket 1614 . Such a channel cap arrangement 1630 may facilitate easy assembly of the anvil 1810 to the elongated channel 1602. When the anvil trunnions 1822 have been placed into their corresponding trunnion brackets 1614, the channel caps 1630 can then be installed as shown. In at least one arrangement, the distal closure tube segment 2030 serves to hold the channel cap 1630 in place, which serves to prevent the anvil trunnions 1822 from standing vertically in their respective trunnion brackets 1614 during closure as shown in FIG. 63 . move. In another arrangement, the attachment lugs 1636 may be frictionally retained within their corresponding notches 1616, or otherwise retained therein by adhesive or other fastening means.

The four interchangeable tool assemblies 1000, 3000, 5000 and 7000 employ different jaw opening configurations to facilitate moving the anvil from a closed position to a fully open position. For example, the distal closure segment 4030 of the interchangeable tool assembly 3000 includes positive jaw or anvil opening features 4040 that correspond to and project inwardly from each of the sidewalls of the distal closure segment 4030 . Positive anvil opening features 4040 extend inwardly through corresponding openings in the transition sidewall and can be welded to distal closure tube segment 4030. In this arrangement, the positive anvil opening features are axially aligned with each other and are configured to operably interface with corresponding opening ramps formed on the underside of the anvil mounting portion 3820 . When the anvil 3810 and the distal closure segment 4030 are in their fully closed positions, each of the positive anvil opening features 4040 is positioned in a cavity formed between the anvil opening ramp and the elongated channel 3602 between the bottom parts. When in this position, the positive anvil opening feature 4040 does not contact the anvil mounting portion 3820 or at least may not apply any significant opening action or force thereto. As the distal closure tube segment 4030 is moved in the proximal direction, the anvil opening features 4040 come into contact with the anvil opening ramp, causing the anvil 3810 to pivot to the open position. Further details regarding the forward anvil opening feature 4040 can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,911 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS".

With regard to the surgical end effector 5000 of the tool assembly 5500, the distal closure segment 6030 includes two inwardly extending positive anvil opening tabs 6038 that can be flushed into the wall of the distal closure segment 6030. See Figure 21. In the illustrated arrangement, the tabs 6038 are axially aligned with each other and are configured to contact corresponding upstanding anvil tails 5827 formed on the anvil mounting portion 5820. When the distal closure tube segment 6030 is moved in the proximal direction, the anvil opening features 6038 come into contact with the anvil tail 5827, causing the anvil 5810 to pivot to the open position.

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

With respect to the surgical end effector 1500 of the interchangeable tool assembly 1000, in the illustrated example, the distal closure segment 2030 employs two axially offset proximal and distal positive jaw opening features 2040 and 2050, As shown in Figure 64 to Figure 77. As can be seen in Figures 64 and 65, the proximal positive jaw opening feature 2040 is axially proximate the distal positive jaw opening feature 2050 by an axial offset distance AOF. In Figure 65, the proximal positive jaw opening feature 2040 is located to the right of the shaft axis SA1 (as viewed by _a user of the tool assembly). 66, 72 and 73 illustrate the position of the proximal positive jaw opening feature 2040 when the anvil 1810 is in the closed position. As can be seen most particularly in FIG. 66 , when in this position, the proximal positive jaw opening feature 2040 is located in the right or first buffer area 1825 formed in the anvil mounting portion 1820 . 69, 72 and 73 illustrate the position of the distal positive jaw opening feature 2050 when the anvil 1810 is in the closed position. As can be seen most particularly in FIG. 69 , when in this position, the distal positive jaw opening feature is in contact with the stepped portion 1823 of the anvil cam surface 1821 .

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

Figure 78 graphically illustrates the 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 hole ("anvil hole angle") from about 0° to about 22°, and the bottom or horizontal axis represents the distance from the distal closure segment 2030 to Approximate proximal axial travel from a position where the anvil is fully closed to a position where the anvil is fully open. As noted above, "anvil hole angle" or "jaw hole angle" may refer to the cartridge deck surface or tissue contacting surface on the surgical fastener cartridge or "first jaw" and the anvil or "second jaw" The angle between the fastener-forming or tissue-contacting surfaces on the fastener. When the anvil is fully closed, the anvil bore angle may be, for example, about 0°. In the illustrated arrangement, the distal closure segment 2030 can be moved from a first position corresponding to a fully closed position (in FIG. 1850 above) is moved proximally a proximal distance, eg, about 0.040 inches, to reach the first intermediate position (1852 above). As the distal closure segment 2030 continues to move proximally a further proximal distance, eg, about 0.040 inches to about 0.120 inches, from the first intermediate position 1852 to the second intermediate position (1854 in the figure), the proximal positive forceps The mouth opening feature 2040 moves the anvil 1810 through an anvil hole angle from 0° to about 10°. The anvil maintains a further proximal distance (from about 0.120 inches to about 0.140 inches) as the distal closure segment 2030 continues to travel proximally from the second intermediate position 1854 to the third intermediate position (1856 in the figure) At an anvil hole angle of about 10°. The distal closure segment 2030 is moved further proximally (from about 0.140 inches to about 0.240 inches) proximal distance from the third intermediate position 1856 to the fourth intermediate position (1858 in the figure), distal positive jaws The opening feature 2050 begins to apply the second jaw opening motion to the anvil 1810. As the distal closure segment 2030 continues to move proximally (eg, from about 0.140 inches to about 0.240 inches) a further proximal distance from the third intermediate position 1856 to the fourth intermediate position (1858 in the figure), the distal The positive jaw opening feature 2050 moves the anvil 1810 relative to the elongated channel 1602 such that the anvil bore angle increases from about 10° to about 22°, for example. As the distal closure segment 2030 continues to travel a further proximal distance (eg, from about 0.240 inches to about 0.260 inches) from the fourth intermediate position 1858 to the final proximal position (1860 in the figure), the anvil 1810 remains in a fully open position with an anvil bore angle of about 22°.

The closing process of the illustrated example of the interchangeable tool assembly 1000 can be understood by referring to FIGS. 67-69 and 70-72 and 78 . 68 and 71 show the anvil 1810 in its fully open position. As can be seen in these figures, the proximal positive jaw opening feature 2040 is not in contact with the anvil mounting portion 1820 and the distal positive 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 segment 2030 in the distal direction DD. The anvil 1810 remains in its fully open position as the distal closure 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 segment 2030 can move distally a first or initially predetermined axial closure distance before the anvil 1810 begins to move. In other words, the distal closure segment can be moved a first predetermined axial closure distance before any closure motion is applied to the anvil 1810. In at least one example, the first or initial predetermined closing distance may be approximately 0.020 inches. As the distal closure segment 2030 continues to move distally through the intermediate axial closure distance, the distal end 2035 of the distal closure segment 2030 begins to contact the anvil cam surface 1821 on the anvil mounting portion 1820 (FIG. 67 and FIG. 70) until the inner cam surface 2036 on the distal closure segment 2030 begins to cammingly contact the anvil cam surface 1821. When the inner cam surface 2036 travels over the anvil cam surface 1821, the anvil 1810 pivots to the fully closed position. Anvil cam surface 1821 and inner cam surface 2036 can be configured to allow distal closure segment 2030 to travel further distally from, eg, first intermediate point or position 1852 to first position 1850 (FIG. 78). Thus, in at least one example, after the anvil 1810 has reached its fully closed position, the distal closure segment 2030 can move distally during the closure procedure a final predetermined axial closure distance. In at least one example, the final predetermined axial closure distance may be approximately 0.040 inches.

In those surgical stapling devices employing 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 constructed in such a manner as to prevent accidental advancement of the firing member unless otherwise unintentional. The used 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 in the end effector (ie, a staple cartridge from which at least some staples have been fired), and the firing member is advanced, the tissue will be severed, but may not be completely stapled live. It will be appreciated that such situations can lead to undesired catastrophic results during surgical procedures. US Patent 6,988,649 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENTCARTRIDGE LOCKOUT", US Patent 7,044,352 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTHAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING", US Patent 7,044,352 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING OF INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FORPREVENTION" "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTSWITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION WHEN ACARTRIDGE IS SPENT OR MISSING" U.S. Patent Application Publication 2016-0367247-A1 and "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEMACTUATION UNLESS" US Patent Application Serial No. 15/385,958 to AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT" each discloses various firing member latching arrangements. Each of these US patents is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

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

Surgical tool assembly 9000 also includes a firing system 9500, which in the illustrated arrangement includes a firing member assembly 9510 configured to be capable of firing from, for example, a housing supported in a handheld control system or robotic control system The control system receives the firing motion. In the illustrated embodiment, one form of firing member assembly 9510 includes a first firing member element 9520 consisting of a firing member body 9522 that supports a tissue cutting surface or blade 9524 thereon. The firing member body 9522 is coupled to a firing rod or knife bar 9530 that operably interfaces with a corresponding portion of the firing system 9500 to receive firing motion from the firing control system. The firing member body 9522 can include a second jaw or anvil engagement feature 9526 that can include a laterally extending tab feature that is Configured to be received within a corresponding second jaw channel or slot 9125 in the anvil body 9124. Additionally, the firing member body 9522 can also include a first jaw or channel engagement feature or foot 9528 configured to be received in a corresponding one in the elongated channel 9022 In the first jaw channel or slot or opening 9023.

The staple cartridge 9600 includes a cartridge body 9602. See Figure 60H and Figure 60I. 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, staple cartridge 9600 is positioned on a first side of tissue to be stapled and anvil 9122 is positioned on a second side of tissue. Anvil 9122 is moved toward cartridge 9600 to compress and clamp tissue against platform 9606. The staples or fasteners removably stored in the cartridge body 9602 can then be deployed into tissue. Cartridge body 9602 includes staple 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 the first firing member element 9520 therethrough. Other arrangements of staple/fastener cavities and staples or fasteners are also possible.

The staples or fasteners are supported by staple drivers (not shown) movably supported in the cartridge body 9602. The driver is movable between a first or unfired position and a second or fired position to fire the staple or fastener from the cavity. The driver is retained 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 and retain the retainer to the cartridge body. The driver can be moved by slider 9610 between its unfired position and its fired position. Slider 9610 is movable between a proximal or "unfired" position adjacent proximal end 9604 and a distal or "fired" position (after firing) adjacent the distal end. As can be seen in Figure 60G, the slider 9610 includes a plurality of ramps or cam surfaces 9620 that are configured to slide under the driver and orient the driver and staples or fasteners supported on the driver toward the anvil Seat lift. An "unfired", "virgin", "fresh" or "new" staple cartridge 9600 is used herein to mean that the staple cartridge 9600 has all of its staples or fasteners in its "ready to fire position." When in this position, the slide assembly 9610 is in its starting or "unfired" position. The new staple cartridge 9600 is seated within the elongated 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 elongated channel 9022. 60G and 60H illustrate a portion of a surgical end effector 9010 with a new or unfired surgical staple cartridge 9600 seated therein. As can be seen in Figures 60G and 60H, the slider 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, unless the unfired or new surgical staple cartridge 9600 has been properly seated Within elongated channel 9022, the otherwise illustrated surgical tool assembly 9000 employs a firing member latching system commonly designated 9700.

Referring now to FIGS. 60E and 60F , in one form, the firing member lockout system 9700 includes a second firing member element or tiltable side 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, for example, attachment joints 9713 in the form of one or more pivot members 9714 that are pivotally received in the Provided in corresponding pivot holes 9523 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 engaging features 9528 and a latching surface 9527 that is angled relative to the distal surface 9525. Additionally, 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 Figure 60E.

As can be seen in Figure 60F, when the second firing member element 9710 is in the unlocked position, a space generally indicated 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 Figures 60A-60D, the second firing member element 9710 further includes at least one latching engagement portion 9730 including an angled locking end 9732 configured to be able to engage the second firing member element 9710 in the locked position engages corresponding latching notches 9026 formed in elongated channel 9022. In one embodiment, for example, the second firing member element 9710 includes two latching engagement portions 9730. As also seen in FIGS. 60A-60D , a latching spring or biasing member 9740 is mounted in the proximal end 9024 of the elongated channel 9022 and includes two spring arms 9742 each corresponding to the latching engagement portion 9730 . The spring arm 9742 is used to bias the second firing member element 9710 into the locked position, as shown in Figures 60B-60D.

Turning now to FIGS. 60G-60I, the slider 9630 includes an unlocking portion 9630 configured to engage the slider engaging portion 9630 on the second firing member element 9710 when the slider 9610 is in the unfired position. Such an arrangement serves to pivot the second firing member element 9710 to the unlocked position. When in the unlocked position, the angled locking end 9732 of each latch engaging portion 9730 is pivoted out of the corresponding latch notch 9026 in the elongated channel 9022 so that the firing member assembly 9510 can be fired or distally directed Advance through the staple cartridge. If the staple cartridge loaded into the elongated channel 9022 was previously fired or even partially fired, the slider 9610 would not be in the unfired position in order to pivot the second firing member element 9710 into the unlocked position. In such an example, the clinician would therefore be unable 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 advancement of the firing member assembly 9510. As described above, when the firing member assembly 9510 is driven distally, the second firing member element 9710 contacts the firing member body 9522 via the pivot member 9714. However, when the second firing member element 9710 is pivoted into the locked position (FIG. 60E), a portion of the proximal surface 9722 is in abutting contact with the angled locking surface 9527 on the firing member body 9522. Furthermore, as can be seen most particularly in Figures 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 for the load to pass through The second firing member element passes directly to the firing member body 9522 rather than through the pivot member 9714. As can be seen in Figure 60E, the angled latching surface 9527 facilitates pivotal travel of the slider engaging portion 9720 into the locked position. When the second firing member element 9720 is in the locked position, if the clinician inadvertently applies a firing motion FM to the firing member assembly 9510 in the distal direction DD, the second firing member element 9720 and the latching notch 9026 in the elongated channel 9022 Engagement therebetween will prevent distal advancement of the firing member assembly 9510 and cause the resulting unlocking load force UL to be applied to the second firing member element 9720. This unlocking load force UL will be applied to the angled latching surface 9527 on the firing member body 9522 and will not be applied to the pivot member 9714. Such an arrangement avoids loading or stressing the pivot member 9714 if the clinician inadvertently attempts to advance the firing member assembly 9510 while in the locked position. Thus, this configuration may prevent the pivot member 9714 from shearing off during such attempted advancement of the first firing member assembly 9510.

Accordingly, the aforementioned firing member assembly 9510 and firing member lockout assembly 9700 may provide several advantages. For example, as described above, the distal surface 9525 on the firing member body 9522 carries loads during firing and avoids transferring such loads to the pivot member that attaches the second firing member element 9710 to the first firing member element 9520 . When in the latched state or 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 could inadvertently cause misalignment with the anvil and elongated channel when moving to the unlocked state for firing . Furthermore, since the first firing member element 9520 does not move vertically, the anvil engagement features as well as the channel engagement features can advantageously be shaped and designed to achieve a desired engagement with the anvil and channel during firing. The design and shape of the firing member body may also provide a large surface area for attachment to the arbor by, for example, welding. For example, the distal end of the shank may be attached to the firing member body by butt welds and laser welding from both sides to interconnect the laminate forming the shank at the distal end. Such welded configurations can be longitudinally more compact than previous welded configurations and can result in superior joint lengths. Other advantages may also be obtained from the aforementioned firing member and latching system arrangements.

Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are actuated by electric motors; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein may be actuated in any suitable manner. In various instances, for example, the surgical instrument systems described herein may be actuated by manually operated triggers. In some instances, the motors disclosed herein may include part or parts of a robotic control system. Furthermore, any end effector and/or tool assembly disclosed herein may be used with a robotic surgical instrument system. For example, US Patent Application Serial No. 13/118,241 (now US Patent 9,072,535) entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENTARRANGEMENTS" discloses several examples of robotic surgical instrument systems in more detail.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in conjunction with deployment and deformation of the staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not so limited. For example, various embodiments are contemplated that deploy fasteners other than nails, such as clips or tacks. In addition, various embodiments are contemplated that utilize any suitable device for sealing tissue. For example, end effectors according to various embodiments may include electrodes configured to heat and seal tissue. Additionally, for example, end effectors according to certain embodiments may apply vibrational energy to seal tissue.

Example

Embodiment 1 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated shaft assembly defining a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to the elongated shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongated shaft assembly about an articulation axis transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector includes a first end effector jaw coupled to an articulation joint coupled to an elongated 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 therein a surgical fastener cartridge including a proximal-most fastener location. 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 closure member, the axially movable closure member including a closed position A member cam surface configured for camming contact with a jaw cam surface on one of the first and second actuator 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 location is less than 0.5.

Embodiment 2 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 1, wherein the first distance between the jaw pivot axis and the cam contact area between the closing cam member surface and the jaw cam surface is divided by the distance from the articulation axis to the proximal The second distance of the side fastener locations is greater than 0.2 and less than 0.5.

Embodiment 3 - The surgical instrument of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the surgical fastener cartridge is supported in the first end effector jaw, and wherein the second end effector jaw includes an anvil, the The anvil includes a jaw cam surface.

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

Embodiment 5 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 3, wherein the anvil includes at least one tissue stopper member, the tissue stopper member including a distal tissue contacting surface on the anvil Corresponds to the proximal-most fastener position when in the fully closed position.

Embodiment 6 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 3 or 5, wherein the anvil includes an anvil body and an anvil mounting portion including a jaw cam surface and a pair of laterally extending anvil ears The anvil trunnions are configured to be pivotably supported in corresponding openings in the first end effector jaws.

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

Embodiment 8 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 7, wherein the elongated shaft assembly includes a spine assembly operably coupled to the first end effector jaw and movably supported for axial travel relative to the spine assembly And a proximal closure tube assembly pivotally coupled to the axially movable distal closure tube segment.

Embodiment 9 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 8, wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operably interfaces with a closure system configured to selectively apply axial closure to the proximal closure tube assembly and open movement.

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 a robotically controlled actuator.

Example 12 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated shaft assembly defining a shaft axis and further comprising a surgical end effector operably coupled to the elongated shaft assembly , selectively articulates relative to the elongated shaft assembly about an articulation axis transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector includes an elongated channel coupled to an articulation joint coupled to an elongated shaft assembly. The elongated channel is configured to operably support the surgical staple cartridge. The surgical fastener cartridge includes proximal-most fastener locations. The surgical end effector also includes an anvil pivotally coupled to the elongated channel for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongated 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 moveable closure member including a closure member cam surface configured to interface with the anvil Cam contact on the cam surface of 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 location is less than 0.5.

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

Embodiment 14 - The surgical instrument of embodiment 12 or 13, wherein the anvil includes at least one tissue stopper member, the tissue stopper member including a distal tissue contacting surface on the The anvil corresponds to the 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 includes an anvil body and an anvil mounting portion including an anvil cam surface and a pair of laterally extending anvils Block trunnions, the anvil trunnions are configured to be pivotably supported in corresponding openings in the elongated channels.

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

Embodiment 17 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 16, wherein the elongated shaft assembly includes a spine assembly operably coupled to the elongated channel. A proximal closure tube assembly is movably supported for axial travel relative to the spine assembly and pivotally coupled to the axially movable distal closure tube segment.

Embodiment 18 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 17, wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operably interfaces with a closure system configured to selectively apply axial closure to the proximal closure tube assembly and open movement.

Embodiment 19 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 18, further comprising a firing member operably supported for axial travel through the surgical fastener cartridge when an axial firing motion is applied to the firing member.

Embodiment 20 - A surgical system comprising a housing operably supporting a closure system within the housing. The surgical system also includes an interchangeable surgical tool assembly including an elongated shaft assembly operably and removably coupled to the housing such that the elongated shaft assembly The proximal closure portion of the is configured to receive axial closure motion from the closure system. The elongated shaft assembly defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to the elongated shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongated shaft assembly about an articulation axis transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector includes a first end effector jaw coupled to an articulation joint coupled to an elongated shaft assembly. The second end effector jaw is coupled to the first end effector jaw for selective pivotal travel relative to the first end effector jaw about a jaw pivot axis transverse to the shaft axis. One of the first end effector jaw and the second end effector jaw is configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge including a proximal-most fastener location. One of the first 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, the axially movable distal A closure member is operably coupled to the proximal closure portion of the elongated shaft assembly. The distal closure member includes a closure member cam surface configured for camming contact with a jaw cam surface on one of the first 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 location is less than 0.5.

Embodiment 21 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated shaft assembly defining a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to the elongated shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongated shaft assembly about an articulation axis transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector also includes a first end effector jaw coupled to the articulation joint, the articulation joint coupled to the elongated 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 includes at least one jaw engagement feature configured to be able to follow the axially movable A firing member is moved within the first end effector jaw from a starting position to an ending position to apply a closing motion to the second end effector jaw. 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 home position.

Embodiment 22 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 21, wherein the at least one jaw engages when the axially movable firing member is in the home position and the second end effector jaw is in the fully open position Portions of features are positioned between the jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis.

Embodiment 23 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 21 or 22, wherein at least thirty-five percent of each jaw engagement feature is located in the Between the jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis.

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

Embodiment 25 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 21, 22, 23, or 24, further comprising an axially movable closure member capable of being independent with respect to the axially movable firing member is movable and configured to selectively apply additional closing motion to the second end effector jaw.

Embodiment 26 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 25, wherein the axially movable closure member includes a closure member cam surface configured for interaction with a jaw on the second end effector jaw The mouth cam surface is in cam contact.

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.

Embodiment 28 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, or 27, wherein the first end effector jaw includes an elongated channel configured to enable A surgical fastener cartridge is operably supported in the elongated channel, and wherein the second end effector jaw includes 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 comprising an elongated shaft assembly defining a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to the elongated shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongated shaft assembly about an articulation axis transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector includes an elongated channel coupled to the elongated shaft assembly and configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge in the elongated channel. An anvil is coupled to the elongated channel for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongated channel about a fixed jaw pivot axis transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical instrument also includes an axially movable firing member that includes at least one anvil engagement feature configured to be capable of following the axially movable A firing member is moved within the elongated channel from a starting position to an ending position to apply a closing motion to the anvil. 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 stationary jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis when the axially movable firing member is in the home position.

Embodiment 31 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 30, wherein the at least one jaw engages the A portion is positioned between the fixed jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis.

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

Embodiment 33 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 30, 31 or 32, wherein each anvil engages at least thirty percent of the feature when the axially movable firing member is in the starting position Five is located between the fixed jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis.

Embodiment 34 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 30, wherein each anvil engages at least three of the features when the axially movable firing member is in the starting position and the anvil is in the fully open position. Fifteen is located between the jaw pivot axis and the articulation axis.

Embodiment 35 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 30, 31, 32, 33, or 34, further comprising an axially movable closure member, the axially movable closure member capable of being axially movable relative to the axially movable closure member A moving firing member moves independently and is configured to selectively apply additional closing motion to the anvil.

Embodiment 36 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 35, wherein the axially movable closure member includes a closure member cam surface configured for camming 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 on the firing member body, and wherein at least one anvil engagement feature includes a first anvil engagement tab protruding from a first side of the top portion of the firing member body and a second anvil protruding from a second side of the top portion of the firing member body Seat engagement tabs.

Embodiment 39 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 38, wherein the firing member body extends through the slot in the anvil mounting portion of the anvil when the firing member is in the home position.

Embodiment 40 - A surgical system comprising a housing operably supporting a closure system and a firing system. The closure member and the firing member are actuatable independently of each other. The surgical system also includes an interchangeable surgical tool assembly including an elongated shaft assembly operably and removably coupled to the housing such that the elongated shaft assembly The proximal closure portion of the elongated shaft assembly is configured to receive axial closing motion from the closure system, and the proximal firing member of the elongated shaft assembly is configured to receive firing motion from the firing system. The elongated shaft assembly defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to the elongated shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongated shaft assembly about an articulation axis transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector includes an elongated channel coupled to the elongated shaft assembly and configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge in the elongated channel. An anvil is coupled to the elongated channel for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongated channel about a jaw pivot axis transverse to the shaft axis. The axially movable firing member is operably coupled to the proximal firing member and includes at least one anvil engagement feature configured to be able to move with the axially movable firing member in the Movement within the elongated channel from a starting position to an ending position imparts a closing motion to the anvil. 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 home position.

Embodiment 41 - The surgical system of Embodiment 40, wherein the housing includes a portion of a robotic system.

Embodiment 42 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated shaft assembly defining a shaft axis. The first end effector jaw is coupled to the elongated shaft assembly and the second end effector jaw is coupled to the first end effector jaw to surround a stationary jaw transverse to and extending through the shaft axis The pivot axis selectively travels pivotally relative to the first end effector jaw between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The elongated shaft assembly includes a closure member capable of being in a starting position corresponding to the fully open position of the second end effector jaw and corresponding to the second end effector jaw relative to the first end effector Axial movement between the end position of the fully closed position of the jaws. When the closure member is in the home position, the distal end of the closure member lies in a plane that is spaced distally from the jaw pivot axis by a distance, measured along the shaft axis, of not more than 0.090 inches.

Embodiment 43 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 42, wherein the distal end of the closure member lies on a plane that intersects the jaw pivot axis when the closure member is in the home position.

Embodiment 44 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 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 segment including a closure cam surface configured to A jaw cam surface on the second end effector jaw is capable of camming engagement as the axially movable distal closure segment is moved 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 includes an elongated channel configured to operably support the elongated channel A surgical fastener cartridge in the channel, and wherein the second end effector jaw includes an anvil.

Embodiment 47 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 46, wherein the anvil includes an anvil body and an anvil mounting portion including an anvil cam surface and a pair of laterally extending anvil trunnions, The anvil trunnions are configured to be pivotably supported in corresponding openings in the elongated channels.

Embodiment 48 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 46 or 47, wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure segment including a closure cam surface configured to The axially movable distal closure segment cams to engage an anvil cam surface on the anvil as it moves from the starting position to the ending position.

Embodiment 49 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 48, wherein the elongated shaft assembly includes a spine assembly operably coupled to the elongated channel and movably supported for axial travel and pivotable relative to the spine assembly A proximal closure tube assembly is rotationally coupled to the axially movable distal closure tube segment.

Embodiment 50 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 49, wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operably interfaces with a closure system configured to selectively apply axial closure to the proximal closure tube assembly and open movement.

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 a robotically controlled actuator.

Example 53 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated shaft assembly defining a shaft axis. The elongated channel is configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge in the elongated channel and is operably coupled to the elongated shaft assembly for relative articulation relative to the elongated shaft assembly about an axis of articulation transverse to the shaft axis Selective joint movement. An anvil is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongated channel about a fixed jaw pivot axis transverse to the shaft axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The elongated shaft assembly includes a closure member axially movable between an initial position corresponding to the fully open position of the anvil and an ending position corresponding to the fully closed position of the anvil. When the closure member is in the home position, the distal end of the closure member lies in a plane that is spaced distally from the jaw pivot axis by a distance, measured along the shaft axis, of not more than 0.090 inches.

Embodiment 54 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 53, wherein the distal end of the closure member lies on a plane that intersects the jaw pivot axis when the closure member is in the home position.

Embodiment 55 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 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 includes an anvil body and an anvil mounting portion including an anvil cam surface and a pair of laterally extending anvils Block trunnions, the anvil trunnions are configured to be pivotably supported in corresponding openings in the elongated channels.

Embodiment 57 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 53, 54, 55, or 56, wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure segment including a closure cam surface that is is configured to cammingly engage an anvil cam surface on the anvil as the axially movable distal closure segment is moved from the starting position to the ending position.

Embodiment 58 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 57, wherein the elongated shaft assembly includes a spine assembly operably coupled to the elongated channel and movably supported for axial travel and pivotable relative to the spine assembly A proximal closure tube assembly is rotationally coupled to the axially movable distal closure tube segment.

Embodiment 59 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 58, wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operably interfaces with a closure system supported by the hand-held housing and configured to be selectively closed proximally The tube assembly exerts axial closing and opening motions.

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

Embodiment 61 - A surgical system comprising a housing operably supporting a closure system. The surgical system also includes an interchangeable surgical tool assembly including an elongated shaft assembly operably and removably coupled to the housing such that the elongated shaft assembly The proximal closure portion of the is configured to receive axial closure motion from the closure system. The elongated shaft assembly defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to the elongated shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongated shaft assembly about an articulation axis transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector includes an elongated channel coupled to the elongated shaft assembly and configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge in the elongated channel. An anvil is coupled to the elongated channel for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongated channel about a jaw pivot axis transversely intersecting the shaft axis. The elongated shaft assembly includes a closure member axially movable between an initial position corresponding to the fully open position of the anvil and an ending position corresponding to the fully closed position of the anvil. When the closure member is in the home position, the distal end of the closure member lies in a plane that is spaced distally from the jaw pivot axis by a distance, measured along the shaft axis, of not more than 0.090 inches.

Example 62 - A surgical stapling device comprising an elongated shaft assembly defining a shaft axis. The surgical end effector is operably coupled to the elongated shaft assembly by an articulation joint configured to facilitate selective articulation of the surgical end effector about an articulation axis transverse to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector includes a surgical staple cartridge that operably supports a plurality of surgical staples in the surgical staple cartridge. 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 also includes an axially movable firing member that includes at least one anvil engagement feature on the axially movable firing member, the at least one anvil engagement feature configured 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 also includes means for increasing the jaw hole distance between the distal-most staples in the surgical staple cartridge and a corresponding one of the staple forming pockets in the anvil, while at the The distal-most position of the moving firing member minimizes the joint distance between the articulation axis and the distal end of the anvil engagement feature on the axially movable firing member.

Embodiment 63 - The surgical stapling device of Embodiment 62, wherein the means for augmenting includes a closure member configured to apply a closing motion to the anvil, wherein the closure member is capable of Axial movement between a starting position of 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 home 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 that is horizontal The distance is in the range of 0.4 inches to 0.9 inches.

Embodiment 64 - The surgical stapling device of Embodiment 63, wherein the horizontal distance is measured along a horizontal line parallel 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 segment including a closure cam surface configured is configured to cammingly engage a cam surface on the anvil as the axially movable distal closure segment is moved from the starting position to the ending position.

Embodiment 66 - The surgical stapling device of Embodiments 62, 63, 64, or 65, wherein the surgical fastener cartridge is removably supported in an elongated channel operable by the articulation joint coupled to the elongated shaft assembly.

Embodiment 67 - The surgical stapling device of Embodiment 66, wherein the anvil includes an anvil body and an anvil mounting portion including an anvil cam surface and a pair of laterally extending anvil trunnions , the anvil trunnions are configured to be pivotably supported in corresponding openings in the elongated channels.

Embodiment 68 - The surgical stapling device of Embodiments 63, 64, 65, 66, or 67, wherein the elongated shaft assembly comprises an axially movable proximal closure tube assembly, and wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable The axially movable distal closure tube segment is operably coupled to the axially movable proximal closure tube assembly.

Embodiment 69 - The surgical stapling device of Embodiment 68, wherein the axially movable distal closure segment includes a closure cam surface configured to be capable of closing the axially movable distal segment Cammingly engages an anvil cam surface on the anvil when moving from the starting position to the ending position.

Embodiment 70 - The surgical stapling device of Embodiment 68 or 69, wherein the elongated shaft assembly includes a spine assembly operably coupled to the elongated channel and movably supporting the proximal side thereon At least a portion of the closure tube assembly, and wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operably 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 the hand-held housing.

Embodiment 72 - The surgical stapling device of Embodiment 70, wherein the closure system is supported by a housing operatively interfacing with a robotically controlled actuator.

Example 73 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated shaft assembly having an elongated channel coupled to the elongated shaft assembly, the elongated channel configured to operably support the elongated shaft assembly Surgical Fastener Cartridge in Long Channel. The anvil is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongated channel about the fixed jaw pivot axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The closure member is configured to apply a closing motion to the anvil to move the anvil between 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 also includes an axially movable firing member having at least one anvil engagement feature thereon, the at least one anvil engagement feature being configured is 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 elongated 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 home 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 engages the anvil feature when the closure member is in the home position and the axially movable firing member is in the proximal-most position The distal ends of the structures are spaced distally apart by a horizontal distance in the range of 0.4 inches to 0.9 inches.

Embodiment 75 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 74, wherein the elongated shaft assembly defines a shaft axis, and wherein the horizontal distance is measured along a horizontal line 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 segment including a closure cam surface configured to An anvil cam surface on the anvil is capable of camming engagement as the axially movable distal closure segment is moved from the starting position to the ending position.

Embodiment 77 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 76, wherein the elongated shaft assembly includes a spine assembly operably coupled to the elongated channel. A proximal closure tube assembly is movably supported for axial travel relative to the spine assembly and pivotally coupled to the axially movable distal closure tube segment.

Embodiment 78 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 77, wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operably interfaces with a closure system configured to selectively apply axial closure to the proximal closure tube assembly and open movement.

Embodiment 79 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 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 a robotically controlled actuator.

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

Example 82 - A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw defining a first tissue contacting surface and a Second 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 locating feature is on the second jaw and extends downwardly beyond the second tissue contacting surface and is configured to prevent reception on the first tissue contacting surface when the second jaw is in the fully closed position The tissue between and the second tissue contacting surface extends proximally beyond the distal end portion of the at least one tissue locating feature. When the second jaw is in the fully open position, the distal end portion of each tissue locating feature is positioned relative to the corresponding portion of the first tissue contacting surface to prevent a gap therebetween. 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, when the second jaw is in the fully closed position, the distal end portion of each tissue locating feature is located pivotally from the fixed jaw The axis is less than 0.750 inches away.

Embodiment 84 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 82 or 83, wherein the first jaw includes an elongated channel configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge in the elongated channel , and wherein the first tissue-contacting surface comprises a platform 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 a fastener forming a lower surface of a portion of the anvil.

Embodiment 86 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 85, wherein the anvil includes 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 when the second jaw is in the fully closed position trocar cannula.

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

Embodiment 89 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 88, wherein the means for applying closing and opening motion comprises an axially movable closure tube. The closure tube includes a closure cam surface on the distal end of the closure tube, the closure cam surface configured to cammingly engage the jaw cam surface on the second jaw to apply a closure motion thereto, and the at least one jaw The mouth 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 operably supporting the 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 about the fixed jaw pivot axis relative to the elongated channel between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The anvil includes an anvil body defining a fastener-forming surface, the fastener-forming surface including a plurality of fastener-forming formations, wherein each fastener-forming formation corresponds to a surgical one in the surgical fastener cartridge fastener. The fastener-forming surface faces the 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 receipt of a tissue-contacting surface and the fastener-forming surface when the anvil is in the fully closed position. The tissue extends proximally beyond the distal end portion of the tissue stop. The distal end portion of each tissue stop is spaced apart from the stationary jaw pivot axis an axial distance of less than 0.750 inches when the anvil is in the fully closed position, and wherein when the anvil is in the fully open position, the surgical The vertical distance between the most distal one of the fasteners in the cartridge and the corresponding one of the fastener forming formations on the fastener forming surface is at least 0.900 inches.

Embodiment 91 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 90, wherein the jaw hole 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 92 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 90 or 91, wherein the surgical end effector is sized to pass through a trocar cannula when the anvil is in the fully closed position.

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

Embodiment 94 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 93, wherein the means for applying closing and opening motion comprises an axially movable closure tube. The axially movable closure tube includes a closure cam surface on the distal end of the axially movable closure tube, the closure cam surface being configured to cammingly engage the anvil cam surface on the anvil to move toward the anvil. It imposes a closing motion. 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 the proximal direction.

Embodiment 95 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 90, 91, 92, 93, or 94, wherein the surgical end effector is operably coupled to an elongated shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis.

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

Embodiment 97 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, or 96, wherein the distal end portions of each tissue stop oppose each other when the anvil is in the fully open position Positioned on corresponding portions of the tissue-contacting surfaces to prevent gaps between them.

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 to prevent tissue contacting the surface when the anvil is in the fully open position The upper tissue extends 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 aligned with the anvil when the anvil is in the fully open position. The tissue contacting surface is flush with or extends below it to prevent tissue on the tissue contacting surface from extending proximally past the tissue stop.

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

Embodiment 101 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 100, wherein the jaw hole 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 Embodiment 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 the second jaw relative to the first jaw Pivot travel. The surgical instrument also includes a retainer member configured to operably engage the proximal end portion of the first jaw and when the second jaw is in the fully open position and the fully closed position The pivot member is retained in the corresponding vertical slot when moving between positions. The axially movable closure member is configured to apply closing and opening motions to the second jaw and 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 The slot is and is sized to extend through the open end therein. Each slot cap has an arcuate bottom portion configured to pivotably receive a corresponding pivot pin therein.

Embodiment 105 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 103, wherein each vertical slot is formed in a corresponding upstanding vertical wall portion of the first jaw, and wherein the retainer member includes a retainer body, the The large lower portion of the retainer body is set to span between the vertical wall portions. The retainer member also includes a slot cap corresponding to each vertical slot and sized to extend through the open end therein. A mounting formation is located on the retainer 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 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, the axially movable distal closure tube segment is sized to slidably move onto the retainer member to provide opening and closing motion to the second jaw and to retain the retainer member with the proximal end of the first jaw Part of the stay engaged.

Embodiment 108 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 107, wherein the first jaw is operably coupled to the elongated shaft assembly.

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

Embodiment 110 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 109, wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operably interfaces with a closure system configured to selectively apply axial closure to the proximal closure tube assembly and open movement.

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 a robotically controlled actuator.

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

Embodiment 114: - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 113, wherein each anvil trunnion includes a circular cross-sectional shape, and wherein the retainer member includes a slot cap corresponding to each A vertical slot and sized to extend therein through the open end. Each slot cap has an arcuate bottom portion configured to pivotably receive a corresponding anvil trunnion therein.

Embodiment 115 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 113, wherein each vertical slot is formed in a corresponding upstanding vertical wall portion of the elongated channel, and wherein the retainer member includes a retainer body that retains The lower part of the device body is set to span between the vertical wall parts. The retainer member also includes a slot cap corresponding to each vertical slot and sized to extend through the open end therein. The retainer member also includes mounting formations on the retainer body, the mounting formations corresponding to each upstanding vertical wall portion and configured to be seated in correspondingly shaped mounting openings therein.

Embodiment 116 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 115, wherein the slot cap 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 elongated channel by at least one of frictional engagement with the elongated channel, 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, the axially movable distal The closure segment is sized to slidably move onto the retainer member to provide opening and closing motion to the anvil and to maintain the retainer member in retained engagement with the proximal end portion of the elongated channel.

Embodiment 119 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, or 118, wherein the elongated channel is operably coupled to the elongated shaft assembly.

Embodiment 120 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 119, wherein the elongated shaft assembly includes a spine assembly operably coupled to the elongated channel and movably supported for axial travel and pivotable relative to the spine assembly A proximal closure tube assembly is rotationally coupled to the axially movable closure member.

Embodiment 121 - A surgical system comprising a housing operably supporting a closure system. The surgical system also includes an interchangeable surgical tool assembly including an elongated shaft assembly operably and removably coupled to the housing such that the elongated shaft assembly The proximal closure portion of the is configured to receive axial closure motion from the closure system. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly also includes a surgical end effector including an elongated channel configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge in the elongated channel and including A pair of laterally aligned vertical slots are formed in the proximal end portion of the elongated channel. Each vertical slot includes an open upper end. The anvil is movably supported for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongated channel between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The anvil includes an anvil body and a pair of anvil trunnions projecting laterally from an anvil mounting portion of the anvil body. Each anvil trunnion is pivotally received in a corresponding vertical slot in the elongated channel such that the anvil trunnion can pivot therein to facilitate pivotal travel of the anvil relative to the elongated channel. The surgical system also includes a retainer member configured to be supported on the proximal end portion of the elongated channel and to move each anvil as the anvils move between the fully open position and the fully closed position The trunnions are pivotally retained in corresponding vertical slots. The axially movable closure member is configured to apply closing and opening motions to the anvil and retain the retainer member in retaining engagement with the proximal end portion of the elongated 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 moved onto the retainer member to provide opening and closing motion to the anvil and to maintain the retainer member in retained engagement with the proximal end portion of the elongated channel. The elongated shaft assembly also includes a spine assembly operably coupled to the elongated channel; and a proximal closure tube assembly movably supported for axial travel relative to the spine assembly and Pivotably coupled to the axially movable distal closure segment.

Example 123 - A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw and a second jaw coupled to the first jaw to be in a fully open position and fully relative to the first jaw Selective pivotal travel between closed positions. The axially movable closure member is selectively axially movable in a closing direction to move the second jaw from a fully open position to a fully closed position, and selectively axially movable in an axial opening direction to move the second jaw from a fully open position to a fully closed position. 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 the second jaw. The second jaw opening feature is axially spaced from the first jaw opening feature such that when the closure member is moved in the axial opening direction, the first jaw opening feature applies the first jaw to the second jaw The opening movement, and when the closure member is moved axially in the axial opening direction by a predetermined axial distance, the first jaw opening feature ceases to apply the first jaw opening movement and the second jaw opening feature toward the second jaw opening The mouth applies a second jaw opening motion to move the second jaw to the fully open position.

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

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

Embodiment 126 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 123, 124, or 125, wherein the second jaw includes a second jaw mounting portion pivotally supported on the first jaw. The second jaw mounting portion includes a second jaw cam surface on the second jaw mounting portion and configured to be axially movable in the axial opening direction of the closure member through a predetermined The axial distance is axially cammed by the first jaw opening feature. The second jaw cam surface is configured to disengage the first jaw opening feature as the closure member continues to move in the axial opening direction beyond the predetermined axial distance. The second jaw mounting portion also includes a second jaw cam surface configured to be opened by the second jaw as the closure member continues to move in the axial opening direction beyond a predetermined axial distance The features are axially cammed.

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 a fully closed position of the second jaw to a first intermediate shaft position without applying the first jaw opening motion to it.

Embodiment 128 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 127, wherein when the closure member is axially moved in the axial opening direction from the first intermediate axial position to the second intermediate axial position, the first intermediate axial position The jaw opening feature applies the first jaw opening motion to the second jaw such that the second jaw moves through the second jaw aperture angle relative to the first jaw.

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

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

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 The opening feature applies the second jaw opening motion 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 first The two jaws move to a second jaw hole angle relative to the first jaw.

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

Embodiment 134 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 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 The first jaw opening feature stops applying the first jaw opening motion 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 a final axial position causes the second jaw opening feature The structure ceases applying the second jaw opening motion to the second jaw.

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

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

Embodiment 138 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 137, wherein the first jaw moves axially in the axial opening direction from a first intermediate axial position to a second intermediate axial position A port opening feature causes the anvil to move through a first jaw hole measured between a deck surface of the surgical fastener cartridge supported in the elongated channel and a fastener forming an underside of the anvil angle.

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

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

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 The structure moves the anvil through a second jaw hole angle that is greater than the first jaw hole angle.

Embodiment 142 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated channel configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge in the elongated channel. The anvil is pivotally supported on the elongated channel for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongated channel between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The axially movable distal closure segment is selectively axially movable in the closing direction to move the anvil from the fully open position to the fully closed position, and selectively axially movable in the axial opening direction to Move the anvil from the fully closed position to the fully open position. The axially movable distal closure segment includes proximal jaw opening features formed on the distal closure segment and configured to apply a first jaw opening motion to the anvil. The distal jaw opening feature is formed on the distal closure segment and is axially spaced from the proximal jaw opening feature such that when the distal closure segment is moved in the axial opening direction, the proximal jaw opening feature is A first jaw opening motion is applied to the anvil, and when the distal closure segment is moved axially a predetermined axial distance in the opening direction, the proximal jaw opening feature stops applying the first jaw opening motion and the distal jaw opens The mouth opening feature applies a second jaw opening motion to the anvil to move the anvil to the fully open position.

Example 143 - A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw and a second jaw coupled to the first jaw to be in a fully open position and fully relative to the first jaw Selective pivotal travel between closed positions. The closure member is configured to be capable of being moved as the closure member axially moves in the distal direction from an initial position corresponding to the fully open position of the second jaw to an end position corresponding to the fully closed position of the second jaw. A closing motion is applied to the second jaw. The closing member is further configured to be movable distally from the starting position by an initial predetermined axial closing distance prior to applying the closing motion to the second jaw.

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

Embodiment 145 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 143 or 144, wherein the closure member is configured to be movable distally through the final predetermined axial closure distance after the second jaw has moved to the fully closed position.

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

Embodiment 147 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 143, 144, 145, or 146, wherein the closure member includes a closure cam surface configured to cammingly engage the jaw cam surface on the second jaw to apply a closing motion to it.

Embodiment 148 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 143, 144, 145, 146, or 147, wherein the closure member further comprises means for axial movement of the closure member in a proximal direction from the end position to the start means for applying an opening motion to the second jaw when in position.

Embodiment 149 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 148, wherein the means for applying the opening motion includes a first jaw opening feature on the closure member, the first jaw opening feature configured to A first amount of jaw opening movement can be applied to the second jaw as the closure member moves axially 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, the second jaw opening feature being axially spaced from the first jaw opening feature and configured to follow the closure member Axial movement from the intermediate position to the starting position applies a second amount of jaw opening motion to the second jaw.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Embodiment 156 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, or 155, wherein the closure member includes a closure cam surface configured to cammingly engage the anvil of the anvil An anvil cam surface on the mounting portion to apply a closing motion thereto.

Embodiment 157 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, or 157, wherein the closure member further comprises a shaft for moving the closure member in a proximal direction from the end position Means for applying an opening motion to the anvil upon movement to the starting position.

Embodiment 158 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 157, wherein the means for applying the opening motion includes a first jaw opening feature on the closure member, the first jaw opening feature configured to A first amount of jaw opening movement can be applied to the anvil as the closure member moves axially 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, the second jaw opening feature being axially spaced from the first jaw opening feature and configured to follow the closure member Axial movement from the intermediate axial position to the starting position applies a second amount of jaw opening motion to the anvil.

Example 159 - A surgical system comprising a housing operably supporting a closure system. The surgical system also includes an interchangeable surgical tool assembly including an elongated shaft assembly operably and removably coupled to the housing such that the elongated shaft assembly The proximal closure portion of the is configured to receive axial closure motion from the closure system. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly also includes a surgical end effector operably coupled to the elongated shaft assembly. The surgical end effector includes an elongated channel coupled to the elongated shaft assembly and configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge in the elongated channel. An anvil is coupled to the elongated channel for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongated channel between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The elongated shaft assembly includes an axially moveable proximal closure member configured to receive axial closing motion. The distal closure member is operably coupled to the proximal closure member and is configured to be axially movable in the distal direction from an initial position corresponding to the fully open position of the anvil to a position corresponding to the anvil in the distal direction The end position of the fully closed position of the seat applies an axial closing motion to the anvil. The distal closure member is configured to be movable distally from the starting position by an initial predetermined axial closure distance prior to applying the closing motion to the anvil.

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

Example 161 - A surgical tool assembly comprising a first jaw and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw. The surgical tool assembly also includes a firing system including a firing member assembly configured to be movable distally from the starting position when a firing motion is applied 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 the attachment joint. The second firing member element is configured to be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position in which the second firing member element is in locking engagement with the latching portion of the first jaw to prevent the firing member assembly Moving distally from the starting position upon application of the firing motion to the firing member assembly, in the unlocked position the firing member assembly is capable of moving from the starting position upon application of the firing motion to the firing member assembly The position is advanced distally. The surgical tool assembly also includes means for preventing an unlocking load from being applied to the attachment joint when the second firing member is in the locked position and firing motion is applied to the first firing member element.

Embodiment 162 - The surgical tool assembly of Embodiment 161 , wherein the latching portion includes at least one latching notch in the first jaw, the at least one latching notch configured to be capable of being positioned in the second firing member element. The locked position remains engaged with the second firing member element.

Embodiment 163 - The surgical tool assembly of Embodiments 161 or 162, further comprising a biasing member in the first jaw, the biasing member configured to bias the second firing member element Press into the locked 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 and at least one second jaw engagement feature configured to be removably received within a corresponding second jaw channel inside the jaw channel.

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

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

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, the removable The surgical component operably supports a movable component element therein. The movable component element is movable between an unfired position and a fired position. The second firing member element is configured to be movable from the locked 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 the first jaw is operably coupled to the elongated shaft defining a shaft axis, and wherein the first jaw is 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 embodiment 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 operably support a surgical staple cartridge, the surgical staples A cartridge operably supports a slider in the surgical staple cartridge. The slider is movable between an unfired position and a fired position. The second firing member element is configured to be movable from the locked position by the slider when the surgical staple cartridge is supported in the first jaw and the slider 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 end on the first firing member element surfaces and latching surfaces. The distal surface is configured to be configurable relative to the proximal surface on the second firing member element such that a space is provided between the distal surface and the proximal surface when the second firing member is in the unlocked position. The proximal surface abuts the blocking surface when the second firing member element is in the locked 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 includes at least one pivot member, the at least one A pivot member is on the second firing member element and is 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 when the second firing member is in the locked position and When the firing motion is applied to the first firing member element, the unlocking load is not transferred to the at least one pivot member.

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

Embodiment 175 - The stapling assembly of Embodiment 174, wherein the staple cartridge jaw includes a staple cartridge that includes a slider movable between an unfired position and a fired position. The slider is configured to engage the blocking member to prevent movement of the blocking member relative to the firing member to engage the blocking surface when the slider is in the unfired position.

Embodiment 176 - The suturing assembly of Embodiments 174 or 175, further comprising a spring configured to hold the latching member relative to the staple cartridge when a partially used staple cartridge is present and when the staple cartridge is not present The firing member is biased into a locked configuration.

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

Example 178 - A surgical fastening instrument comprising a first jaw configured to operably support an unfired surgical fastener cartridge in the first jaw. An anvil is movably supported relative to the first jaw. The surgical fastening instrument also includes a firing system that includes a firing member assembly configured to be axially movable between a starting position and an ending position. The firing member assembly includes a firing member including a cutting surface and a tiltable side 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 and an unlocked position in which the tiltable element is in locking engagement with the locking portion of the first jaw to prevent the firing member assembly Moving distally from the starting position upon application of the firing motion to the firing member assembly, in the unlocked position the firing member assembly is capable of moving from the starting position upon application of the firing motion to the firing member assembly Advance to the far side. 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 also includes means for biasing the tiltable element into the locking engagement unless an unfired surgical fastener cartridge is operably supported in the first jaw.

Embodiment 179 - The surgical fastening instrument of Embodiment 178, wherein the attachment joint includes at least one pivot member on the tiltable element and pivotally received in the firing in the corresponding pivot hole in the 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 when the tiltable member is in the locked position And when the firing motion is applied to the firing member element, the unlocking load is not transmitted to each pivot member.

Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are actuated by electric motors; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein may be actuated in any suitable manner. In various instances, for example, the surgical instrument systems described herein may be actuated by manually operated triggers. In some instances, the motors disclosed herein may include part or parts of a robotic control system. Furthermore, any end effector and/or tool assembly disclosed herein may be used with a robotic surgical instrument system. For example, US Patent Application Serial No. 13/118,241 (now US Patent 9,072,535) entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENTARRANGEMENTS" discloses several examples of robotic surgical instrument systems in greater detail.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in conjunction with deployment and deformation of the staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not so limited. For example, various embodiments are contemplated that deploy fasteners other than nails, such as clips or tacks. In addition, various embodiments are contemplated that utilize any suitable device for sealing tissue. For example, end effectors according to various embodiments may include electrodes configured to heat and seal tissue. Additionally, for example, end effectors according to certain embodiments may apply vibrational energy to seal tissue.

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

U.S. Patent 5,403,312, entitled "ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE," issued April 4, 1995;

U.S. Patent 7,000,818 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVINGSEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS" issued on February 21, 2006;

U.S. Patent 7,422,139, entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING ANDFASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK," issued September 9, 2008;

U.S. Patent 7,464,849 entitled "ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENTWITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS" issued December 16, 2008;

U.S. Patent 7,670,334, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATINGEND EFFECTOR," issued March 2, 2010;

US Patent 7,753,245, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS," issued July 13, 2010;

U.S. Patent 8,393,514, entitled "SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLEFASTENER CARTRIDGE," issued March 12, 2013;

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

U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/031,573, "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENTHAVING RF ELECTRODES," filed February 14, 2008;

US Patent Application Serial No. 12/031,873 (now US Patent 7,980,443), filed February 15, 2008, entitled "END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING ANDSTAPLING INSTRUMENT";

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

US Patent Application Serial No. 12/249,117 entitled "POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM", now US Patent 8,608,045;

US Patent Application Serial No. 12/647,100, filed December 24, 2009, entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENTWITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY"; now US Patent 8,220,688;

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

US Patent Application Serial No. 13/036,647, "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT," filed February 28, 2011, now US Patent 8,561,870;

US Patent Application Serial No. 13/118,241 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENTARRANGEMENTS", now US Patent 9,072,535;

U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/524,049, filed June 15, 2012, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTCOMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE"; now U.S. Patent 9,101,358;

US Patent Application Serial No. 13/800,025, filed March 13, 2013, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSORSYSTEM," now US Patent 9,345,481;

US Patent Application Serial No. 13/800,067, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSORSYSTEM," filed March 13, 2013, now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263552;

U.S. Patent Application Publication 2007/0175955, filed January 31, 2006, entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENTWITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM"; and

US Patent Application Publication 2010/0264194, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH ANARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR," filed April 22, 2010, now US Patent 8,308,040.

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

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, the device can be reconditioned after at least one use. Repair may include any combination of steps including, but not limited to, disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of specific components of the device, and subsequent reassembly of the device. Specifically, the repair facility and/or surgical team may disassemble the device, and after cleaning and/or replacing certain components of the device, the device may be reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the trimming device can 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 this application.

The devices disclosed herein can be processed prior to surgery. First, new or used instruments are available and cleaned as needed. The instruments can 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 device can then be exposed to a radiation field that penetrates the container, such as gamma radiation, X-rays, and/or high-energy electrons. Radiation kills bacteria on instruments and in containers. The sterilized instruments can then be stored in sterile containers. The sealed container keeps 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, this invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, this application is intended to cover any adaptations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using the general principles of the invention.

Any patent, publication or other disclosure material incorporated herein by reference, in whole or in part, is incorporated only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements or other disclosure material described herein This article. Accordingly, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure expressly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated herein by reference but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosed material set forth herein will only not arise between the incorporated material and the existing disclosed material merged to the extent of conflict.

Claims (20)

1. A surgical suturing device comprising: an elongated shaft assembly defining a shaft axis; A surgical end effector operably coupled to the elongated shaft assembly by an articulation joint configured to facilitate the surgical end effector around a transverse The articulation axis of the shaft axis selectively articulates, and the surgical end effector includes: a surgical staple cartridge operably supporting a plurality of surgical staples in the surgical staple cartridge; and an anvil supported for selective pivotal travel relative to the surgical staple cartridge between a fully open position and a closed position, the anvil including corresponding to the surgical staples in the surgical staple cartridge of a plurality of staple forming pockets, and wherein the surgical instrument further comprises: An axially movable firing member that includes at least one anvil engagement feature on the axially movable firing member, the at least one anvil engagement feature configured to follow moving the axially movable firing member from a proximal-most position to a distal-most position to engage the anvil when the anvil is in the closed position; and Apparatus for increasing the jaw hole distance between the distal-most staples in the surgical staple cartridge and a corresponding one of the staple forming pockets in the anvil, while at the axially movable firing member in the proximal-most position makes a joint between the articulation axis and the distal end of the anvil engagement feature on the axially movable firing member distance is minimized. 2. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the device for augmentation includes a closure member configured to apply a closing motion to the anvil, wherein the closure member is capable of axially moves 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, and wherein when the closure member In the starting position and the axially movable firing member is in the proximal-most position, the distal end of the closure member engages the distal end of the anvil engagement feature Spaced distally by a horizontal distance in the range of 0.4 inches to 0.9 inches. 3. The surgical stapling device of claim 2, wherein the horizontal distance is measured along a horizontal line parallel or coincident with the shaft axis. 4. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment including a closure cam surface configured to enable Cammingly engages a cam surface on the anvil as the axially movable distal closure segment is moved from the starting position to the ending position. 5. The surgical stapling device of claim 2, wherein the surgical fastener cartridge is removably supported in an elongated channel operably coupled to the articulation joint via the articulation joint the elongated shaft assembly. 6. The surgical stapling device of claim 5, 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 the elongated channel in the corresponding opening in . 7. The surgical stapling device of claim 6, wherein the elongated shaft assembly includes an axially movable proximal closure tube assembly on the elongated shaft assembly, and wherein the closure member includes an axially movable The distal closure tube segment is operably coupled to the axially movable proximal closure tube assembly. 8. The surgical stapling device of claim 7, wherein the axially movable distal closure segment includes a closure cam surface configured to be capable of being positioned distal to the axially movable The closed tube section cammingly engages the anvil cam surface on the anvil as it moves from the starting position to the ending position. 9. The surgical stapling device of claim 8, wherein the elongated shaft assembly includes a spine assembly operably coupled to the elongated channel and movably supporting the proximal portion thereon At least a portion of a lateral closure tube assembly, and wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operably interfaces with a closure system configured to selectively apply axial closure and opening to the proximal closure tube assembly sports. 10. The surgical stapling device of claim 9, wherein the closure system is supported by a handheld housing. 11. The surgical stapling device of claim 9, wherein the closure system is supported by a housing operatively interfacing with a robotically controlled actuator. 12. A surgical instrument comprising: Slender shaft assembly; an elongated channel coupled to the elongated shaft assembly and configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge in the elongated channel; an anvil pivotally coupled to the elongated channel for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongated channel about a fixed jaw pivot axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position; a closing member configured to apply a closing motion to the anvil as the closing member moves from a starting position to an ending position to cause the anvil to be in the fully open position and the fully open position movement between closed positions; and An axially movable firing member that includes at least one anvil engagement feature on the axially movable firing member, the at least one anvil engagement feature configured to follow The axially movable firing member is moved from a proximal-most position to a distal-most position within the elongated channel to apply additional closing motion to the anvil, and wherein when the closing member is in the starting position And when the axially movable firing member is in the proximal-most position, the distal end of the closure member is distal to the distal end of the at least one anvil engagement feature. 13. The surgical instrument of claim 12, wherein the closure member is in the home position and the axially movable firing member is in the proximal-most position. The distal end is spaced distally from the distal end of the at least one anvil engagement feature by a horizontal distance in the range of 0.4 inches to 0.9 inches. 14. The surgical instrument of claim 13, wherein the elongated shaft assembly defines a shaft axis, and wherein the horizontal distance is measured along a horizontal line parallel or coincident with the shaft axis. 15. The surgical instrument of claim 12, wherein the closure member comprises an axially movable distal closure tube segment comprising a closure cam surface configured to The axially movable distal closure segment cams to engage an anvil cam surface on the anvil as it moves from the starting position to the ending position. 16. The surgical instrument of claim 15, wherein the elongated shaft assembly comprises: a spine assembly operably coupled to the elongated 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. 17. The surgical instrument of claim 16, wherein the proximal closure tube assembly operably interfaces with a closure system configured to selectively apply a shaft to the proximal closure tube assembly Movement towards closing and opening. 18. The surgical instrument of claim 17, wherein the closure system is supported by a hand-held housing. 19. The surgical instrument of claim 17, wherein the closure system is supported by a housing operatively interfacing with a robotically controlled actuator. 20. A surgical system comprising: a housing operably supporting the closure system; and An interchangeable surgical tool assembly comprising: an elongated shaft assembly operably and removably coupled to the housing such that a proximal closed portion of the elongated shaft assembly is configured to receive an axial direction from the closure system a closing movement, the elongated shaft assembly defining a shaft axis; and a surgical end effector operably coupled to the elongated shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongated shaft assembly about an articulation axis transverse to the shaft axis, whereby The surgical end effector includes: an elongated channel coupled to the elongated shaft assembly and configured to operably support a surgical fastener cartridge in the elongated channel; an anvil coupled to the elongated channel for selective pivoting relative to the elongated channel between a fully open position and a fully closed position about a jaw pivot axis transverse to the shaft axis turn travel, and wherein the elongated shaft assembly includes: a distal closure member operably coupled to the proximal closure portion and configured to be applied to the anvil as the distal closure member moves from a starting position to an ending position a closing movement to move the anvil between the fully open position and the fully closed position; and An axially movable firing member that includes at least one anvil engagement feature on the axially movable firing member, the at least one anvil engagement feature configured to follow The axially movable firing member is moved from a proximal-most position to a distal-most position within the elongated channel to apply additional closing motion to the anvil, and wherein when the distal closing member is in the starting position The distal end of the distal closure member is distal to the distal end of the at least one anvil engagement feature when the axially movable firing member is in the home position and the axially movable firing member is in the proximal-most position.

Images