RU2720322C2 - Matrices of surgical staple ejectors - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to medical equipment, specifically to surgical stapling and cutting tools and cassettes with staples to be used therewith. Matrix of surgical staple ejectors for functional use with cassette with surgical staples, comprises a distal stalks pusher, at least one first intermediate staple extractor and at least one second intermediate staple driver. Distal staple ejector is configured to maintain a slide in the cassette with surgical staples and is configured to functionally support at least two distal surgical staples, each of which is oriented in a distal direction. At least one first intermediate staple extractor is configured to slide in the cartridge with surgical staples. Each at least one first intermediate staple erector is configured to functionally support at least two first surgical staples, each of which is oriented in a first direction, and at least two second surgical staples, each of which is oriented in a second direction, which is different from the first direction. At least one second intermediate staple extractor is configured to be slidably adjacent to at least one of the distal staple pushers and corresponding one of the at least one first intermediate staple ejector. Each at least one second intermediate staple extractor is configured to functionally support five second surgical staples. Each of at least two of the second surgical staples is oriented in the primary direction, and at least one other of the second surgical staples is oriented in the secondary direction, which differs from the primary direction. Cartridge with surgical staples comprises a cartridge body, a distal stalks pusher, at least one first intermediate staple extractor and at least one second intermediate staple driver. Surgical instrument comprises a slide, a cassette with surgical staples, at least one distal stalks pusher, at least one first intermediate staple ejector and at least one second intermediate staple ejector.EFFECT: use of inventions makes it possible to sew and cut tissue.20 cl, 75 dwg

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to surgical instruments, and in various embodiments, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and cassettes with brackets intended for use with them.

The stapling instrument may include two interacting elongated branches, each of which can be configured to insert into the patient's body and position relatively stapled and / or cut tissue. In various embodiments, one jaw may support a cassette with brackets with at least two rows of brackets contained therein, located in the lateral direction, and the other jaw may support a stop with bracket-forming recesses aligned with the rows of brackets in the cassette with brackets. Essentially, the stapling tool may further include a pusher rod and a scalpel blade that are slidable relative to the jaws for sequentially pushing the staples out of the cassette with the staples by cam surfaces on the push rod and / or cam surfaces on the wedge-shaped rails that are pushed by the rod pusher. In at least one embodiment, cam surfaces may be configured to activate a plurality of staple ejectors located in the cassette and connected to the staples to push the staples toward the stop and form laterally rows of deformed staples in the tissue sandwiched between the jaws. In at least one embodiment, the scalpel blade may follow cam surfaces and cut tissue along a line between rows of staples.

The foregoing description is intended only to illustrate various aspects of the relevant technology in the field of application of the invention at present, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various elements of the embodiments described herein, along with their advantages, can be understood after studying the following description together with the accompanying drawings, moreover:

in FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a surgical instrument and an elongated trunk assembly;

in FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the components of a handle or portion of a surgical instrument body shown in FIG. 1;

in FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the components of a portion of an elongated barrel assembly;

in FIG. 4 is a different exploded view of the components of another part of the elongated barrel assembly shown in FIG. 3;

in FIG. 5 is a perspective view of part of an embodiment of a surgical end effector;

in FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the surgical end effector shown in FIG. 5;

in FIG. 7 is a top view of an embodiment of a cassette with surgical staples;

in FIG. 8 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a cassette with surgical staples shown in FIG. 7;

in FIG. 9 is a drawing of the brackets placed by the cassette with the brackets shown in FIG. 7 and 8;

in FIG. 10 shows a staple pattern shown in FIG. 9, in a stretched state;

in FIG. 11 shows a previous illustration of staples implanted in tissue;

in FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bracket ejector;

in FIG. 13 is a plan view of an embodiment of a staple ejector shown in FIG. 12;

in FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the bracket ejector shown in FIG. 12 and 13;

in FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of part of an embodiment of a cassette with surgical staples;

in FIG. 16 is a top view of respective ejector arrays used in the surgical staple cartridge shown in FIG. fifteen;

in FIG. 17 is another top view of one of the ejector arrays shown in FIG. 16 supported in respective sections of an embodiment of a cassette with brackets;

in FIG. 18 is a top view of portions of ejector matrices shown in FIG. 16 and 17, in conjunction with a slide or cam actuator of a surgical instrument;

in FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of an ejector array and a slide / cam actuator shown in FIG. eighteen;

in FIG. 20 is a plan view of respective portions of other embodiments of ejector matrices;

in FIG. 21 is another top view of one of the ejector arrays shown in FIG. twenty;

in FIG. 22 is a plan view of a distal ejector of the ejector matrix shown in FIG. twenty;

in FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a distal ejector shown in FIG. 22 supporting the bracket;

in FIG. 24 is a bottom perspective view of a distal ejector shown in FIG. 22 and 23;

in FIG. 25 is a plan view of a proximal ejector of the ejector array shown in FIG. twenty;

in FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a proximal ejector shown in FIG. 25 supporting the bracket;

in FIG. 27 is a bottom perspective view of a proximal ejector shown in FIG. 25 and 26; in FIG. 28 is a plan view of respective portions of other embodiments of ejector matrices;

in FIG. 29 is a plan view of one of the ejector arrays shown in FIG. 28;

in FIG. 30 is a plan view of one of the ejectors of one of the ejector arrays shown in FIG. 29;

in FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the ejector shown in FIG. 30 supporting four staples;

in FIG. 32 is a bottom perspective view of the ejector shown in FIG. 30 and 31;

in FIG. 33 is a plan view of corresponding portions of other embodiments of ejector matrices;

in FIG. 34 is a plan view of one of the ejector arrays shown in FIG. 33;

in FIG. 35 is a plan view of a proximal ejector of the ejector array shown in FIG. 34;

in FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the ejector shown in FIG. 35 supporting three staples;

in FIG. 37 is a bottom perspective view of the ejector shown in FIG. 35 and 36;

in FIG. 38 is a plan view of a distal ejector of the ejector matrix shown in FIG. 34;

in FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the ejector shown in FIG. 38 supporting two brackets;

in FIG. 40 is a bottom perspective view of the ejector shown in FIG. 38 and 39;

in FIG. 41 is a plan view of respective portions of other embodiments of ejector matrices;

in FIG. 42 is a plan view of one of the ejector arrays shown in FIG. 41;

in FIG. 43 is a plan view of a distal ejector of the ejector matrix shown in FIG. 42;

in FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the ejector shown in FIG. 43 supporting three staples;

in FIG. 45 is a bottom perspective view of the ejector shown in FIG. 43 and 44;

in FIG. 46 is a plan view of a proximal ejector staple of the ejector matrix shown in FIG. 42;

in FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the ejector shown in FIG. 46 supporting two brackets;

in FIG. 48 is a bottom perspective view of the ejector shown in FIG. 46 and 47;

in FIG. 49 is a plan view of respective portions of other embodiments of ejector matrices;

in FIG. 50 is a plan view of one of the ejector arrays shown in FIG. 49;

in FIG. 50A is an enlarged view of a portion of the ejector array shown in FIG. fifty;

in FIG. 50B is an enlarged view of another portion of the ejector array shown in FIG. fifty;

in FIG. 51 is a top view of one of the ejectors of the ejector matrix shown in FIG. fifty;

in FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the ejector shown in FIG. 51, supporting a total of five staples;

in FIG. 53 is a bottom perspective view of the ejector shown in FIG. 51 and 52;

in FIG. 54 is a top view of another ejector of the ejector matrix shown in FIG. fifty;

in FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the ejector shown in FIG. 54 supporting four staples;

in FIG. 56 is a bottom perspective view of the ejector shown in FIG. 55;

in FIG. 57 is a plan view of respective portions of other embodiments of ejector matrices;

in FIG. 58 is a plan view of one of the ejector arrays shown in FIG. 57;

in FIG. 59 is a plan view of a distal ejector of the ejector matrix shown in FIG. 58;

in FIG. 60 is a perspective view of a distal ejector shown in FIG. 59 supporting two brackets;

in FIG. 61 is a bottom perspective view of the ejector shown in FIG. 59 and 60;

in FIG. 62 is a plan view of corresponding portions of other embodiments of ejector matrices;

in FIG. 63 is a plan view of one of the ejector arrays shown in FIG. 62, in conjunction with a portion of a cassette with surgical staples;

in FIG. 64 is a plan view of one of the ejector matrices of the ejector mat shown in FIG. 62 and 63;

in FIG. 65 is a perspective view of the ejector shown in FIG. 64 supporting one bracket;

in FIG. 66 is a bottom perspective view of the ejector shown in FIG. 64 and 65;

in FIG. 67 is a plan view of corresponding portions of other embodiments of ejector matrices;

in FIG. 68 is an enlarged plan view of one of the ejector arrays shown in FIG. 67;

in FIG. 69 is a plan view of the first, second, and third embodiments of the staple ejector matrices shown in FIG. 67 and 68;

in FIG. 70 is a perspective view of one of the ejector brackets shown in FIG. 69;

in FIG. 71 is a bottom perspective view of the ejector shown in FIG. 70;

in FIG. 72 is a perspective view of a surgical staple cassette using the staple ejector matrices shown in FIG. 67 and 68;

in FIG. 73 is a partial bottom perspective view of the surgical staple cassette shown in FIG. 72;

in FIG. 74 is a perspective view of part of another embodiment of a cassette with surgical staples; and

in FIG. 75 is a view of three formed surgical staples that were formed using the surgical staple cassette shown in FIG. 74.

Corresponding elements in different views are indicated by the corresponding symbols. The illustrative examples presented herein demonstrate various embodiments of the invention in one form. These illustrative examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications filed on the same day, each of which is fully incorporated into this document by reference:

- US Patent Application No. 14 / 843,168, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH IMPROVED STAPLE DRIVER CONFIGURATIONS, Patent Attorney File No. END7690USNP / 150113;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 843,216 entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE STAPLE DRIVERS WITH CENTRAL SUPPORT FEATURES, Patent Attorney Dossier No. END7692USNP / 150115;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 843,243 entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CONFIGURATIONS WITH CAMMING SURFACES LOCATED BETWEEN PORTIONS SUPPORTING SURGICAL STAPLES, Patent Attorney Dossier No. END7693USNP / 150116; and

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 843,267, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH DRIVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR ESTABLISHING HERRINGBONE STAPLE PATTERNS, Patent Attorney File No. END7694USNP / 150117.

The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications filed March 6, 2015, each of which is fully incorporated into this document by reference:

- US patent application No. 14 / 640,746, entitled POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;

- US Patent Application No. 14 / 640,795, entitled MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

- US Patent Application No. 14 / 640,832, entitled ADAPTIVE TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES; dossier of the patent attorney No. END7557USNP / 140482;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,935 entitled OVERLAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,831, entitled MONITORING SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,859 entitled TIME DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES;

- US Patent Application No. 14 / 640,817, entitled INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,844, entitled CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,837, entitled SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING;

- US Patent Application No. 14 / 640,765 entitled SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLER;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,799, entitled SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT; and

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,780, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING.

The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications filed February 27, 2015, each of which is fully incorporated into this document by reference:

- US patent application No. 14 / 633,576, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION;

- US Patent Application No. 14 / 633,546, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,576, entitled SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND / OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES;

- US Patent Application No. 14 / 633,566, entitled CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY;

- US Patent Application No. 14 / 633,555, entitled SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED;

- US Patent Application No. 14 / 633,542 entitled REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;

- US patent application No. 14 / 633,548, entitled POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;

- US Patent Application No. 14 / 633,526, entitled ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE;

- US patent application No. 14 / 633,541, entitled MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY; and

- US patent application No. 14 / 633,562, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER.

The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications filed December 18, 2014, each of which is fully incorporated into this document by reference:

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,478 entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING;

- US Patent Application No. 14 / 574,483, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS;

- US patent application No. 14 / 575,139, entitled DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,148 entitled LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS;

- US Patent Application No. 14 / 575,130, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,143 entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,117, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,154, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,493 entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM; and

- US Patent Application No. 14 / 574,500 entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM.

The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications filed March 1, 2013, each of which is fully incorporated into this document by reference:

- US patent application No. 13 / 782,295, entitled Articulatable Surgical Instruments With Conductive Pathways For Signal Communication, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0246471;

- US patent application No. 13 / 782,323, entitled Rotary Powered Articulation Joints For Surgical Instruments, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0246472;

- US patent application No. 13 / 782,338, entitled Thumbwheel Switch Arrangements For Surgical Instruments, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0249557;

- US patent application No. 13 / 782,499, entitled Electromechanical Surgical Device with Signal Relay Arrangement, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0246474;

- US patent application No. 13 / 782,460, entitled Multiple Processor Motor Control for Modular Surgical Instruments, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0246478;

- US patent application No. 13 / 782,358, entitled Joystick Switch Assemblies For Surgical Instruments, currently US patent publication No. 2014/0246477;

- US patent application No. 13 / 782,481, entitled Sensor Straightened End Effector During Removal Through Trocar, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0246479;

- US patent application No. 13 / 782,518, entitled Control Methods for Surgical Instruments with Removable Implement Portions, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0246475;

- US patent application No. 13 / 782,375, entitled Rotary Powered Surgical Instruments With Multiple Degrees of Freedom, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0246473; and

- US patent application No. 13 / 782,536, entitled Surgical Instrument Soft Stop, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0246476.

The applicant of this application also owns the following patent applications filed March 14, 2013, each of which is fully incorporated into this document by reference:

- US patent application No. 13 / 803,097, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0263542;

- US patent application No. 13 / 803,193, entitled CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0263537;

- US patent application No. 13 / 803,053, entitled INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0263564;

- US patent application No. 13 / 803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0263541;

- US patent application No. 13 / 803,210, entitled SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0263538;

- US patent application No. 13 / 803,148, entitled MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0263554;

- US patent application No. 13 / 803,066, entitled DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0263565;

- US patent application No. 13 / 803,117, entitled ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0263553;

- US patent application No. 13 / 803,130, entitled DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0263543; and

- US patent application No. 13 / 803,159, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0277017.

The applicant of this application owns the patent application below, filed March 7, 2014, which is fully incorporated herein by reference:

- US patent application No. 14 / 200,111, entitled CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0263539.

The applicant of this application also owns the following patent applications filed March 26, 2014, each of which is fully incorporated into this document by reference:

- US Patent Application No. 14 / 226.106, entitled POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

- US patent application No. 14 / 226,099, entitled STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,094, entitled VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES / PROCEDURE COUNT;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,117 entitled POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,075 entitled MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,093, entitled FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

- US patent application No. 14 / 226,116, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,071 entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR;

- US Patent Application No. 14 / 226,097, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,126 entitled INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

- US patent application No. 14 / 226,133, entitled MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,081 entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226.076 entitled POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION;

- US Patent Application No. 14 / 226,111, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM; and

- US Patent Application No. 14 / 226,125, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT.

The applicant of this application also owns the following patent applications filed September 5, 2014, each of which is fully incorporated into this document by reference:

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,103 entitled CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE;

- US patent application No. 14 / 479,119, entitled ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION;

- US patent application No. 14 / 478,908, entitled MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 478,895, entitled MULTIPLE SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR'S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION;

- US Patent Application No. 14 / 479,110 entitled USE OF POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET DETECTION TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE;

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,098 entitled SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION;

- US patent application No. 14 / 479,115, entitled MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE; and

- US Patent Application No. 14 / 479.108 entitled LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION.

The applicant of this application also owns the following patent applications filed April 9, 2014, each of which is fully incorporated into this document by reference:

- US patent application No. 14 / 248,590, entitled MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0305987;

- US Patent Application No. 14 / 248,581, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0305989;

- US patent application No. 14 / 248,595, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0305988;

- US patent application No. 14 / 248,588, entitled POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0309666;

- US patent application No. 14 / 248,591, entitled TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0305991;

- US patent application 14 / 248,584 entitled MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0305994;

- US patent application No. 14 / 248,587, entitled POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0309665;

- US patent application No. 14 / 248,586 entitled DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0305990; and

U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,607 entitled MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS, currently published U.S. Patent Application No. 2014/0305992.

The applicant of this application also owns the following patent applications filed April 16, 2013, each of which is fully incorporated into this document by reference:

- provisional application for US patent No. 61 / 812,365, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR;

- provisional application for US patent No. 61 / 812,376, entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER;

- provisional application for US patent No. 61 / 812,382, entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP;

- provisional application for US patent No. 61 / 812,385, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL; and

- provisional application for US patent No. 61 / 812,372, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR.

This document provides various detailed information needed to understand the overall design, functionality, manufacturing features and application of the embodiments described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operating principles, components, and elements have not received a detailed description in this document, so as not to complicate the understanding of the embodiments described herein. The reader should understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples. Thus, it should be understood that certain structural and functional features described herein may be indicative or explanatory. Changes and modifications to the embodiments described and illustrated herein may be made within the scope of the claims.

The terms “contain” (and any of its forms, such as “contains” and “containing”), “have” (and any of its forms, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any of its forms such as “includes” and “including”) and “enclose” (and any of its forms, such as “encloses” and “enclosing”) are unlimited connecting verbs. Thus, a surgical system or device that “contains”, “has”, “includes” or “accommodates” one or more elements possesses this one or more elements, but possession is not limited to only one or more elements. Similarly, an element of a system or device that “contains”, “has”, “includes” or “accommodates” one or more elements, has this one or more elements, but possession is not limited to only one or more elements.

The terms "proximal" and "distal" in this document are defined with respect to the physician managing the handle of a surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the area closest to the doctor, and the term "distal" refers to the area remote from the doctor. In addition, for convenience and clarity as applied to the drawings, this document proposes the use of spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up” and “down”. However, since the use of surgical instruments involves many orientations and provisions, these terms should not be construed as limiting and / or absolute.

To perform laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical interventions, various examples of devices and methods have been proposed. However, it will immediately become clear to the reader that the various methods and devices described herein can be used in a variety of surgical interventions and fields of application, including, for example, those associated with open surgical interventions. In the course of this detailed description, the reader will be able to further appreciate that the various tools described in this document can be inserted into the body in any way - either through natural openings, or through an incision or puncture hole made in the tissues, etc. Working parts or parts of the end effectors of such instruments can be inserted directly into the patient’s body or through an access device that has a working channel through which the end effector and the elongated stem of the surgical instrument can be passed NTA.

The surgical stapling system may include a trunk and an end effector extending from the trunk. The end effector may comprise a first jaw and a second jaw. The first branch contains a cassette with staples. The cassette with brackets is configured to be inserted into the first jaw and removed from it; however, other embodiments are provided in which the cassette with brackets is made without being able to be removed from the first jaw, or at least is configured to be quickly replaced from the first jaw. The second branch contains an emphasis made with the possibility of deformation of the brackets ejected from the cartridge with brackets. The second jaw is rotatable relative to the first jaw around the axis of closure; however, other embodiments are provided in which the first jaw is rotatable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system further comprises an articulation configured to provide rotation or articulation of the end effector relative to the barrel. The end effector is rotatable around an axis of articulation turning through the articulation. Other embodiments are provided that do not include articulation.

The cassette with brackets contains the cassette body. The cassette body includes a proximal end, a distal end and a platform extending between the proximal end and the distal end. During use, the cassette with staples is located on the first side of the fabric to be stitched, and the emphasis is located on the second side of the fabric. The emphasis moves to the cartridge with brackets for compression and pressing of fabric to a platform. After that, the staples stored in the cassette with the possibility of extraction can be placed in the fabric. The cassette body includes the holders for the brackets formed in it, while the brackets are stored in the cavities for the brackets with the possibility of extraction. Cavities for brackets are located in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of cavity for the brackets are located on the first side of the longitudinal groove, and three rows of cavity for the brackets are located on the second side of the longitudinal groove. Other constructions of staples and cavities for staples are possible.

The brackets are supported in the cassette body using ejector brackets. The ejectors are arranged to move between the first or unactivated position and the second or activated position for ejecting the brackets from the cavity for the brackets. The pushers are supported in the cassette body by means of a latch that extends around the lower part of the cassette body and includes elastic elements that are capable of gripping the cassette body and fixing the latch relative to the cassette body. The pushers are arranged to move between their inactive positions and their activated positions using a slide. The slide is movable between a proximal position adjacent to the proximal end and a distal position adjacent to the distal end. The slide contains many inclined surfaces made with the possibility of sliding under the ejectors and lifting the ejectors and the brackets supported on them to the stop.

In addition to the above, the slide moves distally with a trigger element. The trigger element is made with the possibility of contact with the slide and pushing the slide to the distal end. A longitudinal groove formed in the cassette body is arranged to accommodate a trigger element. The emphasis also includes a groove configured to accommodate a trigger element. The trigger element further comprises a first cam that interacts with the first jaw and a second cam that interacts with the second jaw. When the trigger element is distally extended, the first cam and the second cam allow you to control the distance, or tissue gap, between the cassette platform with brackets and stop. The trigger element also contains a scalpel, made with the possibility of dissection of tissue captured between the cassette with brackets and emphasis. It is desirable to at least partially position the scalpel proximal to the inclined surfaces so that the braces are ejected before the scalpel.

Surgical stapling instrument 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The surgical stapling instrument 100 is configured to accommodate an elastic or expandable staple seam. Various elastic brace seams are described herein, and the surgical stapling instrument 10 is configured to accommodate any of such elastic brace seams. In addition, surgical instruments other than surgical stapling instrument 100 are configured to accommodate any one of the expandable stitch seams described herein.

As seen in FIG. 1-4, a surgical stapling instrument 10 includes a housing 12 that includes a handle 14 adapted to be gripped, manipulated, and actuated by a physician. The housing 12 is made with the possibility of functional fastening to the node 200 of an elongated barrel, which has a functionally connected end effector 700, which is configured to perform one or more surgical tasks or interventions. The elongated barrel assembly 200 may be interchangeable with other trunk assemblies in various methods described, for example, in US Patent Application No. 14 / 226,075 entitled MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In other designs, the elongated barrel assembly may not be interchangeable with other barrel assemblies and is essentially a special fixed part of the tool. In addition, it should be understood that the various shapes of the trunk nodes and end effectors described herein can also be effectively used in combination with robotic control surgical systems. Thus, the term “housing” can also encompass a housing or similar part of a robotic system that accommodates or otherwise functionally supports at least one drive system configured to generate and apply at least one control motion that can be used to bring in the effect of the elongated stem nodes described herein and their corresponding equivalents. The term “frame” may refer to a part of a hand-held surgical instrument. The term "frame" may also be part of a surgical instrument with robotic control and / or part of a robotic system that can be used for functional control of a surgical instrument. For example, the trunk assemblies and end effectors described herein can be used with various robotic systems, tools, components, and methods described in US Patent Application No. 13 / 118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, currently US patent No. 9,072,535, which is fully incorporated herein by reference.

In FIG. 1 shows a body 12 or handle 14 of a surgical instrument 10 with an interchangeable elongated shaft assembly 200 operably associated with it. As seen in FIG. 1, the handle 14 may comprise a pair of mutually connected handle segments 16 and 18 of the handle that can be connected with screws, latches, glue, etc. hand and which the doctor can manipulate. As will be described in more detail below, the handle 14 functionally supports many drive systems that are capable of generating and applying various control movements to the corresponding sections of the interchangeable barrel assembly to which these systems are functionally attached.

As shown in FIG. 2, the handle 14 may further include a frame 20 functionally supporting a plurality of drive systems. For example, the frame 20 can functionally support the first system, or the closing drive system, essentially designated as an element 30, which can be implemented to apply closing and opening movements to the node 200 of the elongated barrel, which is functionally connected with it or attached to it. In at least one form, the closing drive system 30 may include an actuator in the form of a closing trigger 32, which is rotatably supported by the frame 20. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, the closing trigger 32 is rotatably connected to the housing 14 with a pin 33. This design allows the doctor to manipulate the closing trigger 32 so that when the doctor grabs the pistol grip portion 19 of the handle 14, the closing trigger 32 can be easily rotated from the initial, or non-activated, position in the activated position, and more specifically, in the fully pressed or fully activated position. The closing trigger 32 may be biased to a non-activated position using a spring or other biasing mechanism (not shown). In various forms, the closing drive system 30 further includes a closing link assembly 34 that is rotatably coupled to the closing trigger 32. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the closing link assembly 34 may include a first closing link 36 and a second closing link 38 that are rotatably coupled to the closing trigger 32 using a pin 35. The second closing link 38 may also be referred to herein as a fastener and may include the transverse mounting pin 37.

As shown in FIG. 2, a blocking wall or end 39 may be present on the first closing link 36, configured to cooperate with the release mechanism assembly 60, rotatably coupled to the frame 20. In at least one form, the closure mechanism release assembly 60 may comprise a release button assembly 62 on which a protruding distally locking dog 64 is present. The release button assembly 62 may rotate counterclockwise with a release spring (not shown). When the doctor pulls the closing trigger 32 and moves it from the inactive position to the pistol grip portion 19 of the handle 14, the first closing link 36 rotates upward to the point where the locking dog 64 engages in locking engagement with the locking wall 39 on the first closing link 36. thus preventing the closing trigger 32 from returning to the inactive position. Thus, the closure release assembly 60 serves to lock the closure trigger 32 in the fully activated position. When the doctor needs to unlock the closing release mechanism 32 so that he can move to an inactive position, the doctor simply rotates the release button release unit assembly 62 so that the locking dog 64 disengages from the locking wall 39 on the first closing link 36. After the locking dog is released 64 from engagement with the first closing link 36, the closing trigger 32 may rotate back to an inactive position. In addition, it is possible to implement other blocking and releasing mechanisms of the closing trigger mechanism.

When the closing trigger 32 is moved from the non-activated position to the activated position, the closing release button 62 is rotated between the first position and the second position. The rotation of the release button 62 of the closing mechanism may be called an upward rotation; however, at least a portion of the release button 62 of the closing mechanism is rotated toward the printed circuit board 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the release button 62 of the closing mechanism may include a branch 61 extending therefrom and a magnetic element 63, such as, for example, a permanent magnet mounted on the branch 61. When the release button 62 of the closing mechanism is rotated from its first position to its second position, the magnetic element 63 may move toward the printed circuit board 100. The printed circuit board 100 may include at least one sensor that is configured to detect the movement of the magnetic element 63. At least about In one embodiment, a Hall sensor may be installed on the bottom surface of the circuit board 100. The Hall sensor may be configured to detect changes in the magnetic field surrounding the Hall sensor caused by the movement of the magnetic element 63. The Hall sensor may, for example, exchange signals with a microcontroller that can determine whether the release button 62 of the closing mechanism is in a first position that is connected with the inactive position of the closing trigger 32 and the open configuration of the end effector, in the second position, which is associated with the activated closed position trigger mechanism 32 and the closed configuration of the end effector, and / or in any position between the first position and the second position.

In the design shown, the handle 14 and the frame 20 can also functionally support another drive system, which is referred to herein as the trigger drive system 80, configured to apply trigger movements to the respective sections of the attached replaceable barrel assembly. As used herein, the launcher drive system 80 may also be referred to as a “second drive system”. The starter drive system 80 may employ an electric motor 82, which is located in a portion 19 of the pistol grip of the handle 14. In various forms, the motor 82 may be a direct current brush driving motor with a maximum turning speed of, for example, approximately 25,000 rpm. In other designs, the motor may include a brushless motor, a wireless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The engine 82 may receive power from a power source 90, which in one form may comprise a removable battery pack 92. As can be seen, for example, in FIG. 2, the battery unit 92 may comprise a proximal body portion 94 that is adapted to attach to a distal body portion 96. The proximal housing portion 94 and the distal housing portion 96 are configured to functionally support a plurality of batteries 98. Each battery 98 may be, for example, a lithium ion (LI) or other suitable battery. The distal section 96 of the housing is made with the possibility of removable functional fastening to the node 100 of the control circuit board, which is also functionally connected to the motor 82. As a power source for the surgical instrument 10, a series of series-connected batteries 98 can be used. In addition, the power source 90 can be interchangeable and / or rechargeable.

As briefly described above in relation to various other forms, the electric motor 82 includes a rotatable shaft (not shown) operatively cooperating with the gear reducer assembly 84, which is mounted so that it is in gear engagement with the set or rack of drive teeth 122 on the possibility of longitudinal movement of the drive element 120. In the process of application, the voltage polarity provided by the power source 90 allows the electric motor 82 to rotate in a clockwise direction, moreover, the polarity of the voltage applied to the electric motor by the battery can be reversed for the operation of the electric motor 82 in the counterclockwise direction. When the electric motor 82 is rotated in one direction, the drive element 120 will be driven axially in the distal direction DD. When driving the engine 82 in the opposite direction of rotation, the drive element 120 will be driven axially in the proximal direction PD. The handle 14 may include a switch, which may be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 82 by the power supply 90. As in other forms described herein, the handle 14 may also include a sensor configured to determine the position of the drive element 120 and / or the direction of movement of the drive element 120.

The actuation of the engine 82 is controlled by a trigger 130, which is rotatably supported on the handle 14. The trigger 130 can be rotated between an inactive position and an activated position. The trigger 130 can be displaced to an inactive position by a spring 132 or other biasing mechanism such that when the doctor releases the trigger 130, it can be rotated or otherwise returned to an inactive position by a spring 132 or a biasing mechanism. In at least one form, the trigger 130 may be located away from the closing trigger 32, as described above. In at least one form, the fuse button of the trigger hook 134 can be rotatably mounted on the closing trigger 32 using a pin 35. The safety button 134 can be located between the trigger 130 and the closing trigger 32 and may have a protruding pivot joint 136. See FIG. 2. When the closing trigger 32 is in the inactive position, the fuse button 134 is contained in the handle 14, where the doctor cannot easily access it and move it between the safe position that prevents the trigger 130 from being actuated and the trigger position in which the use of a trigger 130 is possible. When the doctor pulls the closing trigger 32, the fuse button 134 and the trigger 130 rotate downward, and in this position the doctor can manipulate them.

As described above, the handle 14 includes a closing trigger 32 and a trigger 130. The trigger 130 may be rotatably mounted on the closing trigger 32. When the closing trigger 32 is moved from an inactive position to an activated position, the trigger 130 may to fall down, as briefly described above. After moving the fuse button 134 to the starting position, you can press the trigger 130 to actuate the trigger system engine of the surgical instrument. In various cases, the handle 14 may include a tracking system configured to determine the position of the closing trigger 32 and / or the position of the trigger 130.

As indicated above, in at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive element 120 has a rack of gear teeth 122 formed thereon for gearing with a corresponding pinion gear 86 of the gear unit 84. At least one form also includes a manually actuated emergency unit 140 configured to allow a physician to manually retract a drive element 120 configured to move longitudinally if engine 82 becomes unavailable. The emergency unit 140 may include a lever or emergency handle assembly 142 that is capable of manually rotating into ratchet engagement with teeth 124 that are also present in the drive element 120. Thus, a physician can manually retract the drive element 120 with the emergency handle assembly 142 to move the drive element 120 using a ratchet mechanism in the proximal direction of the PD. US Patent No. 8,608,045, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, which describes emergency structures and other components, structures and systems that can also be used in various tools described herein, is fully incorporated into this document. document by reference.

As shown in FIG. 1 and 3, the elongated barrel assembly 200 includes a surgical end effector 700 that includes an elongated channel 702 that is operable to support the cassette 800 with brackets. The end effector 700 may further include an abutment 710 that is rotatably supported relative to the elongated channel 702. As will be described in more detail below, the surgical end effector 700 may be pivotally rotated relative to the elongated stem assembly around the articulation 270. In addition, various embodiments in which the end effector is not pivotally rotatable. As seen in FIG. 3 and 4, the barrel assembly 200 may further include a proximal body or mouthpiece 201, consisting of portions 202 and 203 of the mouthpiece. The barrel assembly 200 further includes a closure tube 260 that can be used to close and / or open the stop 310 of the end effector 700. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the barrel assembly 200 includes a shaft 210, which may be configured to still support the barrel frame portion 212 and the articulated retaining member 350. For more information on the design and operation of the articulated locking member 350, see US Patent Application No. 13 / 803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, currently published in US Patent Application No. 2014/0263541, the contents of which are fully incorporated in this document by reference. The shaft 210 may be configured to, firstly, maintain the sliding element 220 in it and slide to support the sliding tube 260 that extends around the shaft 210. The shaft 210 also supports the proximal drive sliding articulated member 230. The proximal articulated drive member 230 has a distal end 301 that is operatively operable with the articulated locking member 350. In one design, the articulated locking member 350 is coupled to the articulated frame 352, which is operatively operable with a guide pin (not shown) of the end effector frame (not shown).

In the shown construction, the rod 210 comprises a proximal end 211 that is rotatably supported in the chassis 240. For example, in one design, the proximal end 211 of the rod 210 has a thread 214 formed thereon for threadedly fastening to the rod support 216 configured to be supported on the chassis 240. See FIG. 3. This design facilitates the rotational fastening of the shaft 210 to the chassis 240 so that the shaft 210 can selectively rotate around the axis SA-SA of the barrel relative to the chassis 240. The barrel assembly 200 also includes a closing shuttle 250, which is slidably supported in the chassis 240 so that it can move relative to it along the axis. As seen in FIG. 3, the closing hook 250 includes a pair of proximally protruding hooks 252 that are adapted to be attached to a mounting pin 37 that is attached to the second closing link 38, as will be described in more detail below. See FIG. 2. The proximal end 261 of the closure tube 260 is connected to the closure hook 250 for rotation relative to it. For example, the U-shaped connector 263 is inserted into the annular groove 262 at the proximal end 261 of the closure tube 260 and is fixed inside the vertical grooves 253 in the closure hook 250. See FIG. 3. This design serves to secure the closure tube 260 to the closure shuttle 250 to move axially with it, while allowing the closure tube 260 to rotate relative to the closure shuttle 250 about the axis SA-SA of the barrel. The closure spring 268 is supported by the closure tube 260 and serves to bias the closure tube 260 in the proximal direction PD, which can serve to rotate the closure trigger to an inactive position when the barrel assembly 200 is operatively connected to the handle 14.

As also indicated above, the elongated barrel assembly 200 further includes a trigger 220, which is supported to move axially within the barrel stem 210. Trigger element 220 includes an intermediate portion 222 of the launch barrel configured to attach to a distal cutting portion or trigger rod 280. As used herein, trigger element 220 may also be referred to as a “second barrel” and / or “second barrel assembly”. As seen in FIG. 4, the intermediate portion 222 of the launch barrel may include a longitudinal groove 223 at its distal end, which may be configured to position a tongue 284 at the proximal end 282 of the distal trigger rod 280. The longitudinal groove 223 and the proximal end 282 may be shaped and sized so as to allow relative movement between them, and may include a sliding joint 286. The sliding joint 286 can provide movement of the intermediate portion 222 of the launch barrel of the trigger actuator 220 to move so as to swivel the surgical end effector 700 without moving or at least substantially without moving the trigger rod 280. After the surgical end effector 700 has an acceptable orientation, the intermediate portion 222 of the launch barrel can be distally advanced until until the proximal side wall of the longitudinal groove 223 comes into contact with the tongue 284 to advance the trigger rod 280 and ensures the location of the bracket from the cartridge, which can support in the end effector 700. As further seen in FIG. 4, the stem shaft 210 has an elongated hole or window 213 to facilitate assembly and insertion of the intermediate portion 222 of the launch barrel into the barrel frame 210. After insertion of the intermediate portion 222 of the launch barrel, the upper segment 215 of the frame can come into contact with the frame 212 of the barrel with the conclusion of the intermediate section 222 of the launch barrel and the trigger rod 280. An additional description of the operation of the trigger element 220 is given in US patent application No. 13 / 803,086, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541.

In addition to the above, the shown trunk assembly 200 includes a clutch assembly 400, which may be selectively and releasably coupled to the articulated drive element 230 and the trigger element 220. In one form, the clutch assembly 400 includes a retainer ring, or a sleeve, 402, located around the trigger element 220, wherein the locking sleeve 402 can rotate between an engaged position in which the locking sleeve 402 connects the articulated drive element 230 to the acceleration element 220, and the disengaged position in which the articulated drive element 230 is not operatively connected to the trigger element 200. When the retaining sleeve 402 is in its engaged position, the distal movement of the trigger element 220 can move the articulated drive element 230 distally, and accordingly , proximal movement of the trigger element 220 may move the proximal articulated drive element 230 proximally. When the locking sleeve 402 is in its disengaged position, the movement of the trigger element 220 is not transmitted to the proximal articulated drive element 230, and as a result, the trigger element 220 can move independently of the proximal drive element 230 of the articulated joint. In various circumstances, the articulated proximal articulated drive member 230 can be held in position by the articulated retaining member 350 when the articulated articulated proximal actuator 230 is not moved to the proximal or distal direction using the trigger 220.

As further seen in FIG. 4, the retaining sleeve 402 may comprise a cylindrical or at least substantially cylindrical body including a longitudinal hole 403 formed to accommodate the trigger element 220. The retaining sleeve 402 may comprise diametrically opposed inwardly facing locking protrusions 404 and the outwardly facing locking element 406. The locking the protrusions 404 may be selectively engaged with the trigger element 220. More specifically, when the locking sleeve 402 is in its engaged In position, the locking protrusions 404 may be located inside the drive slot 224 formed in the trigger element 220, so that a distal pushing force and / or proximal pull force can be transmitted from the trigger element 220 to the locking sleeve 402. When the locking sleeve 402 is in it in the engaged position, the second locking element 406 is placed inside the drive slot 232 formed in the proximal articulated drive element 230, so that the distal pushing force and / or The maximum pull force exerted on the locking sleeve 402 can be transmitted to the articulated proximal drive element 230. As a result, when the locking sleeve 402 is in its engaged position, the trigger element 220, the locking sleeve 402 and the proximal articulated drive element 230 will move together. On the other hand, when the locking sleeve 402 is in its disengaged position, the locking protrusions 404 may not be located inside the drive slot 224 of the trigger element 220, and as a result, the distal pushing force and / or proximal pull force may not be transmitted from the trigger element 220 to the locking sleeve 402. Accordingly, the distal pushing force and / or proximal pulling force may not be transmitted to the proximal articulated drive member 230. In such circumstances, the trigger element 220 may slide proximally and / or distally relative to the retaining sleeve 402 and the proximal articulated drive element 230.

As also seen in FIG. 4, the elongated barrel assembly 200 further includes a switch drum 500 that is rotatably mounted on the closure tube 260. The switch drum 500 includes a hollow barrel segment 502 that has a barrel sleeve 504 formed therein to accommodate an outwardly extending drive pin 410. In various circumstances, the drive pin 410 passes through a groove 267 into a longitudinal groove 408 provided in the retaining sleeve 402 to facilitate axial movement of the retaining sleeve 402 when it engages with the proximal articulated drive element 230 of the articulation. The rotary torsion spring 420 is adapted to engage with the barrel sleeve 504 on the switch drum 500 and part of the mouthpiece body 203 for applying a biasing force to the switch drum 500. The switch drum 500 may further comprise at least partially annular openings 506 formed therein, which, as shown in FIG. 5 and 6 can be arranged to accommodate annular struts extending from mouthpiece portions 202, 203 and provide relative rotation, but not translational movement, between the switch drum 500 and the proximal mouthpiece 201. The racks also pass through holes 266 in the closure tube 260 and fixed in the recesses in the stem shaft 210. However, the rotation of the mouthpiece 201 to the point where the posts reach the end of their respective grooves 506 in the switch drum 500 results in the rotation of the switch drum 500 around the barrel axis SA-SA. The rotation of the switch drum 500 ultimately results in the rotation of the drive pin 410 and the locking sleeve 402 between the engaged and disengaged positions. Thus, the mouthpiece 201 can essentially be used to interoperate and release the hinge drive system and the starter drive system in various ways, described in detail in US patent application No. 13 / 803,086, currently published US patent application No. 2014/0263541.

As also shown in FIG. 3 and 4, the elongated barrel assembly 200 may comprise a slip ring assembly 600, which may be configured, for example, to provide electrical power to and / or from end effector 700 and / or to transmit signals to and from surgical end effector 700 and / or him. The slip ring assembly 600 may include a proximal connecting flange 604, which is mounted on the chassis flange 242 extending from the chassis 240, and a distal connecting flange 601, which is located inside the groove in the barrel bodies 202, 203. The proximal connecting flange 604 may comprise a first front surface, and the distal connecting flange 601 may comprise a second front surface that is adjacent to and may move relative to the first surface. The distal connecting flange 601 can rotate relative to the proximal connecting flange 604 around the axis SA-SA of the barrel. The proximal connecting flange 604 may comprise a plurality of concentric or at least substantially concentric conductors 602 formed in its first face. Connector 607 may be mounted on the proximal side of the distal connecting flange 601 and may have multiple contacts (not shown), each contact corresponding to one of the conductors 602 and is in electrical contact with it. This design provides relative rotation between the proximal connecting flange 604 and the distal connecting flange 601, while maintaining electrical contact between them. The proximal connecting flange 604 may include an electrical connector 606 that provides signal exchange between the conductors 602 and the printed circuit board 610 of the barrel, for example, mounted on the chassis 240 of the barrel. In at least one case, a plurality of conductors may pass between the electrical connector 606 and the trunk circuit board 610. US Patent Application No. 13 / 800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed March 13, 2013, the current publication of US Patent Application No. 2014/0263552, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. US Patent Application No. 13 / 800,025, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed March 13, 2013, the current publication of US Patent Application No. 2014/0263551, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Additional information regarding the slip ring assembly 600 is provided in US Patent Application No. 13 / 803,086, currently the publication of US Patent Application No. 2014/0263541.

As described above, the elongated trunk assembly 200 may include a proximal portion that is fixedly mounted on the handle 14, and a distal portion that can rotate about the longitudinal axis SA-SA of the trunk. The rotatable distal portion of the barrel may rotate relative to the proximal portion around the collector ring assembly 600, as described above. The distal connecting flange 601 of the collector ring assembly 600 may be located in a rotatable distal portion of the barrel. In addition, in addition to the above, the drum 500 of the switch can also be located in the rotary distal portion of the barrel. As the rotary distal portion of the barrel rotates, the distal connecting flange 601 and the switch drum 500 can rotate synchronously. In addition, the switch drum 500 can rotate between the first position and the second position relative to the distal connecting flange 601. When the switch drum 500 is in its first position, the hinge drive system (i.e., the proximal articulated drive element 230) can be functionally disconnected from trigger actuator system, and thus, during operation of the trigger actuator system, the end effector 700 of the barrel assembly 200 may not rotate. When the switch drum 500 is in its second position, the hinge drive system (i.e., the proximal articulated drive element 230) can functionally interact with the trigger drive system, and thus, when the trigger drive system is operating, the end effector 700 of the assembly can rotate 200 barrels. When the switch drum 500 moves between its first position and the second position, the switch drum 500 moves relative to the distal connecting flange 601. In various cases, the barrel assembly 200 may include at least one sensor configured to detect the position of the switch drum 500.

As also seen in FIG. 4, the closure tube assembly 260 includes a double-hinged closure sleeve assembly 271. In accordance with various forms, the double-hinged closure sleeve assembly 271 includes an end effector closure sleeve 272 that includes distally protruding upper and lower shanks 273, 274. The upper double-hinge link 277 includes upwardly extending distal and proximal pivot pins that engage respectively, with the upper distal pin hole in the upper proximal protruding shank 273 and with the upper proximal pin hole in the upper distally protruding tail 264 on the closure tube 260. The lower double-hinged link 278 includes upwardly extending distal and proximal pivot pins that mesh with the lower distal pin hole in the lower proximal protruding shank 274 and with the lower proximal pin hole in the lower distal protruding shank 26 .

As seen in FIG. 5 and 6, the surgical end effector 700 includes an elongated channel 702 configured to functionally support the surgical cassette 800. The elongated channel 702 has a proximal end portion 704 that includes two vertical side walls 706. The surgical end effector 700 further includes an abutment 710 that has an abutment body 712 on which a brace forming surface 714 is formed. The proximal end 716 of the body 712 the stop includes a laterally projecting pin 718 stop. A trunnion groove 708 is provided in each side wall 706 of the elongated channel 702 to accommodate a corresponding one of the stop trunnions 718. This design is used to attach with the ability to move the stop 710 to an elongated channel 702 for selective movement with the possibility of rotation between open and closed (or clamped) positions. The stop 710 includes a tongue 720 configured to engage with a horseshoe-shaped groove 722 in a closing sleeve 272 of the end effector. When the closure tube 260 and, more specifically, the end effector closure sleeve 272 moves distally, the side wall of the groove 722 can engage the tongue 720 and rotate the stop 710 to the elongated channel 702. To open the stop 710, the closure tube 260 and, more specifically, the end end sleeve 272 the effector is moved in the proximal direction. In this case, the central portion of the tongue, limited by a horseshoe-shaped groove 722, interacts with the tongue 720 on the stop 710 in order to turn the stop 710 to the open position. Other stop and cover structures are described in US Patent Application No. 14 / 742,914, entitled MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, filed June 18, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

As shown in FIG. 6-8, an example of a cassette 800 with brackets comprises a cassette case 802 that can be molded, for example, of polymeric material and detachably fixed within an elongated channel 702. The cassette case 802 with brackets includes an elongated groove 804 located in the center, configured to accommodate the tissue-cutting member 750. In the cassette body 802, on each side of the elongated groove 804, a plurality of staple cavities 810a, 810b, 810c are arranged. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6-8, the staple cavities 810a, 810b, 810c are essentially oriented with a herringbone pattern. Each cavity 810a, 810b, 810c for the brackets is made for storing the staples in it with the possibility of extraction, although it is possible that in some cavities 810a, 810b, 810c for the brackets there may be no brackets. As will be described in more detail below, the cassette 800 for brackets further comprises a plurality of ejectors 900a, 900b of brackets arranged to move within the casing 802 of the cassette in connection with the respective cavity for the brackets. Each staple ejector 900a, 900b is configured to support one or more staples and / or lift staples from respective staple cavities 810a, 810b, 810c at the same time or in parallel with contacting the slide or cam actuator 760.

As shown in FIG. 6 and indicated above, the end effector 700 may include a tissue-cutting member 750 that is capable of cutting tissue caught between the staple cartridge 800 and the abutment 710. In the illustrated example, the tissue-cutting member 750 is connected to or integrally formed with the distal the end of the trigger rod 280 and is oriented to move inside the elongated groove 804. Distantly extending the trigger rod 280, therefore, will distally extend the tissue-cutting member 750 inside the elongated slot 804 in the cassette body 802 for staples. The stop 710 also includes a longitudinal groove configured to at least partially accommodate the tissue-cutting member 750; however, embodiments are provided in which only one of the cassette 800 and the abutment 710 includes a groove configured to receive a tissue-cutting member. In the shown embodiment, the tissue-cutting member 750 comprises at least one first protrusion 752 extending from it, which is configured to engage with an abutment 710, and at least one second protrusion 754, configured to interact with an elongated channel 702. The protrusions 752 and 754 may have a stop 710 and a cassette 800 with brackets relative to each other. By distally extending the tissue-cutting element 750, the protrusions 752 and 754 can position the abutment 710 and define a gap for the fabric between the forming bracket of the bottom surface 714 of the abutment 710 and the platform surface 816 of the cassette cartridge 800 supported in the elongated channel 702.

As seen in FIG. 6, for example, the slide or cam actuator 760 is configured to interact with the tissue-cutting member 750 while distally moving the tissue-cutting member 750 through the staple cartridge 800 by the trigger bar 280. However, in other designs, the slide 760 and the tissue-cutting member 750 can be made as a single component. In other designs where a fabric cutting element is not used, the launch rod may come into contact with the slide or cam elements or may be integral with them. The slide 760 contains one or more slopes or cam surfaces that are designed to interact with the ability to transmit drive force or to slide under brackets pushers 900a, 900b and lift the brackets pushers 900a, 900b up to the platform surface 816 of the cassette 800 with brackets. In the shown embodiment, the slide 760 contains four slopes, or cam surfaces, or cam elements 762, 764, 766 and 768. As will be described in more detail below, the slide 760 is arranged to move from the proximal end 803 of the bracket cassette 800 to the distal end 811 cassettes 800 and successively raising the ejectors 900a, 900b of brackets in the respective “ejector matrices” on each side of the elongated groove 804. When the ejectors 900a, 900b are moved to the platform surface 816 by the ejector slide 760 whether the brackets 900a, 900b lift the brackets supported on them to the forming bracket of the bottom surface 714 of the stop 710. When the slide moves 760, the distal braces extend to the forming bracket of the bottom surface 714 of the stop 710 and are pushed out from the cavities 810a, 810b, 810c for the brackets by means of ejectors 900a, 900b staples. The cassette 800 with brackets may further comprise a supporting tray 780 attached to it, which extends around the bottom of the cassette body 802 with brackets and secures the ejectors 900a, 900b of brackets, staples and / or the slide 760 inside the cassette 800.

As indicated above, in the illustrated embodiment, the surgical instrument 10 includes a hinge drive system 500 that, when activated, can rotate the end effector 700 pivotally around the hinge 270. When pushing the proximal articulated drive member 230 in the first direction, the end effector 700 can pivot in the first direction, and when pushing the proximal articulated drive member 230 of the articulation in the second direction, the end effector 700 can rotate in torus, or the opposite direction. In other embodiments, the end effector is not pivotally rotatable. As shown in FIG. 6, the surgical end effector 700 shown includes an end effector mounting assembly 790 adapted to be rotatably mounted, for example, to a portion of a hinge locking member 350 (FIG. 4), which is rotatably arranged within the mounting hole 792 in the mounting unit 790 end effector. In the present embodiment, the end effector mounting assembly 790 is mounted on the elongated channel 702 by means of a flexible pin 796 that extends through holes 705 formed in the elongated channel 702 and the end effector mounting assembly 790. As described in more detail in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, the articulated latch 350 may be movable between a first, locked or engaged position in which the latch is engaged mounting unit 790 end effector, and the second, unlocked or disengaged, position. When the articulated locking member 350 is in an engaged or locked position, the articulated locking member 350 can lock the end effector 700 in place. When the articulation retaining member 350 is in the disengaged position, the end effector 700 may rotate around the articulation 270. Other articulated structures are described in US Patent Application No. 14 / 314,788, entitled ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED SHAFT BASED ROTARY DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INSTRUMENT INSTRUMENT June 2014, is currently the publication of US patent application No. 2014/0305993, which is fully incorporated herein by reference. Other articulated pivot designs are described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0168435, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR, filed February 26, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As shown in FIG. 7 and 8, the bracket cavities 810a, 810b, 810c of the cassette 800 with the brackets that are open through the platform surface 816 can be positioned and configured such that the brackets stored in the bracket cavities 810a, 810b, 810c are mounted as part of a tensile or “Flexible” or “elastic” staple seam. The bracket cavities 810a, 810b, 810c are arranged in the form of a “bracket cavity matrix”, essentially designated as element 806. In at least one construction, the bracket cavity matrix 806 comprises a first row of bracket cavities 807 807, which may comprise a first row removable staples. The first row 807 of brace cavities 810a extends along a first longitudinal axis 812a adjacent to the elongated groove 804. The bracket cavity matrix 806 also includes a second row of brace cavities 810b 808, which may include a second row of brackets that can be removed. A second row 808 of brackets 810b extends along a second longitudinal axis 812b adjacent to the first row 807 of brackets 810a. The bracket cavity matrix 806 further comprises a third row of bracket cavities 809 810c for brackets, which may include a third row of retractable brackets. A third row 809 of brackets 810c extends along a third longitudinal axis 812c adjacent to a second row 808 of brackets 810b. The first longitudinal axis 812a is parallel or at least substantially parallel to the second longitudinal axis 812b; however, other designs are possible where the first longitudinal axis 812a is not parallel to the second longitudinal axis 812b. The second longitudinal axis 812b is parallel or at least substantially parallel to the third longitudinal axis 812c; however, other designs are possible where the second longitudinal axis 812b is not parallel to the third longitudinal axis 812c. The first longitudinal axis 812a is parallel or at least substantially parallel to the third longitudinal axis 812c; however, other designs are possible where the first longitudinal axis 812a is not parallel to the third longitudinal axis 812c. As also seen in FIG. 7 and 8, the bracket cassette 800 comprises a first portion of the bracket cavity matrix 806 including a first row 807 of bracket cavities 810a, a second row 808 of second bracket cavities 810b, and a third row 809 of third bracket cavities 810c on the first longitudinal side 805 the groove 804, as well as the second portion of the bracket cavity matrix 806, including the first row 810a, the second row 810b and the third row 810c on the second side 801 of the longitudinal groove 804. The first cavity matrix portion is a mirror image of the second cavity matrix portion relative to the longitudinal groove; however, other designs may be used.

As shown in FIG. 7, each of the first staple cavities 810a is oriented at a first angle 824a to the first support axis 997a perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis 812a. In the shown construction, each of the second bracket cavities 810b is also oriented at a second angle 824b to the second support axis 997b perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis 812b. In addition, each of the third bracket cavities 810c is oriented at a third angle 824c to the third support axis 997c perpendicular to the third longitudinal axis 812c. The first angle 824a is different from the second angle 824b; however, in other embodiments, the first angle 824a and the second angle 824b may be the same. The third angle 824c is different from the second angle 824b; however, in other embodiments, the third angle 824c and the second angle 824b may be the same. The first angle 824a is the same as the third angle 824c; however, in other embodiments, the first angle 824a and the third angle 824c may be different. In at least one embodiment, the angle 824a may be approximately 45 (forty-five) degrees (in the range, for example, ± 30 (thirty) degrees); angle 824b may be approximately 50 (fifty) degrees (in the range, for example, ± 30 (thirty) degrees); and the angle 824c may be approximately 45 (forty-five) degrees (in the range, for example, ± 30 (thirty) degrees).

The cassette 800 with brackets is configured to accommodate a bracket pattern 813 shown in FIG. 9. The cassette 800 with brackets is arranged to accommodate the first row 817 of brackets 820a along the first longitudinal axis 822a, the second row 818 of brackets 820b along the second longitudinal axis 822b and the third row 819 of brackets 820c along the third longitudinal axis 822c. In various examples, the cassette 800 with brackets is arranged to accommodate the first row 817 of brackets 820a, the second row 818 of brackets 820b and the third row of 819 brackets 820c on the first side of the longitudinal section 826 and the first row of 817 brackets 820a, the second row of 818 brackets 820b and the third row 819 brackets 820c on the second side of the longitudinal section 826. The first rows 817 of brackets 820a may be adjacent to the longitudinal section 826, and the third row 819 of brackets 820c may be located farthest from the longitudinal section 826. Each second row 818 of brackets 820b may be located between the first near 817 staples 820a and third row 819 of staples 820c.

In addition to the above, the first staples 820a are retrievable in the first staple cavities 810a, the second staples 820b are retrievable in the second staple cavities 810b, and the third staples 820c are retrievable in the third staple cavities 810c. The cavity 810a-810c for the brackets are arranged to accommodate the brackets 820a-820c in the structure shown in FIG. 9 and 10. For example, the first brackets 820a are oriented at a first angle 824a to the first support axis 999a perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis 822a. The second brackets 820b are oriented at a second angle 824b to the second support axis 999b, perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis 822b. The third brackets 820c are oriented at a third angle 824c to the third support axis 999c, perpendicular to the third longitudinal axis 822c.

The first brackets 820a, the second brackets 820b and the third brackets 820c can be arranged and configured to provide laterally overlapping brace seams. More specifically, as also seen in FIG. 9, the second longitudinal row 818 of the second brackets 820b is laterally positioned relative to the first longitudinal row 817 of the first brackets 820a so that the second brackets 820b align with the gaps between the first brackets 820a, and similarly, the third longitudinal row 819 of the third brackets 820c is laterally the second longitudinal row 818 of the second brackets 820b so that the third brackets 820c are aligned with the gaps between the second brackets 820b. Such a design may restrict the flow of blood from tissue T to the longitudinal section 826.

In addition to the above, the staple pattern shown in FIG. 9, contains six longitudinal rows of staples. Other embodiments are provided that comprise less than six rows of staples, for example four rows of staples, or more than six rows of staples, for example eight rows of staples. The first brackets 820a, the second brackets 820b and the third brackets 820c may have any suitable configuration, such as, for example, a V-shaped configuration or a U-shaped configuration. A bracket having a V-shape may include a base or crown, a first leg extending from the first end of the base or crown, and a second leg extending from the second end of the base or crown, the first leg and second leg extending in directions that are not parallel to each other. A U-shaped bracket may include a base or crown, a first leg extending from the first end of the base or crown, and a second leg extending from the second end of the base or crown, the first leg and second leg extending in directions that parallel to each other.

With reference to the staple pattern shown, for example, in FIG. 9, each first bracket 820a has a first bracket base or crown 827a (FIG. 12), from which the first proximal bracket leg 825a and the first distal bracket leg 823a protrude. The cassette 800 with brackets, made with the possibility of applying the picture 813 brackets shown in FIG. 9 may include a proximal end 803 and a distal end 811. The first proximal bracket leg 825a may be closer to the proximal end 803 of the cassette 800 than the first distal bracket leg 823a, and similarly, the first distal bracket leg 823a may be closer to the distal the end 811 of the cassette 800 with brackets than the first proximal bracket leg 825a. The first crown 827a of each first bracket 820a may form a first axis FBA of the base. Each first proximal bracket leg 825a and the first distal bracket leg 823a may extend from the first axis FBA of the base. The first brackets 820a may be arranged and configured to extend the first axes of the base FBA to the longitudinal section line 826 and to the distal end of the cassette 800 with brackets. In other words, the first axis FBA of the base may be transverse to the elongated groove 804.

With reference to figure 813 brackets, shown, for example, in FIG. 9, each second bracket 820b has a second bracket base or crown 827b (FIG. 12), from which a second proximal bracket leg 825b and a second distal bracket leg 823b protrude. The second proximal bracket leg 825b may be closer to the proximal end 803 of the bracket cassette 800 than the second distal bracket bracket 823b, and likewise, the second distal bracket bracket 823b may be closer to the distal end of the bracket cartridge 823b than the second bracket proximal leg 825b. A second crown 827b of each second bracket 820b may form a second base axis SBA. The second proximal bracket leg 825b and the second distal bracket leg 823b may extend from the second axis SBA of the base. The second brackets 820b may be arranged and configured to extend the second axes SBA of the base to the longitudinal section line 826 and to the proximal end 803 of the cassette 800 with brackets. In the example shown, the second axes SBA of the base are transverse to the first axis of the base, as well as the elongated groove 804.

With reference to figure 813 brackets, shown, for example, in FIG. 9, each third bracket 820c has a third bracket base or crown 827c (FIG. 12), from which the third proximal bracket leg 825c and the third distal bracket leg 823c protrude. The third proximal leg of the bracket 825c may be closer to the proximal end 803 of the bracket cassette 800 than the third distal leg of the bracket 823c, and likewise the third distal leg of the bracket 823c may be closer to the distal end 811 of the bracket 800 than the third proximal of the bracket 825c. A third crown 827c of every third bracket 820c can form the third axis of the base TBA. The third proximal bracket leg 825c and the third distal bracket leg 823c may extend from the third axis TBA of the base. Third brackets 820c may be positioned and configured to extend the third axes of the base TBA to the longitudinal section line 826 and to the distal end of the bracket cassette. In the example shown, the third axes of the base TBA are parallel to the first axes of the base FBA and are transverse to the second axes of the base SBA, as well as the elongated groove 804. This is just one embodiment, and any suitable construction is allowed.

In addition to the above, the first brackets 820a are thrown over the first longitudinal axis 822a. See FIG. 9. The first distal legs 823a of the first brackets 820a are located on one side of the first longitudinal axis 822a, and the first proximal legs 825a are located on the other side of the first longitudinal axis 822a. In other words, the legs of the first brackets 820a are offset from the first longitudinal axis 822a. Alternative embodiments are permitted in which the first brackets 820a are aligned with or located on the same straight line with the first longitudinal axis 822a. The second brackets 820b are thrown over the second longitudinal axis 822b. The second distal legs 823b of the second brackets 820b are located on one side of the second longitudinal axis 822b, and the second proximal legs 825b are located on the other side of the second longitudinal axis 822b. In other words, the legs of the second brackets 820b are offset from the second longitudinal axis 822b. Alternative embodiments are permissible in which the second brackets 820b align with or lie on a straight line with the second longitudinal axis 822b.

In the example shown, the third brackets 820c are thrown over the third longitudinal axis 820c. The third distal legs 823c of the third brackets 820c are located on one side of the third longitudinal axis 820c, and the third proximal legs 825c are located on the other side of the third longitudinal axis 822c. In other words, the legs of the third brackets 820c are offset from the third longitudinal axis 822c. Alternative embodiments are permissible in which the third brackets 820c are aligned with or located on a straight line with the third longitudinal axis 822c. In certain embodiments, the first bracket 820a may comprise a first proximal leg 825a that aligns with a second distal leg 823b of an adjacent second bracket 820b. Similarly, the third bracket 820c may comprise a third proximal leg 825c that aligns with the second distal leg 823b of the adjacent second bracket 820b. In various embodiments, the first bracket 820a may comprise a first proximal leg 825a that is located distally relative to a second distal leg 823b of an adjacent second bracket 820b. Similarly, the third bracket 820c may comprise a third proximal leg 825c, which is located distally relative to the second distal leg 823b of the adjacent second bracket 820b. The row of second brackets 820b is limited to the row of first brackets 820a and the row of third brackets 820c. The second bracket 820b is limited on the one hand by the first bracket 820a, and on the other hand by the third bracket 820c. More specifically, the first bracket 820a is laterally inside relative to the second proximal leg 825b of the second bracket 820b, and similarly, the third bracket 820c is laterally outside of the second distal leg 823b of the second bracket 820b. Thus, the first brackets 820a can provide a border on one side of the second brackets 820b, and the third brackets 820b can provide a border on the other side of the second brackets 820b.

In FIG. 11 shows the traditional stitch pattern 829. This bracket pattern 829 contains a first row 836 of first brackets 830a located on the first longitudinal axis 832a, a second row 838 of second brackets 830b located on the second longitudinal axis 832b, and a third row 840 of third brackets 830c located on the third longitudinal axis 832c located on the first side of the longitudinal section 835 in the fabric T. The first brackets 830a align or at least substantially align with the first longitudinal axis 832a; the second brackets 830b align or at least substantially align with the second longitudinal axis 832b; and the third brackets 830c align or at least substantially align with the third longitudinal axis 832c. In other words, the first brackets 830a are not oriented at an angle relative to the first longitudinal axis 832a, the second brackets 830b are not oriented at an angle relative to the second longitudinal axis 832b, and the third brackets 830c are not oriented at an angle relative to the third longitudinal axis 832c. Such a traditional staple pattern also comprises a first row 836 of brackets 830a located on the first longitudinal axis 832a, a second row 838 of brackets 830b located on the second longitudinal axis 832b, and a third row 840 of brackets 830c located on the third longitudinal axis 832c located on the second, or the opposite side of the longitudinal section 835.

When exposed to fabric T stitched using figure 829 staples shown in FIG. 11, the longitudinal tensile force the fabric will stretch in the longitudinal direction. In addition, in various examples, when stretching the fabric in the longitudinal direction, the staples 830a, 830b, and 830c can progressively move in the longitudinal direction. Such a design may be acceptable in various circumstances; however, staples 830a, 830b, and 830c can limit the stretching and / or movement of fabric T. In some cases, fabric T sewn with staples 830a, 830b, and 830c can be much less flexible than adjacent non-stitched fabric. In other words, staple pattern 829 containing staples 830a, 830b and 830c can cause sudden changes in fabric material properties. In at least one example, a large deformation gradient is formed inside fabric T as a result of applying a staple pattern, which in turn can create a large stress gradient within fabric T.

When the staples 830a-830c are ejected from the staple cartridge, the staple legs can pierce the fabric T. As a result, the staple legs create holes in the fabric. Different types of fabrics are resilient and can stretch around the legs of the staples when the legs of the staples pass through the fabric. In various examples, the elasticity of the fabric can allow the fabric to stretch and elastically return to the legs of the staples to reduce or eliminate the gaps between the fabric and the legs of the staples. Such resilience or elasticity may also allow the tissue to stretch when exposed to tensile forces; however, this resilience can be limited with certain staple patterns. In at least one example, the bracket pattern 829 shown in FIG. 11 may limit the longitudinal stretching of the tissue. When exposed to the fabric stitched with brackets using the pattern of staples shown in FIG. 11, the longitudinal tensile force of the fabric may begin to pull away from the legs of the staples with the creation of gaps between them. In some examples, especially with bariatric resection, such gaps can lead to intense bleeding from the tissue of the stomach. In some examples, especially with lung resection, this can lead, for example, to air leaks into the lung tissue.

Figure brackets 813 shown in FIG. 9 and 10 is more flexible and resilient than the “traditional” variations of the staple pattern 829 relating to the type shown in FIG. 11. For example, when a longitudinal tension force is applied to the fabric T, as shown in FIG. 10, the brackets 820a, 820b and 820c can, firstly, translate in the longitudinal direction while stretching the fabric in the longitudinal direction and / or, secondly, rotate when stretching the fabric in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the flexible bracket pattern 813 shown in FIG. 9 can reduce or eliminate the gaps between the legs of the staples and the fabric T when the longitudinal tensile force is applied to the fabric and, thus, reduce bleeding and / or air leakage between the legs of the staples and the fabric. Figure 813 staples shown in FIG. 9 is shown in unstretched condition. When stretching in the longitudinal direction of the fabric stitched with brackets with a pattern of staples shown in FIG. 9, the brackets can be moved longitudinally with the fabric and / or rotated inside the fabric, as shown in FIG. 10. US Patent Application No. 14 / 498,121, entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGE FOR CREATING A FLEXIBLE STAPLE LINE, filed September 26, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, describe various advantages, as well as other variations of the above elastic or flexible stitching seams.

As indicated above, the brackets 820a, 820b, 820c are supported on respective ejectors 900a, 900b supported to move in the cavities formed in the cassette body 802. In order to obtain staples with uniform “formed” shapes, it may be desirable for each of the staples to exit the corresponding cavity so that its legs are substantially perpendicular to the corresponding portion of the staple of the lower surface 714 of the stop 710. As indicated above, the staple ejectors on which the brackets are supported, pushed upward while driving contact with the corresponding slopes or cam elements of the distally moving slide or cam element 760. Since the slopes of the slide move in on boards essentially transverse to the direction in which the ejectors move, the drive movement applied by the slopes of the slide to the ejectors can sometimes twist the ejector brackets inside the corresponding cavity when it is pushed up. Such a bias of the ejector (s) can lead to undesirable effects, firstly, to an increase in the force necessary to advance the launch rod, and / or, secondly, to the bias of the brackets when they are pushed out of the cartridge case, which ultimately leads to uneven molding of staples or even improper molding of staples. Thus, it may be desirable to use the structures of the ejector brackets and the corresponding design of the cassette body, providing a sufficient amount of support to the ejector brackets when they are in contact with the slopes of the slide.

In FIG. 12-14, a bracket ejector 900a is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. In at least one design, the bracket ejectors 900b may be mirror images of the bracket ejectors 900a. As seen in FIG. 12, one staple ejector 900a can support three staples 820a, 820b, 820c. The bracket ejector 900a includes a first or innermost bracket-supporting portion 910 that is configured to support the first bracket 820a, a second or central bracket-supporting portion 930 that is configured to support the second bracket 820b, and a third or outermost bracket-supporting portion 950 which is configured to support a third bracket 820c. In this context, the term “innermost” refers to the bracket-supporting portion closest to the elongated groove 804 in the cassette body 802, and the term “outermost” refers to the bracket-supporting portion farthest from the elongated groove 804.

As seen in FIG. 12, the first bracket-supporting portion 910 comprises a first distal support post 914 and a first proximal support post 918. The first bracket-supporting portion 910 further includes a first distal support bed 916 and a first proximal support bed 920 for supporting portions of the first bracket crown 827a. As further seen in FIG. 12, when the first crown 827a of the first bracket 820a is supported on support beds 916 and 920, the first distal leg 823a is substantially axially aligned with the first distal support leg 914, and the first proximal leg 825a is substantially axially aligned with the first proximal support leg 918.

As shown in FIG. 12, the ejector 900a further comprises a second bracket supporting portion 930 comprising a second distal support post 934 and a second proximal support post 938. The second bracket support portion 930 further includes a second distal support bed 936 and a second proximal support bed 940 for supporting portions of the second crown 827b staples. As also seen in FIG. 12, when the second crown 827b of the second bracket 820b is supported on the second beds 936 and 940, the second distal leg 823b is substantially aligned axially with the second distal support post 934, and the second proximal leg 825b is substantially aligned axially with the second proximal support post 938.

As also seen in FIG. 12, the ejector 900a comprises a third bracket-supporting portion 950, which includes a third distal support post 954 and a third proximal support post 958. The third bracket-supporting portion 950 further includes a third distal support post 956 and a third proximal support post 960 made with the ability to maintain sections of the third crown 827c of the third bracket 820c. As seen in FIG. 12, when the third crown 827c of the third bracket 820c is supported on the third beds 956 and 960, the third distal leg 823c is substantially axially aligned with the third distal support leg 954, and the third proximal leg 825c is substantially aligned axially with the third proximal support leg 958.

As shown in FIG. 12-14, in at least one design, the first bracket-supporting portion 910 is connected to the second bracket-supporting portion 930 via a first or distal connecting member 970. The first connecting member 970 includes a first cam portion having a first cam surface or slope 974 formed on its underside. The second bracket-supporting portion 930 is likewise connected to the third bracket-supporting portion 950 by a second or proximal connecting element 980. The second cam element 982 protrudes from or attached to the third bracket-supporting portion 950 and has a second cam surface or slope formed thereon 984. In the shown construction the first and second cam surfaces 974, 984 are formed at the same angle and are substantially parallel to each other. However, in other designs, the first and second cam surfaces 974, 984 may differ from each other. The cam angle of the first and second cam surfaces 974, 984 may be associated with the cam angles of the respective slopes or cam surfaces of the slide 760. In at least one embodiment, the bracket ejector 900a (and 900b) are integrally formed or formed, for example, of Ultem material ® without filler. However, other materials can be used, for example Ultem® with glass or mineral filler, or nylon, or nylon with glass filler. In other designs, the different sections of the staple ejector 900a (and 900b) can be individually made of other materials and bonded together by adhesive, low temperature soldering, and the like.

In FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of one form of cassette case 802 with surgical staples. As indicated above, in at least one embodiment, the cassette housing 802 includes an elongated groove 804, which may be centrally located in the housing 802. In the embodiment shown, for example, in FIG. 15, an elongated groove 804 divides the cartridge case 802 into two body sections 850, 870 and extends along the central axis CA of the cartridge. As can be seen in this figure, the first housing portion 850 includes a first cassette wall portion 852 that includes first support grooves or grooves 854, all of which are located on the corresponding FSA axis of the first groove transverse to the CA axis of the cartridge. The first housing portion 850 further includes a second cassette wall portion 856 in which the second support grooves or grooves 858 are made, all of which are located on the corresponding SSA axis of the second groove transverse to the CA axis of the cartridge. Between the first cassette wall portion 852 and the second cassette wall portion 856, a plurality of staple guide rails 860 spaced apart are disposed. In at least one design, the staple guide rails 860 are integral with one or both of the cassette wall sections 852, 856 in the cassette body 802. In other designs, staple guide rails 860 are attached to wall sections of the cassette housing 802. Each bracket ejector guide 860 may be configured to slide into interaction or, in other words, maintain two adjacent bracket ejectors 900a with a slide. See FIG. 17.

As shown in FIG. 16 and 17, in at least one design, each of the staple ejectors 900a includes opposed hook-shaped grooves 901, 903 configured to “hook engage” with respective opposed hook-shaped portions 862, 864, respectively, of the staple ejector guide 860. The hook portions 862 are slidably supported for the first proximal support post 918 of the respective staple ejector 900a, and the hook portions 864 are slidably supported for the third distal support post 954 of the respective staple pusher 900a. In addition, the bracket ejector guide 860 further includes a proximal groove 863 that is slidably supported for the second distal support post 934 of the respective bracket ejector 900a, and a distal groove 868 that is slidably supported for the second proximal support struts 938 of the respective bracket ejector 900a. Thus, each bracket ejector 900a that is in sliding contact with the corresponding bracket ejector guide 860 is movably movable relative to the bracket ejector guide 860 when the bracket ejector 900a comes into contact with slopes or cam rails 762, 764 .

As also seen in FIG. 15, the second housing portion 870 includes a primary cassette wall portion 872 that includes primary grooves or grooves 874 for the legs of the brackets, all of which are located on the corresponding PSA axis of the primary groove transverse to the CA axis of the cartridge. The second portion of the housing further includes a secondary portion 876 of the cassette wall, in which second support grooves or grooves 878 are made, which are oriented, each, on a corresponding axis SDSA of the secondary groove located transverse to the axis CA of the cartridge. Between the primary cassette wall portion 872 and the secondary cassette wall portion 876 there are a plurality of staple guide rails 860 spaced apart at a distance, each of which is configured to slide into contact with two adjacent staple ejectors 900b, which may be mirror images of the staple ejector 900a, as described higher. Thus, each bracket ejector 900b that is in sliding contact with the respective ejector guide 860 is movably movable relative to the ejector guide 860 when the bracket ejector 900b comes into contact with the slopes or cam elements 766, 768 of the slide. See FIG. 6.

In the shown embodiment, the staple ejectors 900a are located in a first “staple ejector matrix” substantially designated as element 905a, as shown in FIG. 16 and 17. When the bracket ejectors 900a are arranged in accordance with FIG. 16 and 17, each bracket ejector 900a may be in sliding contact with two respective bracket guides 860. See FIG. 17. In addition, the first distal support post 914 of each staple ejector 900a can slide into the corresponding first support groove or groove 854 in the first portion 852 of the cassette wall. See FIG. 8 and 15. Likewise, a third proximal support post 958 of each staple ejector 900a can slide into the corresponding second support groove or groove 858 in a second portion of the cassette wall 856. Thus, each of the support legs of the bracket ejector 900a is slidably supported by the respective bracket ejector guide 860, or they are supported by a corresponding portion of the cassette wall. This design can prevent any skew of the support racks when the ejector clips move upward inside the cassette.

As also seen in FIG. 16, each of the first cam sections 972 of the bracket ejector 900a is aligned along the first cam axis of the FCA. Therefore, in at least one embodiment, each of the first cam surfaces 974 is aligned along the first cam axis of the FCA. In addition, each of the second cam elements 982 of the ejectors 900a staples aligned on the second cam axis SCA. Therefore, each of the second cam surfaces 984 of the bracket ejectors 900a is aligned on the second cam axis SCA. In at least one design, the cam axes of the FCA and SCA, for example, are parallel to each other, as well as an elongated groove 804 (as shown by segmented lines in FIG. 16) in the cassette with brackets. In addition, in the illustrated bracket ejector matrix 905b, each of the first cam elements 972 of the bracket ejectors 900b is aligned on the primary first cam axis of the PCA. Therefore, in at least one embodiment, each of the first cam surfaces 974 of the bracket ejectors 900b is aligned along the primary cam axis of the PCA. In addition, each of the second cam elements 982 of the ejectors 900b staples aligned on the secondary cam axis SDCA. Therefore, each of the second cam surfaces 984 of the bracket ejectors 900b is aligned along the secondary cam axis of the SDCA.

In FIG. 18 and 19 show the position of the slide or cam actuator 760 relative to the ejectors 900a, 900b of the brackets. As seen in FIG. 18, in the staple ejector matrix 905a of the brackets 900a, the slope or cam member 764 is aligned with the second cam axis SCA. The inclined surface or cam element 762 is aligned with the first cam axis of the FCA. The slope or cam element 766 is aligned on the primary cam axis of the PCA, and the slope or cam element 768 is aligned on the secondary cam axis of the SDCA. Thus, the slope or cam member 764 is positioned to extend under a portion of each of the crowns 827c of the brackets 820c supported by the ejectors 900a. The slope or cam surface 762 is positioned to extend under a portion of each of the crowns 827c of the brackets 820a supported by the ejectors 900a. Likewise, in the bracket ejector matrix 905b 905b, the slope or cam member 766 is positioned to extend under the crown portion 827a of each of the brackets 820a supported on the ejectors 900b. The slope or cam element 768 is positioned to extend under a portion of the crown 827c of each of the brackets 820c supported on the ejectors 900b. In other words, none of the slopes or cam elements 764, 762, 766, 768 are aligned with any of the legs of the brackets 820a, 820b, 820c supported on the ejector 900a, 900b. Therefore, this design allows the third proximal support struts 958 of each bracket ejector 900a to slide into the corresponding second support grooves or grooves 858 in the second portion of the cassette wall 856 in the cassette body 802. In addition, the first distal support struts 914 of each bracket ejector 900a are slidably inserted into the respective first support grooves or grooves 854 in the first portion 852 of the cassette wall 800. Similarly, each of the support struts 918, 934, 938, 954 is also slidably supported respective guides 860 of ejectors formed or attached to the cassette body 802. All ejector guides 860 may have the same or similar height with wall sections 852, 856.

As shown, for example, in FIG. 19, the first and second wall sections 852, 856 of the cassette wall (not shown in FIG. 19) have a height indicated by H. The guide rails 860 of the staple ejectors may have the same or similar height H. At least in some embodiments, this height may also be substantially contain the height of the housing 802 cassettes. In other embodiments, a “stepped platform” can be used, which is the surface of the platform having more than one flat portion with different heights, measured, for example, from the bottom of the cassette. In FIG. 19, element 816 may be the surface of the bracket platform (or at least one surface of the bracket platform in embodiments using a stepped platform), and element 781 may be the surface on which the bracket ejectors 900a, 900b are located, when characteristic inactive orientation in the cartridge case. For example, element 781 may be the upper surface of the support tray 780. See FIG. 6. In at least one design, the ejector guides 860 may also have a height equal to or approximately equal to the height H of the cassette wall sections 852, 856. Thus, the support legs of each ejector 900a, 900b are essentially supported to slide along the entire path (distance H) while moving upward in the cassette body in contact with the slopes or cam elements on the rails 760. In other embodiments, the support legs of each ejector 900a , 900b are supported over a distance or height of at least (0.340 centimeters (0.134 in)) bracket + at least 0.17 centimeters (0.066 in) ejector (0.5 centimeters (0.2 in) total) in case e cassettes with brackets, which can be used, for example, to staple lung tissue). In other words, the ejector can extend at a distance at least equal to the height of the bracket (for example, height 820). The staple crown is “ejected” from the staple recess in the cassette to prevent tissue from getting stuck between the ejector and the cassette platform in the fully extended state. This feature will help to avoid distortion of the ejectors 900a, 900b of the brackets during activation, which can reduce the likelihood of incorrectly formed brackets.

When the surgical instrument “starts up” or, in other words, when the trigger actuator system 80 activates and moves the trigger bar 280 distally, the tissue-cutting member 750 comes into contact with the slide or cam element 760 and moves the cam element 760 distally through the cassette 800 for staples. As seen in FIG. 16, the cam elements 982 of the bracket ejector 900a are positioned “inward” (i.e., closer to the elongated groove 804) from the struts 958 (and the brackets legs 825c supported thereon). Similarly, the cam elements 982 of the bracket ejectors 900b are positioned inward from the support legs 958 of these bracket ejectors 900b and the bracket legs 825c supported thereon. Such designs allow these support racks 958 to have full support with the possibility of sliding over the entire range of movement up from the corresponding sections 856, 876 of the walls of the cassette with brackets. In addition, the support racks 934, 938, 918, 954 are supported over the entire range of their movement upward by the respective guides 860 of the bracket ejectors formed in the cassette body 802. In other words, the support post 914 of each of the ejectors 900a of the staples 900b is slidably supported in respective sections 852, 872 of the wall of the cassette body 802 over the entire range of upward movement.

As shown in FIG. 16 and 17, the ejector matrix 905a comprises a plurality of bracket ejectors 900a, each of which is configured to support three brackets 820a, 820b, 820c. Of course, during use, each ejector 900a can in fact support one, two, or all three of these staples. On each ejector 900a, the staple bracket 820a is located along the FBA axis. More specifically, the crown 827a of the bracket 820a is located along the FBA axis. The bracket 820c is located along the TBA axis. More specifically, the crown 827c of the bracket 820c is located on the third axis of the base TBA. In at least one design, the FBA and TBA axes are parallel to each other. The bracket 820b is centrally located between the brackets 820a and 820c and is located along the SBA axis. More specifically, the bracket crown 827b is located on the second axis SBA of the base. In the design shown, the SBA axis is transverse to the FBA and TBA axes. In other words, the staple ejector 900a is configured to support two surgical staples parallel to each other or extending in the same direction, and one staple transverse to the other two staples or extending in the other direction, which differs from the directions of passage of the other two staples. In the design shown, when all the bracket ejectors 900a, 900b are functionally supported in the bracket cassette 800, each of the axes FBA, SBA, TBA is transversely relative to the elongated groove 804.

As shown in FIG. 16, when all of the staple ejectors 900a are functionally supported in the staple cartridge, in the staple ejector matrix 905a, the staple ejectors 900a form a first longitudinal row 1200a of staples 820a that is adjacent to an elongated groove 804 in the cassette body 802. Each of the brackets 820a in the first longitudinal row 1200a extends in a first direction in accordance with the above description. Similarly, the bracket ejectors 900a form a second longitudinal row 1202a of brackets 820b located adjacent to the first longitudinal row 1200a. The brackets 820b in the second longitudinal row 1202a extend in a second direction that is different from the first direction of the brackets 820a in the first longitudinal row 1200a. In addition, the bracket ejectors 900a form a third longitudinal row 1204a of brackets 820c that are oriented in a third direction, which may or may not coincide with the direction of the brackets 820a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and third directions are the same. The third longitudinal row 1204a is adjacent to the second longitudinal row 1202a.

As shown in FIG. 16, when all of the staple ejectors 900b are functionally supported in the staple cartridge, in the staple ejector matrix 905b, the staple ejectors 900b form a first longitudinal row 1200b of staples 820a that is adjacent to an elongated groove 804 in the cassette body 802. Each of the brackets 820a in the first longitudinal row 1200b extends in a first direction in accordance with the above description. Similarly, the bracket ejectors 900b form a second longitudinal row 1202b of brackets 820b located adjacent to the first longitudinal row 1200b. The brackets 820b in the second longitudinal row 1202a extend in a second direction that is different from the first direction of the brackets 820a in the first longitudinal row 1200a. In addition, the bracket ejectors 900b form a third longitudinal row 1204b of brackets 820c that are oriented in a third direction, which may or may not coincide with the direction of the brackets 820a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and third directions are the same. The third longitudinal row 1204b is adjacent to the second longitudinal row 1202b.

Other staple ejector matrices 990a, 990b are shown in FIG. 20 and 21. As can be seen in these figures, in addition to the plurality of staple ejectors matrix 990a, a distal staple ejector 1000a and a staple proximal stapler 1100a are used in addition to the plurality of staple ejectors 900a. Similarly, the bracket ejector matrix 990b includes a distal bracket ejector 1000b and a proximal bracket ejector 1100b. The distal staple ejector 1000b can be a substantially mirror image of the distal staple ejector 1000a, and the proximal staple ejector 1100b can be a mirror image of the proximal staple ejector 1100a. In FIG. 22-24 show an example of the shape of the distal staple ejector 1000a, it being understood that in at least one design the distal staple ejector 1000b essentially contains the same elements as the distal staple ejector 1000a, but in the form of a mirror image. Each distal bracket ejector 1000a, 1000b includes a distal bracket supporting portion 1010 that is configured to support a corresponding distal bracket 820cd itself. As seen in FIG. 22-24, the distal staple support portion 1010 comprises a distal support post 1014 and a proximal support post 1018. The distal staple support portion 1010 further includes a distal support post 1016 and a proximal support post 1020 for support portions of the crown 827c of the corresponding distal staple 820cd. When the crown 827c of the distal bracket 820cd is supported on the support beds 1016 and 1020, the first distal leg 823c of the bracket 820cd is substantially aligned axially with the first distal support post 1016, and the first proximal leg 825c is substantially aligned axially with the first proximal support post 1018. in at least one design, the distal staple pushers 1000a, 1000b include a distal connecting member 1070. The distal connecting member 1070 is slidably engaged with the corresponding distal guide itself pusher ejector (designated 860D in FIG. 21).

In at least one design, the distal connecting element 1070 includes a hook-shaped distal groove 1072 configured to “hook hook” through the hook-shaped portion 864 on the corresponding most distal ejector guide 860D. In addition, the distal connecting element 1070 may include a protrusion 1074, which is adapted to slide into the corresponding groove 868 in the most distal ejector guide 860D. See FIG. 21. Thus, each distal staple ejector 1000a, 1000b is slidably engaged with a corresponding ejector guide 860. In addition, in the staple matrix array 990a, the proximal support post 1018 of the distal staple ejector 1000a can slide into the corresponding second support groove or groove 858 in the second portion 856 of the cassette wall. Similarly, the proximal support post 1018 of the distal ejector 1100b staples can enter with the possibility of sliding inside the corresponding second support groove or groove 878 in the secondary section 876 of the cassette wall. As also seen in FIG. 23 and 24, the first cam member 1022 protrudes from or attached to the distal bracket supporting portion 1010 and has a first cam surface or slope formed thereon. The distal connecting member 1070 further includes a second distal cam portion 1026 having a second distal cam portion or a distal cam surface or slope 1028, as shown in FIG. 23 and 24. In at least one design, cam surfaces 1024 have the same tilt or angle as the tilt / angle of cam surfaces 984. Similarly, cam surfaces 1028 have the same tilt / angle as tilt / angle of cam surfaces 974. By in at least one embodiment, each distal staple ejector 1000a and 1000b is integrally formed or formed, for example, from a filler material Ultem®. However, other materials can be used, for example Ultem® with glass or mineral filler, or nylon, or nylon with glass filler. In other designs, the different sections of the distal pushers 1000a, 1000b of the staples can be made separately of other materials and connected together using adhesive, low-temperature adhesion, etc.

In FIG. 25-27, an example of a proximal staple ejector 1100a is shown. The proximal staple ejector 1100b may essentially be a mirror image of the proximal staple ejector 1100a. Each proximal bracket ejector 1100a, 1100b includes a proximal bracket supporting portion 1110 that is configured to support a corresponding proximal bracket 820ap itself. As seen in FIG. 25-27, the proximal staple support portion 1110 comprises a distal support post 1114 and a proximal support post 1118. The proximal bracket support portion 1110 further includes a distal support post 1116 and a proximal support post 1120 for support portions of the crown 827a of the corresponding proximal bracket 820ap. When the crown 827a of the proximal bracket 820ap is supported on the support beds 1116 and 1120, the distal leg 823a of the bracket 820ap is substantially aligned axially with the distal support post 1116, and the proximal leg 825a is substantially aligned axially with the proximal support post 1118. At least one In design, the proximal ejectors 1100a, 1100b of the brackets include a housing element 1170. The housing element 1170 is slidably engaged with the corresponding proximal ejector guide (indicated by 860P in FIG. 21).

In at least one design, the housing element 1170 includes a hook-shaped distal groove 1172 configured to “hook hook” through a hook-shaped portion 862 on the proximal ejector guide 860P itself. In addition, the housing element 1170 may include a protrusion 1174, which is adapted to slide into the corresponding groove 869 in the most proximal guide of the ejector bracket 860P. Thus, each proximal bracket ejector 1100a, 1100b is slidingly engaged with a corresponding ejector guide 860P. In addition, in the staple matrix array 990a, the distal support post 1114 of the proximal staple ejector 1100a can slide into the corresponding first staple groove 854 in the first portion 852 of the cassette wall. Similarly, the distal support post 1114 of the proximal ejector 1110b staples can enter with the possibility of sliding inside the corresponding primary groove 874 for the legs of the bracket in the primary section 872 of the cassette wall. As also seen in FIG. 26 and 27, the first proximal cam section 1122 protrudes from or is attached to the housing element 1170 and has a first proximal cam surface or slope formed thereon 1124. The housing element 1170 also includes a second distal cam section or slope 1126 having a formed thereon a second distal cam surface 1128. In at least one design, the cam surfaces 1124 have the same slope or angle as the slopes / angles of the cam surfaces or slopes 984, 1024. Similarly, cam surfaces Surfaces 1128 may have the same inclination / angle as the inclination / angle of cam surfaces 974 and 1028. In at least one embodiment, each proximal staple ejector 1100a and 1100b is integrally formed or formed, for example, of Ultem® material without filler . However, other materials can be used, for example Ultem® with glass or mineral filler, or nylon, or nylon with glass filler. In other designs, the different sections of the proximal pushers 1100a and 1100b of the staples can be made separately of other materials and connected together using adhesive, low-temperature adhesion, etc.

As also seen in FIG. 20, in the bracket ejector matrix 990a of the shown construction, the distal cam portion 1126 of the proximal bracket ejector 1100a and each of the first bracket ejector elements 972 of the bracket ejectors 900a, as well as the distal cam portion of the distal bracket ejector 1000a are aligned along the first cam axis FCA. Therefore, in at least one embodiment, each of the first distal cam surfaces 1028, 1128, as well as each of the first cam surfaces 974, is aligned along the first cam axis of the FCA. In addition, the second proximal cam portion 1122 of the proximal staple ejector 1100a and the proximal cam portion 1022 of the distal staple ejector 1000a, as well as each of the second cam ejection elements 982 of the staple ejectors 900a are aligned on the second cam axis SCA. Therefore, the proximal cam surfaces 1024, 1124 and the second cam surfaces 984 of the ejector clips 900a of the brackets are aligned on the second cam axis SCA. In addition, in the illustrated staple ejector matrix 990b, the distal cam portion 1126 of the proximal staple ejector 1100b and the distal cam portion 1026 of the distal staple ejector 1000b, as well as each of the cam elements 972 of the staple ejector 900b are all aligned on the primary cam axis of the PCA. Therefore, in at least one embodiment, the distal cam surfaces 1128, 1028, as well as each of the first cam surfaces 974 in the bracket ejector matrix 990b, are aligned along the primary cam axis of the PCA.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, in the bracket ejector matrix 990b of the shown construction, the first distal cam portion 1126 of the proximal bracket ejector 1100b and each of the first cam ejector elements 972 of the bracket ejector 900b, as well as the first distal cam portion of the bracket distal ejector 1000b 1026 are all aligned on the primary cam axis of the PCA. Therefore, in at least one embodiment, each of the first distal cam surfaces 1028, 1128, as well as each of the first cam surfaces 974 in the bracket ejector matrix 990b, are aligned on the primary cam axis of the PCA. In addition, the second proximal cam portion 1122 of the proximal staple ejector 1100b and the second proximal cam portion 1022 of the distal staple ejector 1000b, as well as each of the second cam elements 982 of the staple ejector 900b are all aligned on the secondary SDCA cam axis. Therefore, each of the proximal cam surfaces 1024, 1124 and the second cam surfaces 984 of the ejector clips 900b are aligned on the second cam axis of the SDCA.

As described above, in the matrix 990a, the slope or cam surface 764 of the slide or cam element 760 is aligned on the second cam axis SCA. Similarly, the slope or cam surface 762 is aligned along the first cam axis of the FCA. The slope or cam surface 766 is aligned with the primary cam axis of the PCA, and the slope or cam surface 768 is aligned with the secondary cam axis of the SDCA. Thus, the inclined surface 764 is aligned with a portion of each of the crowns 827c of the brackets 820c. The inclined surface 762 is aligned with a part of each of the crowns 827c of the brackets 820a, as well as the crowns 827c of the brackets 820cd. Similarly, in the staple matrix 990b of the staple ejectors 1000b, 900b, 1100b, the inclined surface 766 is aligned with a part of the crowns 827a of each of the staples 820a, as well as with a part of the crown 827a of the proximal bracket 820ap itself. The inclined surface 768 is aligned with a portion of the crown 827c of each of the brackets 820c, as well as with a portion of the crown 827c of the most distal bracket 820cd. In other words, none of the slopes 764, 762, 766, 768 is not aligned with any of the legs of the brackets 820a, 820b, 820c, 820cd and 820ap. Therefore, this design allows the third proximal support struts 958 of each bracket ejector 900a to slide into the corresponding second support grooves or grooves 858 in the second portion of the cassette wall 856 in the cassette body 802. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the proximal support post 1018 of the distal bracket ejector 1000a is slidably inserted into the corresponding support groove or groove 858 in the cassette wall portion 856. In addition, the first distal support post 914 of each bracket ejector 900a slides inwardly into the respective first support grooves or grooves 854 in the first portion 852 of the cassette wall 800. In addition, the distal support post 1114 of the proximal bracket ejector 1100a slides into the support groove or groove 854. In the bracket ejector matrix 990a, each of the support legs 1014, 918, 934, 938, 954, 1118 is also slidably supported in respective guide rails 860D, 860, 860P formed in cassette housing 802, and may have the same or similar height as wall sections 852, 856.

When the surgical instrument “starts up” or, in other words, when the trigger actuator system 80 activates and moves the trigger bar 280 distally, the tissue-cutting member 750 comes into contact with the slide or cam element 760 and moves the cam element 760 distally through the cassette 800 for staples. As seen in FIG. 20, the cam elements 982 of the bracket ejector 900a are positioned “inward” from the struts 958 (and the bracket legs 825c supported thereon). Similarly, the cam element 1022 of the distal staple ejector 1000a is positioned inward from the proximal support post 1018 (and from the leg 825c of the distal bracket 820cd supported thereon). In addition, all cam elements 972 are positioned inward from the proximal support legs 914 (and from the legs 823a of the brackets 820a supported thereon). In addition, the cam element 1126 of the proximal staple ejector 1100a is positioned inward from the support post 1114 (and from the leg 823a of the proximal bracket 820ap supported thereon). The ejectors 1000b, 900b, 1100b in the ejector matrix 990b have a similar configuration. Such designs allow the support struts over the entire range of their upward movement to be supported with the possibility of sliding either in the corresponding grooves of the sections of the walls of the cartridge, or in the grooves of the respective guides for the ejectors formed inside the cartridge case.

As shown in FIG. 20, when all the bracket ejectors 900a, 1000a and 1100a are functionally supported in the bracket cassette, in the bracket ejector matrix 990a, the bracket ejectors 900a, 1000a, 1100a form a first longitudinal row 1210a of brackets 820a, which is adjacent to an elongated groove 804 in the cartridge case 802 . Each of the brackets 820a in the first longitudinal row 1210a extends in a first direction in accordance with the above description. Similarly, the bracket ejectors 900a form a second longitudinal row 1212a of brackets 820b located adjacent to the first longitudinal row 1210a. The brackets 820b in the second longitudinal row 1212a extend in a second direction that is different from the first direction of the brackets 820a in the first longitudinal row 1210a. In addition, the bracket ejectors 900a form a third longitudinal row 1214a of brackets 820c that are oriented in a third direction, which may or may not coincide with the direction of the brackets 820a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and third directions are the same. The third longitudinal row 1214a is adjacent to the second longitudinal row 1212a.

As shown in FIG. 20, when all of the staple ejectors 900b are functionally supported in the staple cartridge, in the staple ejector matrix 990b, the staple ejectors 900b form a first longitudinal row 1210b of staples 820a that is adjacent to an elongated groove 804 in the cassette body 802. Each of the brackets 820a in the first longitudinal row 1201b extends in a first direction in accordance with the above description. Similarly, the bracket ejectors 900b form a second longitudinal row 1212b of brackets 820b located adjacent to the first longitudinal row 1210b. The brackets 820b in the second longitudinal row 1210b extend in a second direction that is different from the first direction of the brackets 820a in the first longitudinal row 1210b. In addition, the bracket ejectors 900b form a third longitudinal row 1214b of brackets 820c that are oriented in a third direction, which may or may not coincide with the direction of the brackets 820a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and third directions are the same. In other words, the crown of the brackets 820a may be located on one axis, and the brackets 820c may be located on a different axis parallel to the axis along which the crowns of the brackets 820a are located, as will be described in more detail below. The third longitudinal row 1214b is adjacent to the second longitudinal row 1212b.

Thus, when using the staple ejector matrices 990a, 990b, there are two staples extending side by side in the same direction or along parallel axes extending along both ends of each of the staple lines. In particular, the distal ejector 1000a supports the most distal bracket 820cd in the longitudinal row of brackets 1214a, which extends in the same direction and substantially adjacent to the most distal bracket 820a in the longitudinal row 1210a. Similarly, the proximal ejector 1100a supports the most proximal bracket 820ap in the longitudinal row 1210a of brackets, which extends in the same direction and is essentially adjacent to the most proximal bracket 820a in the longitudinal row 1214a. Similarly, the distal ejector 1000b supports the most distal bracket 820cd in the longitudinal row of brackets 1214b, which extends in the same direction and substantially adjacent to the most distal bracket 820a in the longitudinal row 1210b. Similarly, the proximal ejector 1100b supports the most proximal bracket 820ap in the longitudinal row 1210b of brackets, which extends in the same direction and is essentially adjacent to the most proximal bracket 820a in the longitudinal row 1214b. Such a staple pattern can provide an over-tight design at both ends of each staple line. In this context, the “staple line” means collectively the longitudinal rows of staples on one side of the elongated groove 804 in the bracket cassette body 802. For example, a staple line essentially designated as element 1220a denotes collectively longitudinal rows 1200a, 1202a, 1204a. A line of staples 1220b denotes collectively longitudinal rows 1200b, 1202b, 1204b.

Other staple ejector matrices 1300a, 1300b are shown in FIG. 28 and 29. As can be seen in these figures, in the staple ejector matrix 1300a, a distal staple ejector 1000a and a plurality of staple ejectors 900a are used in accordance with the above description. This matrix also uses a proximal staple ejector 1310a, functionally supporting just four staples. In FIG. 30-32 show one example of the shape of the proximal staple ejector 1310a, it being understood that in at least one design, the proximal staple ejector 1310b essentially contains the same elements as the proximal staple ejector 1310a and may be a mirror image thereof. Each proximal bracket ejector 1310a, 1310b includes an ejector body 1311. In at least one form, the ejector housing 1311 includes a first or innermost bracket supporting portion 1320 that is configured to support the bracket 820a, a second or central bracket supporting portion 1350 that is configured to support the bracket 820b, a third supporting portion 1370, configured to support the bracket 820b, and the fourth or most proximal bracket supporting portion 1390, which is configured to support the proximal bracket 820cp itself.

As seen in FIG. 30 and 31, the first bracket supporting portion 1320 comprises a first distal support post 1324 and a first proximal support post 1328. The first bracket supporting portion 1320 further includes a first distal support bed 1326 and a first proximal support bed 1330 for supporting portions of the first bracket crown 827a. As seen in FIG. 31, when the first crown 827a of the first bracket 820a is supported on support beds 1326 and 1330, the first distal leg 823a is substantially aligned axially with the first distal support leg 1324, and the first proximal leg 825a is substantially aligned axially with the first proximal support leg 1328. In addition, crown 827a is supported or oriented along the first axis of the FBA base.

As shown in FIG. 30 and 31, the proximal bracket ejector 1310a further comprises a second bracket supporting portion 1350 comprising a second distal support post 1354 and a second proximal support post 1358. The second bracket supporting portion 1350 further includes a second distal support bed 1356 and a second proximal support bed 1360 for maintaining sections of the second crown 827b staples. As seen in FIG. 31, when the second crown 827b of the second bracket 820b is supported on the beds 1356 and 1360, the second distal leg 823b is substantially axially aligned with the second distal support leg 1354, and the second proximal leg 825b is substantially aligned axially with the second proximal support leg 1358. In addition in addition, the bracket crown 827b is supported or oriented along the second axis SBA of the base, which is at least in one structure transverse to the first axis FBA of the base.

As also seen in FIG. 30 and 31, the proximal staple ejector 1310a comprises a third staple support portion 1370, which includes a third distal support post 1374 and a third proximal support post 1378. The third staple support portion 1370 further includes a third distal support post 1376 and a third proximal support bed 1380, configured to maintain portions of the third crown 827c of the third bracket 820c. As seen in FIG. 31, when the third crown 827c of the third bracket 820c is supported on the beds 1376 and 1380, the third distal leg 823c is substantially axially aligned with the third distal support leg 1374, and the third proximal leg 825c is substantially aligned axially with the third proximal support leg 1378. In addition moreover, the bracket crown 827c is supported or oriented along the third axis TBA of the base, which is at least in one design parallel to the first axis FBA of the base and is transverse to the second axis SBA of the base.

As shown in FIG. 30 and 31, the proximal staple ejector 1310a comprises a fourth staple support portion 1390 including a fourth distal support post 1394 and a fourth proximal support post 1398. A fourth staple support portion 1390 further includes a fourth distal support post 1396 and a third proximal support post 1400 made with the possibility of maintaining sections of the fourth crown 827cp most proximal or fourth staples 820cp. As seen in FIG. 31, when the fourth crown 827cp of the fourth bracket 820cp is supported on the beds 1396 and 1400, the fourth distal leg 823cp is essentially aligned axially with the fourth distal support leg 1394, and the fourth proximal leg 825cp is essentially aligned axially with the fourth proximal support leg 1398. In addition to Moreover, the bracket bracket 827cp is supported or oriented along the proximal axis PBA of the base, which is at least one parallel to the first axis of the base and the third axis TBA of the base and is transverse to the second axis S BA grounds.

In at least one design, the first bracket-supporting portion 1320, the second bracket-supporting portion 1350, the third bracket-supporting portion 1370, and the fourth bracket-supporting portion 1390 are all connected together by the connecting portion 1410. In at least one design, the connecting portion 1410 is centrally located an opening 1412 configured to slide into the proximal ejector guide 860P itself. See FIG. 29. The connecting portion 1410 is formed with a first hook-shaped groove 1414 configured to hook into a hook-shaped portion 862P, and with a second hook-shaped groove 1416 configured to hook into a hook-shaped portion 864P on the proximal ejector guide 860P formed on the cassette body. In addition, a third groove 1418 is formed in the connecting portion 1410 for sliding engagement with the corresponding shaped portion 866P of the ejector guide 860P. A fourth groove 1420 is formed in the connecting portion 1410 for sliding engagement with the hook-shaped portion 862 of the adjacent ejector guide 860. See FIG. 29. In addition, in the embodiment shown, the connecting portion 1410 includes a fifth groove 1422 for slidingly engaging into it a correspondingly shaped portion 868P of the most proximal ejector guide 860P. In addition, in the matrix 1300a of the ejectors 900a, 1000a, 1310a of the brackets, the support legs 1324, 1394 of the proximal ejector 1310a of the brackets can slide into the corresponding first support groove or groove 854 in the first section 852 of the cassette wall in accordance with the above description. In addition, the support post 1378 may be supported to slide within the corresponding support groove or groove 858 in the second section 856 of the cassette wall. Similarly, the support legs 1324, 1394 of the proximal ejector 1310b staples can enter with the possibility of sliding inside the corresponding primary support groove or groove 874 in the primary section 872 of the cassette wall in accordance with the above description. In addition, the support post 1378 of the proximal ejector 1310b staples can be supported with the possibility of sliding inside the corresponding support groove or groove 878 in the secondary section 876 of the cassette wall.

As also seen in FIG. 31 and 32, the connecting portion 1410 includes a first cam portion 1430 on which the first cam surface or slope 1432 is formed. The connecting portion 1410 further includes a second cam portion 1434 on which the second cam surface 1436 is formed. In at least one cam surfaces 1432, 1436 have one slope or angle, which may be the same or different from the tilt (s) and / or angle (s) of the cam surfaces or slopes 974, 984. In at least one embodiment, I each proximal pusher 1310a and 1310b brackets integrally formed or molded, for example, of a material without filler Ultem®. However, other materials can be used, for example Ultem® with glass or mineral filler, or nylon, or nylon with glass filler. In other designs, the different sections of the proximal pushers 1310a and 1310b of the staples can be made separately of other materials and joined together using adhesive, low-temperature adhesion, and the like.

As also seen in FIG. 28, in the bracket ejector matrix 1300a of the shown construction, the first cam portion 1430 of the proximal bracket ejector 1310a and the distal cam portion 1026 of the distal bracket ejector 1000a, as well as each of the first cam elements 972 of the bracket ejector 900a, are all aligned along the first cam axis FCA. Therefore, the proximal cam surface 1028, the second cam surfaces 974 of the bracket ejectors 900a, and the cam surface 1432 are all aligned along the first cam axis FCA. The second cam portion 1434 of the proximal staple ejector 1310a, each of the second cam staple ejector elements 982 982 of the staple ejector, as well as the cam element 1022 of the staple ejector staple 1000a are all aligned along the second cam axis SCA. Therefore, in at least one embodiment, the cam surface 1436, as well as each of the cam surfaces 984 and cam surface 1024, are all aligned along the second cam axis of the SCA. In addition, in the illustrated bracket ejector matrix 1300b, the cam portion 1430 of the proximal bracket ejector 1310b, each of the cam elements 972 of the bracket ejectors 900b, and the cam element of the distal bracket ejector 1000b are all aligned on the primary cam axis of the PCA. Therefore, the second cam surface 1432 of the proximal bracket ejector 1310b, the second cam surfaces 974 of the bracket ejector 900b and the cam surface 1028 of the distal bracket ejector 1000b are all aligned on the second primary cam axis of the PCA. As shown in FIG. 28, in the bracket ejector matrix 1300b of the illustrated construction, the second cam portion 1434 of the proximal bracket ejector 1310b, each of the cam elements 982 of the bracket ejector 900b, and the first proximal cam portion of the distal bracket ejector 1000b are all aligned on the secondary SDCA cam axis. Therefore, in at least one embodiment, each of the cam surfaces 1436, as well as each of the cam surfaces 984 and cam surface 1024, are aligned along the secondary cam axis of the SDCA.

As shown in FIG. 28, when all the ejectors 900a, 1000a, and 1310a are functionally supported in the bracket cassette, in the bracket ejector matrix 1300a, the bracket ejectors 900a, 1000a, 1310a form the first longitudinal row 1450a of the brackets 820a, which is adjacent to the elongated groove 804 in the cartridge case 802. Each of the brackets 820a in the first longitudinal row 1450a extends in a first direction in accordance with the above description. Similarly, the bracket ejectors 900a and the proximal bracket ejector 1310a form a second longitudinal row 1460a of brackets 820b adjacent to the first longitudinal row 1450a. The brackets 820b in the second longitudinal row 1460a extend in a second direction that is different from the first direction of the brackets 820a in the first longitudinal row 1450a. In addition, the bracket ejectors 1000a, 900a, and 1310a form a third longitudinal row 1470a of brackets 820c that are oriented in a third direction, which may or may not coincide with the direction of the brackets 820a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and third directions are the same. The third longitudinal row 1470a is adjacent to the second longitudinal row 1460a.

As shown in FIG. 28, when all the bracket ejectors 1000b, 900b and 1310b are functionally supported in the bracket cassette, in the bracket ejector matrix 1300b, the bracket ejectors 1000b, 900b and 1310b form the primary longitudinal row 1450b of the brackets 820a, which is adjacent to the elongated groove 804 in the cartridge case 802 . Each of the brackets 820a in the primary longitudinal row 1450b extends in a first direction in accordance with the above description. Similarly, the bracket ejectors 900b and 1310b form a secondary longitudinal row 1460b of brackets 820b located adjacent to the primary longitudinal row 1450b. The brackets 820b in the secondary longitudinal row 1460b extend in a second direction that is different from the first direction of the brackets 820a in the primary longitudinal row 1450b. In addition, the bracket ejectors 1000b, 900b and 1310b form a tertiary longitudinal row 1470b of brackets 820c that are oriented in a third direction, which may or may not coincide with the direction of the brackets 820a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and third directions are the same. The tertiary longitudinal row 1470b is adjacent to the secondary longitudinal row 1460b.

Thus, when using staple ejector matrices 1300a, 1300b, there are two staples extending side by side in the same direction or along parallel axes extending along both ends of each of the staple lines. In particular, the distal ejector 1000a supports the most distal bracket 820cd in the longitudinal row of brackets 1470a, which extends in the same direction and substantially adjacent to the most distal bracket in the longitudinal row 1450a. Similarly, the proximal ejector 1310a supports the two most proximal staples 820c and 820cp respectively in the longitudinal rows of staples 1450a and 1470a, which extend in the same direction as the most proximal staple in the longitudinal row 1470a. Similarly, the distal ejector 1000b supports the most distal bracket 820cd in the longitudinal row of brackets 1470b, which extends in the same direction and substantially adjacent to the most distal bracket in the longitudinal row 1450b. Similarly, the proximal ejector 1310b supports the most proximal bracket in the longitudinal row 1450b of brackets, which extends in the same direction and is essentially adjacent to the most proximal bracket in the longitudinal row 1470b. Such a staple pattern can provide an over-tight design at both ends of each staple line. In this context, the “staple line” means collectively the longitudinal rows of staples on one side of the elongated groove 804 in the bracket cassette body 802. For example, a staple line essentially designated as element 1480a denotes collectively longitudinal rows of staples 1450a, 1460a, 1470a. The staple line 1480b denotes collectively the longitudinal rows of staples 1450b, 1460b, 1470b.

As described above, in the matrix 1300a, the slope or cam element 764 of the slide or cam actuator 760 is aligned on the second cam axis SCA. Similarly, the slope or cam element 762 is aligned along the first cam axis of the FCA. The slope or cam element 766 is aligned on the primary cam axis of the PCA, and the slope or cam element 768 is aligned on the secondary cam axis of the SDCA. Thus, the slope or cam element 764 is aligned with a portion of each of the crowns 827c of the brackets 820c and 820cd. The slope or cam element 762 is aligned with a portion of each of the crowns 827a of the brackets 820a, as well as the crown 827c of the proximal bracket 820cp itself. Similarly, in the ejector matrix 1300b of the ejectors 1000b, 900b, 1310b, the slope or cam element 766 are aligned with a portion of the crowns 827a of each of the brackets 820a, as well as with a portion of the crown 827c of the proximal bracket 820cp itself. The slope or cam member 768 is aligned with a portion of the crown 827c of each of the brackets 820c, as well as with a portion of the crown 827c of the most distal bracket 820cd. In other words, none of the slopes or cam elements 764, 762, 766, 768 are aligned with any of the legs of the staples 820a, 820b, 820c, 820cd and 820cp. Therefore, this design allows the third proximal support post 958 of each of the bracket ejectors 900a, the proximal support post 1018 of the distal bracket ejector 1000a, and the support post 1378 of the proximal bracket ejector 1310 to slide inwardly into the corresponding second support grooves or grooves 858 in the second portion 856 the walls of the housing 802 cassettes. Similarly, the first distal support struts 914 of each bracket ejector 900a, as well as the support struts 1324, 1394 of the proximal bracket equalizer 1310a, all slide into the corresponding first support grooves or grooves 854 in the first portion 852 of the cassette wall 800. Each of the bracket ejector matrix 1300a has each support racks 1014, 918, 934, 938, 954, 1328, 1354, 1358, 1374, 1398 are also supported to slide in respective guides 860D, 860, 860P of the ejectors formed in the housing 802 of the cartridge, and it may have the same or similar chnuyu height as the sections 852, 856 wall.

Other staple ejector matrices 1500a, 1500b are shown in FIG. 33 and 34. As can be seen in these figures, a plurality of bracket ejectors 1510a that functionally support three brackets are used in the bracket ejector matrix 1500a. The bracket ejector matrix 1500a also includes a distal bracket ejector 1610a that supports two brackets functionally. Similarly, the bracket ejector matrix 1500b includes a plurality of bracket ejectors 1510b and a distal bracket ejector 1610b. The bracket ejectors 1510b may be mirror images of the bracket ejectors 1510a and include the same elements. The distal staple ejectors 1610b may be mirror images of the staple ejectors 1610a and include the same elements.

In FIG. 35 to 37 show one example of the shape of the staple ejector 1510a, it being understood that in at least one design, the staple ejector 1510b essentially contains the same elements as the staple ejector 1510a, and may be a mirror image thereof. Each bracket ejector 1510a, 1510b includes a bracket ejector body 1511. In the shown construction, the ejector body 1511 includes a first or innermost bracket supporting portion 1520 that is configured to support the bracket 820a, a second or central bracket supporting portion 1550 that is configured to support the bracket 820b, and a third bracket supporting portion 1570, which configured to support staples 820c. As seen in FIG. 35, the first bracket supporting portion 1520 comprises a first distal support post 1524 and a first proximal support post 1528. The first bracket supporting portion 1520 further includes a first distal support bed 1526 and a first proximal support bed 1530 for supporting portions of the crown 827a of the bracket 820a. As seen in FIG. 31, when the crown 827a of the bracket 820a is supported on the support beds 1526 and 1530, the distal leg 823a is substantially axially aligned with the first distal support post 1524, and the first proximal leg 825a is substantially axially aligned with the first proximal support post 1528. When the bracket 820a supported in the first bracket supporting portion 1520, the bracket crown 827a is aligned along the first axis of the base FBA.

As shown in FIG. 35 and 36, the proximal staple ejector 1510a further comprises a second bracket supporting portion 1550 comprising a second distal support post 1554 and a second proximal support post 1558. The second bracket support portion 1550 further includes a second distal support post 1556 and a second proximal support post 1560 for maintaining sections of the crown 827b of the bracket 820b. As seen in FIG. 36, when the crown 827b of the bracket 820b is supported on the beds 1556 and 1560, the distal leg 823b is substantially axially aligned with the second distal support post 1554, and the proximal leg 825b is substantially aligned axially with the second proximal support post 1558. When the bracket 820b is supported on the second bracket supporting section 1550, the bracket crown 827b is aligned along the second axis SBA of the base. In the design shown, the second axis of the base SBA is transversely relative to the first axis of the base FBA.

As also seen in FIG. 35 and 36, the proximal staple ejector 1510a comprises a third staple support portion 1570, which includes a third distal support post 1574 and a third proximal support post 1578. A third staple support portion 1570 further includes a third distal support post 1576 and a third proximal support bed 1580, configured to support portions of the crown 827c of the third bracket 820c. As seen in FIG. 31, when the crown 827c of the bracket 820c is supported on the beds 1576 and 1580, the distal leg 823c is substantially axially aligned with the distal support post 1574, and the proximal leg 825c is substantially axially aligned with the third proximal support post 1578. When the bracket 820c is supported on the third supporting the bracket portion 1570, the bracket bracket 827c is aligned along the third axis of the base TBA. In the design shown, the third axis TBA of the base is parallel to the first axis FBA of the base and is transverse to the second axis SBA of the base.

As shown in FIG. 35-37, in at least one structure, the first bracket-supporting portion 1520, the second bracket-supporting portion 1550 and the third bracket-supporting portion 1570 are all connected together by the connecting portion 1590. In at least one design, the connecting portion 1590 is provided with a centrally located hole 1592 made with the possibility of entering into it with the possibility of sliding corresponding to the first guide 1700 of the ejector. See FIG. 34. The connecting portion 1590 is formed with a first hook-shaped groove 1594 configured to hook engage with a hook-shaped portion 1702 on the first ejector guide 1700. Hook-shaped section 1702 is made with the possibility of supporting with the possibility of sliding of the support strut 1574. In addition, as is additionally seen in FIG. 34, each first ejector guide 1700 includes a groove 1704 that is slidably inserted into the second proximal support post 1558 of a respective bracket ejector 1510a. Each bracket ejector 1510a is also slidably engaged with the second ejector guide 1720, as shown in FIG. 34. Each second ejector guide 1720 includes a first groove 1722 that is slidably inserted into the first proximal support post 1528 of the respective bracket ejector 1510a. In addition, each second ejector guide 1720 further has a second groove 1724 that is slidably inserted into the second distal support post 1554 of the respective bracket ejector 1510a.

As also seen in FIG. 35 and 36, the connecting portion 1590 includes a first cam portion 1596 on which a first cam surface or slope 1598 is formed. The connecting portion 1590 further includes a second cam portion 1600 on which a second cam surface 1602 is formed. In at least one designs cam surfaces 1598, 1602 have the same slope or angle, or they can have different slopes / angles. In at least one embodiment, each staple ejector 1510a and 1510b is integrally formed or formed, for example, of Ultem® material without filler. However, other materials can be used, for example Ultem® with glass or mineral filler, or nylon, or nylon with glass filler. In other designs, the different sections of the proximal pushers 1510a and 1510b of the staples can be made separately of other materials and connected together using adhesive, low temperature adhesion, and the like.

The bracket ejector matrix 1500a in the shown embodiment also comprises a distal bracket ejector 1610a configured to functionally support the two brackets. In FIG. 38-40 show one example of the shape of the distal staple ejector 1610a, it being understood that in at least one construction, the staple ejector 1610b essentially contains the same elements as the staple ejector 1610a, and may be a mirror image thereof. Each bracket ejector 1610a, 1610b includes an ejector body 1611. In the design shown, each ejector body 1611 includes a first bracket-supporting portion 1620 that is configured to support the bracket 820a, and a second bracket-supporting portion 1650 that is configured to support the bracket 820c. As seen in FIG. 30, the first bracket supporting portion 1620 comprises a first distal support post 1624 and a first proximal support post 1628. The first bracket supporting portion 1620 further includes a first distal support bed 1626 and a first proximal support bed 1630 for supporting portions of the first bracket crown 827a. As seen in FIG. 39, when the crown 827a of the bracket 820a is supported on the support beds 1626 and 1630, the distal leg 823a is substantially axially aligned with the first distal support post 1624, and the proximal leg 825a is substantially axially aligned with the first proximal support post 1628. When the bracket 820a is supported in the first bracket supporting portion 1620, the bracket crown 827a is aligned along the first axis of the base FBA.

As shown in FIG. 38 and 39, the distal bracket ejector 1610a further comprises a second bracket-supporting portion 1650 comprising a second distal support post 1654 and a second proximal support post 1658. The second bracket-supporting portion 1650 further includes a second distal support post 1656 and a second proximal support post 1660 for maintaining sections of the crown 827c staples 820c. As seen in FIG. 39, when the crown 827c of the bracket 820c is supported on the beds 1656 and 1660, the distal leg 823c is substantially axially aligned with the second distal support post 1654, and the proximal leg 825c is substantially aligned axially with the second proximal support post 1658. When the bracket 820c is supported the second bracket supporting section 1650, the bracket crown 827c is aligned along the second axis SBA of the base. In the design shown, the second axis of the base SBA is parallel to the first axis of the base FBA.

In at least one design, the first bracket-supporting portion 1620 and the second bracket-supporting portion 1650 of the distal ejector 1610a are connected together by a connecting portion 1690. In at least one design, the housing portion 1690 of the ejector is provided with a centrally located opening 1692 configured to fit into him with the possibility of sliding the corresponding distal guide rail 1730d of the ejector. See FIG. 34. The ejector distal guide 1730d includes a groove 1732 that is slidably inserted into the first distal support post 1624 of the distal bracket ejector 1610a. The distal bracket ejector 1610a is also slidably engaged with the most distal second ejector guide 1720d, as shown in FIG. 34. The most distal second bracket ejector guide 1720d includes a first groove 1722d that is slidably inserted into the first proximal support post 1628 of the distal bracket ejector 1610a. In addition, the most distal second bracket ejector guide 1720d further has a second groove 1724d that is slidably inserted into the second distal support post 1554 of the respective bracket ejector 1510a.

As also seen in FIG. 39 and 40, the connecting portion 1690 includes a first cam portion 1694 on which a first cam surface or slope 1696 is formed. The connecting portion 1690 also includes a second cam portion 1698 on which a second cam surface 1700 is formed. In at least one designs cam surfaces 1696, 1700 have the same slope or angle, or they can have different slopes / angles. In at least one embodiment, each distal staple ejector 1610a, 1610b is integrally formed or formed, for example, of Ultem® material without filler. However, other materials can be used, for example Ultem® with glass or mineral filler, or nylon, or nylon with glass filler. In other designs, the different sections of the distal pushers 1610a, 1610b may be individually made of other materials and bonded together by adhesive, low temperature adhesion, and the like.

As also seen in FIG. 33, in the bracket ejector matrix 1500a of the shown construction, the first cam portion 1596 of each of the bracket ejectors 1510a and the cam portion 1694 of the distal bracket ejector 1610a are all aligned along the first cam axis FCA. Thus, the cam surface 1598 of each of the ejectors 1510a and the cam surface 1696 of the distal ejector 1610a are aligned on the first cam axis FCA. The second cam portion 1600 of each of the ejectors 1510a and the cam portion 1698 of the distal bracket ejector 1610a are all aligned along the second cam axis SCA. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the cam surface 1602 of each of the ejectors 1510a and the cam surface 1700 of the distal ejector 1610a are aligned along the second cam axis of the SCA. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the bracket ejector matrix 1500b, the cam portion 1596 of each of the ejectors 1510b, and the cam portion 1694 of the distal ejector 1610b are all aligned on the primary cam axis of the PCA. Thus, the cam surface 1598 of each of the ejectors 1510b and the cam surface 1696 of the distal ejector 1610b are aligned on the primary cam axis of the PCA. As shown in FIG. 33, in the bracket ejector matrix 1500b of the illustrated construction, the cam portion 1600 of each of the ejectors 1510b and the cam portion 1698 of the distal ejector 1610b are all aligned on the secondary SDCA cam axis. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the cam surface 1602 of each of the ejectors 1510b and the cam surface 1700 of the distal ejector 1610b are aligned on the secondary cam axis of the SDCA.

As shown in FIG. 33, when all the ejectors 1510a and 1610a are functionally supported in the bracket cassette, in the bracket ejector matrix 1500a, the bracket ejectors 1510a, 1610a form a first longitudinal row 1750a of brackets 820a that is adjacent to an elongated groove 804 in the cassette body 802. Each of the brackets 820a in the first longitudinal row 1750a extends in a first direction in accordance with the above description. Similarly, the pushers 1510a form a second longitudinal row 1760a of brackets 820b located adjacent to the first longitudinal row 1750a. The brackets 820b in the second longitudinal row 1760a extend in a second direction that is different from the first direction of the brackets 820a in the first longitudinal row 1750a. In addition, the ejectors 1510a and 1610a form a third longitudinal row 1770a of brackets 820c that are oriented in a third direction, which may or may not coincide with the direction of the brackets 820a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and third directions are the same. The third longitudinal row 1770a is adjacent to the second longitudinal row 1760a.

As shown in FIG. 33, when all the staple ejectors 1510b and 1610b are functionally supported in the staple cartridge, in the staple ejector matrix 1500b, the staple ejectors 1510b and 1610b form the primary longitudinal row 1750b of staples 820a, which is adjacent to the elongated groove 804 in the cassette body 802. Each of the brackets 820a in the primary longitudinal row 1750b extends in a first direction in accordance with the above description. Similarly, the bracket ejectors 1510b form a secondary longitudinal row 1760b of brackets 820b located adjacent to the primary longitudinal row 1750b. The brackets 820b in the secondary longitudinal row 1760b extend in a second direction that is different from the first direction of the brackets 820a in the primary longitudinal row 1750b. In addition, the bracket ejectors 1510b and 1610b form a tertiary longitudinal row 1770b of brackets 820c that are oriented in a third direction, which may or may not coincide with the direction of the brackets 820a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and third directions are the same. The tertiary longitudinal row 1770b is adjacent to the secondary longitudinal row 1760b.

Thus, when using the brace ejector matrices 1500a, 1500b, there are two brackets extending side by side in the same direction or along parallel axes extending along both ends of each of the brace lines. In particular, the distal ejector 1610a supports the two most distal staples in the longitudinal rows 1750a, 1770a, which extend in the same direction. Similarly, the most proximal ejector 1510a supports the two most proximal staples in the longitudinal rows of staples 1550a, 1570a that extend in the same direction. Similarly, the distal ejector 1610b supports the two most distal staples in the longitudinal rows of staples 1750b, 1770b that extend in the same direction. Such a staple pattern can provide an over-tight design at both ends of each staple line. In this context, the “staple line” means collectively the longitudinal rows of staples on one side of the elongated groove 804 in the bracket cassette body 802. For example, a staple line essentially designated as element 1780a denotes collectively longitudinal rows of staples 1750a, 1760a, 1770a. The staple line 1780b denotes collectively the longitudinal rows of staples 1750b, 1760b, 1770b.

As described above, in the matrix 1500a, the slope or cam surface 764 of the slide or cam actuator 760 is aligned on the second cam axis SCA. Similarly, the slope or cam element 762 is aligned along the first cam axis of the FCA. The slope or cam element 766 is aligned on the primary cam axis of the PCA, and the slope or cam element 768 is aligned on the secondary cam axis of the SDCA. Thus, the slope or cam element 764 is aligned with a portion of each of the crowns 827c of the brackets 820c. The slope or cam element 762 is aligned with a portion of each of the crowns 827a of the brackets 820a. Likewise, in the bracket matrix 1500b, pushers 1510b, 1610b, the slope or cam element 766 are aligned with a portion of the crowns 827a of each of the brackets 820a. The slope or cam element 768 is aligned with a portion of the crown 827c of each of the brackets 820c. In other words, not one of the slopes or cam elements 764, 762, 766, 768 is aligned with any of the legs of the brackets 820a, 820c. Therefore, this design allows the third proximal support post 1578 of each of the staple ejector 1510a, as well as the proximal support post 1658 of the distal staple ejector 1610a, to slide into the corresponding second support grooves or grooves 858 in the second wall section 856 of the cassette body 802. Similarly, the first distal support struts 1524 of each bracket ejector 1510a, as well as the support strut 1624 of the distal bracket aligner 1610a all slide inwardly into the corresponding first support grooves or grooves 854 in the first portion 852 of the cassette wall 800. In the bracket ejector matrix 1500a, each of the support struts 1654, 1628, 1554, 1558, 1574, 1528 are also slidably supported in respective guides 1700, 1720, 1730d of the ejectors formed in the cartridge case 802, and may have the same or similar height as chastki 852, 856 of the cassette.

Other staple ejector matrices 1800a, 1800b are shown in FIG. 41 and 42. As can be seen in these figures, a plurality of bracket ejectors 1810a that functionally support three brackets are used in the bracket ejector matrix 1800a. The staple ejector matrix 1800a also includes a proximal staple ejector 1910a functionally supporting two staples. Similarly, the bracket ejector matrix 1800b includes a plurality of bracket ejectors 1810b and a proximal bracket ejector 1910b. The bracket ejectors 1810b may be mirror images of the bracket ejectors 1810a and include the same elements. The proximal staple ejector 1910b may be mirror images of the staple ejector 1910a and include the same elements.

In FIG. 43-45 show one example of the shape of the staple ejector 1810a, it being understood that in at least one construction, the staple ejector 1810b essentially contains the same elements as the staple ejector 1810a, and may be a mirror image thereof. Each bracket ejector 1810a, 1810b includes a bracket ejector body 1811. In the design shown, the ejector body 1811 includes a first or innermost bracket supporting portion 1820 that is configured to support the bracket 820a, a second or central bracket supporting portion 1850 that is configured to support the bracket 820b, and a third bracket supporting portion 1870, which configured to support staples 820c. As seen in FIG. 43, the first bracket supporting portion 1820 comprises a first distal support post 1824 and a first proximal support post 1828. The first bracket supporting portion 1820 further includes a first distal support bed 1826 and a first proximal support bed 1830 to support portions of the crown 827a of the bracket 820a. As seen in FIG. 44, when the crown 827a of the bracket 820a is supported on the support beds 1826 and 1830, the distal leg 823a is substantially aligned axially with the first distal support post 1824, and the first proximal leg 825a is substantially aligned axially with the first proximal support post 1828. When the bracket 820a supported in the first bracket supporting portion 1820, the bracket crown 827a is aligned along the first axis of the base FBA.

As shown in FIG. 43 and 44, the bracket ejector 1810a further comprises a second bracket supporting portion 1850 comprising a second distal support post 1854 and a second proximal support post 1858. The second bracket supporting portion 1850 further includes a second distal support post 1856 and a second proximal support post 1860 to support sections of the crown 827b staples 820b. As seen in FIG. 44, when the crown 827b of the bracket 820b is supported on the beds 1856 and 1860, the distal leg 823b is substantially axially aligned with the second distal support post 1854, and the proximal leg 825b is substantially aligned axially with the second proximal support post 1858. When the bracket 820b is supported on the second bracket supporting section 1850, the bracket crown 827b is aligned along the second axis SBA of the base. In the design shown, the second axis of the base SBA is transversely relative to the first axis of the base FBA. See FIG. 43.

As also seen in FIG. 43 and 44, the bracket ejector 1810a comprises a third bracket-supporting portion 1870, which includes a third distal support post 1874 and a third proximal support post 1878. A third bracket-supporting portion 1870 further includes a third distal support post 1876 and a third proximal support 1880 made with the possibility of maintaining sections of the crown 827c of the third bracket 820c. As seen in FIG. 44, when the crown 827c of the bracket 820c is supported on the beds 1876 and 1880, the distal leg 823c is substantially axially aligned with the distal support post 1874, and the proximal leg 825c is substantially aligned axially with the third proximal support post 1878. When the bracket 820c is supported on the third supporting the bracket section 1870, the bracket crown 827c is aligned on the third axis of the base TBA. In the design shown, the third axis TBA of the base is parallel to the first axis FBA of the base and is transverse to the second axis SBA of the base. See FIG. 43.

As shown in FIG. 43-45, in at least one design, the first bracket-supporting portion 1820, the second bracket-supporting portion 1850 and the third bracket-supporting portion 1870 are all connected together by the connecting portion 1890. In at least one design, the housing portion 1890 of the ejector is provided with a centrally located hole 1892, made with the possibility of entering into it with the possibility of sliding the corresponding distal guide 2000 of the ejector. See FIG. 42. The connecting portion 1890 is formed with a first hook-shaped groove 1894 configured to hook hook the hook-shaped portion 2002 on the first ejector guide 2000. The hook-shaped portion 2002 is adapted to be slidably supported by the support post 1828. In addition, as further seen in FIG. 42, each first ejector guide 2000 includes a groove 2004 that is slidably inserted into it of a support post 1878 of a respective bracket ejector 1810a. Each staple ejector 1810a is also slidably engaged with the second ejector guide 2020, as shown in FIG. 42. Each second ejector guide 2020 includes a first groove 2022, which is adapted to slide into the sliding support post 1858 of the corresponding bracket ejector 1810a. In addition, each second ejector guide 2020 further has a second groove 2024, which is adapted to slide into the sliding support post 1874 of the corresponding bracket ejector 1810a.

As also seen in FIG. 44 and 45, the connecting portion 1890 includes a first cam portion 1896 on which a first cam surface or slope 1898 is formed. The connecting portion 1890 further includes a second cam portion 1900 on which a second cam surface 1902 is formed. In at least one designs cam surfaces 1898, 1902 have the same slope or angle, or they can have different slopes / angles. In at least one embodiment, each staple ejector 1810a and 1810b are integrally formed or formed, for example, of Ultem® material without filler. However, other materials can be used, for example Ultem® with glass or mineral filler, or nylon, or nylon with glass filler. In other designs, different sections of the proximal pushers 1810a and 1810b of the staples can be made separately of other materials and connected together using adhesive, low-temperature adhesion, etc.

The bracket ejector matrix 1800a in the shown embodiment also comprises a proximal bracket ejector 1910a configured to functionally support the two brackets. In FIG. 46-48 show one example of the shape of a distal staple ejector 1910a, it being understood that in at least one construction, the staple ejector 1910b essentially contains the same elements as the staple ejector 1910a, and may be a mirror image thereof. Each bracket ejector 1910a, 1910b includes an ejector body 1911. In the design shown, each ejector body 1911 includes a first bracket-supporting portion 1920 that is configured to support the bracket 820a, and a second bracket-supporting portion 1950 that is configured to support the bracket 820c. As seen in FIG. 46, the first bracket supporting portion 1920 comprises a first distal support post 1924 and a first proximal support post 1928. The first bracket supporting portion 1920 further includes a first distal support bed 1926 and a first proximal support bed 1930 for supporting portions of the first bracket crown 827a. As seen in FIG. 47, when the crown 827a of the bracket 820a is supported on support beds 1926 and 1930, the distal leg 823a is substantially aligned axially with the first distal support post 1924, and the proximal leg 825a is substantially aligned axially with the first proximal support post 1928. When the bracket 820a is supported in the first bracket supporting portion 1920, the bracket crown 827a is aligned along the first axis of the base FBA. See FIG. 47.

As shown in FIG. 46 and 47, the distal bracket ejector 1910a further comprises a second bracket supporting portion 1950 comprising a second distal support post 1954 and a second proximal support post 1958. The second bracket supporting portion 1950 further includes a second distal supporting post 1956 and a second proximal supporting post 1960 for maintaining sections of the crown 827c staples 820c. As seen in FIG. 47, when the crown 827c of the bracket 820c is supported on the lodges 1956 and 1960, the distal leg 823c is substantially axially aligned with the second distal support leg 1954, and the proximal leg 825c is substantially axially aligned with the second proximal support leg 1958. When the bracket 820c is supported on the second bracket supporting portion 1950, the bracket crown 827c is aligned along the second axis SBA of the base. In the design shown, the second axis of the base SBA is parallel to the first axis of the base FBA.

As shown in FIG. 46-48, in at least one construction, the first bracket-supporting portion 1920 and the second bracket-supporting portion 1950 of the proximal ejector pusher 1910a are connected together by the connecting portion 1990. In at least one design, the connecting portion 1990 is movably mated to the proximal second guide rail 2020P ejector. See FIG. 42. The support post 1954 of the proximal ejector 1910a is configured to slide within the groove 2024 of the most proximal second ejector guide 2020P.

As also seen in FIG. 47 and 48, the connecting portion 1990 includes a first cam portion 1992, on which the first cam surface or slope 1994 is formed. The connecting portion 1990 also includes a second cam portion 1996, on which the second cam surface 1998 is formed. At least one designs cam surfaces 1994, 1998 have the same slope or angle, or they can have different slopes / angles. In at least one embodiment, each proximal ejector 1910a and 1910b is integrally formed or molded, for example, from filler Ultem®. However, other materials can be used, for example Ultem® with glass or mineral filler, or nylon, or nylon with glass filler. In other designs, the different sections of the distal pushers 1910a, 1910b can be individually made of other materials and bonded together by adhesive, low temperature adhesion, and the like.

As also seen in FIG. 41, in the bracket ejector matrix 1800a of the illustrated construction, the cam portion 1896 of each of the bracket ejectors 1810a and the cam portion 1992 of the proximal bracket ejector 1910a are all aligned on the first cam axis FCA. Thus, the cam surface 1994 of each of the ejectors 1910a and the cam surface 1994 of the proximal ejector 1910a are aligned on the first cam axis FCA. The second cam portion 1900 of each of the ejectors 1910a and the cam portion 1996 of the proximal bracket ejector 1910a are all aligned on the second cam axis SCA. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the cam surface 1902 of each of the ejectors 1910a and the cam surface 1998 of the proximal ejector 1910a are aligned on the second cam axis of the SCA. In addition, in the embodiment shown, the bracket ejector matrix 1900b, the cam portion 1896 of each of the ejectors 1810b and the cam portion 1992 of the proximal ejector 1910b are all aligned on the primary cam axis of the PCA. Thus, the cam surface 1898 of each of the ejectors 1810b and the cam surface 1994 of the proximal ejector 1910b are aligned on the primary cam axis of the PCA. As shown in FIG. 41, in the bracket ejector matrix 1800b of the illustrated construction, the cam portion 1900 of each of the ejectors 1810b and the cam portion 1996 of the proximal ejector 1910b are all aligned on the secondary SDCA cam axis. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the cam surface 1902 of each of the ejectors 1810b and the cam surface 1998 of the proximal ejector 1910b are aligned on the secondary cam axis of the SDCA.

As shown in FIG. 41, when all the ejectors 1810a and 1910a are functionally supported in the bracket cassette, in the bracket ejector matrix 1800a, the bracket ejectors 1810a, 1910a form the first longitudinal row 2050a of the brackets 820a, which is adjacent to the elongated groove 804 in the cartridge case 802. Each of the brackets 820a in the first longitudinal row 2050a extends in a first direction in accordance with the above description. Similarly, the ejectors 1810a form a second longitudinal row 2060a of brackets 820b located adjacent to the first longitudinal row 2050a. The brackets 820b in the second longitudinal row 2060a extend in a second direction that is different from the first direction of the brackets 820a in the first longitudinal row 2050a. In addition, the ejectors 1810a and 1910a form a third longitudinal row 2070a of brackets 820c that are oriented in a third direction, which may or may not coincide with the direction of the brackets 820a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and third directions are the same. The third longitudinal row 2070a is adjacent to the second longitudinal row 2070a.

As shown in FIG. 41, when all the bracket ejectors 1810b and 1910b are functionally supported in the bracket cassette, in the bracket ejector matrix 1800b, the bracket ejectors 1810b and 1910b form the primary longitudinal row 2050b of the brackets 820a, which is adjacent to the elongated groove 804 in the cartridge case 802. Each of the brackets 820a in the primary longitudinal row 2050b extends in a first direction in accordance with the above description. Similarly, the bracket ejectors 1810b form a secondary longitudinal row 2060b of brackets 820b located adjacent to the primary longitudinal row 2050b. The brackets 820b in the secondary longitudinal row 2060b extend in a second direction that is different from the first direction of the brackets 820a in the primary longitudinal row 2050b. In addition, the bracket ejectors 1810b and 1910b form a tertiary longitudinal row 2070b of brackets 820c that are oriented in a third direction, which may or may not coincide with the direction of the brackets 820a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and third directions are the same. The tertiary longitudinal row 2070b is adjacent to the secondary longitudinal row 2060b.

Thus, when using staple ejector matrices 1800a, 1800b, there are two staples extending side by side in the same direction or along parallel axes extending along both ends of each of the staple lines. In particular, the proximal ejector 1910a supports the two most distal staples in the longitudinal rows 2050a, 2070a, each of which extends in the same direction. Similarly, the most distal ejector 1810a supports the two most proximal staples in the longitudinal rows of staples 2050a, 2070a that extend in the same direction. Such a staple pattern can provide an over-tight design at both ends of each staple line. In this context, the “staple line” means collectively the longitudinal rows of staples on one side of the elongated groove 804 in the bracket cassette body 802. For example, a staple line essentially designated as element 2080a denotes collectively longitudinal rows of staples 2050a, 2060a, 2070a. The staple line 2080b denotes collectively the longitudinal rows of staples 2050b, 2060b, 2070b.

As described above, in the matrix 1800a, the slope or cam element 764 of the slide or cam actuator 760 is aligned on the second cam axis SCA. Similarly, the slope or cam element 762 is aligned along the first cam axis of the FCA. The slope or cam element 766 is aligned on the primary cam axis of the PCA, and the slope or cam element 768 is aligned on the secondary cam axis of the SDCA. Thus, the slope or cam element 764 is aligned with a portion of each of the crowns 827c of the brackets 820c. The slope or cam element 762 is aligned with a portion of each of the crowns 827a of the brackets 820a. Likewise, in the matrix 1800b of the ejectors 1810b, 1910b, the slope or cam element 766 are aligned with a portion of the crowns 827a of each of the brackets 820a. The slope or cam element 768 is aligned with a portion of the crown 827c of each of the brackets 820c. In other words, not one of the slopes or cam elements 764, 762, 766, 768 is aligned with any of the legs of the brackets 820a, 820c. Therefore, this design allows the third proximal support post 1878 of each of the bracket ejectors 1810a, as well as the proximal support post 1958 of the proximal bracket ejector 1910a, to slide into the corresponding second support grooves or grooves 858 in the second wall portion 856 of the cassette body 802. Similarly, all of the first distal support legs 1824 of each bracket ejector 1810a, as well as the support bracket 1924 of the proximal bracket ejector 1910a, are slidably inserted into the respective first support grooves or grooves 854 in the first portion 852 of the cassette wall 800. In the bracket ejector matrix 1800a, each of the support The struts 1874, 1828, 1854, 1858, 1954, 1928 are also supported to slide in respective guides 2000, 2020, 2020P of the ejectors, which are formed in the housing 802 of the cartridge.

Other staple ejector matrices 2100a, 2100b are shown in FIG. 49 and 50. As can be seen in these figures, a plurality of pushers 2110a for brackets functionally supporting five brackets and a plurality of pushers 2310a functionally supporting four brackets are used in the bracket ejector matrix 2100a. Similarly, the bracket ejector matrix 2100b includes a plurality of bracket ejectors 2310b and a distal bracket ejector 2310b. The bracket ejectors 2110b may be mirror images of the bracket ejectors 2110a and include the same elements. The bracket ejectors 2310b may be mirror images of the bracket ejectors 2310a and include the same elements.

In FIG. 51-53 show one example of the shape of the staple ejector 2110a, it being understood that in at least one design, the staple ejector 2110b essentially contains the same elements as the staple ejector 2110a, and may be a mirror image thereof. Each bracket ejector 2110a, 2110b includes a bracket ejector body 2111. In the design shown, the ejector body 2111 includes a first bracket-supporting portion 2120 that is configured to support the bracket 820a. As seen in FIG. 51, the first bracket supporting portion 2120 comprises a first distal support post 2124 and a first proximal support post 2128. The first bracket supporting portion 2120 further includes a first distal support bed 2126 and a first proximal support bed 2130 for supporting corona portions 827a of the corresponding bracket 820a. As seen in FIG. 52, when the crown 827a of the bracket 820a is supported on the support beds 2126 and 2130, the distal leg 823a is substantially axially aligned with the first distal support post 2124, and the first proximal leg 825a is substantially axially aligned with the first proximal support post 2128. When the bracket 820a supported on the first bracket supporting portion 2120, the bracket crown 827a is aligned along the first axis of the base FBA.

As shown in FIG. 51 and 52, the bracket ejector 2110a further comprises

a primary bracket supporting portion 2140 comprising a second distal support post 2142 and a second proximal support post 2146. The second bracket support portion 2140 further includes a second distal support bed 2144 and a second proximal support bed 2148 for supporting portions of the crown 827c of the bracket 820c. As seen in FIG. 52, when the crown 827c of the bracket 820c is supported on the beds 2144 and 2148, the distal leg 823c is substantially axially aligned with the second distal support post 2142, and the proximal leg 825c is substantially axially aligned with the second proximal support post 2146. When the bracket 820c is supported the primary bracket-supporting portion 2140, the bracket crown 827c is aligned along the primary axis of the base PBA. In the design shown, the primary axis of the base PBA is parallel to the first axis of the base FBA. See FIG. 51.

The staple ejector 2110a further comprises a second staple supporting portion 2150 comprising a second distal support post 2154 and a second proximal support post 2158. The second staple support portion 2150 further includes a second distal support post 2156 and a second proximal support post 2156 for supporting portions of the bracket crown 827b 820b. As seen in FIG. 52, when the crown 827b of the bracket 820b is supported on the beds 2156 and 2160, the distal leg 823b is substantially axially aligned with the second distal support post 2154, and the proximal leg 825b is substantially aligned axially with the second proximal support post 2158. When the bracket 820b is supported on to the second bracket-supporting portion 2150, the bracket crown 827b is aligned along the second axis SBA of the base. In the design shown, the second axis of the base SBA is transversely relative to the first axis of the base FBA and the primary axis of the base PBA. See FIG. 51.

As further seen in FIG. 51 and 52, the bracket ejector 2110a comprises a third bracket-supporting portion 2160 that includes a third distal support post 2162 and a third proximal support post 2166. A third bracket-supporting portion 2160 further includes a third distal support post 2164 and a third proximal support post 2168 made with the possibility of maintaining sections of the crown 827a of the bracket 820a. As seen in FIG. 52, when the crown 827a of the bracket 820a is supported on the beds 2164 and 2168, the distal leg 823a is substantially axially aligned with the distal support post 2162, and the proximal leg 825a is substantially axially aligned with the third proximal support post 2166. When the bracket 820a is supported on the third supporting the bracket portion 2160, the bracket crown 827a is aligned on the third axis of the base TBA. In the design shown, the third axis of the base TBA is parallel to the first axis of the base FBA and the primary axis of the base PBA and is transverse to the second axis SBA of the base. See FIG. 51.

As also seen in FIG. 51 and 52, the bracket ejector 2110a comprises a fourth bracket-supporting portion 2170, which includes a fourth distal support post 2172 and a fourth proximal support post 2176. The fourth bracket-supporting portion 2170 further includes a fourth distal support bed 2174 and a fourth proximal support bed 2178 made with the possibility of maintaining sections of the crown 827c of the bracket 820c. As seen in FIG. 52, when the crown 827c of the bracket 820c is supported on the beds 2174 and 2178, the distal leg 823c is substantially axially aligned with the distal support post 2172, and the proximal leg 825c is substantially aligned axially with the fourth proximal support post 2176. When the bracket 820c is supported on the fourth supporting the bracket section 2160, the bracket bracket 827a is aligned on the fourth axis of the FTBA base. In the shown construction, the fourth axis of the base FTBA is parallel to the first axis of the base FBA, the primary axis of the base PBA and the third axis of the base TBA and is transverse to the second axis SBA of the base. See FIG. 51.

As shown in FIG. 51-53, in at least one design, the first bracket-supporting portion 2120, the primary bracket-supporting portion 2140, the second bracket-supporting portion 2150, the third bracket-supporting portion 2160, and the fourth bracket-supporting portion 2170 are all connected together by the connecting portion 2190. At least in one design, the connecting portion 2190 is made with a first hole 2191, made with the possibility of entering into it with the possibility of sliding corresponding to the first guide 2200 of the ejector, as will be Detailed description below. See FIG. 50 and 50A. The connecting portion 2190 is formed with a first hook-shaped groove 2192 made for hook engagement with the hook-shaped portion 2202 on the first ejector guide 2200. In one case, the hooked portion 2202 has a groove 2204 configured to slideably support the corresponding support post 2172. See FIG. 50A. In another case, the groove 2204 is arranged to accommodate the corresponding reference portion 2144, as shown in FIG. 50A. In addition, as further seen in FIG. 50A, each first ejector guide 2200 includes a groove 2206, which is adapted to slide into a sliding support post 2156 of a respective bracket ejector 2110a. As seen in FIG. 50A and 51, the connecting portion 2190 further has a second through hole 2194 configured for sliding engagement with the second ejector guide 2220. Each second ejector guide 2220 includes a first hook-shaped portion 2222 in which a groove 2224 is formed. In one case, the groove 2224 is adapted to slide into a sliding support post 2128 of the respective bracket ejector 2110a. In addition, each second ejector guide 2220 further has a second groove 2226, which in one case is adapted to slide into the sliding support post 2152 of the corresponding bracket ejector 2110a.

As also seen in FIG. 52 and 53, the connecting portion 2190 includes a first cam portion 2195 on which the first cam surface or slope 2196 is formed. The connecting portion 2190 further includes a second cam portion 2197 on which the second cam surface 2198 is formed. In at least one designs cam surfaces 2196, 2198 have the same slope or angle, or they can have different slopes / angles. In at least one embodiment, each bracket ejector 2110a and 2110b is integrally formed or formed, for example, of Ultem® material without filler. However, other materials can be used, for example Ultem® with glass or mineral filler, or nylon, or nylon with glass filler. In other designs, the different sections of the proximal pushers 2110a and 2110b of the staples can be made separately of other materials and connected together using adhesive, low-temperature adhesion, etc.

The bracket ejector matrix 2100a in the shown embodiment also comprises a second bracket ejector 2310a configured to functionally support the four brackets. In FIG. 54-56, one example of the shape of a distal staple ejector 2310a is shown, it being understood that in at least one construction, the staple ejector 2310b essentially contains the same elements as the staple ejector 2310a, and may be a mirror image thereof. Each bracket ejector 2310a, 2310b includes an ejector body 2311. In the design shown, each ejector body 2311 includes a first bracket-supporting portion 2320 that is configured to support the bracket 820a, a second bracket-supporting portion 2330 that is configured to support the bracket 820b, a third bracket-supporting portion 2340, which is operatively supported another bracket 820b, and a fourth bracket-supporting portion 2350, which is configured to functionally support the bracket 820c. As seen in FIG. 54, the first bracket-supporting portion 2320 comprises a first distal support post 2322 and a first proximal support post 2326. The first bracket-supporting portion 2320 further includes a first distal support bed 2324 and a first proximal support bed 2328 to support portions of the first bracket crown 827a. As seen in FIG. 55, when the crown 827a of the bracket 820a is supported on support beds 2324 and 2328, the distal leg 823a is substantially aligned axially with the first distal support post 2322, and the proximal leg 825a is substantially aligned axially with the first proximal support post 2326. When the bracket 820a is supported in the first bracket supporting portion 1620, the bracket crown 827a is aligned along the first axis of the base FBA. See FIG. 54.

As shown in FIG. 54 and 55, the second staple ejector 2310a further comprises a second staple support portion 2330 comprising a second distal support post 2332 and a second proximal support post 2326. The second staple support portion 2330 further includes a second distal support post 2334 and a second proximal support post 2338 for maintaining sections of the crown 827b of the bracket 820b. As seen in FIG. 55, when the crown 827b of the bracket 820b is supported on the beds 2334 and 2338, the distal leg 823b is substantially axially aligned with the second distal support post 2332, and the proximal leg 825b is substantially aligned axially with the second proximal support post 2336. When the bracket 820b is supported the second bracket supporting section 2330, the bracket crown 827b is aligned along the second axis SBA of the base. In the design shown, the second axis of the base SBA is transversely relative to the first axis of the base FBA.

In addition, in the embodiment shown, the second bracket ejector 2310a further comprises a third bracket supporting portion 2340, which comprises a third distal support post 2342 and a third proximal support post 2346. The third bracket supporting portion 2340 further includes a third distal support post 2344 and a third proximal a support bed 2348 to support the coronal sections 827b of another bracket 820b. As seen in FIG. 55, when the crown 827b of the other bracket 820b is supported on the beds 2344 and 2348, the distal leg 823b is substantially axially aligned with the third distal support post 2342, and the proximal leg 825b is substantially aligned axially with the third proximal support post 2346. When the other bracket 820b supported in the third bracket supporting portion 2340, the bracket crown 827b is aligned along the third axis of the base TBA. In the shown construction, the third axis TBA of the base is parallel to the second axis SBA of the base and is transverse to the first axis FBA of the base.

As shown in FIG. 54 and 55, the second staple ejector 2310a further comprises a fourth staple support portion 2350 comprising a fourth distal support post 2352 and a second proximal support post 2356. A fourth staple support portion 2350 further includes a fourth distal support post 2354 and a fourth proximal support post 2358 for maintaining sections of crown 827c staples 820c. As seen in FIG. 55, when the crown 827c of the bracket 820c is supported on the beds 2354 and 2358, the distal leg 823c is substantially axially aligned with the fourth distal support leg 2352, and the proximal leg 825c is substantially axially aligned with the fourth proximal support leg 2356. When the bracket 820c is supported on the fourth bracket supporting portion 2350, the bracket crown 827c is aligned along the fourth axis of the FTBA base. In the construction shown, the fourth axis of the base FTBA is parallel to the first axis of the base FBA and is transverse to the second axis of the base SBA and the third axis of the base TBA.

In at least one design, the first staple support portion 2320, the second staple support portion 2330, the third staple support portion 2340, and the fourth staple support portion 2350 of the second staple ejector 2310a are connected together by the connecting portion 2390. In the example shown, the connecting portion 2390 is slidably formed interfacing with the corresponding first bracket guide 2200 and the second bracket guide 2220. In particular, in the connecting portion 2390, a first hole 2391 is provided that is adapted to slide into it with a corresponding first bracket guide 2200. When the bracket ejector 2310a is in sliding engagement with the respective first bracket guides 2200, the support column 2346 slides into a slot 2206 in the corresponding first bracket guide 2200. Similarly, the strut 2336 slides into the groove 2206 of the other first bracket guide 2200. In addition, the inverted first bracket guide 2200I forms a boundary between the first and second ejectors 2110a and 2310a. As seen in FIG. 50, the support post 2166 of the first ejector guide 2110a slides into the groove 2004 in the inverted first ejector guide 2200I, and the support post 2332 of the corresponding second ejector guide 2310a is slidably inserted into the groove 2206 in the inverted first ejector guide 2200I. In addition, the support post 2342 of the second ejector guide 2310a is slidably inserted into the groove 2226 in the corresponding second ejector guide 2220, and the support post 2326 is slidably inserted into the groove 2224 in the corresponding second ejector guide 2220.

As also seen in FIG. 55 and 56, the connecting portion 2390 includes a first cam portion 2392 on which a first cam surface or slope 2394 is formed. The connecting portion 2390 also includes a second cam portion 2396 on which a second cam surface 2398 is formed. In at least one designs cam surfaces 2394, 2398 have the same slope or angle, or they can have different slopes / angles. In at least one embodiment, each of the second ejectors 2310a and 2310b of the brackets is integrally formed or formed, for example, of a filler material Ultem®. However, other materials can be used, for example Ultem® with glass or mineral filler, or nylon, or nylon with glass filler. In other designs, different portions of the second ejectors 2310a and 2310b can be made separately from other materials and bonded together by adhesive, low temperature adhesion, and the like.

As also seen in FIG. 49, in the bracket ejector matrix 2100a of the illustrated construction, the cam portion 2195 of each of the first bracket ejectors 2110a and the cam portion 2392 of each of the second bracket ejectors 2310a are all aligned along the first cam axis FCA. Thus, the cam surface 2196 of each of the first ejectors 2110a and the cam surface 2394 of each of the second ejectors 2310a of the brackets are aligned on the first cam axis FCA. As also seen in FIG. 49, the second cam portion 2197 of each of the first ejectors 2110a and the cam portion 2396 of each of the second ejectors 2310a are all aligned along the second cam axis SCA. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the cam surface 2198 of each of the first ejectors 2110a and the cam surface 2398 of each of the second ejectors 2310a are aligned along the second cam axis of the SCA. In addition, in the embodiment shown, the bracket ejector matrix 2100b, the cam portion 2195 of each of the first ejectors 2110b, and the cam portion 2392 of each of the second ejectors 2310b are all aligned on the primary cam axis of the PCA. Thus, the cam surface 2196 of each of the first ejectors 2110b and the cam surface 2394 of each of the second ejectors 2310b of the brackets are aligned on the primary cam axis of the PCA. As shown in FIG. 49, in the bracket ejection matrix 2100b of the illustrated construction, the cam portion 2197 of each of the first ejectors 2110b and the cam portion 2396 of each of the second ejectors 2310b are all aligned on the secondary SDCA cam axis. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the cam surface 2198 of each of the first ejectors 2110b and the cam surface 2398 of each of the second ejectors 2310b are aligned on the secondary cam axis of the SDCA.

As shown in FIG. 49, when all of the first ejectors 2110a and the second ejectors 2310a are functionally supported in the bracket cassette, in the bracket ejector matrix 2100a, the bracket ejectors 2110a, 2310a form a first longitudinal row of brackets 2450a that is adjacent to an elongated groove 804 in the cartridge case 802. Each of the brackets in the first longitudinal row 2450a extends in a first direction in accordance with the above description. Similarly, the ejectors 2110a and 2310a form a second longitudinal row 2460a of brackets adjacent to the first longitudinal row 2450a. The brackets in the second longitudinal row 2460a extend in a second direction, which differs from the first direction of the brackets in the first longitudinal row 2450a. In addition, the ejectors 2110a and 2310a form a third longitudinal row 2470a of brackets that are oriented in a third direction, which may or may not coincide with the direction of the brackets in the first longitudinal row 2450a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and third directions are the same. The third longitudinal row 2470a is adjacent to the second longitudinal row 2060a.

As shown in FIG. 49, when all the staple ejectors 2110b and 2310b are functionally supported in the staple cartridge, in the staple ejector matrix 2100b, the staple ejectors 2110b and 2310b form a primary longitudinal staple row 2450b that is adjacent to an elongated groove 804 in the cassette body 802. Each of the brackets in the primary longitudinal row 2050b extends in a first direction in accordance with the above description. Similarly, the pushers 2110b and 2310b of the brackets form a secondary longitudinal row 2460b of brackets adjacent to the primary longitudinal row 2450b. The brackets in the secondary longitudinal row 2460b extend in a second direction that is different from the first direction of the brackets in the primary longitudinal row 2450b. In addition, the ejectors 2110b and 2310b form a tertiary longitudinal row 2470b of brackets that are oriented in the third direction, which may or may not coincide with the direction of the brackets in the primary longitudinal row 2450b. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and third directions are the same. The tertiary longitudinal row 2470b is adjacent to the secondary longitudinal row 2460b.

Thus, when using the staple ejector matrices 2100a, 2100b, there are two staples extending side by side in the same direction or along parallel axes extending along both ends of each of the staple lines. In particular, the most proximal first ejector 2110a supports the two most proximal staples in the longitudinal rows 2450a, 2470a, all of which extend in the same direction. Similarly, the most distal first ejector 2110a supports the two most proximal staples in the longitudinal rows of brackets 2450a, 2470a that extend in the same direction. The same bracket patterns are also formed in the bracket ejector matrix 2100b. Such staple patterns can provide an over-tight design at both ends of each staple line. In this context, the “staple line” means collectively the longitudinal rows of staples on one side of the elongated groove 804 in the bracket cassette body 802. For example, a staple line essentially designated as element 2480a denotes collectively longitudinal rows of staples 2450a, 2460a, 2470a. A line of staples 2480b denotes collectively longitudinal rows of staples 2450b, 2460b, 2470b.

As described above, in the matrix 2100a, the slope or cam element 764 of the slide or cam actuator 760 is aligned on the second cam axis SCA. Similarly, the slope or cam element 762 is aligned along the first cam axis of the FCA. The slope or cam element 766 is aligned on the primary cam axis of the PCA, and the slope or cam element 768 is aligned on the secondary cam axis of the SDCA. Thus, the slope or cam member 764 is aligned with a portion of each of the bracket crowns in the longitudinal row 2470a of the brackets. The slope or cam element 762 is aligned with a portion of each of the bracket crowns in the longitudinal row 2450a. Similarly, in the matrix 2100b of the ejectors 2110b, 2310b of the brackets, the slope or cam element 766 are aligned with the part of the crowns of each of the brackets in the longitudinal row 2450b of brackets. The slope or cam element 768 is aligned with the crown portion of each of the brackets in the longitudinal row 2470b of brackets. In other words, not one of the slopes or cam elements 764, 762, 766, 768 is aligned with any of the legs of the staples in the longitudinal rows 2470a, 2450a, 2450b, 2470b. Therefore, this design allows the support posts 2176 and 2146 of each of the first ejectors 2110a, as well as the support post 2356 of each of the second ejectors 2310a to slide into the corresponding second support grooves or grooves 858 in the second section 856 of the cassette wall 802 of the cassette. Similarly, all of the struts 2162 and 2124 of each of the first ejectors 2110a of the brackets, as well as the support column 2322 of each of the second ejectors 2310a are slidable inside the corresponding first support grooves or grooves 854 in the first section 852 of the wall of the cassette 800. All remaining support racks of each of the first and second ejectors 2110a, 2310a are slidably inserted into respective guide ejectors 2200, 2220, 2200I. The same design is provided in the bracket ejector matrix 2100b.

Other staple ejector matrices 2500a, 2500b are shown in FIG. 57 and 58. As can be seen in these figures, the bracket ejector matrix 2500a is similar to the above bracket ejector matrix 2100a, except that the most distal ejector in the matrix is a distal bracket ejector 2610a adjacent to the second bracket ejector 2310a. Meanwhile, in the staple ejector matrix 2100a, the first staple ejector 2110a is the most distal ejector. The distal bracket ejector 2610a functionally supports two brackets. Similarly, the bracket ejector matrix 2500b includes a plurality of first bracket ejector 2110b and a plurality of second bracket ejector 2310b, as well as a distal bracket ejector 2610b. The staple ejector 2610b may be a mirror image of the staple ejector 2610a and include the same elements.

In FIG. 59-61 show one example of the shape of the distal staple ejector 2610a, it being understood that in at least one construction, the staple distal ejector 2610b essentially contains the same elements as the distal staple ejector 2610a and may be a mirror image thereof. Each bracket ejector 2610a, 2610b includes a bracket ejector body 2611. In the design shown, the ejector body 2611 includes a first or innermost bracket supporting portion 2620 that is configured to support the bracket 820a, and a second or central bracket supporting portion 2650 that is configured to support the bracket 820c. As seen in FIG. 59, the first bracket-supporting portion 2620 comprises a first distal support post 2622 and a first proximal support post 2626. The first bracket-supporting portion 2620 further includes a first distal support bed 2624 and a first proximal support bed 2628 to support portions of the crown 827a of the bracket 820a. As seen in FIG. 60, when the crown 827a of the bracket 820a is supported on support beds 2624 and 2628, the distal leg 823a is substantially axially aligned with the first distal support leg 2622, and the first proximal leg 825a is substantially axially aligned with the first proximal support leg 2626. When the bracket 820a supported on the first bracket supporting portion 2620, the bracket crown 827a is aligned along the first axis of the base FBA.

As shown in FIG. 59 and 60, the distal bracket ejector 2610a further comprises a second bracket-supporting portion 2650 comprising a second distal support post 2652 and a second proximal support post 2656. The second bracket-supporting portion 2650 further includes a second distal support bed 2654 and a second proximal support bed 2658 for maintaining sections of the crown 827c staples 820c. As seen in FIG. 60, when the crown 827c of the bracket 820c is supported on the beds 2654 and 2658, the distal leg 823c is substantially axially aligned with the second distal support leg 2652, and the proximal leg 825c is substantially aligned axially with the second proximal support leg 2656. When the bracket 820c is supported the second bracket supporting section 2650, the bracket crown 827c is aligned along the second axis SBA of the base. In the design shown, the second axis of the base SBA is parallel to the first axis of the base FBA.

In at least one design, the first bracket-supporting portion 2620 and the second bracket-supporting portion 2650 are connected together by a connecting portion 2690 that is slidably engaged with the inverted ejector guide 2200I. As can be seen, for example, in FIG. 58, the support post 2626 of the distal ejector 2610a is slidably positioned within the groove 2204 in the inverted ejector guide 2200I. As also seen in FIG. 59-61, the connecting portion 2690 includes a first cam portion 2692 on which a first cam surface or slope 2694 is formed. The connecting portion 2690 further includes a second cam portion 2696 on which a second cam surface 2698 is formed. In at least one The cam surfaces 2694, 2698 have the same inclination or angle as the corresponding cam surfaces of the first and second ejectors 2310a, 2310a. In at least one embodiment, each staple ejector 2610a and 2610b is integrally formed or formed, for example, from Ultem® material without filler. However, other materials can be used, for example Ultem® with glass or mineral filler, or nylon, or nylon with glass filler. In other designs, the different sections of the distal pushers 2610a, 2610b of the staples can be made separately of other materials and connected together using adhesive, low-temperature adhesion, etc.

As also seen in FIG. 57, in the bracket ejector matrix 2500a of the illustrated construction, the cam portion 2195 of each of the first bracket ejectors 2110a and the cam portion 2392 of each of the second ejectors 2310a, as well as the cam portion 2692 of the distal bracket ejector 2610a are all aligned on the first cam axis FCA. Thus, the cam surface 2196 of each of the first ejectors 2110a and the cam surface 2394 of each of the second ejectors 2310a of the brackets, as well as the cam surface 2694 of the distal ejector 2610a are aligned on the first cam axis FCA. The cam portion 2197 of each of the first ejectors 2110a and the cam portion 2396 of each of the second bracket ejectors 2310a, as well as the cam portion 2696 of the distal ejector 2610a are all aligned on the second cam axis SCA. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the cam surface 2198 of each of the first ejectors 2110a and the cam surface 2398 of each of the second ejectors 2310a of the brackets, as well as the cam surface of the distal ejector 2610a are aligned on the second cam axis SCA. In addition, in the embodiment shown, the bracket ejector matrix 2500b, the cam portion 2195 of each of the first ejectors 2110b and the cam portion 2392 of each of the second ejectors 2310b, and the cam portion 2692 of the distal ejector 2610b are all aligned along the primary PCA cam axis. Thus, the cam surface 2196 of each of the first ejectors 2110b and the cam surface 2394 of each of the second ejectors 2310b of the brackets, as well as the cam surface 2694 of the distal ejector 2610b are aligned on the primary cam axis of the PCA. As shown in FIG. 57, in the ejector matrix 2500b of the shown construction, the cam portion 2197 of each of the first ejectors 2110b and the cam portion 2396 of each of the second ejectors 2310b, as well as the cam portion 2696 of the distal ejector 2610b are all aligned on the secondary SDCA cam axis. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the cam surface 2198 of each of the first ejectors 2110b and the cam surface 2398 of each of the second ejectors 2310b of the brackets, as well as the cam surface 2698 of the distal ejector 2610b are aligned on the secondary cam axis of the SDCA.

As shown in FIG. 57, when all the ejectors 2110a, 2310a, and 2610a are functionally supported in the bracket cassette, in the bracket ejector matrix 2500a, the bracket ejectors 2110a, 2310a, 2610a form the first longitudinal row 2750a of the brackets 820a, which is adjacent to the elongated groove 804 in the cartridge case 802. Each of the brackets 820a in the first longitudinal row 2750a extends in a first direction in accordance with the above description. Similarly, the ejectors 2110a and 2310a form a second longitudinal row 2760a of brackets 820b located adjacent to the first longitudinal row 2750a. The brackets 820b in the second longitudinal row 2760a extend in a second direction that is different from the first direction of the brackets 820a in the first longitudinal row 2750a. In addition, the ejectors 2110a, 2310a, 2610a form a third longitudinal row 2770a of brackets 820c that are oriented in a third direction, which may or may not coincide with the direction of the brackets 820a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and third directions are the same. The third longitudinal row 2770a is adjacent to the second longitudinal row 2760a.

As shown in FIG. 57, when all the bracket ejectors 2110b, 2310b, 2610b are functionally supported in the bracket cassette, in the bracket ejector matrix 2500b, the bracket ejectors 2110b, 2310b and 2610b form the primary longitudinal row 2750b of the brackets 820a, which is adjacent to the elongated groove 804 in the cartridge case 802 . Each of the brackets 820a in the primary longitudinal row 2750b extends in a first direction in accordance with the above description. Similarly, the ejectors 2110b and 2310b of the brackets form a secondary longitudinal row 2760b of brackets 820b located adjacent to the primary longitudinal row 2750b. The brackets 820b in the secondary longitudinal row 2760b extend in a second direction that is different from the first direction of the brackets 820a in the primary longitudinal row 1750b. In addition, the bracket ejectors 2110b, 2310b and 2610b form a tertiary longitudinal row 2770b of brackets 820c that are oriented in a third direction, which may or may not coincide with the direction of the brackets 820a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and third directions are the same. The tertiary longitudinal row 2770b is adjacent to the secondary longitudinal row 2760b.

Thus, when using the staple ejector matrices 2500a, 2500b, there are two staples extending side by side in the same direction or along parallel axes extending along both ends of each of the staple lines. In particular, the distal ejector 2610a supports the two most distal staples in the longitudinal rows 2750a, 2770a, all of which extend in the same direction. Similarly, the most proximal first ejector 2110a supports the two most proximal staples in the longitudinal rows of brackets 2750a, 2770a that extend in the same direction. Such a staple pattern can provide an over-tight design at both ends of each staple line.

Other staple ejector matrices 2800a, 2800b are shown in FIG. 62 and 63. As can be seen in these figures, a plurality of bracket ejectors 2610a are used in the bracket ejector matrix 2800a as described above. The staple ejector 2610a is the most proximal ejector, and the other staple ejector 2610a forms the most distal ejector in the ejector matrix 2800a. Additional staple ejectors 2610a alternate with staple ejectors 2910a, each of which is configured to functionally support a single bracket 820b.

In FIG. 64-66 show one example of the shape of the bracket ejector 2910a, it being understood that in at least one design, the distal bracket ejector 2910b essentially contains the same elements as the distal bracket ejector 2910a and may be a mirror image thereof. Each bracket ejector 2910a, 2910b includes a bracket ejector body 2911. In the design shown, the ejector body 2911 includes a first bracket-supporting portion 2920 that is configured to support the bracket 820b. As seen in FIG. 64, the first bracket-supporting portion 2920 comprises a first distal support post 2922 and a first proximal support post 2926. The first bracket-supporting portion 2920 further includes a first distal support bed 2924 and a first proximal support bed 2928 to support portions of the crown 827b of the bracket 820b. As seen in FIG. 65, when the crown 827b of the bracket 820b is supported on the support beds 2924 and 2928, the distal leg 823b is substantially axially aligned with the first distal support leg 2922, and the first proximal leg 825b is substantially axially aligned with the first proximal support leg 2926. When the bracket 820b supported on the first bracket supporting portion 2920, the bracket crown 827b is aligned along the primary axis PBA of the base, which is transverse to the first and second axes of the base of the pushers 2610a.

In the shown embodiment, the staple ejector 2910a further comprises a connecting portion 2990 that is movably engaged with the first and second ejector rails 3000, 3100, which are formed in the cassette with staples. As shown in FIG. 63, the first ejector guide 3000 includes a first hook portion 3002 in which a groove 3004 is formed so that it can slide engage with the support post 2652 of the respective bracket ejector 2610a. In addition, the first ejector guide 3000 includes a second hook-shaped portion 3006 in which a groove 3008 is formed that can engage with the support strut 2926 of the respective bracket ejector 2910a. The second ejector guide 3100 is essentially an inverted ejector guide 3000. As seen in FIG. 63, the second ejector guide 3100 includes a first hook portion 3102 in which a groove 3104 is formed so that it can slide engage with the support post 2926 of the corresponding ejector 2910a. The second ejector guide 3100 further has a second hook-shaped portion 3106 in which a groove 3108 is formed that can engage in a sliding engagement with the support post 2922 of the corresponding ejector 2910a. As also seen in FIG. 64-66, the connecting portion 2990 includes a first cam portion 2992 on which the first cam surface or slope 2994 is formed. The connecting portion 2990 further includes a second cam portion 2996 on which the second cam surface 2998 is formed. designs cam surfaces 2994, 2998 have the same inclination or angle as the corresponding cam surfaces of the ejector 2610a. In at least one embodiment, each staple ejector 2910a is integrally formed or molded, for example, from filler material Ultem®. However, other materials can be used, for example Ultem® with glass or mineral filler, or nylon, or nylon with glass filler. In other designs, the different sections of the pushers 2910a and 2910b of the staples can be made separately of other materials and connected together using adhesive, low temperature brazing, and the like.

As also seen in FIG. 62, in the bracket ejector matrix 2800a of the illustrated construction, the cam portion 2692 of each of the bracket ejectors 2610a and the cam portion 2992 of each of the ejectors 2910a are all aligned along the first cam axis FCA. Thus, the cam surface 2694 of each of the ejectors 2610a and the cam surface 2994 of each of the ejectors 2910a are aligned on the first cam axis FCA. The cam portion 2696 of each of the ejectors 2610a and the cam portion 2996 of each of the ejectors 2910a are all aligned on the second cam axis SCA. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the cam surface 2698 of each of the ejectors 2610a and the cam surface 2998 of each of the ejectors 2910a are aligned on the second cam axis of the SCA. In addition, in the embodiment shown, the bracket ejector matrix 2800b, the cam portion 2692 of each of the ejectors 2610b, and the cam portion 2992 of each of the ejectors 2910b are aligned on the primary cam axis of the PCA. Thus, the cam surface 2694 of each of the ejectors 2610b and the cam surface 2994 of each of the ejectors 2910b of the brackets are aligned on the primary cam axis of the PCA. As shown in FIG. 62, in the ejector matrix 2800b of the shown construction, each of the cam portion 2696 of each of the ejectors 2610b and the cam portion 2996 of each of the ejectors 2910b is aligned on the secondary cam axis of the SDCA. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the cam surface 2698 of each of the ejectors 2610b and the cam surface 2998 of each of the ejectors 2910b are aligned on the secondary cam axis of the SDCA.

As shown in FIG. 62, when all the ejectors 2610a and 2910a are functionally supported in the bracket cassette, in the bracket ejector matrix 2800a, the bracket ejectors 2610a form a first longitudinal row 3050a of brackets 820a that is adjacent to an elongated groove 804 in the cartridge case 802. Each of the brackets 820a in the first longitudinal row 3050a extends in a first direction in accordance with the above description. Similarly, the ejectors 2910a form a second longitudinal row 3060a of brackets 820b located adjacent to the first longitudinal row 3050a. The brackets 820b in the second longitudinal row 3060a extend in a second direction that is different from the first direction of the brackets 820a in the first longitudinal row 3050a. In addition, the ejectors 2610a form a third longitudinal row 3070a of brackets 820c that are oriented in a third direction, which may or may not coincide with the direction of the brackets 820a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and third directions are the same. The third longitudinal row 3070a is adjacent to the second longitudinal row 3060a.

As shown in FIG. 62, when all the staple ejectors 2610b and 2910b are functionally supported in the staple cartridge, in the staple ejector matrix 2800b, the staple ejectors 2610b form a primary longitudinal row 3050b of staples 820a that is adjacent to an elongated groove 804 in the cassette body 802. Each of the brackets 820a in the primary longitudinal row 3050b extends in a first direction in accordance with the above description. Similarly, the bracket ejectors 2910b form a secondary longitudinal row 3060b of brackets 820b located adjacent to the primary longitudinal row 3050b. The brackets 820b in the secondary longitudinal row 3060b extend in a second direction that is different from the first direction of the brackets 820a in the primary longitudinal row 3050b. In addition, the bracket ejectors 2610b form a tertiary longitudinal row 3070b of brackets 820c that are oriented in a third direction, which may or may not coincide with the direction of the brackets 820a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and third directions are the same. The tertiary longitudinal row 3070b is adjacent to the secondary longitudinal row 3060b.

Thus, when using the staple ejector matrices 2800a, 2800b, there are two staples extending side by side in the same direction or along parallel axes extending along both ends of each of the staple lines. In particular, the distal ejector 2610a supports the two most distal staples in the longitudinal rows 3050a, 3070a, which extend in the same direction. Similarly, the most proximal ejector 2610a supports the two most proximal staples in the longitudinal rows of staples 3050a, 3070a that extend in the same direction. Such a staple pattern can provide an over-tight design at both ends of each staple line.

Other staple ejector matrices 3100a, 3100b are shown in FIG. 67 and 68. As can be seen in these figures, a plurality of staple ejectors 3210a, 3310a, 3410a of staples are used in the bracket ejector matrix 3100a, each of which supports a single bracket. Similarly, the bracket ejector matrix 3100b includes a plurality of bracket ejectors 3210b, 3310b, 3410b. The bracket ejectors 3210a may be mirror images of the bracket ejectors 3210b and include the same elements. The bracket ejectors 3310a may be mirror images of the bracket ejectors 3310b and include the same elements. The bracket ejectors 3410a may be mirror images of the bracket ejectors 3410b and include the same elements.

As seen in FIG. 69, the first ejector 3210b includes a first bracket supporting portion 3220, in which a distal bed 3222 and a proximal bed 3224 are formed. The first bracket supporting portion 3220 is configured to functionally support the first bracket (not shown). When the first bracket is supported in the first bracket supporting portion 3220, the crown of the first bracket is supported along the first axis of the base FBA. In addition, in the embodiment shown, the second ejector 3310b includes a second bracket supporting portion 3320, in which a distal bed 3322 and a proximal bed 3324 are formed. The second bracket supporting portion 3320 is configured to functionally support a second bracket (not shown). When the second bracket is supported in the second bracket-supporting portion 3320, the crown of the second bracket is supported along the second axis SBA of the base, which is transverse to the first axis FBA of the base. The illustrated bracket ejector matrix 3100b also includes a third bracket ejector 3410b having a third bracket supporting portion 3420. In the third bracket supporting portion 3420, a proximal bed 3422 and a distal bed 3424 are formed, and it is configured to functionally support a third bracket (not shown). When the third bracket is supported in the third bracket-supporting portion 3420, the crown of the third bracket is supported on the third axis TBA of the base, which is parallel to the first axis FBA of the base and is transverse to the second axis SBA of the base.

As shown in FIG. 69, each of the ejectors 3210b, 3310b, 3410b has a pair of cam portions protruding therefrom, on each of which a cam or inclined surface is formed. For example, the first ejector 3210b includes a first cam portion 3230 on which a bias or cam surface 3232 is formed, and a second cam portion 3234 on which a bias or cam surface 3236 is formed. To form a lumen for an adjacent proximal second ejector 3310b at the proximal end 3237 of the second cam portion 3234, an angle 3238 is formed as shown in FIG. 69. The second ejector 3310b includes a first cam portion 3330 on which a bias or cam surface 3332 is formed, and a second cam portion 3334 on which a bias or cam surface 3336 is formed. For forming a lumen for an adjacent proximal first ejector 3210 and an adjacent proximal third of the ejector 3410b, a first angle 3333 is formed at the proximal end 3331 of the first cam portion 3330, and an angle 3337 is formed at the proximal end 3335 of the second cam portion 3334, as shown in FIG. 69. The third ejector 3410b includes a first cam portion 3430 on which a bias or cam surface 3432 is formed, and a second cam portion 3434 on which a bias or cam surface 3436 is formed. To form a lumen for an adjacent proximal second ejector 3310b at the proximal end 3431 the first cam section 3430 formed an angle 3433. In FIG. 70 and 71, a second ejector 3310b is shown to demonstrate slopes or cam surfaces 3332, 3336, it being understood that the first and third ejectors 3210a, 3410a have similar designs.

In the shown embodiment, each of the ejectors 3210b, 3310b, 3410b has two cam sections with parallel slopes or cam surfaces. Thus, each of the ejectors 3210b, 3310b, 3410b is driven by two slopes or cam elements on a slide or cam actuator. However, in this embodiment, the slide or cam actuator is configured with only eight slopes (four on each side of the elongated groove 804). The cam surfaces on each of the ejectors 3210b, 3310b, 3410b are made at an angle that interacts with the angle of the corresponding slope or cam element to push the corresponding ejector upward inside the bracket cassette while moving the slide or cam actuator distally through the bracket cassette.

In FIG. 72 illustrates an example of a brace cartridge 4800 having a cartridge case 4802 that includes an elongated groove 4804 for receiving a tissue-cutting member as described herein. An elongated groove 4804 is centrally located on the CA axis of the cartridge and divides the cartridge housing 4802 into two sections 4810 and 4910 of the housing. In FIG. 73 shows a bottom perspective view of a portion of one form of cassette case 802 'with surgical staples. As can be seen in this figure, the first housing portion 4810 includes a first cassette wall portion 4812 that includes first supporting grooves or grooves 4814 formed therein, which are each oriented along a corresponding FSA axis of a first groove transverse to the CA axis cassette. The second housing portion 4810 further includes a second cassette wall portion 4820, which has second supporting grooves or grooves 4822 formed therein, which are each oriented along an SSA axis of a second groove transverse to the CA axis of the cartridge. Between the first section 4812 of the cassette wall and the second section 4820 of the wall of the cassette there are four spaced apart grooves 4830, 4832, 4834, 4836 to accommodate the corresponding slopes or cam elements of the slide or cam actuator. Grooves 4830 and 4832 form a plurality of segmented guide rails 4840, all of which have a groove 4842. Similarly, grooves 4832 and 4834 form another set of segmented guide rails 4850, all of which have two grooves 4852 and 4854. In addition, grooves 4834 and 4836 form another set of segmented guide rails 4860, all of which have a groove 4862.

As shown in FIG. 73, the segmented guide rails 4840 are segmented by grooves 4844 that are oriented so as to accommodate the bracket-supporting portion 3220 of the corresponding first bracket ejector 3210a. In addition, the ends of the bracket-supporting portion 3220 are located in the respective grooves 4814 and 4852 so that each of the first ejectors 3210a is fully supported to slide in the cassette body 4802 over its entire range of upward movement. Similarly, the segmented guide rails 4850 are segmented by second grooves 4856, which are oriented so as to accommodate the bracket-supporting portion 3320 of the corresponding second bracket ejector 3310a. In addition, the ends of the bracket-supporting portion 3320 are positioned in respective grooves 4842 and 4862 so that each of the second bracket ejectors 3310a is fully supported to slide in the cartridge case 4802 over its entire range of upward movement. In addition, the segmented guide rails 4860 are segmented by third grooves 4864, which are oriented so as to accommodate the bracket-supporting portion 3420 of the corresponding second bracket ejector 3410a. In addition, the ends of the bracket-supporting portion 3420 are located in the respective grooves 4822 and 4854 so that each of the third bracket ejectors 3410a is fully supported to slide in the cartridge case 4802 over its entire range of upward movement. It should be understood that the slots 4844, 4856 and 4864 pass through the surface 4805 of the platform of the housing 4802 of the cartridge, so that the brackets can exit the housing 4802 of the cartridge. The grooves 4844, 4856, 4864 may also be called “cavities for brackets”. See FIG. 72.

Similarly, the second housing portion 4910 includes a first cassette wall portion 4912 in which the first support grooves or grooves 4914 are made, all of which are located on the corresponding PSA axis of the primary groove transverse to the CA axis of the cartridge. The second housing portion 4910 further includes a second cassette wall portion 4920 in which second support grooves or grooves 4922 are made, all of which are located on the corresponding SDSA axis of the secondary groove transverse to the CA axis of the cartridge. Between the first section 4912 of the wall of the cartridge and the second section 4920 of the wall of the cartridge, there are four spaced apart grooves 4930, 4932, 4934, 4936 to accommodate the corresponding slopes or cam elements of the slide or cam actuator. Grooves 4930 and 4932 form a plurality of segmented guide rails 4940, all of which have a groove 4942. Similarly, grooves 4932 and 4934 form another set of segmented guide rails 4950, all of which have two grooves 4952 and 4954. In addition, grooves 4934 and 4936 form another set of segmented guide rails 4960, all of which have a groove 4962.

As shown in FIG. 73, the segmented guide rails 4940 are segmented with grooves 4944 that are oriented so as to accommodate the bracket-supporting portion 3220 of the corresponding first bracket ejector 3210b. In addition, the ends of the bracket-supporting portion 3220 are positioned in respective grooves 4914 and 4952 so that each of the first ejectors 3210b is fully slideable in the cassette body 4802 over its entire range of upward movement. Similarly, segmented guide rails 4950 are segmented by second grooves 4956, which are oriented so as to accommodate the bracket-supporting portion 3320 of the corresponding second bracket ejector 3310b. In addition, the ends of the bracket-supporting portion 3320 are placed in respective grooves 4942 and 4962 so that each of the second bracket ejectors 3310b is fully supported to slide in the cassette body 4802 over its entire range of upward movement. In addition, the segmented guide rails 4960 are segmented by third grooves 4964, which are oriented so as to accommodate the bracket-supporting portion 3420 of the corresponding second bracket ejector 3410b. In addition, the ends of the bracket-supporting portion 3420 are positioned in respective grooves 4922 and 4954 so that each of the third bracket ejectors 3410b is fully supported to slide in the cartridge case 4802 over its entire range of upward movement. It should be understood that the grooves 4944, 4956 and 4964 pass through the surface 4805 of the platform of the housing 4802 of the cartridge, so that the brackets can exit the housing 4802 of the cartridge. The grooves 4944, 4956, 4964 may also be called “cavities for brackets”. See FIG. 72.

In the design shown, when the ejectors 3210a, 3310a, 3410a are installed in the cassette body 4802 to form a bracket ejector matrix 3100a, the cam portion 3230 of each of the first ejectors 3210a is aligned along the first cam axis FCA formed by the first groove 4830. Thus, the cam surfaces 3232 also aligned along the first cam axis of the FCA for cam contact with a corresponding cam element or slope on a slide or cam actuator. Similarly, the cam portion 3234 of each of the first ejectors 3210a, as well as each of the cam sections 3330 of the second ejectors 3310a, are aligned along the second cam axis SCA defined by slot 4832. Thus, the cam surfaces 3236 and 3332 are also aligned along the second cam axis SCA for cam contact with appropriate cam element or slope on the slide or cam actuator. In addition, the cam portion 3430 of each of the third ejectors 3410a, as well as each of the cam sections 3334 of each of the second ejectors 3310a, are aligned along the third cam axis TCA defined by slot 4834. Thus, the cam surfaces 3432 and 3336 are also aligned along the third cam axis TCA for cam contact with an appropriate cam element or slope on a slide or cam actuator. In addition, the cam portion 3434 of each of the third ejectors 3410a is aligned along the fourth FTCA axis defined by the groove 4836. Thus, the cam surfaces 3436 are also aligned along the fourth FTCA axis for cam contact with the corresponding cam element or slope on the rails or cam actuator.

In the illustrated ejector matrix 3100b, the cam portion 3230 of each of the first ejectors 3210b is also aligned along the primary cam axis PCA defined by the first groove 4930. Thus, the cam surfaces 3232 are also aligned along the first cam axis PCA for cam contact with the corresponding cam element or slope on slide or cam actuator. Similarly, the cam portion 3234 of each of the first ejectors 3210b, as well as each of the cam sections 3330 of the second ejectors 3310b, are aligned along the secondary cam axis SDCA defined by groove 4932. Thus, the cam surfaces 3236 and 3332 are also aligned along the secondary cam axis SDCA for cam contact with appropriate cam element or slope on the slide or cam actuator. In addition, the cam portion 3430 of each of the third ejectors 3410b, as well as each of the cam sections 3334 of each of the second ejectors 3310b are aligned along the tertiary cam axis of the TRCA formed by the groove 4934. Thus, the cam surfaces 3432 and 3336 are also aligned along the tertiary cam axis of the TRCA for cam contact with an appropriate cam element or slope on a slide or cam actuator. In addition, the cam portion 3434 of each of the third ejectors 3410a is aligned on the other fourth axis of the FRCA defined by the groove 4936. Thus, the cam surfaces 3436 are also aligned on the other fourth axis of the FRCA for cam contact with the corresponding cam element or slope on the rails or cam actuator the mechanism.

In at least one design, cam surfaces 3232, 3236, 3332, 3336, 3432, 3436 may be formed with identical slopes or angles, or they may have different slopes. However, in the shown embodiment, for example, cam surfaces 3232 are oriented or otherwise configured to provide functional alignment with the angle / orientation of the cam element or slope of the slide or cam actuator. In addition, in the shown embodiment, cam surfaces 3236 and 3332 are formed with the same inclination or angle and / or have a different configuration to provide functional coincidence with the angle / orientation of the corresponding cam element or inclination of the slide or cam actuator. However, it is possible that the angle or inclination of the cam surfaces 3236, 3332 is not the same as the angle or inclination of the cam surfaces 3232. Similarly, the cam surfaces 3432 and 3336 are formed with the same inclination or angle and / or have a different configuration to provide a functional match with the angle / the orientation of the corresponding cam element or slope of the slide or cam actuator. However, it is possible that the angle or inclination of the cam surfaces 3432, 3336 is not the same as the angle or inclination of the cam surfaces 3232, 3234, 3332. Furthermore, in the shown embodiment, the cam surfaces 3436 are formed with the same inclination or angle and / or have a different configuration to ensure functional alignment with the angle / orientation of the corresponding cam element or slope of the slide or cam actuator. However, it is possible that the angle or inclination of the cam surfaces 3436 is not the same as the angle or inclination of the cam surfaces 3232, 3234, 3332, 3432, 3336.

As shown in FIG. 67, when all the staple ejectors 3210a, 3310a, 3410a are functionally supported in the staple cartridge, in the staple ejector matrix 3100a, the staple ejectors 3210a form a first longitudinal row of staples 5000a that is adjacent to an elongated groove 804 in the cassette body 4802. Each of the brackets in the first longitudinal row 5000a extends in a first direction in accordance with the above description. Similarly, the pushers 3310a of the brackets form a second longitudinal row 5010a of brackets adjacent to the first longitudinal row 5000a. The brackets in the second longitudinal row 5010a extend in a second direction that is different from the first direction of the brackets in the first longitudinal row 5000a. In addition, the bracket ejectors 3410a form a third longitudinal row of brackets 5020a that are oriented in a third direction, which may or may not coincide with the direction of the brackets in the second longitudinal row 5010a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and third directions are the same. The third longitudinal row 5020a is adjacent to the second longitudinal row 5010a.

In the design shown, when all of the staple ejectors 3210b, 3310b, 3410b are functionally supported in the staple cartridge, in the staple ejector matrix 3100b, the staple ejectors 3210b form a primary longitudinal row of staples 5000b that is adjacent to an elongated groove 804 in the cassette body 4802. Each of the brackets in the primary longitudinal row 5000b extends in a first direction in accordance with the above description. Similarly, the bracket ejectors 3310b form a secondary longitudinal row of brackets 5010b adjacent to the primary longitudinal row 5000b. The brackets in the secondary longitudinal row 5010b extend in a second direction that is different from the first direction of the brackets in the primary longitudinal row 5000b. In addition, the ejectors 3410b form a tertiary longitudinal row 5020b of brackets that are oriented in the third direction, which may or may not coincide with the direction of the brackets in the secondary longitudinal row 5010b. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and third directions are the same. The tertiary longitudinal row 5020b is adjacent to the secondary longitudinal row 5010b.

In FIG. 74 depicts a portion of another surgical staple cartridge 6000 that is configured to produce staple lines having different height values in the formed state, and in which different staple ejector matrices designs described herein can be used. The surgical staple cartridge 6000 includes a cartridge case 6002 having an elongated groove 6004 that divides the cartridge case into a first cartridge section 6010 and a second cartridge section 6110. The first cassette section 6010 includes a “step platform” 6012. In the example shown, the lowest platform surface or the “first” platform section is designated as element 6020. In the first platform section 6020, a series of grooves or first recesses 6022 for brackets configured to support the first longitudinal line 6030 of the first surgical staples 7000. In the shown embodiment, the first recesses 6022 for the staples in line 6030 are parallel to each other and are oriented, each along the corresponding first axis FA.

As further seen in FIG. 74, the stepped platform 6012 further includes a second platform portion 6040 having a height or thickness T1. In other words, the second platform portion 6040 projects above the first platform portion 6020 by a thickness T1. In one example, T1 may be approximately 0.03 centimeters (0.01 inches). However, other thicknesses or height differences can be used. For example, T1 may range from 0.01 centimeters to 0.064 centimeters (0.005 inches to 0.025 inches). The second series of grooves or second recesses 6042 for the brackets is oriented in the second section 6040 of the platform so as to support the second line 6050 of the second brackets 7020. The second recesses 6042 for the brackets are parallel to each other and are all aligned along the second axis SA. The second axes can be arranged transversely with respect to the first axes FA.

As can also be seen in FIG. 74, the first stepped platform 6012 further includes a third platform portion 6060 having a height or thickness T2. In other words, the third platform portion 6060 protrudes above the first platform portion 6020 by a thickness T2. In one example, T2 may be approximately 0.05 centimeters (0.02 inches). However, other thicknesses or height differences can be used. For example, T1 may range from 0.01 centimeters to 0.076 centimeters (0.005 inches to 0.030 inches). The third series of grooves or second recesses 6062 for the brackets is oriented in the third section 6060 of the platform so as to support a third line 6070 of the third brackets 7020. The third recesses 6062 for the brackets are parallel to each other and all are aligned on the third axis TA. The third axes, for example, can be parallel to the first axes FA and can be arranged transversely with respect to the second axes SA.

During use, when the surgical instrument abutment is locked in the closed position, in which the brace-forming lower abutment surface is opposite the platform of the staple cartridge 6000, the third platform portion 6070 will be closer to the lower abutment surface than the second platform portion 6040 and the first platform portion 6020. Similarly, the second platform portion 6040 is located closer to the forming bracket of the lower abutment surface than the first platform portion 6020. Thus, as shown in FIG. 75, the third brackets 7030 that are supported in the third brackets 6062 will have a third molding height TFH which is less than the second molding height SFH of the second brackets 7020 supported in the second brackets 6042 and the second molding height SFH of the second brackets 7020 is smaller than the first molding height FFH staples supported in the first recesses 6022 for staples. As shown in FIG. 74, the line 6070 of the third staples 7030 may be adjacent to the elongated groove 6004. Thus, the staples 7030 closest to the cutting line of the fabric will have the smallest height in the formed state.

The second cassette portion 6110 includes a primary platform portion 6120, which is the lowest surface of the platform. In the primary platform portion 6120, a series of grooves or primary grooves 6122 for staples are arranged to support the primary longitudinal line 6130 of the first surgical staples 7000. In the shown embodiment, the primary grooves 6122 for staples in the primary line 6130 are parallel to each other and oriented, each corresponding primary axis PA. As further seen in FIG. 74, the stepped platform 6012 further includes a secondary platform portion 6140 having a height or thickness T1 ′. In other words, the secondary platform portion 6140 protrudes above the primary platform portion 6120 by a thickness T1 ′. In the shown construction, T1 ′ is equal to T1. However, in other designs, it is assumed that T1 ′ is not equal to T1. The second series of grooves or second recesses 6142 for the brackets is oriented in the secondary section 6140 of the platform so as to support the secondary line 6150 of the second brackets 7020. The secondary recesses 6142 for the brackets are parallel to each other and are all aligned on the secondary axis of the SDA. The secondary axes of the SDA can be arranged transversely with respect to the primary axes of PA.

As can also be seen in FIG. 74, the stepped platform 6012 further includes a tertiary platform portion 6160 having a height or thickness T2 '. In other words, the tertiary platform portion 6160 protrudes above the primary platform portion 6120 by a thickness T2 ′. In the shown construction, T2 ′ is equal to T2. However, in other designs, it is assumed that T2 'is not equal to T2. The tertiary series of grooves or tertiary grooves 6162 for the brackets is oriented in the tertiary section 6160 of the platform so as to support the tertiary line 6170 of the third brackets 7030. The tertiary grooves 6162 for the brackets are parallel to each other and are all aligned along the tertiary axis of the TRA. The tertiary axes TRA, for example, can be parallel to the primary axes PA and can be located transversely relative to the secondary axes SDA.

During use, when the abutment of the surgical instrument is locked in the closed position, in which the staple-forming lower abutment surface is opposite the platform of the staple cartridge 6000, the tertiary platform portion 6160 will be closer to the lower surface than the second platform portion 6040 and the first platform portion 6020. Similarly, the secondary platform portion 6140 is located closer to the forming bracket of the lower abutment surface than the primary platform portion 6120. Thus, as shown in FIG. 75, the third staples 7030 that are supported in the third recesses 6062 for the brackets will have a third molding height TFH that is less than the second molding height SFH of the second brackets 7020 supported in the secondary recesses 6142 for the brackets, and the second molding height SFH of the second brackets 7020 less than the first molding height FFH staples supported in primary recesses 6122 for staples. As shown in FIG. 74, the line 6170 of the third staples 7030 may be adjacent to the elongated groove 6004. Thus, the staples 7030 closest to the cutting line of the fabric will have the smallest height in the formed state.

The various staple ejector designs described herein can be effectively applied in the above-described stepped platform design to produce staples having different heights in the formed state. This document provides for a variety of ejector combinations and step platform configurations. Different staples used may first have different heights in an unformed state. For example, all staples in one staple line can have the same height, but can have a different height than all staples in another line or in other staple lines in the cassette. The brackets may be U-shaped or V-shaped. Staples can have different wire diameters. Additional information about the configurations of brackets, cassettes and ejector designs for forming brackets with different heights in the formed state is described in US Pat. No. 7,669,746, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES FOR FORMING STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT FORMED HEIGHTS; U.S. Patent No. 7,500,979 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH MULTIPLE STACKED ACTUATOR WEDGE CAMS FOR DRIVING STAPLE DRIVERS; U.S. Patent No. 7,673,781 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH STAPLE DRIVER THAT SUPPORTS MULTIPLE WIRE DIAMETER STAPLES; U.S. Patent No. 8,636,187 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS THAT PRODUCE FORMED STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT LENGTHS; U.S. Patent No. 7,934,630 entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES FOR FORMING STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT FORMED HEIGHTS; U.S. Patent No. 8,567,656 entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES FOR FORMING STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT FORMED HEIGHTS; US patent No. 8,464,923, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES FOR FORMING STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT FORMED HEIGHTS, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

As you study this detailed description, it will be understood that the various forms of cassettes with surgical staples described herein can also be effectively applied in connection with robotic control surgical systems. Thus, the term “housing” can also encompass a housing or similar part of a robotic system that accommodates or otherwise functionally supports at least one drive system configured to generate and apply at least one control motion that can be used to bring in the effect of the elongated stem nodes described herein and their corresponding equivalents. The term “frame” may refer to a part of a hand-held surgical instrument. The term "frame" may also be part of a surgical instrument with robotic control and / or part of a robotic system that can be used for functional control of a surgical instrument. For example, the stem assemblies described herein can be used with various robotic systems, tools, components, and methods described in US Patent Application No. 13 / 118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, currently publishing the application for US patent No. 9,072,535, which is fully incorporated herein by reference.

The surgical instrument systems described herein are driven by an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein may be driven in any suitable manner. In various cases, the surgical instrument systems described herein may, for example, be driven by a manual trigger. The engine or motors may comprise part or parts of a robotic control system.

The surgical instrument systems described herein are driven by one or more electric motors; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein may be driven in any suitable manner. In various cases, the surgical instrument systems described herein may, for example, be driven by a manual trigger.

Examples

Example 1. A matrix of ejectors of surgical staples for functional use with a cassette with surgical staples. In at least one configuration, the surgical staple ejector matrix comprises a distal staple ejector configured to slide slidingly into a cassette with surgical staples and configured to functionally maintain a single distal surgical staple oriented in the distal direction. A plurality of intermediate staple ejectors are adapted to be slidably supported in a cassette with surgical staples in a sequential arrangement, the most distal of the intermediate staple ejectors being adjacent to the distal staple ejector. Each of the intermediate staple ejectors is configured to functionally support the first surgical staple oriented in the first direction, as well as the second surgical staple oriented in the second direction, and the third surgical staple oriented in the third direction. The proximal bracket ejector is supported slidingly adjacent to the most proximal of the intermediate bracket ejector. The proximal staple ejector is configured to functionally support the proximal surgical bracket oriented in the proximal direction.

Example 2. The matrix of ejectors of surgical staples according to example 1, in which the distal direction is parallel to at least one of the first, second and third directions.

Example 3. The matrix of the ejectors of surgical staples according to examples 1 or 2, in which the proximal direction is parallel to at least one of the first, second and third directions.

Example 4. The matrix of the ejectors of surgical staples according to examples 1, 2 or 3, in which the distal direction, the first direction, the third direction and the proximal direction are parallel to each other.

Example 5. The matrix of pushers of surgical staples according to examples 1, 2, 3 or 4, in which the distal crown of the distal surgical bracket is supported along the distal axis of the base, and the first crown of the first surgical bracket is supported on the first axis of the base, which is parallel to the distal axis of the base.

Example 6. The matrix of the ejectors of surgical staples according to example 5, in which the second crown of the second surgical staples is supported along the second axis of the base, located transversely relative to the first axis of the base.

Example 7. The matrix of the ejectors of surgical staples according to examples 5 or 6, in which the third crown of the third surgical bracket is supported along the third axis of the base, which is parallel to the first axis of the base.

Example 8. The matrix of surgical staple ejectors of example 7, in which the proximal crown of the proximal surgical staple is supported along the proximal axis of the base, which is parallel to the third axis of the base of the third surgical staple, supported in the most proximal of the intermediate staple ejectors.

Example 9. A cassette with surgical staples, which contains a cassette body containing a proximal end and a distal end. The distal ejector staples is supported with the ability to move in the cassette and is made with the possibility of maintaining the single most distal surgical staples, oriented in the distal direction. Many intermediate ejector brackets are supported with the possibility of movement in the cassette body in the form of series, and the most distal of the intermediate ejector brackets is adjacent to the distal ejector brackets. Each of the intermediate staple ejectors supports the first surgical staple in the first direction, the second surgical staple in the second direction, and the third surgical staple in the third direction. The proximal bracket ejector is supported slidingly adjacent to the most proximal of the intermediate bracket ejector. The proximal staple ejector is configured to functionally support the proximal surgical bracket oriented in the proximal direction.

Example 10. The cassette with surgical brackets of example 9, in which the distal crown of the distal surgical bracket is supported along the distal axis of the base, and the first crown of the first surgical bracket is supported on the first axis of the base, which is parallel to the distal axis of the base. The second crown of the second surgical staple is supported along the second axis of the base, located transversely relative to the first axis of the base. The third crown of the third surgical bracket is supported along the third axis of the base, which is parallel to the first axis of the base. The proximal crown of the proximal surgical staple is supported along the proximal base axis, which is parallel to the third base axis of the third surgical staple, supported in the most proximal of the intermediate staple ejectors.

Example 11. A cassette with surgical staples according to examples 9 or 10, in which the distal staple ejector contains a distal staple support element containing a distal support post, which is configured to support the distal leg of the distal surgical staple. The distal bracket supporting member further comprises a proximal support post configured to support the proximal leg of the distal surgical staple. One of the distal and proximal support legs is supported with the possibility of sliding in one of the first wall section and the second wall section of the cassette body.

Example 12. The cassette with surgical staples of example 11, in which the distal ejector staples further comprises a distal cam surface, aligned along the first cam axis, extending transversely between the distal and proximal support legs.

Example 13. The cassette with surgical staples according to examples 9, 10, 11 or 12, in which at least one of the intermediate ejectors staples contains a first element supporting the bracket containing the first distal support stand, which is configured to support the first distal leg corresponding to the first surgical staples. The first bracket supporting member further comprises a first proximal support post configured to support the first proximal leg of the corresponding first surgical staple. The intermediate staple ejector further comprises a second staple supporting member comprising a second distal support post configured to support a second distal leg of the corresponding second surgical staple. The second bracket supporting member further comprises a second proximal support post configured to support the second proximal leg of the corresponding second surgical staple. The intermediate staple ejector further comprises a third staple supporting member comprising a third distal support post configured to support a third distal leg of the corresponding third surgical staple. The third bracket supporting member further comprises a third proximal support post configured to support the third proximal leg of the corresponding third surgical staple. One of the third distal support post and the third proximal support post is slidably supported in one of the first and second sections of the cassette body wall.

Example 14. A cassette with surgical staples according to examples 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, in which the proximal ejector staples contains a proximal bracket supporting element containing another distal support post, which is configured to support another distal leg of the proximal surgical staples. The proximal staple supporting member further comprises another proximal support post configured to support another proximal leg of the proximal surgical staple. One of the other distal and the other proximal support legs is slidably supported in one of the first wall section and the second wall section of the cassette body.

Example 15. The cassette with surgical brackets of example 14, additionally containing at least one distal cam surface on the distal bracket supporting element and at least one first cam surface on at least one of the first, second and third bracket supporting elements. At least one proximal cam surface is located on the proximal bracket supporting member.

Example 16. The cassette with surgical brackets of example 15, in which at least one distal cam surface, at least one first cam surface and at least one proximal cam surface are aligned on a common cam axis.

Example 17. The cassette with surgical staples according to examples 15 or 16, in which at least one distal cam surface comprises a first distal cam surface and a second distal cam surface located at a distance from the first distal cam surface. The first cam surface comprises a first cam surface and a second cam surface located at a distance from the first cam surface. At least one proximal cam surface comprises a first proximal cam surface and a second proximal cam surface.

Example 18. The cassette with surgical brackets of example 17, in which the first distal cam surface, the first cam surface and the first proximal cam surface are aligned on the first cam axis, and the second distal cam surface, the second cam surface and the second proximal cam surface are aligned second cam axis.

Example 19. The cassette with surgical brackets of example 18, in which the first cam surface is located on the first bracket supporting element, and the second cam surface is located on the third bracket supporting element.

Example 20. A surgical instrument containing made with the possibility of movement along the axis of the slide, which contain the first and second cam elements. The surgical instrument further comprises a cassette with surgical staples and at least one distal staple ejector that is supported to move in the cassette with surgical staples. Each distal staple ejector is configured to functionally maintain a corresponding distal staple and comprises a first distal cam surface aligned for cam contact with the first cam element and a second distal cam surface aligned for cam contact with the second cam element. A plurality of intermediate staple ejectors are supported to move in a cassette with surgical staples in a sequential arrangement. The most distal of the intermediate ejector brackets is adjacent to one of at least one of the distal ejector brackets. Each of the intermediate staple ejectors supports a respective first surgical staple, a corresponding second surgical staple, and a corresponding third surgical staple. Each intermediate bracket ejector comprises a first cam surface aligned for cam contact with a first cam element and a second cam surface aligned for cam contact with a second cam element. The proximal bracket ejector is supported slidingly adjacent to the most proximal of the intermediate bracket ejector. The proximal staple ejector is configured to functionally maintain the corresponding proximal surgical staple and comprises a first proximal cam surface aligned for cam contact with the first cam element and a second proximal cam surface aligned for cam contact with the second cam element.

Example 21. A matrix of ejectors of surgical staples for functional use with a cartridge with surgical staples. In at least one form, the surgical staple ejector matrix comprises a distal staple ejector, which is slidably supported in a cassette with surgical staples. The matrix of pushers of surgical staples is also made with the possibility of functional support of at least two distal surgical staples, which are oriented, each in the distal direction. At least one first intermediate ejector staples made with the possibility of support with the possibility of sliding in the cassette with surgical staples. The intermediate staple ejector functionally supports at least two first surgical staples that are each oriented in the first direction, and at least two second surgical staples that are each oriented in the second direction, which is different from the first direction. The at least one second intermediate bracket ejector is adapted to slideably adjacent at least one of the distal bracket ejectors and the corresponding one of the at least one first intermediate bracket ejector. Each of the at least one second intermediate staple ejector is operable to support five second surgical staples, at least two of the second surgical staples are oriented, each in the primary direction, and at least one other of the second surgical staples is oriented in the secondary a direction different from the primary direction.

Example 22. The matrix of pushers of surgical staples according to example 21, in which at least one of the first and second directions parallel to the distal direction.

Example 23. The matrix of ejectors of surgical staples according to examples 21 or 22, in which the first and second directions are transversely relative to each other.

Example 24. The matrix of pushers of surgical staples according to examples 21, 22 or 23, in which at least one of the primary and secondary directions parallel to the distal direction.

Example 25. The matrix of the ejectors of surgical staples according to examples 21, 22, 23 or 24, in which four of the second surgical staples are oriented in the primary direction, and one other of the second staples is oriented in the secondary direction.

Example 26. The matrix of pushers of surgical staples according to examples 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25, in which one of the distal surgical staples contains a distal crown aligned along the first distal axis of the base, and the other of the distal surgical staples contains another distal crown aligned at a second distal axis of the base, which is parallel to the first distal axis of the base. One of the first surgical staples contains the first bracket of the staple aligned along the first axis of the base, and the other of the first surgical staples contains the other first crown of the staple aligned along the other first axis of the base, which is parallel to the first axis of the base. One of the second surgical staples contains a second staple crown aligned on the second axis of the base, and the other of the second surgical staples contains another second staple crown aligned on the other second axis of the base, which is parallel to the second axis of the base.

Example 27. The matrix of ejectors of surgical staples according to example 26, the first and second distal axis of the base parallel to the first axis of the base and the other first axis of the base, and the second axis of the base and the other second axis of the base are transverse to the first axis of the base and the other first axis of the base .

Example 28. The matrix of the ejector surgical staples according to examples 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27, in which the distal ejector staples contains at least one distal cam surface, and at least one of at least one first the intermediate ejector staples contains at least one first cam surface, and at least one of the at least one second intermediate ejector staples contains at least one primary cam surface, and at least about on the distal cam surface, and at least one first cam surface, and at least one primary cam surface are aligned along the first cam shaft.

Example 29. The surgical staple ejector matrix of Example 28, wherein the distal staple ejector comprises a first distal cam surface and a second distal cam surface located at a distance from the first distal cam surface. Each of the at least one first intermediate ejector staples comprises a first cam surface and a second cam surface located at a distance from the first cam surface. Each of the at least one second intermediate ejector staples contains a primary cam surface and a secondary cam surface located at a distance from the primary cam surface. The first distal cam surface, each of the first cam surfaces and each of the primary cam surfaces are aligned along the first cam axis. The second distal cam surface, each of the second cam surfaces and each of the secondary cam surfaces are aligned along the second cam axis.

Example 30. A cassette with surgical staples comprising a cassette body containing a proximal end and a distal end. The distal staple ejector is supported to move in the cassette body and is configured to support at least two distal surgical staples. Each of the distal surgical staples extends distally. At least one intermediate staple ejector is supported in the cassette body to move. Each of the first intermediate staple ejectors is configured to support at least two first surgical staples, each of which extends in a first direction, and at least two other first surgical staples, each of which extends in a second direction. The cassette with surgical staples further comprises at least one second intermediate ejector staples, which is made with the possibility of support with the possibility of sliding adjacent to at least one of the distal ejector staples and the corresponding one of the first intermediate ejector staples. Each of the second intermediate staple ejectors is operable to support five other surgical staples, at least two of the other surgical staples are oriented, each in the primary direction, and at least one third of the other surgical staples is oriented in a secondary direction different from primary direction.

Example 31. The cassette with surgical staples of example 30, in which the first of the distal surgical staples contains a first distal crown aligned on the first distal axis of the base, and the second of the distal surgical staples contains a second distal crown aligned on the second distal axis of the base, which is parallel to the first distal axis of the base. At least one of the first surgical staples contains the first bracket of the bracket aligned along the first axis of the base, and at least one other of the first surgical braces contains the other first crown of the bracket aligned along the other first axis of the base, which is parallel to the first axis of the base. At least one of the second surgical staples contains a second staple crown aligned along the second axis of the base, and at least one other of the second surgical staples contains another second staple crown aligned along the other second axis of the base, which is parallel to the second axis of the base.

Example 32. A cassette with surgical staples according to examples 30 or 31, in which the distal staple ejector contains a distal staple support element containing a distal support post, which is configured to support the distal leg of the distal surgical staple. The distal staple ejector further comprises a proximal support post configured to support the proximal leg of the distal surgical staple. The distal staple ejector also includes another distal staple support member comprising another distal support post configured to support another distal leg of another distal surgical staple. The other distal bracket supporting member further comprises another proximal support post configured to support another proximal leg of another distal surgical staple.

Example 33. The cassette with surgical brackets of example 32, in which one of the distal support post and the other distal support post is supported with the possibility of sliding in one of the first and second sections of the cassette wall in the cassette, and one of the proximal support post or the other the proximal support post is slidably supported in another of the first and second sections of the cassette wall.

Example 34. The surgical staple cassette of Examples 32 or 33, wherein the distal staple ejector further comprises a first distal cam surface on a first distal staple support member and a second distal cam surface on a second distal staple support.

Example 35. A cassette with surgical staples according to examples 30, 31, 32, 33 or 34, in which at least one of the first intermediate ejector staples contains a first bracket supporting element containing a first distal support post, which is configured to support the first distal leg appropriate first surgical staples. The first bracket supporting member further comprises a first proximal support post configured to support the first proximal leg of the corresponding first surgical staple. At least one of the first intermediate staple ejectors further comprises a second staple supporting member comprising a second distal support post configured to support the second distal leg of the corresponding second surgical staple. The second bracket supporting member further comprises a second proximal support post configured to support the second proximal leg of the corresponding second surgical staple. At least one of the first intermediate staple ejectors also comprises a third staple support member comprising a third distal support post configured to support a third distal leg of the corresponding third surgical staple. The third bracket supporting member further comprises a third proximal support post configured to support the third proximal leg of the corresponding third surgical staple. At least one of the first intermediate staple ejectors further comprises a fourth staple supporting member comprising a fourth distal support post configured to support the fourth distal leg of the corresponding fourth surgical staple. The fourth bracket supporting member further comprises a fourth proximal support post configured to support the fourth proximal leg of the corresponding fourth surgical staple. The first crown of the corresponding first surgical bracket and the second crown of the corresponding second surgical bracket are parallel to each other. The third crown of the corresponding third surgical bracket and the fourth crown of the corresponding fourth surgical bracket are parallel to each other and are transverse to the first and second crowns.

Example 36. The cassette with surgical brackets of example 35, in which one of the first distal support post or third proximal support post is supported with the possibility of sliding in one of the first and second sections of the wall of the cassette in the cassette, and the other from the first distal support post and a third proximal support post is slidably supported in another of the first and second sections of the cassette wall.

Example 37. A cassette with surgical staples according to examples 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36, in which at least one of the second intermediate ejector staples contains another first bracket supporting element containing another first distal support post, which is made with the ability to maintain another first distal leg corresponding to the first other surgical staples. Another first bracket supporting member further comprises another first proximal support post configured to support the other first proximal leg of the corresponding first other surgical staple. The second intermediate staple ejector further comprises another second staple supporting member comprising another second distal support post configured to support another second distal leg of the corresponding second other surgical staple. Another second bracket supporting member further comprises another second proximal support post configured to support the other second proximal leg of the corresponding second other surgical staple. The second intermediate staple ejector further comprises another third staple supporting member comprising another third distal support post configured to support another third distal leg of the corresponding third other surgical staple. Another third bracket supporting member further comprises another third proximal support post configured to support the other third proximal leg of the corresponding third other surgical staple. The second intermediate staple ejector further comprises another fourth staple supporting member comprising another fourth distal support post configured to support the other fourth distal leg of the corresponding fourth other surgical staple. Another fourth bracket supporting member further comprises another fourth proximal support post configured to support the other fourth proximal leg of the corresponding fourth other surgical staple. The other first crown of the first corresponding other surgical bracket, and the other second crown of the second corresponding different surgical bracket, and the other third crown of the third corresponding different surgical bracket, and the other fourth crown of the fourth corresponding other surgical bracket are parallel to each other. The second intermediate staple ejector further comprises a fifth staple supporting member comprising a fifth distal support post configured to support the fifth distal leg of the corresponding fifth other surgical staple. The fifth bracket-supporting element further comprises a fifth proximal support post configured to support the fifth proximal leg of the corresponding fifth other surgical staple. The fifth crown of the fifth corresponding other surgical staples is transversely relative to the other first crown, another second crown, another third crown and another fourth crown.

Example 38. The cassette with surgical brackets of example 37, in which the other first proximal support post or other third proximal support post are all supported to slide in one of the first and second sections of the cassette wall in the cassette, and the other second proximal support post and the other fourth proximal support post is all supported to slide in another of the first and second sections of the cassette wall.

Example 39. A cassette with surgical staples according to examples 37 or 38, further comprising a primary cam surface placed adjacent to another first proximal support post and another third proximal support post and placed inside relative to them. The secondary cam surface is adjacent to another second proximal support post and another fourth proximal support post and is placed inside relative to them.

Example 40. A surgical instrument containing made with the possibility of movement along the axis of the slide, which contain the first and second cam elements. The surgical instrument further comprises a cassette with surgical staples and at least one distal staple ejector that is supported to move in the cassette with surgical staples. Each distal staple ejector is configured to functionally support two distal surgical staples and comprises a first distal cam surface aligned for cam contact with the first cam element. Each distal staple ejector further comprises a second distal cam surface aligned for cam contact with the second cam element. At least one first intermediate staple ejector is supported to move in a cassette with surgical staples and supports four surgical staples. Each first intermediate ejector of brackets has a first cam surface aligned for cam contact with the first cam element and a second cam surface aligned for cam contact with the second cam element. The surgical instrument further comprises at least one second intermediate staple ejector that is slidably supported in the surgical staple cassette adjacent to at least one of the distal staple ejectors and one of the first intermediate staple ejectors. Each second intermediate staple ejector is configured to functionally support at least five other surgical staples and comprises a first proximal cam surface aligned for cam contact with the first cam element. Each of the second intermediate ejector brackets further comprises a second proximal cam surface, combined for cam contact with the second cam element.

Example 41. An ejector of surgical staples containing an ejector body, which is made with the possibility of support with the possibility of sliding in a cassette with surgical staples. In at least one form, the ejector housing comprises at least two bracket-supporting elements, each bracket-supporting element being configured to functionally support a corresponding surgical bracket. The ejector housing further comprises a first cam surface and a second cam surface located at a distance from the first cam surface. The ejector housing further comprises at least one hole configured to slide into it with a suitable ejector guide formed in a cassette with surgical staples.

Example 42. The ejector surgical staples of example 41, in which each of at least one hole is placed between the first and second cam surfaces.

Example 43. The surgical staple ejector according to examples 41 or 42, in which the ejector body includes a distal end and a proximal end, and at least one of the proximal end and the distal end is slidably engaged with the other of the respective guide ejectors.

Example 44. The ejector surgical staples according to examples 41, 42 or 43, in which one of the at least two supporting elements of the bracket supports the corresponding surgical bracket along the axis of the base, and the other of the supporting elements of the bracket supports the other surgical bracket on the other axis of the base, which is parallel to the axis of the base.

Example 45. The ejector surgical staples of example 44, in which the other axis of the base is located transversely relative to the axis of the base.

Example 46. The ejector surgical staples according to examples 41, 42, 43, 44 or 45, in which one of the supporting elements of the bracket contains a proximal support post, which is configured to support the proximal leg of the corresponding surgical staples. The staple supporting member further comprises a distal support post configured to support the distal leg of the corresponding surgical staple. Another of the bracket-supporting elements comprises another proximal support post configured to support another proximal leg of another appropriate surgical staple. Another bracket supporting member further comprises another distal support post configured to support another distal leg of another appropriate surgical staple. One of the proximal support post and the distal support post is supported to slide inside the corresponding groove in the section of the cassette wall with surgical braces. One of the other proximal support post and the other distal support post is slidably supported inside another corresponding groove in another section of the cassette wall with surgical staples.

Example 47. The ejector surgical staples according to example 46, and the cassette with surgical staples forms the axis of the cassette, and each of the corresponding groove and the other corresponding groove is located transversely relative to the axis of the cassette.

Example 48. The ejector surgical staples of example 47, in which the corresponding guide of the ejector is located in the center between the wall section of the cassette and another wall section of the cassette.

Example 49. A cassette with surgical staples containing a cassette body that forms the axis of the cassette and contains a first cassette wall and a second cassette wall located at a distance from the first cassette wall. The cassette housing further comprises at least two vertical ejector guides located between the first cassette wall and the second cassette wall. The cassette with surgical staples further comprises at least one ejector of surgical staples having an ejector body, which has a proximal end configured for sliding engagement with one of the ejector rails, and a distal end made for sliding engagement with the other of the ejector rails. The ejector housing further comprises at least one bracket supporting member that is operable to functionally support the surgical staple.

Example 50. The surgical staple cassette of Example 49, wherein the at least one staple support member comprises a first staple support member configured to support the first surgical staple and a second staple support member configured to support the second surgical staple. A portion of the first bracket-supporting member is slidably supported within a corresponding groove in the first cassette wall, and another portion of a second bracket-supporting member is slidably supported within another corresponding groove in the second cassette wall.

Example 51. The cassette with surgical staples of example 50, in which each of the corresponding groove and the other corresponding groove is located transversely relative to the axis of the cartridge.

Example 52. A cassette with surgical braces according to examples 49, 50 or 51, in which the first surgical bracket contains a first crown supported on the first axis of the base, and the second surgical bracket contains a second crown supported on the second axis of the base, which is parallel to the first axis grounds.

Example 53. The cassette with surgical staples of example 52, in which the second axis of the base is transverse to the first axis of the base.

Example 54. A cassette with surgical staples according to examples 49, 50, 51 or 52, in which each ejector surgical staples additionally contains at least one hole made with the possibility of entering into it with the possibility of sliding corresponding additional guide ejector.

Example 55. A surgical instrument comprising an axis-mounted slide that comprises a first cam element configured to move along a first cam axis and a second cam element configured to move along a second cam axis. The surgical instrument further comprises a cassette with surgical staples, which comprises a cassette body comprising a first cassette wall and a second cassette wall located at a distance from the first cassette wall. The cassette body further comprises at least two vertical guide brackets located between the first cassette wall and the second cassette wall. The surgical instrument further comprises at least one pusher of surgical staples comprising a pusher body that comprises a proximal end configured to slide in meshing with one of the ejector rails and a distal end configured to slide in meshing with the other of the ejector rails. The surgical staple ejector further comprises at least one staple supporting member that is operable to functionally support the surgical staple.

Example 56. The surgical instrument of examples 55, wherein the ejector housing further comprises a first cam surface oriented on one side of each of the ejector guides and aligned along the first cam axis, and a second cam surface oriented on the other side of each of the ejector guides and aligned across second cam axis.

Example 57. The surgical instrument of example 55, in which the housing of the ejector further comprises at least one hole located between the first and second cam surfaces and made with the possibility of entering into it with the possibility of sliding corresponding additional guide of the ejector.

Example 58. The surgical instrument of examples 55, 56 or 57, in which at least one bracket supporting element comprises a first bracket supporting element configured to support the first surgical staple and a second bracket supporting element configured to support the second surgical staple. A portion of the first bracket-supporting member is slidably supported in the first cassette wall, and another portion of a second bracket-supporting member is slidably supported in the second cassette wall.

Example 59. The surgical instrument according to examples 55, 56, 57 or 58, moreover, the cassette with surgical staples forms the axis of the cassette, and each of the corresponding groove and other corresponding groove is located transversely relative to the axis of the cassette.

Example 60. The surgical instrument according to examples 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 or 59, in which at least one bracket supporting element comprises a first bracket supporting element configured to support the first surgical bracket and a second bracket supporting element made with the ability to maintain a second surgical staple. A portion of the first bracket-supporting member is slidably supported in the first cassette wall, and another portion of a second bracket-supporting member is slidably supported in the second cassette wall.

Example 61. A pusher of surgical staples, made for use with a cassette with surgical staples, which functionally interacts with the cam element of a surgical instrument made with the possibility of movement along the first cam axis. In at least one form, the ejector of the surgical staples comprises an ejector body configured to slide slidingly within the cassette of the surgical staples. A cam surface is provided on the ejector body, oriented for cam engagement with the cam element of the surgical instrument along the first cam axis, when the ejector body is slidably supported in the cassette with surgical staples. The staple support portion is operatively capable of supporting at least one surgical staple relative to the cam surface so that the cam element extends laterally under the crown portion of at least one of the at least one surgical staple supported on the staple support portion when the cam element enters in contact with the cam surface.

Example 62. The surgical staple ejector of Example 61, wherein each of the at least one surgical staple supported in the staple supporting portion comprises a proximal leg protruding from the bracket of the bracket and a distal leg protruding from the bracket of the bracket. The staple support section also supports at least one surgical staple relative to the cam surface so that the cam element is not aligned axially with the proximal and distal legs of any surgical staples supported in the staple support region when the cam element comes into contact with cam surface.

Example 63. The surgical staple ejector of Examples 61 or 62, wherein the staple supporting portion comprises a first staple supporting portion that is operable to support the first surgical staple. The first surgical staple contains the first staple crown. The first distal leg protrudes from the end of the first crown of the bracket, and the first proximal leg protrudes from the other end of the first crown of the bracket. The first bracket-supporting portion functionally supports the first bracket of the bracket along the first axis of the base transversely relative to the first axis of the base and comprises a first proximal support post configured to support the first proximal leg of the first surgical bracket. The first bracket supporting portion further comprises a first distal support post configured to support the first distal leg of the first surgical staple. The cam surface is oriented relative to the first proximal support post and the first distal support post such that the cam element extends between the first proximal support post and the first distal support post when the cam element engages with the cam surface.

Example 64. The surgical staple ejector of Example 63, wherein the staple supporting portion further comprises a second staple supporting portion that is operable to support the second surgical staple. The second surgical staple contains a second staple crown. The second distal leg protrudes from the end of the second crown of the bracket, and the second proximal leg protrudes from the other end of the second crown of the bracket. The second bracket-supporting portion comprises a second proximal support post configured to support a second proximal leg. The second bracket supporting portion further comprises a second distal support post configured to support the second distal leg.

Example 65. The ejector surgical staples of example 64, in which the second supporting bracket part functionally supports the second crown of the bracket on the second axis of the base, located transversely relative to the first axis of the base.

Example 66. The ejector surgical staples of example 64, in which the supporting bracket section functionally supports the second crown of the bracket on the second axis of the base, which is parallel to the first axis of the base.

Example 67. The ejector surgical staples according to examples 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 or 66, and the surgical instrument contains a second made with the possibility of movement along the axis of the cam element, and while the specified supporting bracket section further comprises a second cam surface oriented for cam engagement with a second cam element axially movable.

Example 68. The ejector surgical staples according to examples 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 or 66, and the surgical instrument contains a second made with the possibility of moving along the axis of the cam element, and while supporting the bracket section further comprises a second cam surface oriented for cam engagement with a second cam element axially displaceable.

Example 69. The surgical staple ejector of Example 68, wherein the second cam surface is oriented relative to the second bracket-supporting portion so that the second cam element extends between the second proximal support post and the second distal support post when the second cam element engages with the second cam surface.

Example 70. The ejector surgical staples according to examples 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68 or 69, in which the housing of the ejector is supported with the possibility of sliding between the first section of the cassette wall and the second section of the cassette wall, and one of the first proximal support stand and the first distal support post enters with the possibility of sliding into the corresponding groove of the wall in one of the first and second sections of the wall of the cartridge.

Example 71. The surgical staple ejector of Example 70, wherein the surgical staple cassette further comprises at least one ejector guide, while one of the first proximal support post and the first distal support post are slidable inside the corresponding groove of the wall, and the other of the first proximal support post and the first distal support post is slidably supported within the corresponding guide groove in at least one direction ejector-governing.

Example 72. The ejector surgical staples according to example 71, and the cassette with surgical staples has the height of the cassette, and the groove of the wall passes along the height of the cassette, and at least one guide of the ejector has a height of the guide, and the corresponding guide groove has a length a groove equal to the height of the guide.

Example 73. The ejector surgical staples of example 72, in which the height of the cassette and the height of the guide are equal.

Example 74. The pusher of surgical staples according to examples 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72 or 73, in which the bracket-supporting portion further comprises a third bracket-supporting portion that is configured to functionally support the third surgical bracket. The third surgical staple contains a third staple crown. The third proximal leg protrudes from the end of the third bracket crown. The third proximal leg protrudes from the other end of the third bracket crown. The third bracket-supporting portion comprises a third proximal support post configured to support a third proximal leg. The third bracket-supporting portion further comprises a third distal support post configured to support a third distal leg.

Example 75. The ejector surgical staples of example 74, and the third supporting the bracket section further comprises a second cam surface oriented relative to the third proximal support post and the third distal support post such that the corresponding portion of the cam element extends between the third proximal support post and the third distal support resistant when the corresponding portion of the cam element engages the second cam surface.

Example 76. The pusher of surgical staples according to examples 74 or 75, in which the third supporting bracket part functionally supports the third crown of the bracket on the third axis of the base, which is parallel to the first axis of the base.

Example 77. The ejector surgical staples according to examples 74, 75 or 76, in which the supporting bracket section further comprises a fourth supporting bracket section, which is made with the possibility of functional support of the fourth surgical staples. The fourth surgical bracket contains the fourth crown of the bracket. The fourth distal leg protrudes from the end of the fourth crown of the bracket. The fourth proximal leg protrudes from the other end of the fourth bracket crown. The fourth bracket-supporting portion comprises a fourth proximal support post configured to support the fourth proximal leg. The fourth bracket supporting portion further comprises a fourth distal support post configured to support the fourth distal leg.

Example 78. The surgical pusher of Example 77, wherein the fourth bracket supporting portion further comprises a second cam surface oriented relative to the fourth proximal support post and the fourth distal support post such that the corresponding cam portion extends between the fourth proximal support post and the fourth distal support resistant when the corresponding portion of the cam element engages the second cam surface.

Example 79. The ejector surgical staples according to examples 77 or 78, in which the supporting bracket section further comprises a fifth bracket supporting section, which is configured to functionally support the fifth surgical bracket. The fifth surgical staple contains the fifth staple crown. The fifth distal leg protrudes from the end of the fifth crown of the bracket. The fifth proximal leg protrudes from the other end of the fifth crown of the bracket. The fifth bracket-supporting portion comprises a fifth proximal support post configured to support the fifth proximal leg. The fifth bracket-supporting portion further comprises a fifth distal support post configured to support the fifth distal leg.

Example 80. The surgical pusher of Example 79, wherein the fifth bracket supporting portion further comprises a second cam surface oriented relative to the fifth proximal support post and the fifth distal support post such that the corresponding cam portion extends between the fifth proximal support post and the fifth distal support resistant when the corresponding portion of the cam element engages the second cam surface.

Example 81. A pusher of surgical staples containing a body of the pusher, which is made with the possibility of support with the possibility of sliding in a cassette with surgical staples. The bracket supporting portion is configured to functionally support the surgical bracket. The surgical staple contains the staple crown. The proximal leg protrudes from the end of the bracket crown, and the distal leg protrudes from the other end of the bracket crown. The bracket-supporting portion comprises a proximal support leg configured to support the proximal leg. The bracket-supporting portion further comprises a distal support post configured to support the distal leg. The pusher body further comprises at least one cam surface extending along the cam axis transversely between the proximal and distal support legs.

Example 82. A cassette with surgical staples containing a first section of the wall of the cartridge and a second section of the wall of the cartridge. The cassette with surgical staples further comprises at least one staple ejector which is slidably supported between the first section of the cassette wall and the second section of the cassette wall. At least one staple ejector includes an ejector body that is operable to support at least one surgical staple. The surgical staple contains the staple crown. The proximal leg protrudes from one end of the brace crown. The distal leg protrudes from the other end of the bracket crown. The housing of the ejector contains a proximal support post, configured to support the proximal leg. The ejector housing further comprises a distal support post configured to support the distal leg. At least one of the proximal and distal support legs is slidably supported in one of the first and second sections of the cassette wall. The pusher body further comprises at least one cam surface extending along the cam axis transversely between the proximal and distal support legs.

Example 83. A matrix of ejectors of surgical staples for functional use with a cartridge with surgical staples. In at least one form, the surgical staple ejector matrix comprises a plurality of first staple ejectors, each of which is slidably supported in a cassette with surgical staples. Each first staple ejector is further configured to functionally support at least two first surgical staples that are parallel to each other. The matrix of ejectors of surgical staples further comprises at least one second ejector staples, which is made with the possibility of maintaining with the possibility of sliding in the cassette with surgical staples. Each second staple ejector is configured to support a single second surgical staple. The second surgical staple extends in a second direction transverse to each of the first surgical staples supported on at least one adjacent respective first staple ejector. The first and second staple ejectors are oriented on the same line in the cassette with surgical staples so that one of the first staple ejectors is placed on each of the axial sides of each second staple ejector.

Example 84. The matrix of ejectors of surgical staples according to example 83, in which each of the first surgical staples contains a first crown, and the first crown of one of the first surgical staples supported on one of the first ejectors staples, aligned on the first axis of the base, and another crown the other of the first surgical staples supported on the first staple ejector is aligned along a second axis of the base, which is parallel to the first axis of the base. Each of the second staples contains a second crown aligned along the third axis of the base, located transversely relative to the first and second axes of the base.

Example 85. The surgical staple ejector matrix of Examples 83 or 84, wherein one of the plurality of first staple ejectors is the most distal first staple ejector in the staple ejector matrix, and the other of the first staple ejector staples is the most proximal first staple ejector in the staple ejector matrix .

Example 86. The matrix of ejectors of surgical staples according to examples 83, 84 or 85, in which each of the first ejector staples contains a first cam surface and a second cam surface located at a distance from the first cam surface.

Example 87. The surgical staple ejector matrix of Example 86, wherein each second staple ejector contains a primary cam surface and a secondary cam surface located at a distance from the primary cam surface. The first cam surface and the primary cam surface are aligned on the first cam axis, and the second cam surface and the secondary cam surface are aligned on the second cam axis.

Example 88. The matrix of the ejectors of surgical staples according to example 87, in which the first and second cam axes are located transversely relative to the first and second axes of the base.

Example 89. The matrix of ejectors of surgical staples according to example 83, in which the third axis of the base is transverse to the first and second cam axes.

Example 90. The matrix of ejectors of surgical staples according to examples 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88 or 89, in which part of each of the first ejectors staples made with the possibility of support with the possibility of sliding in the first section of the wall of the cassette with surgical staples, and the other part of each first ejector staples made with the possibility of support with the possibility of sliding in the second section of the wall of the cassette with surgical braces.

Example 91. A cassette with surgical staples comprising a cassette body that includes a proximal end and a distal end. Many of the first ejectors staples supported with the ability to move in the cassette. Each first staple ejector is configured to support the first two surgical staples oriented in their respective first directions. At least one second staple ejector is slidably supported in the cassette with surgical staples adjacent to two respective first staple ejectors. Each second staple ejector supports a single second surgical staple. The second surgical staple extends in a second direction transverse to each of the respective first directions. The first and second ejector brackets are oriented on the same line in the cassette body so that on each of the axial sides of each second ejector brackets placed one first ejector brackets.

Example 92. The cassette with surgical staples of example 91, in which one of the first surgical staples supported on one of the first ejector staples contains a first crown aligned on the first axis of the base. Another of the first surgical staples supported on the first staple ejector contains another first crown aligned along the other first axis of the base. The other first axis of the base is parallel to the first axis of the base. Each second bracket contains a second crown aligned along the second axis of the base, located transversely relative to the first axis of the base and the other first axis of the base.

Example 93. The cassette with surgical staples according to examples 91 or 92, in which the first ejector staples contains a first supporting bracket element containing a first distal support post, which is configured to support the first distal leg of the corresponding first surgical staples. The first bracket supporting member further comprises a first proximal support post configured to support the first proximal leg of the corresponding first surgical staple. The first staple ejector further comprises another first staple supporting member comprising another first distal support post configured to support another first distal leg of another corresponding first surgical staple. Another first bracket supporting member further comprises another first proximal support post configured to support the other first proximal leg corresponding to the other first surgical staple.

Example 94. The cassette with surgical brackets of example 93, in which each first bracket supporting element further comprises a first cam surface aligned along a first cam axis extending transversely between the first distal and first proximal support legs. Each first bracket-supporting member further has a second cam surface aligned along a second cam axis extending transversely between the other first distal and the other first proximal support legs.

Example 95. A cassette with surgical staples according to examples 93 or 94, in which at least one second staple ejector contains a second staple supporting element comprising a second distal support post, which is configured to support a second distal leg of the corresponding second surgical staple. The second bracket supporting member further comprises a second proximal support post configured to support the second proximal leg of the corresponding second surgical staple.

Example 96. The cassette with surgical staples of example 95, in which every second bracket supporting element further comprises a primary first cam surface located adjacent to the second proximal support post and aligned on the first cam axis. The second bracket-supporting member further comprises a secondary cam surface adjacent to the second distal support post and aligned along the second cam axis.

Example 97. The cassette with surgical staples according to examples 93, 94, 95 or 96, in which the first distal support post is slidably supported inside the corresponding first groove in the first section of the cassette body wall, while the other first proximal support post is slidable inside the corresponding second groove in the second section of the wall of the cassette body.

Example 98. A cassette with surgical staples according to examples 93, 94, 95, 96 or 97, in which each first ejector staples further comprises a first cam surface aligned along a first cam axis extending transversely between the first distal and first proximal support legs. Each first bracket ejector further comprises a second cam surface aligned along a second cam axis extending laterally between the other first distal support post and the other first proximal support post.

Example 99. The cassette with surgical staples of example 97, in which the cassette body forms the axis of the cassette, and the first groove is located on the axis of the first groove located transversely relative to the axis of the cartridge, and the second groove is located on the second axis located transversely relative to the axis cassette.

Example 100. The cassette with surgical staples of example 98, in which each second ejector staples further comprises a primary cam surface aligned on the first cam axis, and a secondary cam surface aligned on the second cam axis.

Example 101. A surgical instrument comprising a slide that is arranged to move along an axis that contains first and second cam elements. The surgical instrument further comprises a cassette with surgical staples and a plurality of first staple ejectors that are supported to move in the cassette with surgical staples. Each first staple ejector is configured to support the first two surgical staples oriented in their respective first directions. Each first staple ejector comprises a first cam surface aligned for cam contact with a first cam element and a second cam surface aligned for cam contact with a second cam element. The surgical instrument further comprises a plurality of second staple ejectors that are slidably supported in the cassette with surgical staples adjacent to at least one corresponding first staple ejector. Each second staple ejector supports a single second surgical staple. The second surgical staple extends in a second direction transverse to each of the respective first directions. Each second bracket ejector comprises a primary cam surface aligned for cam contact with the first cam element and a secondary cam surface aligned for cam contact with the second cam element.

Full descriptions

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US Patent Application No. 13 / 800,025, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed March 13, 2013, the current publication of US Patent Application No. 2014/0263551;

US Patent Application No. 13 / 800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed March 13, 2013, currently publishing US patent application No. 2014/0263552;

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM, filed January 31, 2006; and

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR, filed April 22, 2010, currently U.S. Patent No. 8,308,040, is incorporated herein by reference.

Although various embodiments of devices are described herein in connection with the specific described embodiments, various modifications and changes may be made to the device. In addition, in the case of some components for which a description of the materials is provided, other materials may be used. Furthermore, in accordance with various embodiments, one component can be replaced by a plurality of components, and many components can be replaced by a single component to perform a specific function or functions. It is intended that the foregoing description and appended claims cover all such changes and additions.

The devices described herein can be disposed of after a single use, or they can be made reusable. However, in any case, the device can be restored for re-use after at least one application. Recovery may include any combination of the steps of disassembling the device, then cleaning or replacing specific parts, and then reassembling. In particular, the device can be disassembled, and any number of specific parts or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. After cleaning and / or replacing specific parts, the device can be reassembled for later use either in the restoration workshop or by the surgical team immediately before the surgery. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various techniques for disassembling, cleaning, replacing, and reassembling can be used to rebuild the device. The use of such techniques, as well as the resulting reconditioned device are included in the scope of this application.

By way of example only, the aspects described herein may be implemented prior to surgery. Firstly, a new or used tool can be obtained and processed if necessary. Subsequently, the instrument can be sterilized. According to one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic bag or a Tyvek bag (TYVEK). Subsequently, the container with the tool can be placed in the field of radiation capable of penetrating into the container, such as gamma radiation, x-ray radiation or a beam of fast electrons. Radiation can kill bacteria on the surface of the instrument and in the container. Subsequently, the sterilized instrument can be stored in a sterile container. A sealed container can keep the instrument sterile until it becomes necessary to use it in a medical facility. The device can also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide or steam.

Although the present invention is described as having examples of configurations, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of the description. Therefore, it is intended that this application cover all possible variations, methods of applying or adapting the invention using its general principles.

Any patent, publication, or other description material, in whole or in part, that is indicated as incorporated herein by reference, is included in this document only to the extent that the material included does not contradict the existing definitions, provisions or other description material presented in this document. Thus, the description, expressly set forth herein, to the extent that this is necessary, prevails over any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material or part thereof, indicated as incorporated herein by reference, but contrary to existing definitions, provisions or other description materials set forth herein, will be included only to the extent that there is no conflict between the material included and the existing description material .

Claims (72)

1. The matrix of ejectors of surgical staples for functional use with a cartridge with surgical staples, and the specified matrix of ejectors of surgical staples contains: a distal staple ejector configured to slide in a cassette with surgical staples and configured to functionally support at least two distal surgical staples, each of which is oriented in the distal direction; at least one first intermediate staple ejector configured to slide slidingly into a cassette with surgical staples, each at least one first staple intermediate ejector being stapled to functionally support at least two first surgical staples, each of which is oriented in the first direction, and at least two second surgical staples, each of which is oriented in the second direction, which differs from the specified first direction; and at least one second intermediate ejector staples, made with the possibility of supporting with the possibility of sliding adjacent to at least one of these distal ejector staples and the corresponding one of the specified at least one first intermediate ejector staples, each specified at least one second intermediate the staple ejector is configured to functionally support the five second surgical staples, with each of at least two of the second surgical staples their staples are oriented in the primary direction, and at least one other of the second surgical staples is oriented in a secondary direction, which differs from the primary direction. 2. The matrix of ejectors of surgical staples according to claim 1, in which at least one of the specified first and second directions parallel to the specified distal direction. 3. The matrix of ejectors of surgical staples according to claim 2, in which the indicated first and second directions are located across each other. 4. The matrix of ejectors of surgical staples according to claim 1, in which at least one of the indicated primary and secondary directions parallel to the specified distal direction. 5. The matrix of pushers of surgical staples according to claim 4, in which four of the second surgical staples are oriented in the specified primary direction, and the other one of the second staples is oriented in the specified secondary direction. 6. The matrix of pushers of surgical staples according to claim 1, in which one of the distal surgical staples contains a distal crown aligned with the first distal axis of the base, and the other of the distal surgical staples contains another distal crown aligned with the second distal axis of the base, which is parallel to the first the distal axis of the base, and one of the first surgical staples contains the first bracket of the bracket, combined with the first axis of the base, and the other of the first surgical staples contains the other first crown of staples combined with the other first axis of the base, which is parallel to the first axis of the base, and one of the second surgical staples contains the second crown of the bracket, combined with the second axis of the base, and the other of the second surgical staples contains the other second crown of the bracket, combined with the other second axis of the base, which is parallel to the second axis of the base. 7. The matrix of pushers of surgical staples according to claim 6, wherein said first and second distal axes of the base are parallel to said first axis of the base and said other first axis of the base, and wherein said second axis of the base and said other second axis of the base are transverse to the first axis the base and said other first axis of the base. 8. The matrix of surgical pushers of claim 1 according to claim 1, wherein said distal staple ejector contains at least one distal cam surface, and at least one of said at least one first intermediate staple ejector contains at least one first cam the surface, and at least one of the specified at least one second intermediate ejector staples contains at least one primary cam surface, and at least about on the distal surface of the cam and said at least one first cam surface and said at least one primary cam surface are aligned along the first cam shaft. 9. The matrix of the ejectors of surgical staples according to claim 8, in which: the specified distal ejector staples contains a first distal cam surface and a second distal cam surface located at a distance from the specified first distal cam surface; each of at least one first intermediate ejector staples contains a first cam surface and a second cam surface located at a distance from the first cam surface; and each of the at least one second intermediate ejector staples contains a primary cam surface and a secondary cam surface located at a distance from the primary cam surface, and wherein said first distal cam surface, each of these first cam surfaces and each of these primary cam surfaces are aligned along the first cam axis, and said second distal cam surface, each of said second cam surfaces and each Separated from the second are combined by the cam shaft of said secondary cam surfaces. 10. A cassette with surgical staples containing: a cassette case comprising a proximal end and a distal end; a distal staple ejector supported to move in said cassette body and configured to support at least two distal surgical staples, each of the distal surgical staples extending in the distal direction; at least one first intermediate bracket ejector supported to move in said cartridge case, wherein each said first intermediate bracket ejector is configured to support at least two first surgical braces extending in a first direction and at least two other first surgical staples extending in a second direction; and at least one second intermediate ejector brackets, made with the possibility of supporting with the possibility of sliding adjacent to at least one of these distal ejector brackets and the corresponding one of the specified at least one first intermediate ejector brackets, each of the specified at least one second the intermediate staple ejector is configured to functionally support five other surgical staples, each of at least two of the other surgeons The surgical staples are oriented in the primary direction, and at least the third one of the other surgical staples is oriented in the secondary direction, which differs from the primary direction. 11. The cassette with surgical staples according to claim 10, in which the first of the distal surgical staples contains a first distal crown aligned with the first distal axis of the base, and the second of the distal surgical staples contains a second distal crown aligned with the second distal axis of the base, which is parallel to the first distal axis of the base, and at least one of the first surgical staples contains the first bracket of the bracket, combined with the first axis of the base, and at least one other of the first x rurgical staples has another first bracket bracket aligned with another first axis of the base, which is parallel to the first axis of the base, and at least one of the second surgical brackets contains a second crown bracket, combined with the second axis of the base, and at least one other of the second surgical the bracket contains another second crown of the bracket, combined with another second axis of the base, which is parallel to the second axis of the base. 12. The cassette with surgical staples according to claim 10, in which the specified distal ejector staples contains: a distal bracket supporting member comprising: a distal support post configured to support the distal leg of the distal surgical staple; and a proximal support post configured to support the proximal leg of the distal surgical staple, and wherein said distal staple ejector further comprises: another distal bracket supporting element containing: another distal support post configured to support another distal leg of the distal surgical staple; and another proximal support post configured to support another proximal leg of another distal surgical staple. 13. The cassette with surgical staples according to claim 12, in which one of the distal support post or another distal support post is slidably supported in one of the first and second sections of the cassette wall in the cassette body, and one of the proximal support post or other proximal the support strut is slidably supported in another of said first and second sections of the cassette wall. 14. A cassette with surgical staples according to claim 13, wherein said distal staple ejector further comprises: a first distal cam surface on said distal bracket supporting member; and a second distal cam surface on said other distal bracket supporting member. 15. The cassette with surgical staples according to claim 10, in which at least one of these first intermediate ejectors staples contains: A first bracket-supporting element comprising: a first distal support post configured to support a first distal leg of a corresponding first surgical staple; and a first proximal support post configured to support the first proximal leg of the corresponding first surgical staple, and wherein said at least one of said first intermediate ejector brackets further comprises: a second bracket-supporting element comprising: a second distal support post configured to support a second distal leg of the corresponding second surgical staple; and a second proximal support post configured to support a second proximal leg of the corresponding second surgical staple, and wherein said at least one of said first intermediate ejector brackets further comprises: A third bracket-supporting element comprising: a third distal support post configured to support a third distal leg of a corresponding third surgical staple; and a third proximal support post configured to support the third proximal leg of the corresponding third surgical staple, and wherein said at least one of said first intermediate ejector brackets further comprises: a fourth bracket-supporting element comprising: a fourth distal support post configured to support a fourth distal leg of a corresponding fourth surgical staple; and a fourth proximal support post configured to support the fourth proximal leg of the corresponding fourth surgical staple, and wherein the first crown of said corresponding first surgical staple and the second crown of said corresponding second surgical staple are parallel to each other, and the third crown of said corresponding third surgical staple and the fourth crown of the specified fourth corresponding surgical staples are parallel to each other and are located transverse to respect to the first and second crowns. 16. A cassette with surgical staples according to claim 15, wherein one of said first distal support post and said third proximal support post is slidably supported in one of the first and second sections of the cassette wall in said cassette body, and the other of said the first distal support post and said third proximal support post is slidably supported in the other of said first and second sections of the cassette wall. 17. The cassette with surgical staples according to claim 10, in which at least one of these second intermediate ejectors staples contains: another first bracket-supporting element containing: another first distal support post configured to support another first distal leg of a corresponding first other surgical staple; and another first proximal support post, configured to support the other first proximal leg of the corresponding first other surgical staples, and wherein said at least one of said second intermediate ejector brackets further comprises: another second bracket-supporting element comprising: another second distal support post configured to support another second distal leg of a corresponding second other surgical staple; and another second proximal support post, configured to support another second proximal leg of the corresponding second other surgical staples, and wherein said at least one of said second intermediate ejector brackets further comprises: another third bracket-supporting element comprising: another third distal support post configured to support another third distal leg of a corresponding third other surgical staple; and another third proximal support post, configured to support another third proximal leg of the corresponding third other surgical staples, and wherein said at least one of said second intermediate ejector brackets further comprises: another fourth bracket-supporting element comprising: another fourth distal support post configured to support another fourth distal leg of a corresponding fourth other surgical staple; and another fourth proximal support post configured to support the other fourth proximal leg of the corresponding fourth other surgical staples, and the other first crown of the first corresponding other surgical staples, and the other second crown of the second corresponding other surgical staples, and the other third crown of the third corresponding other surgical staple staples, and the other fourth crown of the fourth corresponding other surgical staples are parallel to each other, and wherein at least one of said second intermediate staple ejector further comprises: the fifth element supporting the bracket containing: a fifth distal support post configured to support a fifth distal leg of a corresponding fifth other surgical staple; and a fifth proximal support post configured to support the fifth proximal leg of the corresponding fifth other surgical staples, and the fifth crown of the fifth corresponding other surgical staples is transversely relative to the other first crown, another second crown, another third crown and another fourth crown. 18. The cassette with surgical staples according to claim 17, wherein said other first proximal support post or said other third proximal support post is slidably supported in one of the first or second sections of the cassette wall in said cassette body, and wherein said other second the proximal support post and said other fourth proximal support post are slidably supported in the other of said first and second sections of the cassette wall. 19. A cassette with surgical staples according to claim 17, further comprising: a primary cam surface positioned adjacent to said other first proximal support post and said other third proximal support post and placed inside with respect to them; and a secondary cam surface positioned adjacent to said other second proximal support post and said other fourth proximal support post and located inside relative to them. 20. A surgical instrument comprising: a slide, made with the possibility of movement along the axis, which contain the first and second cam elements; cassette with surgical staples; at least one distal staple ejector supported with the ability to move in the specified cartridge with surgical staples, each specified distal staple ejector is configured to functionally support two distal surgical staples and comprises a first distal cam surface aligned for cam contact with said first cam element and a second distal cam surface aligned for cam contact with said second cam element; at least one first intermediate bracket ejector supported to move in the indicated cassette with surgical braces and supporting four surgical braces, each at least one first intermediate bracket ejector comprising a first cam surface aligned for cam contact with said first cam element and a second cam surface aligned for cam contact with said second cam element; and at least one second intermediate staple ejector supported slidingly in said cassette with surgical staples adjacent to at least one of said distal staple ejectors and corresponding one of said at least one first intermediate ejector staples, each second second ejection staple staples made with the possibility of functional support of at least five other surgical staples and contains the first proximal cam n a surface aligned for cam contact with said first cam element, and a second proximal cam surface aligned for cam contact with said second cam element.

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