CN110099635B - Surgical stapler with independently actuatable closure and firing systems - Google Patents

Abstract

A surgical instrument having separate actuatable closure and firing systems for closing a movable jaw and actuating a firing member. In one form, the surgical instrument includes an elastic spine assembly including a proximal spine portion and a distal spine portion resiliently coupled to the proximal spine portion for axial movement relative thereto between a neutral position and an extended position such that application of a closing motion to the movable jaws is increased without actuating the closing system during actuation of the firing system.

Description

Surgical stapler with independently actuatable closure and firing systems

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 a perspective view of one of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies of Figure 1 operably coupled to the handle assembly of Figure 1;

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

Figure 4 is a perspective view of another of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a partial cutaway perspective view of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 4 and 5;

Figure 7 is an exploded assembly view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 4-6;

7A is an enlarged top view of a portion of the resilient spine assembly of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 7;

Figure 8 is another exploded assembly view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 4-7;

Figure 9 is another cutaway perspective view of the surgical end effector portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figures 4-8;

Figure 10 is an exploded assembly view of the surgical end effector portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a perspective view, a side elevational view, and a front elevational view of a firing member embodiment that may be employed in the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of an anvil that may be employed in the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 4;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the anvil of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a bottom view of the anvil of Figures 12 and 13;

15 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a portion of the surgical end effector and shaft portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 4 with the unemptied or unfired surgical staple cartridge properly seated on the surgical end effector in the elongated channel;

16 is another cross-sectional side elevation view of the surgical end effector and shaft portion of FIG. 15 after the surgical staple cartridge has been at least partially fired and its firing member has been retracted to a starting position;

Figure 17 is another cross-sectional side elevation view of the surgical end effector and shaft portion of Figure 16 after the firing member has been fully retracted to the starting position;

Fig. 18 is a top cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector and shaft portion shown in Fig. 15 with the unemptied or unfired surgical staple cartridge properly seated within the elongated channel of the surgical end effector;

Fig. 19 is another top cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector of Fig. 18 with the surgical staple cartridge installed therein having been at least partially fired and showing the firing member held in a locked position;

20 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil and portion of the elongated channel of the interchangeable tool assembly of FIG. 4;

Figure 21 is an exploded side elevation view of the anvil and portion of the elongated channel of Figure 20;

22 is a rear perspective view of the anvil mounting portion of the anvil embodiment;

23 is a rear perspective view of the anvil mounting portion of another anvil embodiment;

24 is a rear perspective view of the anvil mounting portion of another anvil embodiment;

Figure 25 is a perspective view of an anvil embodiment;

Figure 26 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil of Figure 25;

Figure 27 is a cross-sectional end view of the anvil of Figure 25;

Figure 28 is a perspective view of another anvil embodiment;

Figure 29 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil embodiment of Figure 28;

Figure 30 is a top view of the distal end portion of the anvil body portion of the anvil of Figure 28;

31 is a top view of the distal end portion of the anvil body portion of another anvil embodiment;

Figure 32 is a cutaway end perspective view of the anvil of Figure 31;

Figure 33 is a cutaway end perspective view of another anvil embodiment;

Figure 34 is a perspective view of a closure member embodiment including a distal closure segment;

Figure 35 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the closure member embodiment of Figure 34;

36 is a partial cross-sectional view of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment showing the position of the anvil mounting portion with the anvil in the fully closed position and its firing member in the home position;

Figure 37 is another partial cross-sectional view of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 36 at the beginning of the opening process;

Figure 38 is another partial cross-sectional view of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 37 with the anvil in a fully open position;

Figure 39 is a side elevational view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 36;

Figure 40 is a side elevational view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 37;

Figure 41 is a side elevational view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 38;

Figure 42 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of another closure member embodiment;

Figure 43 is a cross-sectional end view of the closure member of Figure 42;

Figure 44 is a cross-sectional end view of another closure member embodiment;

Figure 45 is a cross-sectional end view of another closure member embodiment;

Figure 46 is a cross-sectional end view of another closure member embodiment;

47 is a partial cross-sectional view of the portion of the surgical end effector of the interchangeable tool assembly shown in FIG. 1;

Figure 48 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the surgical end effector of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 5;

Figure 49 is another cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector of Figure 48;

50 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the underside of the anvil embodiment;

51 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 5 with the anvil of its surgical end effector in a fully open position;

Figure 52 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Figure 51 with its surgical end effector anvil in a first closed position;

53 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 51 at the beginning of the firing procedure with the anvil in the first closed position and the firing member of its surgical end effector having been moved distally out of the start Location;

Fig. 54 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of Fig. 51 with the anvil in the second closed position and the firing member having been advanced distally into the surgical staple cartridge of its surgical end effector;

Figure 55 is a graphical comparison of firing energy versus time for different interchangeable surgical tool assemblies; and

Figure 56 is a graphical depiction of the improvement in firing force and the comparison of firing load as a percentage of firing distance traveled by its firing member for four different interchangeable surgical tool assemblies.

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. _15/386,185________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIESTHEREOF"; Attorney's Docket No. END7980USNP/160155;

-US Patent Application Serial No._15/386,230________ entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS"; Attorney's Docket No. END7981USNP/160156;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/386,221________ titled "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS"; Attorney's Docket No. END7982USNP/160157;

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/386,209________ entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF"; Attorney's Docket No. END7983USNP/160158;

- US Patent Application Serial No. _15/386,198________ entitled "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS ANDREPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES"; Attorney Docket No. END7984USNP/160159; and

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/386,240________ entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR"; Attorney's Docket No. END7985USNP/160160.

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._15/385,939________ entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLECAVITIES THEREIN"; Attorney's Docket No. END7986USNP/160161;

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,941_________ titled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FORSHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES ANDARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS"; Attorney's Docket No. END7987USNP/160162;

-US Patent Application Serial No._15/385,943________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS"; Attorney's Docket No. END7988USNP/160163;

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,950________ entitled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTIONFEATURES"; Attorney's Docket No. END7989USNP/160164;

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,945________ entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLECAVITIES THEREIN"; Attorney's Docket No. END7990USNP/160165;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,946________ titled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS"; Attorney's Docket No. END7991USNP/160166;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,951________ titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASINGA JAW OPENING DISTANCE"; Attorney's Docket No. END7992USNP/160167;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,953________ entitled "METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE"; Attorney's Docket No. END7993USNP/160168;

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,954________ entitled "FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FORSURGICAL END EFFECTORS"; Attorney's Docket No. END7994USNP/160169;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,955________ titled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOPARRANGEMENTS"; Attorney's Docket No. END7995USNP/160170;

-US Patent Application Serial No._15/385,948________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS"; Attorney's Docket No. END7996USNP/160171;

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,956________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES"; Attorney's Docket No. END7997USNP/160172;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,958________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTINGFIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT"; Attorney Docket No. END7998USNP/160173; and

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,947________ entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLECAVITIES THEREIN"; Attorney Docket No. END7999USNP/160174.

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. __15/385,896________ titled "METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT"; Attorney's Docket No. END8013USNP/160175;

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,898________ entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENTTYPES OF STAPLES"; Attorney's Docket No. END8014USNP/160176;

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,899_______ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL"; Attorney's Docket No. END8016USNP/160178;

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,901________ entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN"; Attorney's Docket No. END8017USNP/160179;

-US Patent Application Serial No._15/385,902________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER"; Attorney's Docket No. END8018USNP/160180;

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,904________ entitled "STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/ORSPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT"; Attorney Docket No. END8019USNP/160181;

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,905________ entitled "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT"; Attorney Docket No. END8020USNP/160182;

-US Patent Application Serial No. ___15/385,907_______ titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUTAND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT"; Attorney's Docket No. END8021USNP/160183;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,908________ entitled "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE"; Attorney Docket No. END8022USNP/160184; and

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,909________ titled "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE"; Attorney Docket No. END8023USNP/160185.

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._15/385,920________ entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS"; Attorney's Docket No. END8038USNP/160186;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,913________ titled "ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS"; Attorney's Docket No. END8039USNP/160187;

-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"; Attorney Docket No. END8041USNP/160189;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,893________ titled "BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS"; Attorney's Docket No. END8042USNP/160190;

-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"; Attorney Docket No. END8043USNP/160191;

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,927________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES"; Attorney Docket No. END8045USNP/160193;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,917________ entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPINGBREADTHS"; Attorney's Docket No. END8047USNP/160195;

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,900________ entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARYSIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS"; Attorney Docket No. END8048USNP/160196;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,931________ entitled "NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FORSURGICAL STAPLERS"; Attorney's Docket No. END8050USNP/160198;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,915________ titled "FIRING MEMBER PIN ANGLE"; Attorney's Docket No. END8051USNP/160199;

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,897________ entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMINGSURFACE GROOVES"; Attorney's Docket No. END8052USNP/160200;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,922________ titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES"; Attorney's Docket No. END8053USNP/160201;

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,924________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS"; Attorney Docket No. END8054USNP/160202;

-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"; Attorney Docket No. END8056USNP/160204;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,910________ titled "ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH"; Attorney's Docket No. END8057USNP/160205;

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,903_________ titled "CLOSURE MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; Attorney Docket No. END8058USNP/160206; and

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,906________ entitled "FIRING MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS"; Attorney Docket No. END8059USNP/160207.

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. _15/386,188________ entitled "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES"; Attorney Docket No. END8000USNP/160208;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/386,192________ entitled "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAPSETTING FEATURES"; Attorney's Docket No. END8001USNP/160209;

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15,386,206________ entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES"; Attorney's Docket No. END8002USNP/160210;

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/386,226________ entitled "DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIESOF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS"; Attorney's Docket No. END8003USNP/160211;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. _15/386,222________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITHPOSITIVE OPENING FEATURES"; Attorney Docket No. END8004USNP/160212; and

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/386,236________ entitled "CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICALSTAPLING INSTRUMENTS"; Attorney's Docket No. END8005USNP/160213.

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. _15/385,887________ entitled "METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICALINSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT"; Attorney's Docket No. END8006USNP/160214;

-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"; Attorney Docket No. END8007USNP/160215;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,890________ titled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE ANDRETRACTABLE SYSTEMS; Attorney's Docket No. END8008USNP/160216;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,891________ titled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THEOUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS"; Attorney Docket No. END8009USNP/160217;

-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"; Attorney Docket No. END8010USNP/160218;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,894________ entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT"; Attorney Docket No. END8011USNP/160219; and

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,895_________ titled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATIONLOCKOUTS"; Attorney's Docket No. END8012USNP/160220.

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. __15/385,916________ titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS"; Attorney's Docket No. END8024USNP/160221;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,918________ titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS"; Attorney's Docket No. END8025USNP/160222;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,919________ titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS"; Attorney Docket No. END8026USNP/160223;

-US Patent Application Serial No. ___15/385,921_______ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBERCONFIGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES"; Attorney's Docket No. END8027USNP/160224;

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,923_________ titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS"; Attorney Docket No. END8028USNP/160225;

- U.S. 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 UNFIRED CARTRIDGE ISINSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR"; Attorney's Docket No. END8029USNP/160226;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,926________ titled "AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYINGCLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; Attorney's Docket No. END8030USNP/160227;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,928________ titled "PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN AMOVABLE JAW AND ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT"; Attorney's Docket No. END8031USNP/160228;

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,930________ entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENINGFEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS"; Attorney's Docket No. END8032USNP/160229;

-US Patent Application Serial No. ___15/385,932____ entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFTARRANGEMENT"; Attorney's Docket No. END8033USNP/160230;

-US Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,933________ entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLELINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK"; Attorney's Docket No. END8034USNP/160231;

-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"; Attorney Docket No. END8035USNP/160232;

- U.S. Patent Application Serial No. __15/385,935________ entitled "LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FORLOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATEDCONFIGURATION"; Attorney's Docket No. END8036USNP/160233; and

-US Patent Application Serial No. _15/385,936________ entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKEAMPLIFICATION FEATURES". Attorney's docket number END8037USNP/160234.

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 STAPLERS";

- 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";

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

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

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

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

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

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 STAPLER", 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 14/633,542 entitled "REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now US Patent Application Publication 2016/0249908;

- US Patent Application Serial 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 Application Publication 2014/0246478;

- 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 Application Publication 2014/0263565;

- 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 Application Publication 2014/0263539.

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 and 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, 2014, 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 Application Publication 2014/0305989;

- 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 STAPLER", now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0309666;

- US Patent Application Serial 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 STAPLER", 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 surgical system 10 includes four interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 100 , 200 , 300 and 1000 , each of which is adapted for interchangeable use with handle assembly 500 . Each interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100, 200, 300, and 1000 may be designed for use in connection with the performance of one or more specific surgical procedures. In another surgical system embodiment, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly can be effectively used with the tool drive assembly of a robotically controlled or automated surgical system. For example, the surgical tool assemblies disclosed herein may be used with various robotic systems, instruments, components, and methods such as, but not limited to, those disclosed in US Pat. No. 9,072,535, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENTARRANGEMENTS," which patent The application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 2 shows one form of interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 operably coupled to handle assembly 500 . FIG. 3 shows the attachment of interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 to handle assembly 500 . The attachment device and process shown in Figure 3 may also be used in conjunction with the attachment of any interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 100, 200, 300 and 1000 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 configured to generate and apply various control motions to an interactable operably attached thereto. Corresponding portions of surgical tool assemblies 100, 200, 300 and/or 1000 are exchanged.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the handle assembly 500 may also include a frame 506 that operably supports a plurality of drive systems. For example, 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 an interchangeable operably attached or coupled handle assembly 500 Surgical tool assemblies 100, 200, 300 and 1000. In at least one form, the closure drive system 510 may include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger 512 pivotally supported by the frame 506 . This arrangement allows the closure trigger 512 to be manipulated by the clinician such that the closure trigger 512 can be easily pivoted from the activated or "unactuated" position when the clinician grasps the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly 500 Go to the "actuated" position and more specifically pivot to the fully compressed or fully actuated position. In various forms, the closure drive system 510 also includes a closure linkage assembly 514 pivotally coupled to or otherwise operatively interfacing with the closure trigger 512 . As will be discussed in further detail below, in the example shown, 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, the clinician presses the closure trigger 512 towards the pistol grip portion 504 . As described in further detail in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,142 (now U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015/0272575) entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, The closure drive system 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 wishes to unlock the closure trigger 512 to allow it to be biased to the unactuated position, the clinician simply activates the closure release button assembly 518, which enables the closure trigger to return to the unactuated position. The closure release button 518 may also be configured to interact with various sensors that communicate with the microcontroller 520 in the handle assembly 500 to track the position of the closure 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 frame 506 may operably support another drive system, referred to herein as firing drive system 530, configured to apply firing action to a The corresponding portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly thereon. As described in detail in US Patent Application Publication 2015/0272575, the firing drive system 530 may employ an electric motor (not shown in FIGS. 1-3 ) located in the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly 500 . In various forms, the motor may be, for example, a DC brush drive motor with a maximum rotation of about 25,000 RPM. In other arrangements, the motor may comprise a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor 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 that can be connected in series may be used as the power source for the surgical system 10 . Additionally, power source 522 may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

The electric motor is configured to axially drive the longitudinally movable drive member 540 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 540 will be driven axially in the distal direction "DD". When the motor is driven in the opposite rotational direction, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 will be driven axially in the proximal direction "PD". The handle assembly 500 can include a switch 513 that can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor through the power source 522 or otherwise control the motor. The handle assembly 500 may also include one or more sensors (not shown) configured to detect the position of the drive member 540 and/or the direction in which the drive member 540 is moving. Activation of the motor is controlled by a firing trigger 532 (FIG. 1) pivotally supported on the handle assembly 500. The firing trigger 532 is pivotable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger 532 may be biased into the unactuated position by a spring or other biasing configuration, such that when the clinician releases the firing trigger 532, it may be pivoted or otherwise returned to the unactuated position by the spring or biasing device . 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. Moves between a safe 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, and they can then be manipulated by the clinician.

In at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 may have rack teeth (not shown) formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear arrangement (not shown) that Connect 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 that can allow a clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 540 if the motor becomes disabled. The rescue assembly may include a lever or rescue handle assembly that is stored within handle assembly 500 under releasable door 550 . The lever is configured to be manually pivotable into ratchet engagement with teeth in the drive member 540 . Thus, the clinician can manually retract the drive member 540 using the rescue handle assembly to ratchet the drive member 5400 in the proximal direction "PD". U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/249,117, entitled "POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUSWITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM," now U.S. Patent Application Publication 8,608,045, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses that it is also available with Rescue devices and other components, devices and systems for use with the various surgical tool assemblies disclosed herein.

Turning now to FIG. 2 , the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 includes a surgical end effector 110 that includes a first jaw and a second jaw. In one arrangement, the first jaw includes an elongated channel 112 configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 116 therein. The second jaw includes an anvil 114 that is pivotally supported relative to the elongated channel 112 . The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 also includes a lockable articulation joint 120 that can be configured to releasably retain the end effector 110 in a desired position relative to the shaft axis SA. Details regarding the various constructions and operations of end effector 110, articulation joint 120 and articulation lock are set forth in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK", now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541, which is hereby incorporated by reference. As can be further seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 can include a proximal housing or nozzle 130 and a closure tube assembly 140 , which can be used to close and/or open the end effector 110 . Anvil 114 . As discussed in US Patent Application Publication 2015/0272575, closure tube assembly 140 is movably supported on spine 145 that supports articulation drive 147 for applying articulation motion to surgical end effector 110 . Ridge 145 is configured to: first, slidably support firing rod 170 therein; and second, slidably support closure tube assembly 140 extending around spine 145 . In each case, spine 145 includes a proximal end rotatably supported in chassis 150 . See Figure 3. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end of spine 145 is attached to a spine bearing (not shown) configured to be supported within chassis 150 . This arrangement facilitates the rotatable attachment of the spine 145 to the chassis 150 such that the spine 145 is selectively rotatable relative to the chassis 150 about the shaft axis SA.

Referring primarily to FIG. 3 , the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 includes a closure shuttle 160 that is slidably supported within the chassis 150 such that the closure shuttle 160 is axially movable relative to the chassis 150 . As can be seen in FIG. 3 , the closure shuttle 160 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 162 configured for attachment to attachment pins 516 that attach to the handle assembly 500 The closing linkage assembly 514 in . The proximal closure tube segment 146 of the closure tube assembly 140 is coupled to the closure shuttle 160 for rotation relative to the closure shuttle 160 . Thus, when hook 162 is hooked on pin 516, actuation of closure trigger 512 will result in axial movement of closure shuttle 160 and, ultimately, axial movement of closure tube assembly 140 on spine 145. A closure spring (not shown) may also be journaled on closure tube assembly 140 and used to bias closure tube assembly 140 in the proximal direction "PD", which may be operably coupled to shaft assembly 100 to handle assembly 500 is used to pivot the closure trigger 512 to the unactuated position. In use, the closure tube assembly 140 is translated distally (direction "DD") to close the anvil 114 , eg, in response to actuation of the closure trigger 512 . Closure tube assembly 140 includes a distal closure tube segment 142 pivotally pinned to a distal end of a proximal closure tube segment 146 . The distal closure segment 142 is configured to be axially movable relative to the surgical end effector 110 with the proximal closure segment 146 . When the distal end of the distal closure tube segment 142 strikes the proximal surface or flange 115 on the anvil 114, the anvil 114 pivots closed. Further details regarding the closure of the anvil 114 can be found in the aforementioned US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541 and will be discussed in further detail below. As also described in detail in US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541, the anvil 114 is opened proximally by translating the distal closure segment 142. The distal closure tube segment 142 has a horseshoe shaped hole 143 therein which defines a downwardly extending return tab (not shown) that mates with the anvil tab 117 formed on the proximal end of the anvil 114 , to pivot the anvil 114 back to the open position. In the fully open position, the closure tube assembly 140 is in its proximal-most or unactuated position.

Also as described above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 also includes a firing rod 170 that is supported for axial travel within the shaft spine 145 . The firing rod 170 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion configured for attachment to a distal cutting portion or knife shaft that is configured for axial travel through the surgical end effector 110 . In at least one arrangement, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 includes a clutch assembly (not shown) that can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the articulation driver to the firing rod 170 . Further details regarding the features and operation of the clutch assembly can be found in US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541. As discussed in US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541, when the clutch assembly is in its engaged position, distal movement of the firing rod 170 can move the articulation drive 147 distally and, correspondingly, proximal movement of the firing rod 170 The lateral movement may move the articulation drive 147 proximally. When the clutch assembly is in its disengaged position, the motion of the firing rod 170 is not transmitted to the articulation drive 147 , and thus, the firing rod 170 can move independently of the articulation drive 147 . The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 may also include a slip ring assembly (not shown) that may be configured to conduct power to and/or from the end effector 110 and/or Either the signal is communicated to and/or from the end effector 110 . Further details regarding slip ring assemblies can be found in US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541. US Patent Application Serial No. 13/800,067 (now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263552) entitled "STAPLECARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM" is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. US Patent 9,345,481 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGETISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM" is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Still referring to FIG. 3 , the chassis 150 has formed thereon at least one (and preferably two) tapered attachment portions 152 adapted to be received in corresponding dovetails formed within the distal end of the frame 506 inside slot 507. Each dovetail-shaped slot 507 may be tapered, or in other words, may be slightly V-shaped to receive the tapered attachment portion 152 therein in a seated manner. As can be further seen in FIG. 3 , a shaft attachment lug 172 is formed on the proximal end of the firing shaft 170 . When the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 is coupled to the handle assembly 500 , the shaft attachment lugs 172 are received in firing shaft attachment brackets formed in the distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member 540 . The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 also employs a latch system 180 for releasably locking the shaft assembly 100 to the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500 . For example, in at least one form, latch system 180 includes a locking member or locking yoke 182 movably coupled to chassis 150 . The locking yoke 182 includes two proximally projecting locking lugs 184 configured for releasable engagement with corresponding locking pawls or grooves 509 in the distal attachment flange of the frame 506 . In various forms, the locking yoke 182 is biased in the proximal direction by a spring or biasing member (not shown). Actuation of the locking yoke 182 may be accomplished by a latch button 186 slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly mounted to the chassis 150 . The latch button 186 can be biased in a proximal direction relative to the locking yoke 182 . As will be discussed in further detail below, the locking yoke 182 can be moved to the unlocked position by biasing the latch button in the distal direction DD, which also pivots the locking yoke 182 out of maintaining a distal attachment to the frame 506. Flange joint. The locking lugs 184 remain seated within corresponding locking pawls or grooves 509 in the distal end of the frame 506 when the locking yoke 182 is "retained" with the distal connecting flange of the frame 506 . Further details regarding the latching system can be found in US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541.

The attachment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 to the handle assembly 500 will now be described with reference to FIG. 3 . To begin the coupling process, the clinician may position the chassis 150 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 at or near the distal end 700 of the frame 506 such that the tapered attachment portion 152 formed on the chassis 150 aligns with the dovetails in the frame 506 shaped slot 702 is aligned. The clinician can then move the surgical tool assembly 100 along the mounting axis IA, which is perpendicular to the shaft axis SA, to seat the tapered attachment portion 152 with a corresponding dovetail-shaped receiving slot in the distal end of the frame 506 507 "Operably Engaged". In doing so, the shaft attachment lug 172 on the firing shaft 170 will also sit in the bracket 542 in the longitudinally movable drive member 540 and the portion of the pin 516 on the closing link 514 will sit in the closing shuttle in the corresponding hook 162 in the moving member 160 . 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 action, function and/or or program.

Returning now to FIG. 1, the surgical system 10 shown in this figure includes four interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 100, 200, 300 and 1000, each of which can be effectively used with the same handle assembly 500 to perform a different Surgical protocol. The construction of an exemplary form of interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 is briefly discussed above, and is discussed in further detail in US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541. Various details regarding the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 200 and 300 can be found in various US patent applications filed on the same date as this application and incorporated herein by reference. Various details regarding the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 are discussed in further detail below.

As shown in FIG. 1, each of the surgical tool assemblies 100, 200, 300, and 1000 includes a pair of jaws, wherein at least one of the jaws is movable between an open position and a closed position in which tissue is movable between the two jaws The mouth is captured or manipulated, and in the closed position the tissue is held securely between the two. When closing and opening motions are applied to one or more movable jaws from a handle assembly or robotic or automated surgical system to which the surgical tool assembly is operatively coupled, the movable jaws are between the open and closed positions. move between. Additionally, each of the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assemblies includes a firing member configured to cut tissue and fire staples from a staple cartridge responsive to application by the handle assembly or robotic system to The firing motion thereon is supported in one of the jaws. Each surgical tool assembly can be uniquely designed to perform a specific procedure, eg, cutting and tightening a specific type and thickness of tissue in a specific area of the body. The closure, firing, and articulation control system in the handle assembly 500 or robotic system may be configured to produce axial control motion and/or rotational control motion depending on the type of closure, firing, and articulation system configuration employed in the surgical tool assembly . In one arrangement, when the handle assembly or the closure control system in the robotic system is fully actuated, one of the closure system control components (eg, which may include a closure tube assembly as described above) is in an unactuated position Move axially to its fully actuated position. The axial distance the closed tube assembly moves between its unactuated position and its fully actuated position may be referred to herein as its "closed stroke length." Similarly, when the handle assembly or the firing system in the robotic system is fully actuated, one of the firing system control components, which may, for example, include a longitudinally movable drive member as described above, is moved axially from its unactuated position to its fully actuated or fired position. The axial distance the longitudinally movable drive member moves between its unactuated position and its fully fired position may be referred to herein as its "firing stroke length". For those surgical tool assemblies that employ articulatable end effector devices, the handle assembly or robotic system may employ articulation control components that move axially through an "articulation drive stroke length." In many cases, the closing stroke length, firing stroke length, and articulation drive stroke length are fixed for a particular handle assembly or robotic system. Accordingly, each of the surgical tool assemblies must be able to accommodate the controlled movement of the closure, firing, and/or articulation components through each of its entire stroke lengths without placing undue stress on the surgical tool components, which may result in Damage or catastrophic failure of surgical tool components.

Turning now to FIGS. 4-10 , the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a surgical end effector 1100 that includes an elongated channel 1102 configured to operably support a staple cartridge 1110 therein. The end effector 1100 may also include an anvil 1130 pivotally supported relative to the elongated channel 1102 . The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may also include an articulation joint 1200 and an articulation lock 1210 (FIGS. 5 and 8-10), which may be configured to releasably retain the end effector 1100 relative to the shaft axis SA. Desired joint motion position. Details regarding the construction and operation of articulation lock 1210 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 herein by reference. Additional details regarding articulation locks can also be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,196, filed February 9, 2016, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISMWITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. This article. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may also include a proximal housing or nozzle 1300 that includes nozzle portions 1302, 1304 and an actuator wheel portion 1306 that is configured be coupled to the assembled nozzle portions 1302, 1304 by snaps, lugs, screws, or the like. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may also include a closure tube assembly 1400 that may be used to close and/or open the anvil 1130 of the end effector 1100, as will be discussed in further detail below. Referring now primarily to FIGS. 8 and 9 , interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 can include spine assembly 1500 that can be configured to support articulation lock 1210 . In the arrangement shown, spine assembly 1500 includes "elastic" spines or frame members 1510 as will be described in further detail below. The distal end portion 1522 of the resilient spine member 1510 is attached to a distal frame segment 1560 that operably supports the articulation lock 1210 therein. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , spine assembly 1500 is constructed to: first, slidably support firing member assembly 1600 therein; and second, slidably support closure tube assembly 1400 extending around spine assembly 1500 . The spine assembly 1500 may also be configured to slidably support the proximal articulation driver 1700 .

As can be seen in FIG. 10 , the distal frame segment 1560 is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel 1102 by the end effector mounting assembly 1230 . In one arrangement, for example, the distal end 1562 of the distal frame segment 1560 has a pivot pin 1564 formed thereon. The pivot pin 1564 is adapted to be pivotally received within a pivot hole 1234 formed in the pivot base portion 1232 of the end effector mounting assembly 1230. The end effector mounting assembly 1230 is attached to the proximal end 1103 of the elongated channel 1102 by a spring pin 1105 or other suitable member. The pivot pin 1564 defines an articulation axis B-B transverse to the shaft axis SA. See Figure 4. This arrangement facilitates pivotal travel (ie, articulation) of the end effector 1100 relative to the spine assembly 1500 about the articulation axis B-B.

Still referring to FIG. 10 , in the illustrated embodiment, the articulation driver 1700 has a distal end 1702 configured to operably engage the articulation lock 1210 . Articulation lock 1210 includes an articulation frame 1212 adapted to operably engage drive pins 1238 on pivot base portion 1232 of end effector mounting assembly 1230. Additionally, a cross-link 1237 may be coupled to the drive pin 1238 and the articulation frame 1212 to assist in articulation of the end effector 1100 . As noted above, further details regarding the operation of articulation lock 1210 and articulation frame 1212 can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086, now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541. Further details regarding end effector mounting assemblies and cross-links can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,245, "SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," filed February 9, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby Incorporated herein by reference. In each case, the resilient spine member 1510 includes a proximal end 1514 that is rotatably supported in the chassis 1800 . In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end 1514 of the resilient spine member 1510 has threads 1516 formed thereon for threaded attachment to a spine bearing (not shown) configured to be supported on the Inside the chassis 1800. This arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of resilient spine member 1510 to chassis 1800 such that spine assembly 1500 is selectively rotatable relative to chassis 1800 about shaft axis SA.

Referring primarily to FIG. 7 , the interchangeable shaft assembly 1000 includes a closure shuttle 1420 that is slidably supported within the chassis 1800 such that the closure shuttle 1420 can move axially relative to the chassis 1800 . In one form, the closure shuttle 1420 includes a pair of proximally protruding hooks 1421 configured for attachment to an attachment pin 516 that attaches to the closure of the handle assembly 500 Linkage assembly 514, as described above. The proximal end 1412 of the proximal closure tube segment 1410 is coupled to the closure shuttle 1420 for rotation relative to the closure shuttle 1420 . For example, U-connector 1424 is inserted into annular slot 1414 in proximal end 1412 of proximal closure tube segment 1410 and retained within vertical slot 1422 in closure shuttle 1420 . See Figure 7. This arrangement serves to attach proximal closure tube segment 1410 to closure shuttle 1420 for axial travel therewith, while enabling closure tube assembly 1400 to rotate relative to closure shuttle 1420 about shaft axis SA. A closure spring (not shown) is journaled on the proximal end 1412 of the proximal closure tube segment 1410 and serves to bias the closure tube assembly 1400 in the proximal direction PD, which can be used in the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000. When operatively coupled to handle assembly 500, is used to pivot closure trigger 512 on handle assembly 500 (FIG. 3) to an unactuated position.

As described above, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes an articulation joint 1200 . However, other interchangeable surgical tool assemblies may not be capable of articulation. As can be seen in Figure 10, upper tang 1415 and lower tang 1416 project distally from the distal end of proximal closure tube segment 1410 for movably coupling to an end effector closure sleeve or closure tube The distal end of assembly 1400 closes segment 1430. As can be seen in Figure 10, the distal closure segment 1430 includes an upper tang 1434 and a lower tang 1436 protruding proximally from its proximal end. The upper dual pivot link 1220 includes proximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in the upper tangs 1415, 1434 of the proximal closure tube segment 1410 and distal closure tube segment 1430, respectively. Similarly, lower dual pivot link 1222 includes proximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in lower tangs 1416 and 1436 of proximal closure tube segment 1410 and distal closure tube segment 1430, respectively. As will be discussed in further detail below, distal and proximal axial translation of the closure tube assembly 1400 will cause the anvil 1130 to close and open relative to the elongated channel 1102.

As described above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 also includes a firing member assembly 1600 that is supported for axial travel within the spine assembly 1500 . In the illustrated embodiment, the firing member assembly 1600 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 configured for attachment to the distal cutting portion or shank 1610 . The firing member assembly 1600 may also be referred to herein as the "second shaft" and/or the "second shaft assembly." As can be seen in FIGS. 7-10 , the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 can include a longitudinal slot 1604 in its distal end that can be configured to be received at the proximal end of the knife shank 1610 tabs (not shown). The longitudinal slot 1604 and the proximal end 1610 of the shank 1610 are sized and configured to allow relative movement therebetween and may include a sliding joint 1612. The sliding joint 1612 may allow movement of the intermediate firing shaft 1602 of the firing drive member 1600 to articulate the end effector 1100 without moving, or at least substantially moving the knife bar 1610 . Once the end effector 1100 has been properly oriented, the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 can be advanced distally until the proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot 1604 contacts the tabs on the knife bar 1610 to advance the knife bar 1610 and fire A staple cartridge 1110 positioned within the elongated channel 1102. As can be further seen in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the elastic spine member 1520 has an elongated opening or window 1525 therein to facilitate assembly and insertion of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 into the elastic spine member 1520 . Once the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 has been inserted into the shaft frame, the top frame segment 1527 may engage the shaft frame 1520 to enclose the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 and the arbor 1610 therein. Further description regarding the operation of the firing member 1600 can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086, now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263541.

In addition to the above, interchangeable tool assembly 1000 can include clutch assembly 1620 that can be configured to selectively and releasably couple articulation driver 1800 to firing member assembly 1600 . In one form, the clutch assembly 1620 includes a locking collar or locking sleeve 1622 positioned about the firing member assembly 1600, wherein the locking sleeve 1622 is rotatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position in which the locking sleeve is 1622 couples the articulation driver 1700 to the firing member assembly 1600, in the disengaged position, the articulation driver 1700 is not operably coupled to the firing member assembly 1600. When locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, distal movement of firing member assembly 1600 can move articulation driver 1700 distally; and correspondingly, proximal movement of firing member assembly 1600 can move articulation driver 1700 proximally . When locking sleeve 1622 is in its disengaged position, movement of firing member assembly 1600 is not transmitted to articulation driver 1700 ; In various cases, the articulation driver 1700 may be held in place by the articulation lock 1210 when the articulation driver 1700 is not being moved in a proximal or distal direction by the firing member assembly 1600 .

Referring primarily to FIG. 7 , the locking sleeve 1622 can include a cylindrical or at least substantially cylindrical body including a longitudinal bore 1624 defined therein and configured to receive the firing member assembly 1600 . The locking sleeve 1622 may include diametrically opposed, inwardly facing locking projections 1626 , 1628 and outwardly facing locking members 1629 . The locking protrusions 1626 , 1628 may be configured to selectively engage the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600 . More specifically, when the locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, the locking protrusions 1626, 1628 are positioned within the drive notches 1605 defined in the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 so that the distal push and/or proximal pull can be released from the firing. Component assembly 1600 passes to locking sleeve 1622 . When the locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, the second locking member 1629 is received within the drive recess 1704 defined in the articulation driver 1700 such that the distal push and/or proximal pull applied to the locking sleeve 1622 can Passed to articulation driver 1700 . In effect, when locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, firing member assembly 1600, locking sleeve 1622, and articulation driver 1700 will move together. On the other hand, when the locking sleeve 1622 is in its disengaged position, the locking protrusions 1626, 1628 may not be positioned within the drive recess 1605 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600; and thus, the distal thrust and/or proximal Side pull forces may not be transmitted from the firing member assembly 1600 to the locking sleeve 1622. Accordingly, distal push and/or proximal pull forces may not be transmitted to articulation driver 1700 . In such cases, the firing member assembly 1600 can slide proximally and/or distally relative to the locking sleeve 1622 and the proximal articulation driver 1700 . Clutch assembly 1620 also includes a switch drum 1630 that interfaces with locking sleeve 1622 . Further details regarding the operation of the switch drum and locking sleeve 1622 can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541 and Serial No. 15/019,196. The switch drum 1630 can also include at least partially circumferential openings 1632, 1634 defined therein that can receive a circumferential mount 1305 that extends from the nozzle halves 1302, 1304 and allows the opening and closing of the drum 1630 and the proximal nozzle Relative rotation (but not translation) between. See Figure 6. Rotation of the nozzles 1300 to the point where the mounts reach the ends of their respective slots 1632, 1634 in the switch drum 1630 will cause the switch drum 1630 to rotate about the axis SA. Rotation of the switch drum 1630 will eventually cause the locking sleeve 1622 to move between its engaged and disengaged positions. Thus, in essence, the nozzle 1300 may be used to operably engage in various ways as described in further detail 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 and Disarticulation Drive System and Firing Drive System, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In the arrangement shown, the switch drum 1630 includes an L-shaped slot 1636 that extends into a distal opening 1637 in the switch drum 1630 . Distal opening 1637 receives transverse pin 1639 of switch plate 1638. For example, switch plate 1638 is received within a longitudinal slot (not shown) provided in locking sleeve 1622 to facilitate axial movement of locking sleeve 1622 when engaged with articulation driver 1700 . Further details regarding the operation of the switch plate and shift drum arrangement can be found in US Patent Application Serial No. 14/868,718, filed September 28, 2015, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH SHAFT RELEASE, POWERED FIRING AND POWERED ARTICULATION," which is in its entirety The disclosure is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

7 and 8, for example, the interchangeable tool assembly 1000 may include a slip ring assembly 1640 that may be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the end effector 1100 The actuator 1100 conducts power and/or transmits signals to the end effector 1100 and/or from the end effector 1100 back to a microprocessor in the handle assembly or robotic system controller. For example, further details regarding slip ring assembly 1640 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 (these patent applications are each incorporated by reference in their entirety) and US Patent Application Serial No. 13/800,067 (now US Patent Application Publication 2014/0263552) entitled "STAPLECARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM" (which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety) This article). The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may also include at least one sensor configured to detect the position of the switch drum 1630, as also described in further detail in the aforementioned patent applications incorporated herein by reference.

Referring again to FIG. 7 , the chassis 1800 includes at least one (and preferably two) tapered attachment portion 1802 formed thereon adapted to be received at the distal end of the frame 506 formed in the handle assembly 500 Corresponding dovetail slots 507 within the section, as described above. As can be further seen in FIG. 7 , a shaft attachment lug 1605 is formed on the proximal end of the intermediate firing shaft 1602 . As will be discussed in further detail below, when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 is coupled to the handle assembly 500, the shaft attachment lugs 1605 are received in the firing shaft attachment bracket 542 formed in the firing shaft attachment bracket 542. In the distal end of longitudinal drive member 540 . See Figure 3.

Various interchangeable surgical tool assemblies employ a latch system 1810 for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500 . As can be seen in FIG. 7 , for example, in at least one form, latch system 1810 includes a locking member or locking yoke 1812 movably coupled to chassis 1800 . In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the locking yoke 1812 is U-shaped with two spaced apart and downwardly extending legs 1814. The feet 1814 each have pivot lugs (not shown) formed thereon that are adapted to be received in corresponding holes 1816 formed in the chassis 1800 . This arrangement facilitates pivotal attachment of locking yoke 1812 to chassis 1800 . The locking yoke 1812 may include two proximally projecting locking lugs 1818 configured to be releasable with corresponding locking pawls or grooves 509 in the distal end of the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500 ground engagement. See Figure 3. In various forms, the locking yoke 1812 is biased in the proximal direction by a spring or biasing member 1819. Actuation of the locking yoke 1812 may be accomplished by a latch button 1820 slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly 1822 mounted to the chassis 1800 . The latch button 1820 can be biased in a proximal direction relative to the locking yoke 1812 . The locking yoke 1812 can be moved to the unlocked position by biasing the latch button 1820 in the distal direction, which also pivots the locking yoke 1812 out of engagement with the distal end of the frame 506 . The locking lugs 1818 remain seated within corresponding locking pawls or grooves 509 in the distal end of the frame 506 when the locking yoke 1812 is "remained in engagement" with the distal end of the frame 506 .

In the arrangement shown, the locking yoke 1812 includes at least one and preferably two locking hooks 1824 adapted to contact corresponding locking lug portions 1426 formed on the closure shuttle 1420 . When the closure shuttle 1420 is in the unactuated position, the locking yoke 1812 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 1824 does not contact the locking lug portion 1426 on the closure shuttle 1420. However, when the closure shuttle 1420 is moved to the actuated position, the locking yoke 1812 is prevented from pivoting to the unlocked position. In other words, if the clinician attempts to pivot the locking yoke 1812 to the unlocked position, or, for example, the locking yoke 1812 is inadvertently bumped or contacted in a manner that might otherwise have caused it to pivot distally, the locking yoke 1812 is placed on the locking yoke 1812. The locking hooks 1824 of the will contact the locking lugs 1426 on the closure shuttle 1420 and prevent the locking yoke 1812 from moving to the unlocked position.

Still referring to FIG. 10, the cutter bar 1610 may include a laminated beam structure including at least two beam layers. Such beam layers may comprise, for example, stainless steel strips interconnected by, for example, welding or stapling together at their proximal ends and/or elsewhere along their length. In an alternative embodiment, the distal ends of the straps are not joined together to allow the laminates or straps to expand relative to each other upon articulation of the end effector. This arrangement allows the knife bar 1610 to be flexible enough to accommodate the articulation of the end effector. Various lamination cutter bar arrangements are disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,245. It can also be seen in FIG. 10 that the intermediate support member 1614 serves to provide lateral support for the knife bar 1610 as it flexes to accommodate the articulation of the surgical end effector 1100 . Further details regarding intermediate support members and alternative arbor support arrangements are disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,245. It can also be seen in FIG. 10 that a firing member or knife member 1620 is attached to the distal end of the knife shaft 1610 .

FIG. 11 shows one form of firing member 1660 that can be used with interchangeable tool assembly 1000. In one exemplary form, the firing member 1660 includes a body portion 1662 that includes a proximally extending connector member 1663 configured to be received in the distal end of the knife bar 1610 Correspondingly shaped connector opening 1614. See Figure 10. The connector 1663 may be retained within the connector opening 1614 by friction and/or welding or a suitable adhesive or the like. Body portion 1662 protrudes through elongated slot 1104 in elongated channel 1102 and terminates in foot members 1664 extending laterally on each side of body portion 1662 . When the firing member 1660 is driven distally through the surgical staple cartridge 1110 , the foot member 1664 rides within the passageway 1105 in the elongated channel 1102 located below the surgical staple cartridge 1110 . As can be seen in FIG. 11 , one form of firing member 1660 may further include a laterally projecting central tab, pin or retainer feature 1680 . As the firing member 1660 is driven distally through the surgical staple cartridge 1110, the center retainer feature 1680 rides on the inner surface 1106. The body portion 1662 of the firing member 1660 also includes a tissue cutting edge or feature 1666 disposed between the distally projecting hook feature 1665 and the distally projecting top nose portion 1670. As can be further seen in FIG. 11 , the firing member 1660 may also include two laterally extending top tab, pin or anvil engagement features 1665 . When the firing member 1660 is driven distally, the top portion of the body 1662 extends through the centrally disposed anvil slot 1138 and the top anvil engagement feature 1672 rides on each side formed in the anvil slot 1134 on the corresponding flange 1136. See Figures 13 and 14.

Returning to FIG. 10 , the firing member 1660 is configured to operably interface with the slide assembly 1120 , which is operably supported within the body 1111 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110 . Slide assembly 1120 is slidably displaceable within surgical staple cartridge body 1111 from a proximal end starting position adjacent proximal end 1112 of cartridge body 1111 to an ending position adjacent distal end 1113 of cartridge body 1111 . The cartridge body 1111 operably supports therein a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) that are aligned in rows on each side of a centrally disposed slot 1114 . The centrally positioned slot 1114 enables the firing member 1660 to pass therethrough and cut tissue clamped between the anvil 1130 and the staple cartridge 1110. The drives are associated with corresponding pockets 1116 that pass through the upper deck surface 1115 of the cartridge body. Each of the staple drivers supports one or more surgical staples or fasteners (not shown) thereon. The slide assembly 1120 includes a plurality of inclined or wedge-shaped cams 1122 , where each cam 1122 corresponds to a particular row of fasteners or drivers located on the sides of the slots 1114 . In the example shown, one cam 1122 is aligned with one row of "dual" drivers each supporting two staples or fasteners thereon, and the other cam 1122 is aligned with each supporting a single surgical staple or fastener on Another row of "single" drives on the same side of the slot 1114 is aligned. Thus, in the example shown, when the surgical staple cartridge 1110 is "fired," there will be three rows of staples on each side of the tissue cut line. However, other staple and driver configurations may also be employed to fire other staple/fastener devices. The slide assembly 1120 has a central body portion 1124 that is configured to engage with the hook portion 1665 of the firing member 1660 . Thus, when the firing member 1660 is fired or driven distally, the firing member 1660 also drives the slide assembly 1120 distally. As the firing member 1660 moves distally through the staple cartridge 1110, the tissue cutting features 1666 cut tissue clamped between the anvil assembly 1130 and the staple cartridge 1110, and the slide assembly 1120 drives the driver up in the cartridge, which drives the corresponding The staples or fasteners come into contact with the anvil assembly 1130.

In those embodiments where the firing member includes a tissue cutting surface, it is desirable that the elongated shaft assembly can be configured in such a way that unless the empty staple cartridge is properly supported in the elongated channel 1102 of the surgical end effector 1100, Prevent accidental advancement of the firing member. 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 this situation may lead to undesired catastrophic results during a surgical procedure. US Patent 6,988,649 entitled "STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT", US Patent 7,044,352 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FORPREVENTION OF FIRING" and US Patent 7,044,352 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF US Patent No. 7,380,695 to FIRING" and US Patent Application Serial No. 14/742,933 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUTARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS SPENTOR MISSING" each disclose various firing member lockout arrangements. Each of these references is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

An "unfired", "not empty", "fresh" or "new" staple 1110 is used herein to mean that the staple 1110 has all of its fasteners in its "ready to fire position." When in this position, the slide assembly 1120 is in its starting position. The new cartridge 1110 is seated within the elongated channel 1102 and can be retained therein by snap features on the cartridge body configured to retainably engage corresponding portions of the elongated channel 1102 . 15 and 18 illustrate a portion of the surgical end effector 1100 in which a new or unfired surgical staple cartridge 1110 is seated. As can be seen in these figures, the slide assembly 1120 is in a starting position. To prevent the firing system from being activated, and more specifically, to prevent the firing member 1660 from being driven distally through the end effector 1110 unless an unfired or new surgical staple cartridge has been properly seated within the elongated channel 1102 , the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 shown employs a firing member latching system generally designated 1650.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 15-19, in one form, the firing member lockout system 1650 includes a movable locking member 1652 that is configured to retain when the surgical staple cartridge 1110 is not properly seated within the elongated member The firing member 1660 is grounded. Locking member 1652 includes at least one laterally movable locking portion 1654 configured to maintainably engage a corresponding portion of the firing member when slide assembly 1120 is not present within staple 1110 in its starting position. In the arrangement shown, the locking member 1652 employs two laterally moving locking portions 1654 , where each locking portion 1654 engages a laterally extending portion of the firing member 1660 .

In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 1652 comprises a generally U-shaped spring member, wherein each laterally movable leg or locking portion 1654 extends from the central spring portion 1653 and is configured to "L" indicates movement in the lateral direction. It should be understood that the term "lateral" refers to a direction transverse to the axis SA. The spring or locking member 1652 may be made of high strength spring steel or similar material. The central spring portion 1653 can seat within the slot 1236 in the end effector mounting assembly 1230. See Figure 10. As can be seen in Figures 15-17, each of the laterally movable feet or locking portions 1654 has a distal end 1656 with a locking window 1658 therein. When the locking member 1652 is in the locked position, the central retainer feature 1680 on each lateral side extends into the corresponding locking window 1658 to hold the firing member from being axially advanced distally.

The operation of the firing member lockout system will be explained with reference to Figures 15-19. 15 and 18 show a portion of the surgical end effector 1100 with a new unfired staple 1110 properly installed therein. As can be seen in these figures, the slide assembly 1120 includes unlocking features 1126 that correspond to each of the laterally movable locking portions 1654 . In the arrangement shown, an unlocking feature 1126 is provided on or extends proximally from each of the central wedge cams 112 . In alternative arrangements, the unlocking features 1126 may include proximally projecting portions of corresponding wedge-shaped cams 1122 . As can be seen in FIG. 18, when the slide assembly 1120 is in its starting position, the unlocking features 1124 laterally engage and bias the corresponding locking portions 1654 in a direction transverse to the shaft axis SA. When the locking portions 1654 are in those unlocked orientations, the central retainer features 1680 do not remain engaged with their corresponding locking windows 1658. When in these orientations, the firing member 1660 can be axially advanced (fired) distally. However, when the cartridge is absent from the elongated channel 1102 or the slide assembly has moved out of its starting position (meaning the cartridge is partially or fully fired), the locking portion 1654 elastically retains engagement with the firing member 1660 laterally. When in this position as shown in Figure 19, the firing member 1660 cannot move distally.

16 and 17 illustrate the retraction of the firing member 1660 to the starting position after the firing cartridge 1110 and the slide assembly 1120 are driven distally. FIG. 16 shows the initial re-engagement of retention features 1680 into their corresponding locking windows 1658 . Figure 17 shows the retention feature in its locked position when the firing member 1660 has been fully retracted to its starting position. To aid in lateral displacement of the locking portions 1654 when each of the locking portions 1654 initially comes into contact with the proximally moving retention features 1680, each of the retention features 1680 may be provided with a proximally facing laterally tapered end part. This latching system prevents actuation of the firing member 1660 when there is no new unfired cartridge or when a new unfired cartridge is present but not seated properly in the elongated channel 1102. Additionally, the lockout system may prevent the clinician from advancing the firing member distally in the event that an empty or partially fired cartridge has inadvertently been seated correctly within the elongated channel. Another advantage that the latching system 1650 can provide is that, unlike other firing member locking devices that require the firing member to be moved into and out of alignment with corresponding slots/passages in the staple cartridge, the firing member 1660 when in the locked and unlocked positions Stay aligned with the bin channel. The locking portion 1654 is designed to move laterally into and out of engagement with corresponding sides of the firing member. Such lateral movement of one or more locking portions may be distinguished from other locking means that move in a vertical direction to engage and disengage portions of the firing member.

13 and 14, in one form, the anvil 1130 includes an elongated anvil body portion 1132 and a proximal anvil mounting portion 1150. The elongated anvil body portion 1132 includes an outer surface 1134, the outer surface 1134 defines two downwardly extending tissue stop members 1136 adjacent the proximal anvil mounting portion 1150. The elongated anvil body portion 1132 also includes an underside 1135 that defines an elongated anvil slot 1138 . In the illustrated arrangement shown in FIG. 14 , the anvil slot 1138 is centrally disposed in the underside 1135 . The underside 1135 includes three rows 1140 , 1141 , 1142 of staple forming pockets 1143 , 1144 and 1145 located on each side of the anvil slot 1138 . Adjacent to each side of the anvil slot 1138 are two elongated anvil passages 1146 . Each passageway 1146 has a proximal ramp portion 1148 . See Figure 13. When the firing member 1660 is advanced distally, the top anvil engagement feature 1632 initially enters the corresponding proximal ramp portion 1148 and into the corresponding elongated anvil passageway 1146 .

Turning to FIGS. 12 and 13 , the anvil slot 1138 and the proximal ramp portion 1148 extend into the anvil mounting portion 1150 . In other words, the anvil slot 1138 divides or divides the anvil mounting portion 1150 into two anvil attachment flanges 1151 . Anvil attachment flanges 1151 are coupled together by connecting bridges 1153 at their proximal ends. The connecting bridge 1153 is used to provide support for the anvil attachment flange 1151 and can be used to make the anvil mounting portion 1150 more rigid than the mounting portion 1150 of other anvil devices, wherein the anvil attachment flange is not free at its proximal end. connect. It can also be seen in FIGS. 12 and 14 that the anvil slot 1138 has a wide portion 1139 to accommodate the top portion of the firing member 1660 and the top anvil engagement feature 1632.

As can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 20-24, each of the anvil attachment flanges 1151 includes a lateral mounting hole 1156 configured to receive a pivot pin 1158 therethrough (FIGS. 10 and 1156). 20). Anvil mounting portion 1150 is pivotally pinned to proximal end 1103 of elongated channel 1102 by pivot pin 1158 extending through mounting hole 1107 in proximal end 1103 of elongated channel 1102 and Mounting holes 1156 in anvil mounting portion 1150. This arrangement serves to pivotally secure the anvil 1130 to the elongated channel 1102 for selective pivotal travel about a fixed anvil axis AA transverse to the axis axis SA. See Figure 5. The anvil mounting portion 1150 also includes a cam surface 1152 that extends from the centralized firing member parking area 1154 to the outer surface 1134 of the anvil body portion 1132 .

In the arrangement shown, the anvil 1130 is moved between the open and closed positions by axially advancing and retracting the distal closure tube segment 1430. As will be discussed in further detail below, the distal end portion of the distal closure segment 1430 has an internal cam surface formed thereon that is configured to cammingly engage the cam surface 1552 or a cam surface formed on the anvil mounting portion 1150. Cam surface. 22 shows a cam surface 1152a formed on the anvil mounting portion 1150 to establish a single contact path 1155a with the inner cam surface 1444 on, for example, the distal closure segment 1430. FIG. 23 shows cam surface 1152b configured relative to inner cam surface 1444 on the distal closure segment 1152 so that the cam surface 1152 on the anvil mounting portion 1150 corresponds to the inner cam surface 1152 on the distal closure segment 1430 Two separate and distinct arcuate contact paths 1155b are established between the cam surfaces 1444. In addition to other potential advantages discussed herein, this arrangement can be used to better distribute the closing force from the distal closing segment 1430 to the anvil 1130. FIG. 24 shows cam surface 1152c configured relative to inner cam surface 1444 of distal closure segment 1430 to establish three differences between the cam surfaces on anvil mounting portion 1150 and distal closure segment 1430 contact regions 1155c and 1155d. Regions 1155c , 1155d create a larger area of cam contact between the distal closure segment 1430 and one or more cam surfaces on the anvil mounting portion 1150 and can be used to better distribute the closing force to the anvil 1130 .

When the distal closure segment 1430 cams into engagement with the anvil mounting portion 1150 of the anvil 1130, the anvil 1130 pivots about the anvil axis AA, which causes the distal end of the end 1133 of the elongated anvil body portion 1132 to face the surgical Pivot movement of the staple cartridge 1110 and the distal end 1105 of the elongated channel 1102. As the anvil body portion 1132 begins to pivot, it contacts the tissue to be cut and stapled, which is now positioned between the underside 1135 of the elongated anvil body portion 1132 and the platform 1116 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110 . Anvil 1130 may experience a considerable amount of resistance as anvil body portion 1132 is compressed against tissue. These resistances are overcome as the distal closure tube 1430 continues its distal advancement. However, depending on their size and point of application to the anvil body portion 1132, these resistances may tend to cause portions of the anvil 1130 to flex, which may generally be undesirable. For example, such flexing can cause misalignment between the firing member 1660 and the passages 1148 , 1146 within the anvil 1130 . In the case of excessive deflection, such deflection can significantly increase the amount of firing force required to fire the instrument (ie, to drive the firing member 1660 through tissue from the starting position to the ending position. Such excessive firing force Damage to the end effector and/or firing member and/or arbor and/or firing drive system components, etc. may result. Accordingly, it may be advantageous to configure the anvil to resist such deflection.

25-27 illustrate alternative anvil embodiments that include features that may improve the stiffness of the anvil body and its resistance to deflection forces that may develop during the closure and/or firing process. Aside from the differences discussed herein, the anvil 1130' may otherwise be identical in construction to the anvil 1130 described above. As can be seen in these figures, the anvil 1130' has an elongated anvil body 1132' having an upper body portion 1165 with an anvil cap 1170 attached thereto. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 25-27 , the anvil cap 1170 is generally rectangular in shape and has an outer cap perimeter 1172 . The periphery 1172 of the anvil cap 1170 is configured to be insertable through a correspondingly shaped opening 1137 formed in the upper body portion 1165 and received on the axially extending inner flange portion 1139 formed therein. See Figure 27. The inner flange portion 1139 is configured to support the corresponding long side 1177 of the anvil cap 1170 . In alternative embodiments, the anvil cap 1170 can slide over the inner flange 1139 through an opening (not shown) in the distal end 1133 of the anvil body 1132'. In another embodiment, no inner flange portion is provided. Anvil body 1132' and anvil cap 1170 may be made of a suitable metal to facilitate welding. The first weld 1178 may extend around the entire cap perimeter 1172 of the anvil cap 1170, or it may be located only along the long side 1177 of the anvil cap 1170 rather than its distal end 1173 and/or proximal end 1175. The first weld 1178 may be continuous, or it may be discontinuous or discontinuous. In those embodiments where the first weld 1178 is discontinuous or discontinuous, the weld segments may be evenly distributed along the long side 1177 of the anvil cap 1170 , or the weld segments may be more densely packed closer to the distal end of the long side 1177 The proximal ends that are spaced apart or closer to the long sides 1177 are more closely spaced. In other arrangements, the weld segments may be more densely spaced in the central region of the long sides 1177 of the anvil cap 1170 .

FIGS. 28-30 illustrate anvil cap 1170 ′ configured to “mechanically interlock” with anvil body 1132 ′ and welded to upper body portion 1165 . In this embodiment, a plurality of retention structures 1182 are formed in the wall 1180 of the upper body portion 1165 that defines the opening 1137 . As used herein, for example, the term "mechanically interlocked" means that regardless of the orientation of the elongated anvil body, the anvil cap will remain fixed to the elongated anvil body without any additional retention or fastening such as Welding and/or adhesives. Retention structure 1182 may protrude inwardly from opening wall 1180 into opening 1137 . Retention structure 1182 may be integrally formed in wall 1180 or otherwise attached thereto. Retention structure 1182 is designed to frictionally engage a corresponding portion of anvil cap 1170' to frictionally retain anvil cap 1170' therein when retention structure 1182 is installed in opening 1137. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention structure 1182 projects inwardly into the opening 1137 and is configured to be frictionally received within a correspondingly shaped engagement region 1184 formed in the outer periphery 1172' of the anvil cap 1170'. In the arrangement shown, the retention structure 1182 corresponds only to the long side 1177' of the anvil cap 1170' and is not provided on the distal end 1173 or the proximal end 1175 of the wall 1180 corresponding to the anvil cap 1170' in the section. In an alternative arrangement, retention structures 1182 may also be provided in portions of wall 1180 corresponding to distal ends 1173 and proximal ends 1175 of anvil cap 1170' and long sides 1177' thereof. In other arrangements, retention structures 1182 may be provided only in portions of wall 1180 corresponding to one or both of distal end 1173 and proximal end 1175 of anvil cap 1170'. In other arrangements, the retention structure 1182 may be provided in the portion of the wall 1180 corresponding to the long edge 1177' and in only one of the proximal end 1173 and the distal end 1175 of the anvil cap 1170'. It should also be understood that the retention projections in all of the foregoing embodiments may alternatively be formed on the anvil cap, with the engagement region formed in the elongated anvil body.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 28-30, the retention structures 1182 are equally spaced or evenly distributed along the wall portion 1180, which corresponds to the long side 1177' of the anvil cap 1170'. In alternative embodiments, the retention structures 1182 may be more closely spaced closer to the distal end of the long side 1177', or more closely spaced closer to the proximal end of the long side 1177'. In other words, the spacing between those retention features adjacent the distal end, the proximal end, or both the distal and proximal ends may be less than the spacing between features located in the central portion of the anvil cap 1170' . In other arrangements, the retention structures 1182 may be more closely spaced in the central region of the long sides 1177' of the anvil cap 1170'. Also in alternative embodiments, the correspondingly shaped engagement region 1184 may not be provided in the outer periphery 1172' or in portions of the outer periphery 1172' of the anvil cap 1170'. In other embodiments, the retention structures and correspondingly shaped engagement regions may be provided with different shapes and sizes. In an alternative arrangement, the retention structure may be dimensioned relative to the engagement area such that there is no interference fit between them. In this arrangement, the anvil cap may be held in place by welding, adhesive, or the like.

In the example shown, the weld seam 1178' may extend around the entire perimeter 1172' of the anvil cap 1170', or the weld seam 1178' may only be along the long side 1177' of the anvil cap 1170' rather than its distal end Portion 1173 and/or proximal end 1175 are positioned. The weld 1178' may be continuous, or it may be discontinuous or discontinuous. In those embodiments where the weld seam 1178 is discontinuous or discontinuous, the weld segments may be evenly distributed along the long side 1177 of the anvil cap 1170 , or the weld segments may be more closely spaced closer to the distal end of the long side 1177 or closer to the proximal ends of the long sides 1177 are more closely spaced. In other arrangements, the weld segments may be more densely spaced in the central region of the long sides 1177 of the anvil cap 1170 .

Figures 31 and 32 illustrate another anvil assembly 1130" having an anvil cap 1170" attached thereto. In the example shown, the anvil cap 1170" is approximately in the shape of It is rectangular and has an outer cap perimeter 117". The outer cap perimeter 1172" is configured to be inserted through a correspondingly shaped opening 1137" in the upper body portion 1165 of the anvil body 1132" and received in an axial direction formed therein. on the extended inner flange portions 1139" and 1190". See Figure 32. Flange portions 1139" and 1190" are configured to support corresponding long sides 1177" of anvil cap 1170". In an alternative embodiment, the anvil cap 1170" may slide over the inner flanges 1139" and 1190" through an opening (not shown) in the distal end 1133" of the anvil body 1132'. Anvil body 1132" and anvil cap 1170" may be made of metallic materials that facilitate welding. The first weld 1178" may extend around the entire perimeter 1172" of the anvil cap 1170", or it may only be along the long side 1177" of the anvil cap 1170" rather than its distal end 1173" and/or proximal The ends (not shown) are positioned. The weld 1178" may be continuous, or it may be discontinuous or discontinuous. It will be appreciated that, compared to embodiments with straight peripheral sides, such as the anvil cap shown in Figure 26, due to the The irregularly shaped perimeter of the cap 1170", the continuous weld embodiment has a larger weld surface area. In those embodiments where the weld seam 1178" is discontinuous or discontinuous, the weld segments may be evenly distributed along the long side 1177" of the anvil cap 1170", or the weld segments may be closer to the distal end of the long side 1177" Densely spaced or closer to the proximal end of the long side 1177". In other arrangements, the weld segments may be more closely spaced in the central region of the long side 1177" of the anvil cap 1170" .

Still referring to Figures 31 and 32, the anvil cap 1170" may be additionally welded to the anvil body 1132" by a plurality of second discrete "deep" welds 1192". For example, each weld 1192" may be placed through the anvil Cap 1170" provides corresponding holes or openings 1194" at the bottom so that discrete welds 1192" may be formed along the portion of anvil body 1132" between flanges 1190" and 1139". See Figure 32. The welds 1192" may be evenly distributed along the long side 1177" of the anvil cap 1170", or the welds 1192" may be more densely spaced closer to the distal end of the long side 1177" or closer to the long side 1177" The proximal ends of the are more densely spaced. In other arrangements, the weld seams 1192" may be more closely spaced in the central region of the long sides 1177" of the anvil cap 1170".

FIG. 33 shows another anvil cap 1170 ″′ configured to mechanically interlock with the anvil body 1132 ″′ and welded to the upper body portion 1165 . In this embodiment, a "tongue-in-groove" arrangement is employed along each long side 1177"' of the anvil cap 1170"'. Specifically, laterally extending continuous or intermittent tabs 1195"' protrude from each of the long sides 1177"' of the anvil cap 1170"'. Each tab 1195" corresponds to a portion formed on the anvil body 1132"' Axial slot 1197"' in. Anvil cap 1170"' slides in through an opening (not shown) in the distal end of anvil body 1132"' to "mechanically" secure the anvil cap to anvil body 1132"'. Tab 1195 '' and slot 1197'' may be sized relative to each other to create a sliding friction fit therebetween. Additionally, anvil cap 1170''' may be welded to anvil body 1132'''. Anvil body 1132''' and Anvil cap 1170''' may be made of a metal that facilitates welding. Weld 1178''' may extend around the entire perimeter 1172''' of anvil cap 1170''', or he may only be along the perimeter of anvil cap 1170''' Long side 1177"' is positioned. The weld 1178"' may be continuous, or it may be discontinuous or discontinuous. In those embodiments where the weld 1178"' is discontinuous or discontinuous, the weld segment may be along the length of the anvil cap 1170"' The sides 1177"' are evenly distributed, or the weld segments may be more closely spaced closer to the distal end of the long side 1177"' or more closely spaced closer to the proximal end of the long side 1177"'. In other arrangements, the weld segments may be more closely spaced in the central region of the long sides 1177"' of the anvil cap 1170"'.

Anvil embodiments with anvil caps described herein may provide several advantages. For example, one advantage may make the anvil and firing member assembly process easier. That is, the firing member can be mounted through the opening in the anvil, and the anvil is attached to the elongated channel. Another advantage is that the upper cap can improve the stiffness of the anvil and its resistance to the aforementioned flexural forces that can be experienced when gripping tissue. By resisting this deflection, the frictional forces normally encountered by the firing member 1660 can be reduced. Accordingly, the amount of firing force required to drive the firing member from its starting position in the surgical staple cartridge to its ending position may also be reduced.

As described above, when the anvil 1130 begins to pivot, the anvil body 1132 contacts the tissue to be cut and stapled, which is positioned between the lower surface of the elongated anvil body 1132 and the platform of the surgical staple cartridge 1110 . When the anvil body 1132 is compressed against tissue, the anvil 1130 can experience a considerable amount of resistance. To continue the closure process, the distal closure tube segment 1430 must overcome these resistances as it cams into contact with the anvil mounting portion 1150. These resistances may generally be applied to the distal closure tube segment 1430 in the vertical direction V, which, if excessive, may cause the distal closure tube segment 1430 to expand or elongate in the vertical direction (distance ID in Figure 31 may increase). If the distal closure tube 1430 is elongated vertically, the distal closure tube segment 1430 may not be able to effectively close the anvil 1130 and hold the anvil 1130 in a fully closed position. If this were to happen, the firing member 1660 could encounter significantly higher resistance, which would require a higher firing force to advance the firing member distally.

34 and 35 illustrate one form of closure member for applying closing motion to the movable jaws of a surgical instrument. In the arrangement shown, the closure member includes, for example, a distal closure segment 1430 having a closure body portion 1470 . As described above, one form of interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 is configured to facilitate selective articulation of the surgical end effector 1100 . To facilitate this articulation, distal closure tube segment 1430 is movably coupled to proximal closure tube segment 1410 by means of upper and lower tangs 1434 and 1436 and upper and lower dual pivot links 1220 and 1222. See Figure 10. In one arrangement, the distal closure tube segment 1430 may be machined or otherwise formed from a round bar stock made of, for example, a suitable metallic material. In the arrangement shown, the closure body 1470 has an outer surface 1431 and an inner surface 1433 that define an upper wall portion 1440 having an upper wall cross-sectional thickness UWT and a lower wall portion 1442 having a lower wall thickness LWT. The upper wall portion 1440 is positioned above the shaft axis SA, and the lower wall portion 1442 is positioned below the shaft axis SA. The distal end 1441 of the upper wall portion 1440 has an inner cam surface 1444 formed thereon at a cam angle Θ. Also in the embodiment shown, UWT>LWT is used to provide a longer inner cam surface 1444 than would be possible if the distal closed segment had a uniform wall thickness. The long inner cam surface may facilitate transfer of closing force to the cam surface on the anvil mounting portion 1150 . As can also be seen in Figures 34 and 35, transition side walls 1446, 1448 are located on each side of the shaft axis SA between upper wall portions 1440, and lower wall portions 1442 include generally flat surfaces that may be generally parallel to each other The vertically extending interior sidewall surfaces 1451, 1453. The transition side walls 1446, 1448 each have a wall thickness that transitions from an upper wall thickness to a lower wall thickness.

In the arrangement shown, the distal closure tube section 1430 also includes a positive jaw or anvil opening feature 1462 that corresponds to and protrudes inwardly from each of the side walls 1446 and 1448 . As can be seen in Figures 34 and 35, anvil opening features 1462 are formed on lateral mounting bodies 1460 sized to be received within correspondingly shaped cavities 1447, 1449 , cavities 1447 , 1449 are machined or otherwise formed in the transition sidewalls 1446 , 1448 adjacent the distal end 1438 of the distal closure tube segment 1430 . Positive anvil opening features 1462 extend inwardly through corresponding openings 1450 , 1452 in transition sidewalls 1446 , 1448 . In the arrangement shown, the lateral mounting body 1460 is welded to the distal closure tube section 1430 by a weld 1454. In addition to or in lieu of welds, the lateral mounting bodies 1460 may be held in place by mechanical/friction fits, tongue and groove arrangements, adhesives, and the like.

36-41 illustrate one example of using the distal closure segment 1430 to move the anvil 1130 from a fully closed position to a fully open position. Figures 36 and 39 illustrate the position of the distal closure segment 1430, and more particularly, the location of one of the positive anvil opening features 1462 when the distal closure segment 1430 is in the fully closed position. In the example shown, anvil opening ramps 1162 are formed on the underside of each of the anvil attachment flanges 1151 . When the anvil 1130 and the distal closure segment 1430 are in their fully closed positions shown in FIG. 36 , each of the positive anvil opening features 1462 is located in the cavity 1164 established in the anvil opening ramp 1162 and the bottom of the elongated channel 1102. When in this position, the positive anvil opening feature 1462 does not contact the anvil mounting portion 1150 or at least not apply any significant opening action or force thereto. 37 and 40 illustrate the positions of the anvil 1130 and the distal closure segment 1430 upon initial application of an opening motion to the distal closure segment 1430 in the proximal direction PD. As can be seen in FIG. 37, the positive jaw opening feature 1462 initially contacts the anvil opening ramp 1164 to initiate the anvil 1130 to pivot to the open position. In the arrangement shown, each of the positive anvil opening features 1462 has a sloped or rounded distal end 1463 to facilitate better camming contact with the corresponding anvil opening ramp 1162 . 38 and 41, the distal closure tube segment 1430 has been retracted to its fully retracted position, which causes the positive anvil opening feature 1462 to be driven to the distal end of the anvil opening ramp 1162, which causes the anvil opening The seat 1130 is pivoted to its fully open position as shown therein. Other embodiments may not employ the positive jaw opening feature, but may rely on a spring or other biasing device to bias the anvil to the open position when the distal closure segment has been retracted to its most proximal starting position.

42 and 43 illustrate another closure member for applying closing motion to the movable jaws of a surgical instrument. In this example, the closure member includes a distal closure segment 1430', which may be similar to the distal closure segment 1430 without the positive anvil opening feature. The distal closure segment 1430' has a closure body 1470' having an outer surface 1440' and an inner surface 1433' that define an upper wall portion 1440' and a lower wall portion 1442'. As mentioned above, it may be desirable to employ as large an inner cam surface 1444' as possible in order to maximize cam contact with the cam surface on the anvil mounting portion 1150 to effectively transfer the closing force thereto. Thus, the upper wall portion 1440' of the distal closure segment 1430' may be provided with the thickest wall thickness UWT, and the lower portion of the distal closure segment 1430' may have the thinnest wall thickness LWT. For reference purposes, the UWT and LWT are measured along a common reference line extending through the central axis or point C of the distal closure segment 1430'. Therefore, where UWT and LWT are diametrically opposed, UWT>LWT. This wall thickness arrangement facilitates the formation of a longer inner cam surface 1444'.

As can be seen in Figure 43, the distal closure segment 1430' has an outer surface 1431' having a circular cross-sectional shape. The distal closure segment 1430' may be machined from solid bar stock. In the example shown, the inner radius R1 from _within the first central axis _A extends to the inner surface 1433', while the outer radius R2 from _outside the _second central axis A extends to the outer surface 1431'. In the example shown, axis A is offset _inward from axis A _{by a} distance OR and R ₂ >R ₁ .

Figure 44 shows another closure member for applying closing motion to the movable jaws of a surgical instrument. In this example, the closure member includes a distal closure segment 1430" having a closure body 1470". The closure body 1470" has an outer surface 1431' and an inner surface 1433" that define an upper wall portion 1440" having an upper wall thickness UWT and a lower wall portion 1442" having a lower wall thickness LWT and two each having a sidewall thickness SWT Sidewall portion 1435'. In the example shown, UWT>LWT. Also, SWT>UWT. Therefore, SWT>UWT>LWT. In the arrangement shown, the sidewall portions 1435' have the same sidewall thickness SWT. In other arrangements, the sidewall portions 1435' may have different thicknesses. As can be seen in Figure 44, each sidewall portion 1435' defines an interior vertically extending inner surface portion 1437'. In the embodiment shown, the vertically extending inner surface portions are generally parallel to each other. Such thicker vertical sidewall portion 1435' may help prevent or at least minimize vertical elongation of distal closure tube segment 1430" in use.

In the example shown in Figure 45, R ₁ and R ₂ are measured from a common center point or center axis C and R ₁ >R ₂ . Each of the sidewall portions 1435" extending between the upper portions 1431" and 1433" of the closure body portion 1470"' of the distal closure tube segment 1430"' has a sidewall thickness SWT that is referenced along the horizontal The point of line HR is approximately equal to UWT. The horizontal reference line HR is perpendicular to the vertical reference line VR, the vertical reference line VR extends through the central axis C, and UWT and LWT can be measured and compared along the vertical reference line VR. Therefore, SWT =UWT. In other examples, the SWT may be slightly less than the UWT when measured along the horizontal reference line HR. The SWT may continue to decrease until the sidewall portion 1435' transitions to the lower portion 1433' having a constant lower wall thickness LWT Thus, the inner sidewall 1437" extends at an angle A2 when measured from a corresponding vertical reference axis VR' which is perpendicular to the horizontal reference axis HR and parallel to the vertical reference axis VR.

Figure 46 shows another closure member for applying closing motion to the movable jaws of a surgical instrument. In this example, the closure member includes a distal closure segment 1430" having a closure body 1470" having a circular outer surface 1431" and a rectangular inner passageway 1439 extending therethrough. The outer surface 1431" is positioned at a distance R from the geometric center point or center axis C. When measured along a vertical reference axis VR extending through the center point or center axis C as shown, the upper wall thickness UWT is equal to the lower Wall Thickness LWT. Thickness SWT of sidewall portion 1437" is greater than upper wall thickness UWT and lower wall thickness LWT when measured along a horizontal reference axis HR extending through center point or center axis C and perpendicular to vertical reference axis VR . Therefore, SWT is larger than UWT and LWT. In other words, the portion of the distal closure segment 1430" above the horizontal reference line HR is a mirror image of the portion of the distal closure segment 1430" below the horizontal reference line HR. In this example, the side portion 1437" is thicker than the upper and lower wall portions and may tend to prevent or minimize the tendency of the distal closure segment to elongate in the vertical direction. An internal cam surface may be formed on the upper wall portion 1440" on the distal end.

In the arrangement shown, by distally advancing the distal closure segment 1430, the anvil 1130 is moved between the open and closed positions. As can be seen in FIG. 41 , the distal end 1163 of the anvil attachment flange 1151 may extend above the deck surface 1116 of the staple cartridge 1110 when the anvil 1130 is in the fully open position. When the closure procedure is initiated by advancing the distal closure segment distally in the distal direction DD, the distal end 1163 of the anvil attachment flange 1151 extends beyond the platform surface 1116 of the staple cartridge 1110, preventing the tissue infiltration, which may hinder the closure process. See Figure 40. Once the anvil 1130 has been moved to the fully closed position by the distal closure tube section 1430, the distal end 1461 of the lateral mounting body on the distal closure tube section 1430 further acts as a tissue stop to prevent tissue from infiltrating therebetween. See Figure 41.

FIG. 47 shows a portion of a surgical end effector 110 ′, which may be similar to the surgical end effector 110 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 . In the example shown in FIG. 47 , the anvil 114 includes an elongated body portion 190 and an anvil mounting portion 192 . Anvil mounting portion 192 includes two spaced anvil mounting flanges 194 that protrude proximally from elongated body portion 190 . Each anvil mounting flange 194 has an outwardly extending trunnion 196 thereon. The trunnions 196 are each movably received within corresponding kidney-shaped slots or elongated arcuate trunnion slots 197 disposed in the elongated channel 112 . The trunnion 196 is generally located in the bottom portion 198 of the elongated arcuate trunnion slot 197 when the anvil 114 is in the "fully open" position. By advancing distal closure tube segment 142 distally in distal direction DD, anvil 114 is moved to the closed position such that end 148 of distal closure tube segment 142 rides on cam surface 193 formed on the anvil 114 on the anvil mounting portion 192. As the distal end 148 of the distal closure segment 142 is advanced distally along the cam surface 193 on the anvil mounting portion 192, the distal closure segment 142 pivots the body portion 190 of the anvil 114 and relative to the anvil mounting portion 192. The surgical staple cartridge 116 moves axially. When the distal closure segment 142 reaches the end of its closing stroke, the distal end 148 of the distal closure segment 142 abuts/contacts the protruding anvil flange 191 and serves to position the anvil 114 such that the body portion 190 undersides The forming pockets (not shown) of the ® are properly aligned with the staples in the cartridge. Anvil flange 191 is defined between cam surface 193 on anvil mounting portion 192 and elongated anvil body portion 190 . In other words, in this arrangement, the cam surface 193 does not extend to the outermost surface 195 of the anvil body 190 . After the distal closure tube 142 has reached this fully extended position, further application of closing motion/force to the anvil 114 may result in damage to the anvil and/or closure system components. As seen in Figure 47, in this arrangement the closing force F _H is parallel to the shaft axis SA. The distance between the axis or plane _TA passing through the center of the trunnion 196 and the closing force vector F _H is denoted as distance X _R . This distance X _R multiplied by the closing force _{F H} represents the closing moment CM applied to the anvil 114 .

48 and 49 illustrate the closing force configuration of the anvil 1130 of the surgical end effector 1100 of the interchangeable tool assembly 1000. Anvil trunnion 1158 is pivotally mounted within bore 1154 in elongated channel 1102, as described above. Unlike the anvil 114 described above, the anvil 1130 does not move axially. Instead, the anvil 1130 is constrained to pivot only about the anvil axis AA. Interaction between inner cam surface 1444 on distal closure segment 1430 and cam surface 1152 on anvil mounting portion 1150 as distal closure segment 1430 is advanced in distal direction DD under horizontal closure force F _H1 The distal closure segment 1430 is caused to experience a vertical closure force component V _F . The resultant force vector F _N experienced by the cam surface 1152 on the anvil mounting portion 1150 is “normal” or perpendicular to the inner cam surface 1444 . The angle Θ in Figures 48 and 49 represents the angle of the cam surface 1152 and the inner cam surface 1440 from the horizontal. The distance between this resultant force vector _FN and an axis or plane _TA extending through the center of the anvil trunnion 1158 is denoted as moment arm _MA . This moment arm distance MA multiplied by the resultant force vector _{F N} represents the closing moment C _M1 applied to the anvil 1130 . Therefore, in an application where horizontal closing force F _H = F _H1 , since M _A > X _R , the actual amount of closing torque applied to anvil 1130 will be greater than the amount of closing torque applied to anvil 114 , and therefore applied to The closing torque of the anvil 114 will be greater than the closing torque applied to the anvil 114 . Figure 49 also shows the resistance the tissue builds up during the closure procedure. _FT represents the force generated by the tissue as it is clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge. This "reverse" moment MT applied to the anvil 1130 is equal to the distance _XT between the tissue _{force TF} and the axis or plane _TA extending through the center of the anvil trunnion 1158 multiplied by the tissue _force TF. Therefore, to achieve the desired amount of anvil closure, _CM1 must be greater than _MT .

Returning to the example shown in Figure 47, the firing rod 170 can be seen attached to the firing member 174, which is located within the elongated channel 112 when in the starting or unfired position, and more specifically, within the firing member The location where the top portion 175 of the 174 contacts a portion of the anvil 114 is completely distal to the distal closure segment 142 . Because the firing member 174 is in a position where its top portion 175 can contact the anvil when the anvil 114 is moved to the closed position, this arrangement can result in a higher closing force required to move the anvil 114 to the fully or fully closed position. Additionally, a higher firing force may be required to overcome frictional interference between the top portion 175 of the firing member 174 and the anvil 114 when the firing system is activated. Conversely, as can be seen in FIG. 48 , in the end effector 1100 the firing member 1660 is “parked” in the firing member parking area 1154 within the distal closure segment 1430 . When the firing member 1660 is located within the firing member parking area 1154 within the distal closure tube segment 1430, it is unable to generate significant friction with the anvil. Accordingly, one of the advantages achievable by fully parking the firing member 1660 within the distal closure tube segment 1430 may be to reduce the amount of closing force required to close the anvil to the fully closed position and/or reduce the The amount of firing force required to advance from the starting position within the end effector to the ending position. In other words, the firing member 1660 is parked so that the firing member 1660 is fully proximal to the distal end of the distal closure tube segment 1430 and the interior cam surface 1444 thereon, and is in a position to eliminate or reduce any interference between the firing member and the anvil. The starting position of frictional contact may ultimately be required to generate lower closing and firing forces for the operation of the end effector.

As discussed above, excessive deflection of the anvil during the closing and firing process can result in the need for undesirably higher firing forces. Therefore, a stiffer anvil arrangement is generally desired. Returning to Figures 20 and 21, another advantage that may be provided by the anvil 1130 and the elongated channel 1102 shown therein is that the anvil-mounting portion 1150 of the anvil 1130 is generally stronger and therefore more rigid than other anvil and elongated channel arrangements hard. FIG. 50 shows the use of a stiffener gusset 199 between the anvil mounting flange 194 and the elongated anvil body portion 190 . A similar gusset arrangement may also be employed between the anvil attachment flange 1151 and the anvil body 1132 of the anvil 1130 to further enhance anvil stiffness.

As mentioned above, the interchangeable surgical tool 1000 includes the resilient spine member 1520 . As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 7A, 8, and 51-54, the distal end portion 1522 of the elastic spine member 1520 communicates with the elastic spine member 15 through a stretch feature 1530 formed in the elastic spine member 1520. The proximal end portion 1524 is separated. Additionally, stretch limiting insert 1540 is retainedly supported between distal end portion 1522 and proximal end portion 1524. In various arrangements, the elastic spine member 1520 may be made of, for example, a suitable polymeric material, rubber, etc., having a modulus of elasticity designated ME ₁ for reference purposes. The stretch feature 1530 may include a plurality of stretch cavities 1532 . As can be seen in Figure 7A, the illustrated stretch feature 1530 includes four triangular stretch cavities 1532 arranged to define flexible wall segments 1534 therebetween. Other shapes and numbers of stretching cavities 1532 may be used. For example, the stretch cavity 1532 may be molded or machined into the elastic spine member 1520.

Still referring to Figures 6, 7, and 51-54, stretch limiting insert 1540 includes a body portion 1541 having a modulus of elasticity labeled ME ₂ for reference purposes. As can be seen in FIG. 6 , the body portion 1541 includes two downwardly extending mounting lugs 1542 , each of which is configured to seat in a mounting cavity 1535 formed in the resilient spine member 1520 . See also Figure 7A. To provide a stretch limiting insert 1540 having a desired amount of stretch capacity and elasticity, the body portion 1541 in the arrangement shown is provided with a plurality of upper cavities 1543. The illustrated example includes four upper cavities 1543 that are relatively square or rectangular in shape and spaced to define a flexible wall 1544 therebetween. Other embodiments may include other numbers and shapes of upper cavities. The illustrated body portion 1541 of the stretch limiting insert 1540 also includes a centrally disposed downwardly projecting central lug portion 1545 configured to seat in a central cavity 1536 above the stretch feature 1530 . See Figure 7A. In the example shown, the central lug portion 1545 includes a pair of central passages 1546 extending laterally therethrough to define a flexible wall 1547 therebetween.

Also in the example shown, stretch limiting insert 1540 includes elongated lateral cavities 1548 positioned on each side of body portion 1541 . Only one lateral cavity 1548 can be seen in Figures 6 and 51-54. Each elongated lateral cavity 1548 is configured to support a corresponding stretch limiter 1550 therein. Thus, in the example described, two stretch limiters 1550 are employed in stretch limiter insert 1540 . In at least one arrangement, stretch limiter 1550 includes an elongated body portion 1552 terminating on each end having downwardly extending mounting lugs 1554. Mounting lugs 1554 are received in corresponding lug cavities 1549 formed in body portion 1541 . The stretch limiter may have an elastic modulus of ME ₃ for reference purposes. In at least one arrangement, ME3<ME2<ME1.

Actuation of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 when operably attached to the handle assembly 500 will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 51-54. Figure 51 shows the anvil 1130 in the open position. As can be seen in this figure, the distal closure tube segment 1430 is in its starting or unactuated position, and the positive anvil opening feature 1462 has pivoted the anvil 1130 to the open position. Additionally, the firing member 1660 is in an unactuated or home position with the upper portion, including the top nose portion 1630 , parked in the firing member parking area 1154 of the anvil mounting portion 1150 . When the interchangeable tool assembly 1000 is in this unactuated state, the stretch limiting insert 1540 is in an unstretched state. When in the unstretched state, the axial length of the stretch-limiting insert 1540 is represented by _Lus in FIG. 51 . _Lus represents the distance between the reference axis A corresponding to the proximal end of the body portion 1541 of the stretch limiting insert 1540 and the reference axis B corresponding to the distal end of the body portion 1541 , as shown in FIG. 51 . The axis marked F corresponds to the location of the distal end of the staple cartridge 1110 that has been properly seated within the elongated channel 1102. It will be appreciated that when the tool assembly 1000 is in this unactuated state, the elastic spine member 1520 is in a relaxed, unstretched state.

Figure 52 shows the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 after the drive system 510 has been closed to drive the distal closure segment 1430 distally in the distal direction DD as described above. As the distal closure segment 1430 is moved distally, the cam surface 1444 on the distal end 1441 of the upper wall portion 1440 of the distal closure segment 1430 cammingly contacts the cam surface 1152 on the anvil mounting portion 1150 and causes the anvil to 1130 pivots to the closed position as shown. The closure drive system 510 moves the distal closure tube segment 1430 through its entire closure stroke distance, then is deactivated, and the distal closure tube segment is axially locked or otherwise held in this position by the closure drive system 510 . When the distal closure segment 1430 contacts the anvil mounting portion 1150, the closing force created by the distal advancement of the distal closure segment 1430 over the anvil 1130 also axially advances the anvil 1130 and elongated channel 1102 in the distal direction DD . The stretch feature 1530 in the elastic spine 1520 will begin to stretch to accommodate this distal advancement of the elongated channel 1102 and anvil 1130. Axis B, as shown in Figure 52, is the reference axis for stretch limiting insert 1540 when in a relaxed or unstretched state. Axis C corresponds to the end of the stretch-limiting insert 1540 after the stretch-limiting insert has been stretched to its maximum elongated state. Distance L _s represents the maximum amount or length by which stretch limiting insert 1540 can be stretched. Axis G corresponds to the position of the distal end of the surgical staple cartridge 1110 after the anvil 1130 has moved to the "first" closed position. Distance _LT between reference axes F and G represents the axial distance that elongated channel 1102 and anvil 1130 have traveled during actuation of closed drive system 510 . This distance _LT may be equal to the distance LS by which stretch limiter insert 1540 is stretched by stretch limiter ₁₅₅₀ during the closing process.

Returning to FIG. 51 , it can be noted that there is a space S between each mounting lug 1554 of the stretch limiter 1550 and the inner wall 1551 of each of the lug cavities 1549 prior to beginning the closing process. As can be seen in Figure 52, the space S disappears. That is, each of the mounting lugs 1554 abuts a corresponding cavity wall 1549 in the stretch limiting insert 1540 . Thus, stretch limiter 1550 serves to limit the amount of elongation experienced by stretch limiting insert 1540 , which in turn limits the distal side of elongated channel 1102 and anvil 1130 relative to proximal end portion 1524 of elastic spine 1520 amount of travel. The distal closure tube 1430 is axially locked in place by the closure drive system 510. When in this position, the anvil 1130 remains in a "first" closed position relative to the surgical staple cartridge 1110. Since the firing drive system 530 has not been actuated, the firing member 1660 has not moved and remains parked in the firing member parking area 1154. The position of the underside of the anvil 1130 when in the "first" closed position is represented by the axis K in FIGS. 52 and 53 .

Figure 53 shows the position of the firing member 1660 after the firing drive system 530 is initially actuated. As can be seen in this figure, the firing member 1660 has been pushed distally out of the firing member parking area 1154. The top portion of the firing member 1660 , and more specifically, each of the top anvil engagement features 1672 has entered the proximal ramp portion 1138 of the corresponding axial passageway 1146 in the anvil 1130 . At this point in the process, the anvil 1130 may be under substantial bending stress caused by the tissue clamped between the underside of the anvil 1130 and the platform of the staple cartridge 1110. When the firing member 1660 is initially advanced distally, this bending stress and the frictional resistance between the various portions of the firing member and the anvil 1130 and the elongated channel 1102 serve to substantially retain the elongated channel 1102 and the distal closure segment at rest. During this time period, the amount of force required to fire the firing member 1660 , or in other words, the amount of force required to push the firing member 1660 distally through the tissue clamped between the anvil 1130 and the staple cartridge 1110 volume is increasing. See line 1480 in FIG. 55 . Also during this time period, the stretch limiting insert attempts to retract the elongated channel 1102 and anvil 1130 into the distal closure segment 1430 in the proximal direction PD. Once the amount of friction between the firing member 1660 and the anvil 1130 and the elongated channel 1102 is less than the retraction force created by the stretch-limiting insert 1540, the stretch-limiting insert 1540 will cause the elongated channel 1102 and the anvil 1130 to be further The distal closure segment 1430 is pulled proximally. After the elongated channel 1102 and the anvil 1130 are advanced in the proximal direction PD, the position of the distal end 1113 of the staple cartridge 1110 is represented as position H in FIG. 54 . The axial distance traveled by the elongated channel 1102 and the anvil 1130 in the proximal direction PD is represented as distance I in FIG. 54 . This proximal movement of the anvil 1130 and elongated channel 1102 into the distal closure segment 1430 will cause the distal closure segment 1430 to apply an additional closing force to the anvil 1130. Line M in FIG. 54 represents the "second" closed position of the anvil 1130 . The distance between position K and position M (denoted as distance N) includes the vertical distance that the distal end 1133 of the anvil body 1132 travels between the first closed position and the second closed position.

When the anvil 1130 is in the second closed position, the distal closure tube segment 1430 applies an additional closing force to the anvil 1130 against the flexural force applied to the anvil 1130 by the tissue clamped between the anvil 1130 and the staple cartridge 1110 amount. This condition may result in better alignment between the passageway in the anvil body 1130 and the firing member 1660, which may ultimately reduce the amount of frictional resistance that the firing member 1660 experiences as it continues to advance distally therethrough. Thus, the amount of firing force required to advance the firing member to the end position through the balance of its firing stroke may be reduced. The reduction in firing force can be seen in the graph in FIG. 55 . The graph shown in Figure 55 compares the firing force (energy) required by the firing members to fire from the beginning to the end of the firing process. Line 1480 represents the amount of firing force required to move firing member 1660 from its starting position to its ending position when end effector 1100 clamps tissue therein. For example, line 1482 represents the amount of firing force required to move the firing member to the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 described above. Line 1482 represents the firing force required to move firing member 174 from its starting position through tissue clamped in end effector 110 or 110'. As can be seen from this graph, the firing force required for the two surgical tool assemblies 100, 1000 is substantially the same or very similar until time point 1484, where the resilient spine assembly 1510 of the interchangeable tool assembly 1000 results in a The anvil applies a second amount of closing force. As can be seen in the graph of FIG. 55 , when the anvil 1130 is subjected to the second amount of closing force (point 1484 ), the amount of closing force required to complete the firing process is less than that required to complete the closing process in the tool assembly 100 amount of closing force.

Figure 56 compares the amount of firing load required to move the firing member of various surgical end effectors from the starting position (0.0) to the ending position (1.0). The vertical axis represents the firing load, and the horizontal axis represents the percentage distance traveled by the firing member between the starting position (0.0) and the ending position (1.0). Line 1490 shows the firing force required to fire a firing member such as surgical tool assembly 100 or similar tool assembly. Line 1492 shows the firing force required to fire the firing member of a surgical tool assembly employing various firing member modifications and configurations, which may be disclosed, for example, in a paper entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS". US Patent Application Serial No. __________; Attorney Docket No. END8047USNP/160195, and the other aforementioned US patent applications filed on the same date as this application, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Line 1494 shows the firing force required to fire the firing member from its start position to the end position of a surgical tool assembly that employs at least some of the features and arrangements disclosed herein to strengthen the anvil. Line 1496 shows the firing force required to fire, eg, a surgical tool assembly that employs a resilient spine device and at least some of the features and arrangements disclosed herein to strengthen the anvil. As can be seen in this figure, surgical tool assemblies employing at least some of the resilient spine devices and the anvil reinforcement devices disclosed herein have much lower firing force requirements.

Example

Embodiment 1 - A surgical end effector comprising a first jaw configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge, the surgical staple cartridge operably supporting a cam assembly therein. When the cam assembly is moved from the unfired position to the fired position, the cam assembly can move axially through the surgical staple cartridge to fire surgical staples therefrom. A firing member is supported for axial movement within the surgical staple cartridge between a starting position proximal to the surgical staple cartridge and an ending position within the staple cartridge when firing and retraction motions are applied thereto. A latching system is supported within the surgical end effector and is laterally biased into lateral retention engagement with the firing member when the firing member is in the home position, thereby retaining the firing member at the starting position. The latching system is configured to be laterally biased to disengage laterally when contacted by the cam assembly of a surgical staple cartridge seated within the first jaw and the cam assembly thereof is in the unfired position Stay engaged.

Embodiment 2 - The surgical end effector of Embodiment 1, wherein the firing member includes a body portion, the body portion includes lateral sides, and wherein the latching system includes a latching member, the latching member At least one laterally movable locking portion is included, the locking portion being configured to remain laterally in engagement with a corresponding one of the lateral sides of the body portion when the firing member is in the starting position.

Embodiment 3 - The surgical end effector of Embodiment 2, wherein the blocking member includes a spring including two laterally moving locking portions.

Embodiment 4 - The surgical end effector of Embodiment 3, wherein the firing member includes a first retention feature and a second retention feature, the first retention feature extending from all of the body portion. a first one of the lateral sides protrudes laterally, the second retention feature protrudes laterally from a second one of the lateral sides of the body portion, and wherein the two A laterally moving locking portion includes a first laterally moving locking arm and a second laterally moving locking arm, the first laterally moving locking arm having a portion configured to retainably engage the first retention feature and the second laterally movable locking arm has a second distal end configured to retainably engage the second retention feature.

Embodiment 5 The surgical end effector of Embodiment 4, wherein the first distal end includes a first locking window configured to enable the first retention feature to be locked at least a portion of the second locking feature is retainingly received therein, and wherein the second distal end includes a second locking window configured to retainably receive at least a portion of the second locking feature in the in.

Embodiment 6 - The surgical end effector of Embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, further comprising a second jaw supported adjacent the first jaw such that in At least one of the first jaw and the second jaw can be relative to the first jaw when an opening movement and a closing movement are applied to the at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw and selectively move the other of the second jaws.

Embodiment 7 - The surgical end effector of Embodiment 6, wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Embodiment 8 - The surgical end effector of Embodiment 7, wherein the anvil includes an anvil body having an axial slot therein to allow a portion of the firing member to be axially go through it. The anvil body also includes an axial passage on each side of the axial slot.

Embodiment 9 - The surgical end effector of Embodiment 8, wherein the firing member includes a foot and a laterally extending anvil engagement feature, the foot configured to Slidably passing through corresponding passages in the jaws, the laterally extending anvil engagement feature extends laterally from a top portion of the firing member body and is configured to pass through the laterally extending anvil engagement feature in the anvil body. A corresponding one of the axial passages, and wherein the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature are located between the foot and the anvil engagement feature.

Embodiment 10 - A surgical stapling instrument comprising an elongated shaft defining a shaft axis. An elongated channel is operably coupled to the elongated shaft. The stapling instrument further includes a surgical staple cartridge including a cartridge body configured to be removably seated in the elongated channel. A cam assembly is supported within the cartridge and is axially movable therethrough between an unfired position and a fired position. The surgical stapling instrument further includes a firing member supported for a starting position proximal to the surgical staple cartridge within the surgical staple cartridge when firing and retraction motions are applied to the surgical staple cartridge and Axial movement between end positions within the surgical staple cartridge. A latching system is supported within the surgical stapling instrument and is laterally biased into lateral retention engagement with the firing member when the firing member is in the home position, thereby retaining the firing member in the desired position. the starting position. When the cam assembly is in the unfired position, the latch system is configured to be laterally biased out of lateral retention engagement when contacted by the cam assembly.

Embodiment 11 - The surgical stapling instrument of Embodiment 10, wherein the firing member includes a firing member body that includes two lateral sides. The firing member body includes a tissue cutting feature. The latching system includes a latching member including at least one locking portion movable in a lateral direction transverse to the shaft axis. At least one locking portion is configured to laterally retainably engage a corresponding one of the lateral sides of the firing member body portion when the firing member is in the starting position.

Embodiment 12 - The surgical stapling instrument of Embodiment 11, wherein the latching member includes a U-shaped spring including a central spring portion, and wherein the at least one locking portion includes a first movable locking portion, The first movable locking portion extends from the central spring portion and corresponds to one of the lateral sides of the firing member body. A second movable locking portion extends from the central spring portion and corresponds to the other lateral side of the firing member body.

Embodiment 13 - The surgical stapling instrument of Embodiment 12, wherein the firing member further comprises a first retention feature extending from the lateral side of the firing member body portion The first lateral side protrudes laterally. A second retention feature protrudes laterally from a second one of the lateral sides of the firing member body portion, and wherein the first movable locking portion includes a first distal end, the first A distal end is configured to retainably engage the first retention feature, and wherein the second movable locking portion includes a second distal end configured to enable Retainingly engages the second retention feature.

Embodiment 14 - The surgical stapling instrument of Embodiment 13, wherein the first distal end includes a first locking window configured to enable the first retention feature to be locked. at least a portion of the second locking feature is retainingly received therein, and wherein the second distal end includes a second locking window configured to retainably receive at least a portion of the second locking feature therein .

Embodiment 15 - The surgical stapling instrument of Embodiments 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14, wherein the cam assembly includes at least one unlocking feature configured to enable the cam assembly to The latching system is laterally biased out of lateral retention engagement when in the unfired position.

Embodiment 16 - The surgical stapling instrument of Embodiment 13, wherein the cam assembly includes a first unlocking feature configured to enable the cam assembly to unfire when the cam assembly is in the unfired position. The first distal end is laterally biased out of retained engagement with the first retention feature. The second unlock feature is configured to laterally bias the second distal end out of engagement with the second retention feature when the cam assembly is in the unfired position.

Embodiment 17 - A surgical end effector comprising a first jaw configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. A firing member is supported for axial movement within the surgical staple cartridge between a starting position proximal to the surgical staple cartridge and an ending position within the staple cartridge when firing and retraction motions are applied thereto. The surgical end effector also includes means for maintaining the firing member in the starting position unless an unfired surgical staple cartridge with the cam assembly in the unfired position therein is already seated. within the first jaw such that the cam assembly is laterally biased for retaining the device out of engagement with the firing member, thereby allowing the firing member to advance axially when a firing motion is applied to the firing member through the surgical staple cartridge.

Embodiment 18 - The surgical end effector of Embodiment 17, wherein the surgical end effector defines a central axis, and wherein the device for retention is biased out of retention with the cam assembly When engaged, the means for retaining move laterally relative to the firing member in at least one direction laterally transverse to the central axis.

Embodiment 19 - The surgical end effector of Embodiment 18, wherein the firing member includes two lateral sides, and wherein the means for retaining engages the two lateral sides of the firing member features on the top.

Embodiment 20 - The surgical end effector of Embodiment 19, wherein the means for retaining includes a first retaining portion and a second retaining portion, and when the firing member is in the starting position, And until contacted by the cam assembly, the first retention portion and the second retention portion are biased into engagement with corresponding ones of the lateral sides of the firing member to cause the first A retaining portion and the second retaining portion are biased in opposite lateral directions out of retained engagement with the firing member.

Example 21 - An Anvil for a Surgical Stapler. The anvil includes an elongated anvil body including an upper body portion and a staple forming lower surface. The anvil also includes an anvil mounting portion adjacent the elongated anvil body and configured to movably support the anvil on a portion of the surgical stapler . An anvil cap is configured to mechanically interlock to the upper body portion of the elongated anvil body. At least one weld is provided between the anvil cap and the upper body portion of the elongated anvil body.

Embodiment 22 - The anvil of Embodiment 21, wherein the upper body portion defines an opening through the upper surface thereof, and the anvil cap is mechanically interlocked within the opening.

Embodiment 23 - The anvil of Embodiment 22, further comprising a flange extending around at least a portion of the opening in the upper body portion, and wherein the anvil cap is supported on the flange .

Embodiment 24 - The anvil of Embodiments 21, 22, or 23, wherein the anvil cap includes a perimeter, and wherein the at least one weld extends around at least a portion of the perimeter.

Embodiment 25 - The anvil of Embodiments 21, 22, 23, or 24, wherein the anvil cap includes a proximal end and a distal end and two long sides extending therebetween, and At least one of the welds corresponds to at least a portion of each of the long sides.

Embodiment 26 - The anvil of Embodiment 22, wherein the upper body portion forms an open perimeter, and wherein the upper body portion includes a plurality of retention structures formed in the open perimeter, and is configured to frictionally engage a corresponding portion of the anvil cap when the anvil cap is positioned within the opening.

Embodiment 27 - The anvil of Embodiment 26, wherein the corresponding portion of the anvil cap includes engagement regions formed in the cap perimeter of the anvil cap, and wherein each engagement region is frictionally shaped Engage each corresponding retention structure.

Embodiment 28 - The anvil of Embodiment 22, wherein the anvil cap includes a proximal end and a distal end and two long sides extending therebetween, and wherein the upper body portion an opening perimeter is formed and includes a plurality of retaining structures formed in a portion of the opening perimeter corresponding to at least a portion of each of the long sides of the anvil cap for use therewith frictional engagement.

Embodiment 29 - The anvil of Embodiment 22, wherein the anvil cap includes a proximal end and a distal end and two long sides extending therebetween, and wherein the upper body portion An open perimeter is defined, and wherein the anvil further includes at least one retention structure on each long side of the anvil cap and is configured to frictionally engage a corresponding portion of the open perimeter for frictional engagement therewith.

Embodiment 30 - The anvil of Embodiments 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, or 29, wherein the anvil cap is interlocked to the elongated anvil body by at least one tongue and groove engagement configuration of the upper body part.

Embodiment 31 - The anvil of Embodiments 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30, wherein the anvil cap includes a center cap that includes A cap perimeter, and wherein at least one weld includes a first weld extending between at least a portion of the cap perimeter and a corresponding portion of the upper body portion of the anvil body. At least one second discrete weld extends between the center cap and the upper body portion of the anvil body.

Embodiment 32 - The anvil of Embodiment 31, wherein the at least one second discrete weld seam comprises a first plurality of spaced apart second discrete weld seams through the central cap adjacent a long edge thereof, and a second plurality of spaced second discrete welds through the central cap adjacent its other long edge.

Embodiment 33 - The anvil of Embodiment 32, wherein the first plurality of spaced apart second discrete welds are spaced closer to each other near the distal end of the central cap, and wherein The second plurality of spaced apart second discrete welds are spaced closer to each other near the distal end of the central cap.

Embodiment 34 - The anvil of Embodiment 32, wherein the first plurality of spaced apart second discrete welds are spaced closer to each other near the proximal end of the central cap, and wherein The second plurality of spaced apart second discrete welds are spaced closer to each other near the proximal end of the central cap.

Embodiment 35 - The anvil of Embodiment 32, wherein the first plurality of spaced apart second discrete welds are closer to each other near proximal and distal ends of the central cap spaced apart, and wherein the second plurality of spaced apart second discrete welds are spaced closer to each other near the proximal end and the distal end of the central cap body.

Example 36 - An Anvil for a Surgical Stapler. The anvil includes an elongated anvil body including an upper body portion and a staple forming lower surface. An anvil mounting portion is disposed adjacent the elongated anvil body and is configured to movably support the anvil on a portion of the surgical stapler. The anvil also includes an anvil cap including a central anvil cap body and a cap perimeter extending therearound. A first weld is disposed between at least a portion of the cap perimeter and the upper portion of the elongated anvil body portion. At least one second discrete weld extends between the center cap and the upper body portion of the anvil body.

Embodiment 37 - The anvil of Embodiment 36, wherein the first weld extends intermittently around at least a portion of the perimeter of the cap.

Embodiment 38 - The anvil of Embodiment 36 or 37, wherein the at least one second discrete weld comprises a first row of spaced apart second discrete welds through the center cap and through The center cap has a second row of spaced apart second discrete welds.

Example 39 - An Anvil for a Surgical Stapler. The anvil includes an elongated anvil body including an upper body portion and a staple forming lower surface. The elongated anvil body defines an opening extending through its upper surface. The anvil also includes an anvil mounting portion adjacent the elongated anvil body and configured to movably support the anvil on a portion of the surgical stapler . An anvil cap is configured to mechanically interlock to the upper body portion of the elongated anvil body so as to fill the opening. The anvil cap includes a central cap body and a cap perimeter extending therearound. At least one first weld is disposed between at least a portion of the cap perimeter and the upper body portion of the elongated anvil body. At least one second discrete weld extends between the center cap and the upper body portion of the anvil body.

Embodiment 40 - The anvil of Embodiment 39, wherein the anvil cap is mechanically arranged by a tongue and groove engagement between a portion of the cap perimeter and the upper body portion of the elongated anvil Interlocked to the upper body portion of the elongated anvil body.

Embodiment 41 - A closure member for applying a closing motion to a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. The closure member includes a closure body defining an outer surface and an inner surface. The closed body also defines an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion including an upper wall thickness between the outer surface and the inner surface, and the lower portion including the outer surface and the inner surface. The thickness of the lower wall between, wherein the thickness of the upper wall is different from the thickness of the lower wall. A cam surface is formed on the upper portion for selectively camming contact with a portion of the movable jaw.

Embodiment 42 - The closure member of Embodiment 41, wherein the outer surface is a first radial distance from a first central axis, and wherein the inner surface is a second radial distance from a second central axis distance, the second central axis is offset from the first central axis.

Embodiment 43 - The closure member of Embodiment 41 or 42, wherein the upper wall thickness is greater than the lower wall thickness.

Embodiment 44 - The closure member of Embodiment 41, 42, or 43, further comprising diametrically opposed sidewall portions extending between the upper portion and the lower portion, and wherein the sidewall portions each having a thickness of the side wall that is different from the thickness of the upper wall and the thickness of the lower wall.

Embodiment 45 - The closure member of Embodiment 44, wherein the side wall thickness is greater than the upper wall thickness and the lower wall thickness.

Embodiment 46 - The closure member of Embodiment 44 or 45, wherein the sidewall portions define inner sidewalls, and wherein the inner sidewall of one sidewall portion is parallel to the inner sidewall of the other sidewall portion .

Embodiment 47 - The closure member of Embodiment 43, wherein the upper wall thickness and the lower wall thickness are each measured along a common vertical axis extending through the center of the closure body axis.

Embodiment 48 - The closure member of Embodiments 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 or 47, wherein when the closure body moves in a first direction, the closure body cam contacts the closure body The movable jaw is movable from an open position to a closed position when the portion of the jaw is movable, and wherein at least one other portion of the closure member is moved when the closure body is moved in the second direction. is configured to move the movable jaw from the closed position to the open position.

Embodiment 49 - The closure member of Embodiment 48, further comprising at least one positive jaw opening feature extending inwardly from the inner surface and configured to be able to close when the closure The member contacts another portion of the movable jaw to move the movable jaw to the open position when moving in the second direction.

Embodiment 50 - The closure member of Embodiment 49, wherein each positive jaw opening feature includes at least two positive jaw opening features diametrically opposed to each other and extending from each other. The inner surface protrudes inward.

Embodiment 51 - The closure member of Embodiment 50, wherein at least one of the positive jaw opening features extends from a mounting plate attached to the upper portion and the lower portion Corresponding sidewall portions of the closure body extending therebetween.

Example 52 - A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw is operable when a closing motion and an opening motion are applied thereto. Move relative to the other of the first jaw and the second jaw between an open orientation and a closed orientation. The closed body defines an outer surface and an inner surface and an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion including an upper wall thickness between the outer surface and the inner surface, the lower portion including the outer surface and the inner surface a lower wall thickness between inner surfaces, wherein the upper wall thickness is different from the lower wall thickness, and wherein the closure body includes a cam surface formed on the upper portion for selectively The protrusion contacts a portion of one of the movable at least one first and second jaws.

Embodiment 53 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 52, wherein the outer surface is located at a first radial distance from a central axis of the closure body, and wherein the inner surface is located at a distance from the central axis At a second radial distance, and wherein the first radial distance is greater than the second radial distance, such that the upper wall thickness is greater than the lower wall thickness.

Embodiment 54 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 52 or 53, further comprising diametrically opposed sidewall portions extending between the upper portion and the lower portion, and wherein the sidewall portions each have a different The thickness of the side wall is the thickness of the upper wall and the thickness of the lower wall.

Embodiment 55 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 52, 53, or 54, wherein the sidewall thickness is equal to the upper wall thickness and greater than the lower wall thickness.

Embodiment 56 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 52, 53, 54, or 55, wherein each sidewall portion defines an inner sidewall surface, and wherein the inner sidewall surfaces are not parallel to each other.

Embodiment 57 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 52, 53, 54, 55, or 56, wherein the upper wall thickness and the lower wall thickness are each along a common axis extending through the center of the closure body Vertical axis measurement.

Embodiment 58 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, or 57, wherein when the closure body moves in the first direction, when in cam contact with the closure body, all at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw is movable from an open position to a closed position, and wherein at least one other portion of the closure member is configured when the closure body is moved in the second direction capable of moving at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw from the closed position to the open position, and wherein the closure member further includes at least one positive jaw opening feature, the A positive jaw opening feature extends inwardly from the inner surface and is configured to contact another of the at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw when the closure member is moved in the second direction. a section.

Embodiment 59 - A closure member for applying a closing motion to a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. The closure member includes a hollow closure body defining an outer surface and an inner surface. The closed body also defines an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion including an upper wall thickness between the outer surface and the inner surface, and the lower portion including the outer surface and the inner surface A lower wall thickness between, wherein the upper wall thickness and the lower wall thickness are equal, and wherein the inner surface and the outer surface define side wall portions, the side wall portions each having a thickness greater than the upper wall thickness and the side wall thickness of the lower wall thickness. A cam surface is formed on the upper portion for selectively camming contact with a portion of the movable jaw.

Embodiment 60 - The closure member of Embodiment 59, wherein the inner surface defines a rectangular passage extending through the closure body.

Example 61 - A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, the second jaw being movable relative to the first jaw is movably supported for selective movement relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position. The surgical instrument further includes a hollow closure member configured to be axially movable between an unactuated position and a closed position, wherein the hollow closure member imparts a closing motion to the movable second position. Jaws. A closure system is configured to apply a closure actuation motion to the hollow closure member. A firing member is supported for axial travel between a starting position fully within the hollow closure member and an ending position within the surgical end effector. A firing system is configured to selectively apply firing motion to the firing member to move the firing member from the starting position to the ending position, and wherein the closure system is actuatable without actuating the firing system.

Embodiment 62 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 61, wherein the second jaw includes a mounting portion pivotally secured to the first jaw for relative to the first jaw. A jaw selectively travels pivotally.

Embodiment 63 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 62, wherein the mounting portion on the second jaw includes a first cam surface, and wherein the hollow closure member includes a second cam surface, the second cam surface A cam surface is configured for camming contact with the first cam surface.

Embodiment 64 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 63, wherein the hollow closure member includes a distal end, and wherein the second cam surface includes an inner cam surface formed adjacent the distal end.

Embodiment 65 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 61, 62, 63, or 64, wherein the second jaw includes an anvil, and wherein the first jaw includes a channel configured to enable A surgical staple cartridge is operably supported therein.

Embodiment 66 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 65, wherein the firing member includes a firing member body having at least one channel engagement feature and at least one anvil engagement feature thereon.

Embodiment 67 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 63, 64, 65, or 66, wherein the anvil includes an elongated anvil body protruding from the mounting portion, and wherein the elongated anvil body includes an outer anvil surface, and wherein the first cam surface extends to the outer anvil surface.

Embodiment 68 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, or 67, wherein the hollow closure member is configured to apply to the hollow closure member in the closure system An opening movement is applied to the second jaw during the opening actuation movement.

Embodiment 69 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 68, wherein the hollow closure member further comprises at least one positive jaw opening feature thereon for use in applying the opening actuation motion to the closure The member selectively contacts the second jaw.

Embodiment 70 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated shaft defining a shaft axis. A channel is operably coupled to the elongated shaft and is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. An anvil is movably coupled to the channel and is selectively moveable relative to the channel between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The closure member is configured to be axially movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position, wherein a distal end portion of the closure member cams into contact with the anvil to apply a closing motion thereto. A closure system operably interfaces with the closure member to selectively apply closure control motion thereto. A firing member is supported for axial travel between an initial position and an end position, in which the firing member is positioned fully proximal to the distal end of the closure member. The firing system is configured to selectively apply firing motion to the firing member to move the firing member from the starting position to the ending position, and wherein the closure system is actuatable without actuating all The firing system is described.

Embodiment 71 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 70, wherein the anvil is attached to the channel and is constrained to pivot relative to the channel about an anvil axis transverse to the shaft axis.

Embodiment 72 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 70 or 71, wherein the anvil includes an anvil mounting portion pivotally coupled to the channel and including thereon a first a cam surface, and wherein the closure member includes a hollow closure tube including a distal end having a second inner cam surface thereon, the second inner cam surface configured to use in cam contact with the first cam surface.

Embodiment 73 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 70, 71 or 72, wherein the firing member comprises a firing member body having at least one channel engagement feature and at least one anvil thereon Engagement features.

Embodiment 74 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 72, wherein the anvil includes an elongated anvil body protruding from the mounting portion. The elongated anvil body includes an outer anvil surface, and wherein the first cam surface extends to the outer anvil surface.

Embodiment 75 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 70, 71, 72, 73, or 74, wherein the closure member comprises a hollow closure tube, and wherein when the firing member is in the starting position, the The firing member is located entirely within the hollow closed tube.

Embodiment 76 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, or 75, wherein the closure member further comprises at least one positive jaw opening feature formed thereon for use when opened An actuating motion is applied to the closure selectively in contact with the anvil.

Example 77 - A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, the second jaw being movable relative to the first jaw is movably supported for selective movement relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position upon application of a closing motion to a cam surface thereon. The surgical instrument further includes an axially movable closure member including a closure cam surface thereon, the closure cam surface configured to apply the closure motion to the cam on the second jaw surface. The firing member is supported for axial travel between starting positions with a tissue cutting surface thereon proximal of the closure cam surface on the closure member. The closure member and the firing member are selectively actuatable independently of each other.

Embodiment 78 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 77, wherein the second jaw includes a mounting portion pivotally coupled to the first jaw, and wherein the mounting portion includes thereon the cam surface.

Embodiment 79 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 77 or 78, wherein the axially movable closure member and the mounting portion define a firing member parking area therebetween, wherein the firing member is in the In the starting position, at least a portion of the firing member is supported.

Embodiment 80 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 77, 78, or 79, wherein the first jaw includes a channel, and wherein the second jaw includes an anvil. The firing member includes a firing member body having at least one channel engagement feature and at least one anvil engagement feature thereon.

Example 81 - A surgical instrument comprising a resilient spine assembly comprising a proximal spine portion and a distal spine portion resiliently coupled to the proximal spine portion for opposing to move axially between its neutral and extended positions. A first jaw is attached to the distal spine portion, and a second jaw is movably supported relative to the first jaw to be between an open position and a closed position relative to the first jaw Move selectively. A closure system is configured to apply a closing motion to the second jaw and move the distal spine portion from the intermediate position to the extended position upon actuation of the closure system. A firing system is configured to axially advance a firing member within the first jaw from a starting position to an ending position and to allow the distal spine portion to return to the intermediate position upon actuation of the firing system position, thereby increasing the closing motion applied to the second jaw.

Embodiment 82 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 81, wherein the closure system includes a closure member configured to be able to move relative to the distal spine portion from a position corresponding to the distal spine portion. The unactuated position of the intermediate position is advanced axially to a first closed position, wherein the distal spine portion is moved to the extended position, and the second jaw is moved to a first in the closed position. a closed position.

Embodiment 83 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 81 or 82, wherein the closure member is hollow and configured to receive the mounting portion of the second jaw therein.

Embodiment 84 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 83, wherein the mounting portion has a first cam surface thereon, and wherein the hollow closure member has a second cam surface thereon, the second cam surface configured to Camming contact with the first cam surface upon actuation of the closure system to move the second jaw from the open position to the first closed position.

Embodiment 85 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 84, wherein movement of the distal spine portion from the extended position to the intermediate position increases the relationship between the first cam surface and the second cam surface. contact between the cams.

Embodiment 86 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 81, 82, 83, 84, or 85, wherein the distal spine portion is interconnected to the proximal spine portion by a stretchable central spine portion.

Embodiment 87 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 86, wherein the elastic spine assembly further comprises means for constraining the stretchable central spine portion to a predetermined amount of extension.

Embodiment 88 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 87, wherein the means for constraining comprises a stretchable body member sized to span between the distal spine portion and all between said proximal spine portions, and means for constraining said stretchable body to a predetermined amount of elongation.

Embodiment 89 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 88, wherein the stretchable body member comprises a first modulus of elasticity, and wherein the means for restraining comprises a stretchable body supported by the stretchable body At least one stretch limiter member and including a second elastic modulus less than the first elastic modulus.

Embodiment 90 - A surgical instrument comprising a resilient spine assembly configured to be elongated between a first intermediate position and a second extended position. A first jaw is attached to the resilient spine assembly. A second jaw is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position. The surgical instrument also includes a closure system including a closure member configured to apply a first amount of closure force to the second jaw to remove the second jaw from all The open position is moved to a first closed position and the elastic spine assembly is extended to the second extended position. A firing member is supported for axial travel within the first jaw between a starting position and an ending position. A firing system operably interfaces with the firing member to selectively advance the firing member from the starting position to the ending position such that the firing member goes from the starting position to the ending position Movement of the elastic ridge moves the resilient ridge toward the first intermediate position, causing the closure member to apply a second amount of closing force to the second jaw, thereby moving the second jaw to the second closed position .

Embodiment 91 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 90, wherein the second jaw includes a mounting portion pivotally pinned to the first jaw for use in the opening The pivot travels between the position and the closed position.

Embodiment 92 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 91, wherein the mounting portion has a first cam surface thereon, and wherein the closure member has a second cam surface thereon, the second cam surface configured to enable Cam contact with the first cam surface upon actuation of the closure system to move the second jaw from the open position to the first closed position.

Embodiment 93 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 89, 90, or 91, wherein movement of the resilient spine assembly from the second extended position to the first intermediate position increases the first cam surface and the The cam contacts between the second cam surfaces.

Example 94 - A surgical instrument comprising a resilient spine assembly comprising a proximal spine portion and a distal spine portion resiliently coupled to the proximal spine portion for opposing to move axially between its neutral and extended positions. An elongated channel is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein; the elongated channel is attached to the distal spine portion. An anvil is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongated channel about a fixed pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. A closure system is configured to apply a closing motion to the anvil and move the distal spine portion from the intermediate position to the extended position. A firing system is configured to axially advance a firing member within the elongated passage from a starting position to an ending position upon actuation of the firing system, thereby enabling the distal spine portion to return to the intermediate position , thereby increasing the closing motion applied to the anvil.

Embodiment 95 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 94, wherein the distal spine portion is interconnected to the proximal spine portion by a stretchable central spine portion.

Embodiment 96 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 94 or 95, wherein the elastic spine assembly further comprises a stretch limiting insert sized to span across the distal spine portion and the proximal spine portion, and means for constraining the body to a predetermined amount of elongation.

Embodiment 97 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 96, wherein the body member is made of a resilient material, and wherein the means for restraining is made of metal.

Embodiment 98 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 97, wherein the body member includes a first mounting lug formed therein and a second mounting lug formed therein, the first mounting lug being configured is configured for mounting engagement with the proximal spine portion, the second mounting lug is configured for mounting engagement with the distal spine portion, and wherein the means for limiting includes at least one stretch limit the stretch limiter includes an elongated body spanning between the first mounting lug and the second mounting lug and including a first mounting end and a second mounting end, wherein The first end is movably received within a cavity in the first mounting lug, and wherein the second end is movably received within a second cavity in the second mounting lug .

Embodiment 99 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 94, 95, 96, 97, or 98, wherein the mounting portion of the anvil is pivotally pinned to the elongated channel and includes a first a cam surface, and wherein the closure system includes a closure member including a second cam surface thereon, the second cam surface configured to interact with the closure system upon actuation of the closure system The first cam surface is in camming contact to move the second jaw from the open position to the first closed position.

Embodiment 100 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, or 99, wherein movement of the distal spine portion from the extended position to the intermediate position increases the first Cam contact between the cam surface and the second cam surface.

Embodiment 101 - A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, the second jaw being movable relative to the first jaw is movably supported for selective pivotal travel relative to the first jaw about a fixed pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. A firing member is movably supported for selective axial travel within at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw between a starting position and an ending position. The firing member includes a body portion and a first flange assembly projecting from the body portion and configured to slidably engage the first jaw. A second flange assembly protrudes from the body portion and is configured to slidably engage the second jaw. The surgical instrument also includes an elongated shaft assembly operably coupled to the surgical end effector. The elongated shaft assembly includes a firing system operatively interfacing with the firing member to selectively move the firing member axially between the starting position and the ending position. A closure system operably interfaces with the second jaw to move the second jaw between the open and closed positions without actuating the firing system and the firing member .

Embodiment 102 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 101, wherein the elongated shaft assembly defines a shaft axis, and wherein the fixed pivot axis is transverse to the shaft axis.

Embodiment 103 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 101 or 102, wherein the closure system is configured to cam engage the second jaw when the closure system applies a closing motion thereto.

Embodiment 104 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 103, wherein the second jaw includes a first cam surface thereon, and wherein the closure system includes an axially movable closure member, the closure A member is supported for selective axial travel relative to the second jaw. The closure member includes a second cam surface configured for camming engagement with the first cam surface.

Embodiment 105 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 102, wherein the second jaw includes a mounting portion pivotally coupled to the first jaw about the pivot axis. The mounting portion includes the first cam surface thereon.

Embodiment 106 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 101, 102, 103, 104, or 105, wherein the axially movable closure member and the mounting portion define a firing member parking area therebetween, wherein when At least a portion of the firing member is supported when the firing member is in the starting position.

Embodiment 107 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 104, wherein the closure member includes a closure body defining an outer surface and an inner surface. The closure body also defines an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion including an upper wall thickness between the outer surface and the inner surface, and the lower portion including a thickness of the upper wall between the outer surface and the inner surface a lower wall thickness, wherein the upper wall thickness is different from the lower wall thickness, and wherein the second cam surface is formed on the upper portion for selectively camming contact with the first cam surface.

Embodiment 108 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 107, wherein the outer surface is a first radial distance from a first central axis, and wherein the inner surface is a second radial distance from a second central axis distance, the second central axis is offset from the first central axis.

Embodiment 109 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 107, wherein the upper wall thickness is greater than the lower wall thickness.

Embodiment 110 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 107, wherein the closure member further comprises diametrically opposed sidewall portions extending between the upper portion and the lower portion, and wherein the sidewalls The sections each have a side wall thickness different from the upper wall thickness and the lower wall thickness.

Embodiment 111 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 110, wherein the sidewall thickness is greater than the upper wall thickness and the lower wall thickness.

Embodiment 112 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 110, wherein each sidewall portion defines an inner sidewall, and wherein the inner sidewall of one of the sidewall portions is parallel to the width of the other sidewall portion the inner side wall.

Embodiment 113 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 104, 106, or 107, wherein the closure member is hollow and configured to receive the mounting portion of the second jaw therein.

Embodiment 114 - The surgical instrument of embodiments 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, or 113, wherein the first jaw includes a channel, and Wherein the second jaw includes an anvil.

Embodiment 115 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, or 114, wherein the firing member further comprises the tissue cutting surface on the body portion.

Example 116 - A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, the second jaw being movable relative to the first jaw is movably supported for selective pivotal travel relative to the first jaw about a fixed pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. A firing member is movably supported for selective axial travel within at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw between a starting position and an ending position. The firing member includes a body portion and a first flange assembly projecting from the body portion and configured to slidably engage the first jaw. A second flange assembly protrudes from the body portion and is configured to slidably engage the second jaw. An elongated shaft assembly is operably coupled to the surgical end effector and includes a firing device for selectively axially moving a firing member between a starting position and an ending position and a firing device for moving the second The jaws are moved between the open and closed positions without actuating the closure means of the firing means.

Embodiment 117 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 116, wherein the elongated shaft assembly defines a shaft axis, and wherein the fixed pivot axis is transverse to the shaft axis.

Embodiment 118 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 116 or 117, wherein the first jaw includes a channel, and wherein the second jaw includes an anvil.

Example 119 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated channel configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. An anvil is movably supported relative to the elongated channel for selective pivotal travel relative to the elongated channel about a fixed pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. A firing member is movably supported for selective axial travel within the elongated channel between a starting position and an ending position. The firing member includes a body portion and a first flange assembly projecting therefrom and is configured to slidably engage the elongated channel. A second flange assembly protrudes from the body portion and is configured to slidably engage the anvil. An elongated firing rod is coupled to the body portion and is configured for axial travel relative to the elongated channel in response to firing motion imparted thereto by a firing motion source. A closure member is supported for selective axial travel relative to the anvil to move the anvil between the open and closed positions in response to closing motion applied thereto by a source of closing motion Moved so that the anvil can be moved between an open position and a closed position without moving the firing member.

Embodiment 120 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 119, wherein the firing member further comprises a tissue cutting surface on the body portion.

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:

- US Patent 5,403,312 entitled "ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE", issued April 4, 1995;

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

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

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

- US Patent 7,670,334 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING ANARTICULATING END EFFECTOR" issued on March 2, 2010;

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

- US 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;

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

- 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, entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTINGINSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY," filed December 24, 2009; now US Patent 8,220,688;

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

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

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

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

- US Patent Application Serial No. 13/800,025, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSORSYSTEM", filed March 13, 2013, now US Patent Application Publication 2014/9,345,481;

- 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;

- US Patent Application Publication 2007/0175955, filed January 31, 2006, entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH 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. Furthermore, 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 understand 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, purportedly incorporated herein by reference, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosed material set forth herein, will not arise only between the incorporated material and the existing disclosed material merged to the extent of conflict.

Claims (20)

1. A surgical instrument, comprising:

an elastic spine assembly comprising a proximal spine segment and a distal spine segment resiliently coupled to the proximal spine segment for axial movement relative to the proximal spine segment between a neutral position and an extended position;

a first jaw attached to the distal spine portion;

a second jaw movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position;

a closure system configured to apply a closing motion to the second jaw and move the distal spine portion from the intermediate position to the extended position upon actuation of the closure system; and

a firing system configured to axially advance a firing member within the first jaw from a starting position to an ending position and to return the distal spine portion to the intermediate position upon actuation of the firing system, thereby increasing the closing motion applied to the second jaw.

2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the closure system comprises a closure member configured to be axially advanced relative to the distal spine portion from an unactuated position corresponding to the intermediate position of the distal spine portion to a first closed position, wherein the distal spine portion is moved to the elongated position and the second jaw is moved to a first of the closed positions.

3. The surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein the closure member is hollow and configured to receive a mounting portion of the second jaw therein.

4. The surgical instrument of claim 3, wherein the mounting portion has a first camming surface thereon, and wherein the hollow closure member has a second camming surface thereon configured to cam contact with the first camming surface upon actuation of the closure system to move the second jaw from the open position to the first closed position.

5. The surgical instrument of claim 4, wherein movement of the distal spine portion from the extended position to the intermediate position increases the camming contact between the first and second camming surfaces.

6. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the distal spine portion is interconnected to the proximal spine portion by a stretchable center spine portion.

7. The surgical instrument of claim 6, wherein the elastic spine assembly further comprises means for constraining the stretchable central spine portion to a predetermined amount of stretch.

8. The surgical instrument of claim 7, wherein the means for constraining comprises:

a stretchable body member sized to span between the distal spine portion and the proximal spine portion; and

means for restraining the stretchable body member to a predetermined elongation.

9. The surgical instrument of claim 8, wherein the stretchable body member comprises a first modulus of elasticity, and wherein the means for restraining comprises at least one stretch limiter member supported by the stretchable body member and comprising a second modulus of elasticity less than the first modulus of elasticity.

10. A surgical instrument, comprising:

an elastic spine assembly configured to be extensible between a first intermediate position and a second extended position;

a first jaw attached to the elastic spine assembly;

a second jaw movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position;

a closure system comprising a closure member configured to apply a first amount of closure force to the second jaw to move the second jaw from the open position to a first closed position and to elongate the elastic spine assembly to the second extended position;

a firing member supported for axial travel within the first jaw between a starting position and an ending position; and

a firing system operably interfacing with said firing member to selectively advance said firing member from said starting position to said ending position such that movement of said firing member from said starting position to said ending position moves said resilient spine assembly toward said first intermediate position causing said closure member to apply a second amount of closure force to said second jaw moving said second jaw to a second closed position.

11. The surgical instrument of claim 10, wherein the second jaw comprises a mounting portion pivotally pinned to the first jaw for pivotal travel between the open and closed positions.

12. The surgical instrument of claim 11, wherein the mounting portion has a first cam surface thereon, and wherein the closure member has a second cam surface thereon configured to cam contact with the first cam surface to move the second jaw from the open position to the first closed position upon actuation of the closure system.

13. The surgical instrument of claim 12, wherein movement of elastic spine assembly from the second elongated position to the first intermediate position increases the cam contact between the first and second cam surfaces.

14. A surgical instrument, comprising:

an elastic spine assembly comprising a proximal spine segment and a distal spine segment resiliently coupled to the proximal spine segment for axial movement relative to the proximal spine segment between a neutral position and an extended position;

an elongate channel configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein, the elongate channel attached to the distal spine portion;

an anvil pivotably coupled to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel about a fixed pivot axis between an open position and a closed position relative to the elongate channel;

a closure system configured to apply a closure motion to the anvil and move the distal spine portion from the intermediate position to the extended position; and

a firing system configured to axially advance a firing member within the elongate channel from a starting position to an ending position upon actuation of the firing system, thereby enabling the distal spine portion to return to the intermediate position, thereby increasing the closing motion applied to the anvil.

15. The surgical instrument of claim 14, wherein the distal spine portion is interconnected to the proximal spine portion by a stretchable center spine portion.

16. The surgical instrument of claim 15, wherein the elastic spine assembly further comprises a stretch limiting insert comprising:

a body member sized to span between the distal spine portion and the proximal spine portion; and

means for limiting the body to a predetermined elongation.

17. The surgical instrument of claim 16, wherein the body member is made of an elastic material, and wherein the means for restraining is made of metal.

18. The surgical instrument of claim 16, wherein the body member comprises:

a first mounting lug formed in the body member, the first mounting lug configured for mounting engagement with the proximal spine segment; and

a second mounting lug formed in the body member, the second mounting lug configured for mounting engagement with the distal spine portion, and wherein the means for restraining comprises at least one stretch limiter comprising an elongated body spanning between the first and second mounting lugs and comprising first and second mounting ends, wherein the first mounting end is movably received within a cavity in the first mounting lug, and wherein the second mounting end is movably received in a second cavity in the second mounting lug.

19. The surgical instrument of claim 14, wherein the mounting portion of the anvil is pivotally pinned to the elongate channel and includes a first camming surface thereon, and wherein the closure system comprises a closure member including a second camming surface thereon configured to cam contact with the first camming surface upon actuation of the closure system to move the anvil from the open position to a first closed position.

20. The surgical instrument of claim 19, wherein movement of the distal spine portion from the elongated position to the intermediate position increases the camming contact between the first and second camming surfaces.

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