阅读说明：本技术 具有改善的闭合构件的外科缝合装置 (Surgical stapling device with improved closure member ) 是由 F·E·谢尔顿四世 J·L·哈里斯 C·O·巴克斯特三世 G·J·巴克斯 J·R·摩根 于 2019-08-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明公开了用于致动外科端部执行器的钳口的闭合系统和构件。闭合系统包括闭合构件,该闭合构件被构造成能够与钳口的对应部分交接以建立改善的闭合和夹持负载。(Closure systems and members for actuating jaws of a surgical end effector are disclosed. The closure system includes a closure member configured to interface with a corresponding portion of the jaw to establish improved closure and clamp loads.)

1. A surgical end effector, comprising:

a first jaw comprising a first jaw proximal end portion and a first jaw distal end portion;

a second jaw comprising a second jaw distal end portion and a second jaw proximal mounting portion pivotally supported on the first jaw proximal end portion such that the second jaw is pivotable about a pivot axis relative to the first jaw between an open position, a closed position, and an over-closed position in which the second jaw distal end portion contacts the first jaw distal end portion; and

an end effector closure tube selectively movable toward the second jaw proximal mounting portion for engagement therewith during a closure stroke, wherein the end effector closure tube comprises:

an outer wall surface; and

an inner wall surface configured to engage the second jaw proximal mounting portion to move the second jaw distal end portion toward the first jaw distal end portion during the closure stroke, the end effector closure tube having a uniform wall thickness between the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface, and wherein the end effector closure tube contacts at least two discrete load transfer positions on the second jaw mounting portion on each side of a vertical plane that bisects the end effector when the second jaw is in the over-closed position.

2. The surgical end effector of claim 1, wherein the at least two discrete load transfer positions on each side of the vertical plane comprise two pairs of discrete load transfer positions, wherein each pair of discrete load transfer positions comprises:

a first discrete load transfer position; and

a second discrete load transfer location spaced apart from the first discrete load transfer location.

3. The surgical end effector of claim 2, wherein the second discrete load transfer position is spaced from the first discrete load transfer position on one side of the vertical plane by a first release region in the second jaw proximal mounting portion such that a corresponding portion of the end effector closure tube spanning between the first and second discrete load transfer positions on the one side of the vertical plane does not contact the proximal mounting portion of the second jaw when the second jaw is in the over-closed position.

4. The surgical end effector of claim 2, wherein the end effector closure tube contacts a third discrete load transfer location on the second jaw on each side of the vertical plane when the second jaw is in the over-closed position.

5. The surgical end effector of claim 4, wherein the third discrete load transfer position is spaced from the second load transfer position on a corresponding side of the vertical plane by a second release region in the second jaw such that a corresponding other portion of the end effector closure tube that spans between the second discrete load transfer position and the third discrete load transfer position on the corresponding side of the vertical plane does not contact the second jaw when the second jaw is in the fully closed position.

6. The surgical end effector of claim 5, wherein said first and second discrete load transfer locations on said one side of said vertical plane are located on one side of a horizontal plane bisecting said surgical end effector, and said third discrete load transfer location on said one side of said vertical plane is located on another side of said horizontal plane.

7. The surgical end effector of claim 2 wherein each said first discrete load transfer location comprises a first edge configured for contact by said end effector closure tube and wherein each said second discrete load transfer location comprises a second edge configured for contact by said end effector closure tube.

8. The surgical end effector of claim 7, wherein said first edge comprises an axially elongated first corner, and wherein said second edge comprises an axially elongated second corner.

9. The surgical end effector of claim 3, wherein each said first release region comprises a first scalloped region in said second jaw proximal mounting portion.

10. The surgical end effector of claim 5, wherein each said second release region comprises a second scalloped region in said proximal mounting portion of said second jaw.

11. A surgical instrument, comprising:

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

an anvil pivotally supported on the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel about a pivot axis relative to the elongate channel between an open position and an over-closed position;

an elongate shaft assembly operably coupled to the elongate channel and including an axially movable closure member comprising:

an outer wall surface; and

an inner wall surface configured to engage the elongate channel and the anvil to pivot the anvil from the open position toward a surgical staple cartridge in the elongate channel during a closing stroke of the axially movable closure member, the axially movable closure member having a uniform wall thickness between the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface, and wherein the axially movable closure member is configured to contact at least two discrete contact locations on the anvil when the anvil is in the over-closed position, the at least two discrete contact locations being spaced apart from one another on each side of a vertical plane bisecting the anvil.

12. The surgical instrument of claim 11, wherein the at least two discrete contact locations on each side of the vertical plane comprise:

a first discrete contact location; and

a second discrete contact location separated from the first discrete contact location by a scalloped portion of the anvil.

13. The surgical instrument of claim 13 wherein said axially movable closure member contacts a third discrete contact location on said anvil on each side of said vertical plane when said anvil is in said over-closed position.

14. The surgical instrument of claim 11, wherein each of the two discrete contact positions on one side of the vertical plane is spaced apart from a third discrete contact position on a corresponding side of the vertical plane by a second release region in the anvil.

15. The surgical instrument of claim 14, wherein the first and second discrete contact locations on the one side of the vertical plane are located on one side of a horizontal plane extending through the pivot axis, and the third discrete contact location on the one side of the vertical plane is located on another side of the horizontal plane.

16. The surgical instrument of claim 12, wherein each of said first discrete contact locations comprises a first edge formed on said anvil and configured for contact by said axially movable closure member, and wherein each of said second discrete contact locations comprises a second edge formed on said anvil and configured for contact by said axially movable closure member.

17. The surgical instrument of claim 16, wherein the first edge comprises an axially elongated first corner, and wherein the second edge comprises an axially elongated second corner.

18. The surgical instrument of claim 13, wherein each of said first discrete contact locations comprises a first corner formed on said anvil and configured for contact by said axially movable closure member, and wherein each of said second discrete contact locations comprises a second corner formed on said anvil and configured for contact by said axially movable closure member, and wherein each of said third discrete contact locations comprises a third corner formed on said anvil and configured for contact by said axially movable closure member.

19. The surgical instrument of claim 18, wherein the first corner is spaced apart from the second corner on a same side of the vertical plane by a first scalloped region in the anvil, and wherein one of the second corners is spaced apart from the third corner on the same side of the vertical plane by a second scalloped region in the anvil.

20. A surgical instrument, comprising:

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

an anvil, the anvil comprising:

an anvil body comprising:

a distal end;

a proximal mounting portion pivotally supported on the elongate channel to facilitate pivotal travel of the anvil relative to the elongate channel between an open position and an over-closed position; and

at least one tissue stop portion distal to the proximal mounting portion, and wherein the surgical instrument further comprises:

an elongate shaft assembly operably coupled to the elongate channel and including an axially movable closure member comprising:

an outer surface; and

an inner wall surface configured to engage the elongate channel and the proximal mounting portion to pivot the anvil from the open position to the over-closed position during a closing stroke of the axially movable closure member, the axially movable closure member having a uniform wall thickness between the outer surface and the inner wall surface, and wherein the axially movable closure member is configured to contact at least two discrete contact locations on the proximal mounting portion of the anvil when the anvil is in the over-closed position, the at least two discrete contact locations being spaced apart from one another on each side of a vertical plane bisecting the proximal mounting portion of the anvil.

Background

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

Drawings

Various features of the embodiments described herein, along with their advantages, may be understood from the following description in conjunction with the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a powered surgical stapling system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of the powered surgical stapling system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view of portions of a handle assembly of the powered surgical stapling system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is another partially exploded assembly view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is another partial perspective view of the end effector portion of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 2 with the jaws of the end effector in an open position;

FIG. 7 is another perspective view of a portion of the end effector and interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a distal closure member embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the distal closure member embodiment of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the end effector and a portion of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 7 with the anvil and closure member thereof in a fully open position;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector and closure member of FIG. 10 taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of a portion of the end effector and interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 11 with the anvil and closure member in the closed position;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil and closure member of FIG. 12 taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the end effector and a portion of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 13 with the anvil and closure member thereof in an "over closed" position;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector and closure member of FIG. 14 taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another end effector and a portion of an interchangeable surgical shaft assembly with an anvil in an open position;

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the end effector and a portion of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 16 with the anvil and closure member thereof in a fully open position;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector and closure member of FIG. 17, as taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the end effector and a portion of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 17 with the anvil and closure member thereof in the closed position;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector and closure member of FIG. 19, as taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the end effector and a portion of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 19 with the anvil and closure member thereof in an over-closed position;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector and closure member of FIG. 21 taken along line 22-22 in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is an end view of another distal closure member embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of another end effector and a portion of another interchangeable surgical shaft assembly with the anvil and closure member thereof in an open position;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector and closure member of FIG. 24 taken along line 25-25 in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the end effector and interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 24 with the anvil and closure member thereof in a closed position;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector and closure member of FIG. 26 taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of the end effector and interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 24 with the anvil and closure member thereof in an over-closed position;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector and closure member of FIG. 28 taken along line 29-29 in FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is an end view of another closure member embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of another end effector and a portion of another interchangeable surgical shaft assembly with the anvil and closure member thereof in a closed position;

FIG. 32 is another side elevational view of the end effector of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 31 with the anvil and closure member thereof in an "over closed" position;

FIG. 33 is an enlarged side elevational view of a portion of the end effector and closure member of FIG. 31 with the anvil in the closed position;

FIG. 34 is another enlarged side elevational view of a portion of the end effector and closure members of FIG. 32 with the anvil in an over-closed position;

FIG. 35 is a side elevational view of another end effector and a portion of another interchangeable surgical shaft assembly with the anvil and closure member thereof in a closed position;

FIG. 36 is an enlarged side elevational view of a portion of the end effector and closure members of FIG. 35 with the anvil in the closed position;

FIG. 37 is another side elevational view of the end effector of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 35 with the anvil and closure member thereof in an over-closed position;

FIG. 38 is another enlarged side elevational view of a portion of the end effector and closure members of FIG. 37 with the anvil in an over-closed position;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a prior surgical staple cartridge configured to form a flexible surgical staple line;

FIG. 40 is a top view of a surgical staple line formed in tissue by the surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of a prior surgical staple embodiment; and is

FIG. 42 is a side elevational view of another prior surgical staple embodiment.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

Detailed Description

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "METHOD FOR FABRICATING SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS" (attorney docket number END8577USNP/180088 m);

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "REINFORCED DEFORMABLE ANVIL TIP FOR SURGICAL STAPLER ANVIL" (attorney docket number END8578 USNP/180393);

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS WITH STAPLE DIRECTING PROTRUSION AND TISSUE STATIONITY FEATURES" (attorney docket number END8579 USNP/180089);

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "FABRICATING TECHNIQUES FOR SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS" (attorney docket number END8580 USNP/180090);

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS WITH TISSUE STOP FEATURES CONGURED TO AVOID TISSUE PINCH" (attorney docket No. END8582 USNP/180092);

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "METHOD FOR OPERATING A POWER ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (attorney docket number END8583 USNP/180093M);

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH PROGRESSIVE JAW CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS" (attorney docket number END8584 USNP/180094);

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "POWER SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS TO CONVERT LINEAR DRIVE MOTIONS TO ROTARY DRIVES" (attorney docket number END8585 USNP/180095);

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "Power operated furniture WITH closing AND LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR LINKING AN exercise DRIVE SYSTEM TO A FIRING DRIVE SYSTEM" (attorney docket number END8586 USNP/180096);

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "ARTICULATABLE MOTOR POWER SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH DEDICATED ARTICULATION MOTOR ARRANGEMENTS" (attorney docket number END8587 USNP/180097);

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR MOTOR POWER ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (attorney docket number END8588 USNP/180098); and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS" (attorney docket number END8581 USDP/180099D).

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications and U.S. patents, each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/386,185 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF," U.S. patent application publication 2018/-0168642;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/386,230 entitled "articulable minor stable investment letters", U.S. patent application publication 2018/-0168649;

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U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,209, U.S. patent application publication 2018 and 0168645, entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,198, U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168644, entitled "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,240 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR", U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

-us patent application serial No. 15/385,939 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN", us patent application publication 2018 and 0168629;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,941, U.S. patent application publication No. 2018 AND 0168630 entitled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,943, U.S. patent application publication 2018 and 0168631 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS";

U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,950, U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

-us patent application serial No. 15/385,945 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN", us patent application publication 2018 and 0168632;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,946, U.S. patent application publication 2018 and 0168633, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,951, U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168636, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,953 entitled "METHODS OF laminating TISSUEs", U.S. patent application publication 2018/-0168637;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,954 entitled "fire MEMBERS WITH NON-para-wall JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR minor END effects", U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,955, U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,948, U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168584, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,956 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES", U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168640;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,958, U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

-us patent application serial No. 15/385,947 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN", us patent application publication 2018 and 0168634;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,896, U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168597 entitled "METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,898 entitled "STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES", U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,899 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL", U.S. patent application publication 2018 and 0168600;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,901 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL comprisingwindows DEFINED THEREIN", U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,902 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER", U.S. patent application publication 2018 and 0168603;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,904 entitled "STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT", U.S. patent application publication 2018 and 0168605;

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U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,907, U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168608, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPLEMENTS FOR EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,908 entitled "fire assessment composition a FUSE", U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,909 entitled "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE", U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

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U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,913, U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168614, entitled "ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914, U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168615 entitled "METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,893, U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168594, entitled "bilierally ASYMMETRIC STAPLE-formatting POCKET pair;

-U.S. patent application No. 15/385,929 entitled "close measure WITH CAM SURFACE area FOR SURFACE measuring INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT close AND FIRING SYSTEMS", U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,911 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTITABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS", now U.S. patent application publication 2018 and 0168612;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,927 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES," U.S. patent application publication 2018/-0168625;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,917 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING bredths", now U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,900, U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168601 entitled "STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,931, U.S. patent application publication 2018 and 0168627 entitled "NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS";

U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,915 entitled "fixing MEMBER PIN ANGLE", U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,897 entitled "stable-formatting POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACace GROOVES", U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168598;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,922 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES", U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,924 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS", U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,910 entitled "ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH," U.S. patent application publication 2018 and 0168611;

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-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,906 entitled "fixing MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS", U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

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-us patent application serial No. 15/386,192 entitled "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES", us patent application publication 2018-;

-U.S. patent application No. 15/386,206 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION featurs", U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,226, U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168648 entitled "DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,222, U.S. patent application publication 2018 and 0168647, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/386,236, U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168650, entitled "CONNECTION ports FOR floor LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,887, U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

U.S. patent application No. 15/385,889 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM", U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168590;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,890, U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,891 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS", U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168592;

U.S. patent application No. 15/385,892 entitled "SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO A ARTICULATION STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM", U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

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-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,895 entitled "SHAFT application composition FIRST AND SECOND application creation LOCKOUTS", U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,916 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS," U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

U.S. patent application No. 15/385,918 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS," U.S. patent application publication 2018 and 0168618;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,919 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS," U.S. patent application publication 2018 and 0168619;

U.S. patent application No. 15/385,921, U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168621 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH Movable CAMMING MEMBER CONGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES";

U.S. patent application No. 15/385,923 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS," U.S. patent application publication 2018 and 0168623;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,925, U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168576, entitled "JAW ACTITED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF A FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNFILES AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,926, U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168577, entitled "AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,928 entitled "PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOBILE JAW AND ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168578;

U.S. patent application No. 15/385,930 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS", U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,932, U.S. patent application publication 2018 and 0168628 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,933, U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168580 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK";

U.S. patent application No. 15/385,934 entitled "ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM", U.S. patent application publication No. 2018-0168581;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,935 entitled "LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION", U.S. patent application publication 2018-;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,936 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES", U.S. patent application publication 2018-0168583;

-U.S. patent application No. 14/318,996 entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGES filing experiments HAVING DIFFERENT constructs", U.S. patent application publication 2015-0297228;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/319,006 entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING FASTENER CAVITIES includingfastener CONTROL patents", now U.S. patent 10,010,324;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/318,991 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGES WITH DRIVER STABILIZING ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. patent 9,833,241;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/319,004 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH FIRING ELEMENT MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. patent 9,844,369;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,008, U.S. patent application publication 2015-0297232, entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING NON-UNIFORM FASTENERS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/318,997 entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING DEPLOYABLE TISSUE ENGAGING MEMBERS", now U.S. patent application publication 2015-0297229;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/319,002 entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE compring TISSUE CONTROL patents", now U.S. patent 9,877,721;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,013 entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLIES AND STAPLE RETAINER COVER ARRANGEMENTS," U.S. patent application publication 2015-; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,016 entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE INCLUDING A LAYER ATTACHED THERETO," U.S. patent application publication 2015-0297235.

The applicants of the present application have the following U.S. patent applications filed on 24/6/2016 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

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

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/191,788 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE comprisingoverdriven stamps"; and

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

The applicants of the present application have the following U.S. patent applications filed on 24/6/2016 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

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

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

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

The applicants of the present application have the following patent applications filed on 1/4/2016 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325 entitled "METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,321 entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,326 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,263 entitled "minor entering HANDLE association WITH robust GRIP support";

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

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

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE selection OF recording OF TISSUE";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,300 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,210 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT";

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

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS COMPLEMENTING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS";

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,253 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO applied annual ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS";

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,331 entitled "artificial MODIFICATION machinery FOR minor platform";

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

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,309 entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM comprisingrotary FIRING SYSTEM"; and

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

The applicant of the present application also has the following identified U.S. patent applications filed on 31/12/2015 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

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

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

The applicant of the present application also owns the following identified U.S. patent applications filed on 9/2/2016 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

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

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

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

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,227 entitled "article minor filing WITH SINGLE article LINK ARRANGEMENTS";

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

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

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

The applicant of the present application also owns the following identified U.S. patent applications filed on 12.2.2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

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

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

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

The applicants of the present application have the following patent applications filed on 18/6/2015 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/742,914 entitled "MOVABLE filing bed SUPPORT FOR easy maintenance letters";

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876 entitled "PUSH/PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS".

The applicants of the present application have the following patent applications filed 3/6/2015 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application serial No. 14/640,746 entitled "POWERED minor instroment," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256184;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,795 entitled "MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWER SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/02561185;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832 entitled "ADAPTIVE time composition testing FOR ADAPTIVE close circuit testing FOR MULTIPLE time property TYPES", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256154;

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

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

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859 entitled "TIME DEPENDENT EVALTION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STATIONITY, CREPE, AND VISCELATIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256187;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/640,817 entitled "INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256186;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844 entitled "CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256155;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,837 entitled "SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256163;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765 entitled "SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLER," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256160;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,799 entitled "SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256162; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256161.

The applicants of the present application have the following patent applications filed on day 27 of month 2 of 2015 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPLISING AN INSPECTION STATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249919;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546 entitled "SURGICAL APPATUS CONFIRED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249915;

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/633,566 entitled "CHARGING SYSTEM THAT energy EMERGENCY resolution FOR CHARGING A BATTERY," now U.S. patent application publication No. 2016/0249918;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555 entitled "SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS NEEDS TO BE SERVICED," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249916;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542 entitled "REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249908;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548 entitled "POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249909;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/633,526 entitled "adaptive minor insert HANDLE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249945;

U.S. patent application serial No. 14/633,541 entitled "MODULAR station association" and now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249927; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,562 entitled "SURGICAL APPATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249917.

The applicants of the present application own the following patent applications filed on 12/18/2014 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPLEMENTS SYSTEM END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSE THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174977;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPLEMENTING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174969;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/575,139 entitled "DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR article minor applications," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174978;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/575,148 entitled "LOCKING argemenets FOR detecting short SHAFT electromagnetic assembly WITH incorporated END effects", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174976;

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FILING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174975;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,154 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATED END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174973;

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

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

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed 2013, 3, month 1, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295 entitled "Integrated Surgical Instruments With reduced Pathways For Signal Communication," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323 entitled "Rotary Power engineering Joints For scientific Instruments," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246472;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338 entitled "thumb Switch arrays For Surgical Instruments," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0249557;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,499 entitled "Electrical scientific Device with Signal Relay Arrangement", now U.S. patent application publication 9,358,003;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460 entitled "Multiple Processor Motor Control for Modular Surgical Instruments," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246478;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358 entitled "journal Switch Assemblies For Surgical Instruments," now U.S. patent application publication 9,326,767;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481 entitled "Sensor straight End Effect During Removal Through Trocar", now U.S. patent application publication 9,468,438;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518 entitled "Control Methods for scientific Instruments with Removable implementation procedures", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246475;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375 entitled "road Power Surgical Instruments With Multiple details of Freedom", now U.S. patent application publication 9,398,911; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536 entitled "Surgical Instrument Soft Stop", now U.S. patent application publication 9,307,986.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed 2013, 3,14, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066 entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263565;

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

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

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

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 3/7/2014 and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111 entitled "CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263539.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 26/3/2014 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272582;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/226,099 entitled "serilization version CIRCUIT", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272581;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094 entitled "VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF Battery improvements/Process COUNT", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272580;

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,097 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272570;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,126 entitled "INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272572;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133 entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS SYSTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272557;

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTT SYSTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272583; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0280384.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed 2014, 9, 5 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

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

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

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

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110 entitled "polar OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066915;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,098 entitled "SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066911;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,115 entitled "MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWER MEDICAL DEVICE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066916; and

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

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305989;

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

U.S. patent application serial No. 14/248,588 entitled "POWERED LINEAR minor stable", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0309666;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,591 entitled "TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305991;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,584 entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305994;

U.S. patent application serial No. 14/248,587 entitled "POWERED minor platform," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0309665;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586 entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305990; and

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

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

U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/812,365 entitled "minor entering WITH MULTIPLE functional electronic BY a SINGLE MOTOR";

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

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

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

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

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

The term "comprises" (and any form of "comprising", such as "comprises" and "comprising)", "has" (and "has)", such as "has" and "has)", "contains" (and any form of "containing", such as "comprises" and "containing)", and "containing" (and any form of "containing", such as "containing" and "containing", are open-ended verbs. Thus, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "contains," or "contains" one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, apparatus, or device that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more features has those one or more features, but is not limited to having only those one or more features.

The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein with respect to a clinician manipulating a handle portion of a surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the clinician and the term "distal" refers to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that for simplicity and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "up," and "down" may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein may be used in a variety of surgical procedures and applications, including, for example, in conjunction with open surgery. With continued reference to this detailed description, the reader will further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into the body in any manner, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or puncture formed in tissue, and the like. The working portion or end effector portion of the instrument may be inserted directly into a patient or may be inserted through an access device having a working channel through which the end effector and elongate shaft of the surgical instrument may be advanced.

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

The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of tissue to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck. Staples removably stored in the cartridge body can then be deployed into tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein, wherein the staples are removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are located on a first side of the longitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are located on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of the staple cavities and staples are possible.

The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. The driver is movable between a first, unfired position and a second, fired position to eject the staples from the staple cartridge. The driver is retained in the cartridge body by a retainer that extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and comprises elastic members configured to grip the cartridge body and retain the retainer to the cartridge body. The driver is movable between its unfired position and its fired position by the sled. The slider is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled includes a plurality of ramp surfaces configured to slide under and lift the drivers toward the anvil, and the staples are supported on the drivers.

In addition to the above, the sled is also moved distally by the firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and urge the sled toward the distal end. A longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive a firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member also includes a first cam that engages the first jaw and a second cam that engages the second jaw. As the firing member advances distally, the first and second cams can control the distance or tissue gap between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firing member also includes a knife configured to incise tissue captured intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable that the knife be positioned at least partially adjacent to the ramp surface so that the staples are ejected prior to the knife.

Fig. 1 and 3 illustrate a reusable or non-reusable motor driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument 1010. In the illustrated embodiment, the instrument 1010 includes a previous housing 1012 including a handle 1014 configured to be grasped, manipulated, and actuated by a clinician. The housing 1012 is configured for operable attachment to an interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 having a surgical end effector 1300 operably coupled thereto that is configured to perform one or more surgical tasks or procedures. With continued reference to the present detailed description, it will be appreciated that the various forms of interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein may also be effectively used in conjunction with robotically controlled surgical systems. Thus, the term "housing" may also encompass a housing or similar portion of a robotic system that houses or otherwise operably supports at least one drive system configured to generate and apply at least one control action useful for actuating the interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein and their respective equivalents. Further, various components may be "housed" or contained within the housing, or various components may be "associated with" the housing. In such examples, the components may not be housed within or directly supported by the housing. The term "frame" may refer to a portion of a hand-held surgical instrument. The term "frame" may also refer to a portion of a robotically-controlled surgical instrument and/or a portion of a robotic system that may be used to operably control a surgical instrument. For example, the interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein may be used WITH various robotic systems, INSTRUMENTS, components, and methods disclosed in U.S. patent 9,072,535 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The previous housing 1012 shown in fig. 1 is shown in conjunction with an interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 (fig. 2,4, and 5) that includes an end effector 1300 that includes a surgical cutting and fastening device configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 4000 therein. The housing 1012 can be configured for use in conjunction with an interchangeable shaft assembly that includes an end effector that is adapted to support different sizes and types of staple cartridges, and that has different shaft lengths, sizes, types, etc. In addition, housing 1012 may also be effectively used with a variety of other interchangeable shaft assemblies, including those configured to apply other motions and forms of energy, such as, for example, Radio Frequency (RF) energy, ultrasonic energy, and/or motions, to end effector arrangements suitable for use in connection with various surgical applications and procedures. Further, the end effector, shaft assembly, handle, surgical instrument, and/or surgical instrument system may utilize any suitable fastener to fasten tissue. For example, a fastener cartridge including a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein can be removably inserted into and/or attached to an end effector of a shaft assembly.

Fig. 1 illustrates a surgical instrument 1010 that includes an interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 operably coupled to a housing 1012. Fig. 2 shows the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 disengaged from the housing 1012 or the handle 1014. As seen in fig. 3, the handle 1014 may comprise a pair of interconnectable handle housing segments 1016 and 1018, which may be interconnected by means of screws, snap features, adhesive, or the like. In the illustrated arrangement, handle housing segments 1016 and 1018 cooperate to form a pistol grip portion 1019 that can be grasped and manipulated by a clinician. As will be discussed in further detail below, the handle 1014 operably supports a plurality of drive systems therein that are configured to be capable of generating and applying various control actions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly operably attached thereto.

Referring now to fig. 3, the handle 1014 may further comprise a frame 1020 operably supporting a plurality of drive systems. For example, the frame 1020 operably supports a "first" or closure drive system, generally designated 1030, which may be used to apply closing and opening motions to the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 operably attached or coupled thereto. In at least one form, the closure drive system 1030 can include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger 1032 pivotally supported by the frame 1020. More specifically, as shown in fig. 3, the closure trigger 1032 is pivotally coupled to the housing 1014 via a pin 1033. Such an arrangement enables the closure trigger 1032 to be manipulated by a clinician such that when the clinician grasps the pistol grip portion 1019 of the handle 1014, the closure trigger 1032 may be easily pivoted by it from an initial or "unactuated" position to an "actuated" position, and more specifically, to a fully compressed or fully actuated position. The closure trigger 1032 may be biased to an unactuated position by a spring or other biasing arrangement (not shown). In various forms, the closure drive system 1030 also includes a closure linkage assembly 1034 pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 1032. As seen in fig. 3, the closure connection assembly 1034 may include a first closure connector 1036 and a second closure connector 1038 pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 1032 via a pin 1035. The second closure connector 1038 may also be referred to herein as an "attachment member" and includes a transverse attachment pin 1037.

Still referring to fig. 3, it can be observed that the first closure link 1036 can have a locking wall or locking end 1039 thereon that is configured to mate with a closure release assembly 1060 pivotally coupled to the frame 1020. In at least one form, the closure release assembly 1060 can include a release button assembly 1062 having a distally projecting locking pawl 1064 formed thereon. The release button assembly 1062 may be pivoted in a counterclockwise direction by a release spring (not shown). As the clinician presses the closure trigger 1032 from its unactuated position toward the pistol grip portion 1019 of the handle 1014, the first closure link 1036 pivots upward to a point where the locking pawl 1064 drops into engagement with the locking wall 1039 on the first closure link 1036, thereby preventing the closure trigger 1032 from returning to the unactuated position. Thus, the closure release assembly 1060 functions to lock the closure trigger 1032 in the fully actuated position. When the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger 1032 to allow it to be biased to the unactuated position, the clinician need only pivot the closure release button assembly 1062 such that the locking pawl 1064 moves out of engagement with the locking wall 1039 on the first closure link 1036. When the locking pawl 1064 has moved out of engagement with the first closure link 1036, the closure trigger 1032 may pivot back to the unactuated position. Other closure trigger locking and release arrangements may also be employed.

An arm 1061 may extend from the closure release button 1062. A magnetic element 1063, such as a permanent magnet, for example, may be mounted to the arm 1061. When the closure release button 1062 is rotated from its first position to its second position, the magnetic element 1063 may be moved toward the circuit board 1100. The circuit board 1100 may include at least one sensor configured to detect movement of the magnetic element 1063. In at least one embodiment, for example, a "hall effect" sensor (not shown) may be mounted to the bottom surface of the circuit board 1100. The hall effect sensor can be configured to detect a change in the magnetic field surrounding the hall effect sensor caused by the movement of the magnetic element 1063. The hall effect sensor may be in signal communication with, for example, a microcontroller that can determine whether the closure release button 1062 is in its first position associated with the unactuated position of the closure trigger 1032 and the open configuration of the end effector, its second position associated with the actuated position of the closure trigger 1032 and the closed configuration of the end effector, and/or any position between the first and second positions.

In at least one form, the handle 1014 and frame 1020 operably support another drive system, referred to herein as a firing drive system 1080, which is configured to apply a firing motion to the corresponding portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly attached thereto. The firing drive system 1080 may also be referred to herein as a "second drive system". The firing drive system 1080 may employ an electric motor 1082 positioned in the pistol grip portion 1019 of the handle 1014. In various forms, the motor 1082 may be, for example, a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotational speed of about 25,000 RPM. In other arrangements, the motor may comprise a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor 1082 may be powered by a power source 1090, which in one form may include a removable power pack 1092. As seen in fig. 3, for example, the power pack 1092 may include a proximal housing portion 1094 configured for attachment to a distal housing portion 1096. The proximal housing portion 1094 and the distal housing portion 1096 are configured to operably support a plurality of batteries 1098 therein. The batteries 1098 may each comprise, for example, a lithium ion ("LI") or other suitable battery. The distal housing portion 1096 is configured for removable operative attachment to a circuit board assembly 1100 that is also operatively coupled to the motor 1082. A plurality of batteries 1098, which may be connected in series, may be used as a power source for the surgical instrument 1010. Further, power source 1090 may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

As outlined above with respect to the other various forms, the electric motor 1082 may include a rotatable shaft (not shown) operably interfacing with a gear reducer assembly 1084 mounted on the longitudinally movable drive member 1120 in meshing engagement with the drive teeth 1122 of a set or rack. In use, the polarity of the voltage provided by the power source 1090 may operate the electric motor 1082 in a clockwise direction, wherein the polarity of the voltage applied by the battery to the electric motor may be reversed to operate the electric motor 1082 in a counterclockwise direction. When the electric motor 1082 is rotated in one direction, the drive member 1120 will be driven axially in the distal direction "DD". When the motor 82 is driven in the opposite rotational direction, the drive member 1120 will be driven axially in the proximal direction "PD". The handle 1014 may include a switch that may be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 1082 by the power source 1090. As with other versions described herein, the handle 1014 may also include a sensor configured to detect the position of the drive member 1120 and/or the direction in which the drive member 1120 is moving.

Actuation of motor 1082 may be controlled by a firing trigger 1130 pivotally supported on handle 1014. The firing trigger 1130 may pivot between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger 1130 may be biased to an unactuated position by a spring 1132 or other biasing structure such that when the clinician releases the firing trigger 1130, the firing trigger may be pivoted or otherwise returned to the unactuated position by the spring 1132 or biasing structure. In at least one form, the firing trigger 1130 may be positioned "outboard" of the closure trigger 1032, as discussed above. In at least one form, the firing trigger safety button 1134 may be pivotally mounted to the closure trigger 1032 by a pin 1035. Safety button 1134 may be positioned between firing trigger 1130 and closure trigger 1032 and have a pivoting arm 1136 protruding therefrom. See fig. 21. When the closure trigger 1032 is in the unactuated position, the safety button 1134 is housed in the handle 1014, which button may not be easily accessible to the clinician and moved between a safety position preventing actuation of the firing trigger 1130 and a firing position in which the firing trigger 1130 may be fired. When the clinician presses the closure trigger 1032, the safety button 1134 and the firing trigger 1130 pivot downward and may then be manipulated by the clinician.

As mentioned above, in at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 1120 has a rack of teeth 1122 formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear 1086 of the gear reducer assembly 1084. At least one form further includes a manually actuatable "panic" assembly 1140 configured to enable a clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 1120 in the event that the motor 1082 becomes disabled. The panic assembly 1140 may include a lever or panic handle assembly 1142 configured to be manually pivoted into ratcheting engagement with teeth 1124 also provided in the drive member 1120. Thus, the clinician may manually retract the drive member 1120 using the emergency handle assembly 1142 to ratchet the drive member 1120 in the proximal direction "PD". U.S. patent No. 8608045 entitled "POWERED SURGICAL welding AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH manual welding FIRING SYSTEM" discloses emergency structures and other components, arrangements, and systems that may also be used WITH the various devices disclosed herein. U.S. patent 8,608,045 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Turning now to fig. 2 and 5, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 includes a surgical end effector 1300 that includes an elongate channel 1310 configured to operably support a staple cartridge 4000 therein. The end effector 1300 may also include an anvil 2000 pivotally supported relative to the elongate channel 1310. The interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 may also include an articulation joint 3020 and an articulation lock 2140 that may be configured to releasably retain the end effector 1300 in a desired position relative to the shaft axis SA. AN example of various features relating to the end effector 1300, ARTICULATION joint 3020 and at least one form of ARTICULATION LOCK may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATION joint acceleration system AN ARTICULATION LOCK," filed on 3,14, 2013. The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 entitled "article able document compatibility AN article location LOCK," filed on 3,14, 2013, is hereby incorporated by reference. As seen in fig. 4, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 can also include a proximal housing or nozzle 1201 made up of nozzle portions 1202 and 1203.

The interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 can also include a closure system or closure member assembly 3000 that can be used to close and/or open the anvil 2000 of the end effector 1300. The shaft assembly 1200 may include a ridge 1210 configured to: first, a firing member is slidably supported therein; second, the closure member assembly 3000 is slidably supported extending around the spine 1210. As can be seen in fig. 5, the distal end 1211 of the ridge 1210 terminates in an upper lug mounting feature 1270 and a lower lug mounting feature 1280. The upper lug mounting feature 1270 has formed therein a lug slot 1272 adapted to mountably support the upper mounting connector 1274 therein. Similarly, the lower lug mounting feature 1280 has formed therein a lug slot 1282 adapted to mountably support the lower mounting connector 1284 therein. The upper mounting link 1274 includes a pivot socket 1276 therein that is adapted to rotatably receive a pivot pin 1292 therein formed on a channel cover or anvil retainer 1290 that is attached to the proximal end portion 1312 of the elongate channel 1310. The lower mounting link 1284 includes a lower pivot pin 1286 that is adapted to be received within the pivot hole 1314 formed in the proximal end portion 1312 of the elongate channel 1310. See fig. 5. The lower pivot pin 1286 is vertically aligned with the pivot socket 1276 to define an articulation axis AA about which the surgical end effector 1300 may be articulated relative to the shaft axis SA. See fig. 2.

In the illustrated example, the surgical end effector 1300 is selectively articulatable about an articulation axis AA by an articulation system 2100. In one form, the articulation system 2100 includes a proximal articulation driver 2102 that is pivotally coupled to an articulation link 2120. As can be seen most particularly in fig. 5, offset attachment lugs 2114 are formed on the distal end 2112 of the proximal articulation driver 2102. A pivot hole 2116 is formed in the offset attachment boss 2114 and is configured to pivotally receive therein a proximal link pin 2124 formed on the proximal end 2122 of the articulation link 3020. The distal end 2126 of the articulation link 2120 includes a pivot hole 2128 that is configured to pivotally receive therein a channel pin 1317 formed on the proximal end portion 1312 of the elongate channel 1310. Thus, axial movement of the proximal articulation driver 2102 will thereby apply articulation motions to the elongate channel 1310, thereby articulating the surgical end effector 1300 about an articulation axis AA relative to the spine assembly 1210. More details regarding the construction and operation of the articulation system 2100 may be found in various references incorporated by reference herein, including U.S. patent application serial No. 15/635,631 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER," filed on 28.6.2017, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In various circumstances, the proximal articulation driver 2102 may be held in place by the articulation lock 2140 when the proximal articulation driver 2102 is not moved in the proximal or distal direction. Additional details regarding examples of articulation locks 2140 may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/635631, as well as in other references incorporated by reference herein.

In various instances, the spine 1210 can include a proximal end 1211 that is rotatably supported in the base 1240. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end 1211 of the spine 1210 has threads 1214 formed thereon for threadably attaching to a spine bearing 1216 configured to be supported within the base 1240. See fig. 4. Such an arrangement facilitates rotatably attaching the spine 1210 to the base 1240 such that the spine 1210 can be selectively rotated about the shaft axis SA relative to the base 1240.

Referring primarily to fig. 4, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 includes a closure shuttle 1250 that is slidably supported within a base 1240 such that the closure shuttle moves axially relative to the base. The closure shuttle 1250 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 1252 (fig. 2 and 3) configured for attachment to an attachment pin 1037 that is attached to the second closure connector 1038, as will be discussed in further detail below. In at least one example, the closure member assembly 3000 includes a proximal closure member segment 3010 having a proximal end 3012 that is coupled to the closure shuttle 1250 to rotate relative thereto. For example, the U-shaped connector 1263 is inserted into an annular slot 3014 in the proximal end 3012 of the proximal closure member segment 3010 and retained within a vertical slot 1253 in the closure shuttle 1250. Such an arrangement is used to attach the proximal closure tube segment 3010 to the closure shuttle 1250 to travel axially with the closure shuttle while enabling the proximal closure tube segment 3010 to rotate relative to the closure shuttle 1250 about the axis SA. A closure spring 1268 is journaled on the proximal closure tube segment 3010 and serves to bias the proximal closure tube segment 3010 in the proximal direction "PD" and can be used to pivot the closure trigger 1032 to an unactuated position when the shaft assembly is operably coupled to the handle 1014.

In at least one form, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 can also include an articulation joint 3020. However, other interchangeable shaft assemblies may not be able to articulate. As seen in fig. 5, for example, a distal closure member or distal closure tube segment 3030 is coupled to the distal end of the proximal closure member or proximal closure tube segment 3010. The articulation joint 3020 includes a double pivot closure sleeve assembly 3022. According to various forms, the double pivot closure sleeve assembly 3022 includes an end effector closure tube 3050 with upper and lower distally projecting tangs 3052, 3054. The upper double pivot link 3056 comprises upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that engage upper distal pin holes in the upper proximally projecting tang 3052 and upper proximal pin holes in the upper distally projecting tang 3032, respectively, on the distal closure tube segment 3030. The lower double pivot link 3058 comprises upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that engage lower distal pin holes in the proximally projecting inferior tang 3054 and lower proximal pin holes in the distally projecting inferior tang 3034, respectively. See fig. 4 and 5. As will be discussed in further detail below, the closure tube assembly 3000 is translated distally (direction "DD") to close the anvil 2000, for example, in response to actuation of the closure trigger 1032. The anvil 2000 is opened by translating the closure tube assembly 3000 proximally, which causes the end effector closure sleeve to interface with the anvil 2000 and pivot it to an open position.

Also as described above, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 also includes a firing member 1900 that is supported for axial travel within the shaft spine 1210. The firing member includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 that is configured for attachment to a distal cutting portion or knife bar 1910. The intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 may include a longitudinal slot 1223 in its distal end that may be configured to receive the tab 1912 on the proximal end of the distal knife bar 1910. The longitudinal slot 1223 and the proximal insert blade 1912 can be sized and configured to allow relative movement therebetween and can include a sliding joint. The sliding joint 1914 can allow the intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 of the firing drive to move to articulate the end effector 1300 without moving the knife bar 1910 or at least substantially without moving the knife bar 1910. Once the end effector 1300 has been properly oriented, the intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 can be advanced distally until the proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot 1223 comes into contact with the tab 1912 so as to advance the knife bar 1910 and fire the staple cartridge 4000 positioned within the channel 1310. The knife bar 1910 includes a knife portion 1920 including a blade or tissue cutting edge 1922 and includes an upper anvil engagement tab 1924 and a lower channel engagement tab 1926. Various firing member configurations and operations are disclosed in various other references that are incorporated by reference herein.

As seen in fig. 4, the shaft assembly 1200 further includes a switch drum 1500 rotatably received on the closure tube 1260. The switching barrel 1500 includes a hollow shaft segment 1502 having a shaft boss formed thereon for receiving an outwardly projecting actuator pin therein. In each case, the actuating pin extends through a slot into a longitudinal slot provided in the locking sleeve to facilitate axial movement of the locking sleeve when engaged with the articulation driver. The rotary torsion spring 1420 is configured to engage a boss on the switching cartridge 1500 and a portion of the nozzle housing 1203 to apply a biasing force to the switching cartridge 1500. The switching cartridge 1500 may also include an at least partially circumferential opening 1506 defined therein, which may be configured to receive a circumferential mount extending from the nozzle halves 1202, 1203 and allow relative rotation but not translation between the switching cartridge 1500 and the proximal nozzle 1201. The mount also extends through an opening 3011 in the proximal closure tube segment 3010 to be seated in a recess 1219 in the spine shaft 1210. Rotation of the switch drum 1500 about the shaft axis SA will ultimately cause rotation of the actuating pin and locking sleeve between their engaged and disengaged positions. In one configuration, rotation of the switch drum 1500 may be associated with axial advancement of a closure tube or closure member. Thus, actuation of the closure system may essentially operably engage and disengage the articulation drive system with the firing drive system in a variety of ways as described in further detail in the following references: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, and U.S. patent No. 9,913,642 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPLISING A SENSOR SYSTEM," the entire disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference. For example, when the closure tube is in its proximal-most position, corresponding to an "open-jaw" position, the closure tube segment 3010 will have positioned the switch drum 1500 to connect the articulation system with the firing drive system. When the closure tube has moved to its distal position corresponding to the "jaw closed" position, the closure tube has rotated the switch drum 1500 to a position in which the articulation system is disconnected from the firing drive system.

As also shown in fig. 4, shaft assembly 1200 can include a slip ring assembly 1600, which can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from end effector 1300 and/or transmit and/or receive signals to and/or from end effector 1300, for example. Slip ring assembly 1600 may include a proximal connector flange 1604 that mounts to a base flange 1242 extending from base 1240 and a distal connector flange that is positioned within a slot defined in the shaft housing. The proximal connector flange 1604 may include a first face and the distal connector flange may include a second face positioned adjacent to and movable relative to the first face. The distal connector flange is rotatable about the shaft axis SA relative to the proximal connector flange 1604. The proximal connector flange 1604 may comprise a plurality of concentric or at least substantially concentric conductors defined in a first face thereof. The connector may be mounted on the proximal side of the connector flange and may have a plurality of contacts, where each contact corresponds to and is in electrical contact with one of the conductors. Such a configuration allows for relative rotation between the proximal connector flange 1604 and the distal connector flange while maintaining electrical contact therebetween. For example, the proximal connector flange 1604 may include an electrical connector 1606 that may place conductors in signal communication with a shaft circuit board 1610 mounted to the shaft base 1240. In at least one example, a wire harness including a plurality of conductors may extend between the electrical connector 1606 and the shaft circuit board 1610. The electrical connector 1606 may extend proximally through a connector opening 1243 defined in the base mounting flange 1242. See fig. 4. More details regarding slip ring assembly 1600 may be found, for example, in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086, U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,067 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE thicknes SENSOR SYSTEM" filed on 3,13, 2013, and U.S. patent 9,345,481 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE thicknes SENSOR SYSTEM". U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086, U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,067, and U.S. patent 9,345,481 are each hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

As discussed above, the shaft assembly 1200 can include a proximal portion that can be fixedly mounted to the handle 1014 and a distal portion that can be rotated about a longitudinal axis. The rotatable distal shaft portion may be rotated relative to the proximal portion about the slip ring assembly 1600 as discussed above. The distal connector flange of the slip ring assembly 1600 may be positioned within the rotatable distal shaft portion. Also, in addition to the above, the switch barrel 1500 may also be positioned within the rotatable distal shaft portion. When the rotatable distal shaft portion is rotated, the distal connector flange and the switch drum 1500 may be rotated in synchronization with each other. Additionally, the switch drum 1500 is rotatable relative to the distal connector flange between a first position and a second position. When the switch drum 1500 is in its first position, the articulation drive system may be operably disengaged from the firing drive system and, thus, operation of the firing drive system may not articulate the end effector 1300 of the shaft assembly 1200. When the switch drum 1500 is in its second position, the articulation drive system can be operably engaged with the firing drive system such that operation of the firing drive system can articulate the end effector 1300 of the shaft assembly 1200. As the switch drum 1500 moves between its first position and its second position, the switch drum 1500 moves relative to the distal connector flange. In various examples, shaft assembly 1200 can include at least one sensor configured to detect a position of switch drum 1500.

Referring again to fig. 4, the base 1240 includes at least one, and preferably two, tapered attachment portions 1244 formed thereon that are adapted to be received within corresponding dovetail slots 1702 formed within the distal attachment flange portion 1700 of the frame 1020. See fig. 3. Each dovetail slot 1702 can be tapered, or in other words, can be slightly V-shaped, to seatingly receive an attachment portion 1244 therein. As can be further seen in fig. 22, a shaft attachment lug 1226 is formed on the proximal end of the intermediate firing shaft 1222. As will be discussed in further detail below, when the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 is coupled to the handle 1014, the shaft attachment lugs 1226 are received in a firing shaft attachment bracket 1126 formed in the distal end 1125 of the longitudinal drive member 1120. See fig. 3.

Various shaft assembly embodiments employ a latch system 1710 for removably coupling the shaft assembly 1200 to the housing 1012 and more specifically to the frame 1020. As seen in fig. 4, for example, in at least one form, the latching system 1710 includes a lock member or lock yoke 1712 movably coupled to the base 1240. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the lock yoke 1712 is U-shaped with two spaced apart and downwardly extending legs 1714. The legs 1714 each have pivot lugs 1715 formed thereon that are adapted to be received in corresponding holes 1245 formed in the base 1240. Such an arrangement facilitates pivotal attachment of the lock yoke 1712 to the base 1240. The lock yoke 1712 may include two proximally projecting lock lugs 1716 configured for releasable engagement with corresponding lock pawls or grooves 1704 in the distal attachment flange 1700 of the frame 1020. See fig. 3. In various forms, the lock yoke 1712 is biased in a proximal direction by a spring or biasing member (not shown). Actuation of the lock yoke 1712 may be accomplished by a latch button 1722 that is slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly 1720 mounted to the base 1240. The latch button 1722 may be biased in a proximal direction relative to the lock yoke 1712. As will be discussed in further detail below, the lock yoke 1712 may be moved to the unlocked position by biasing the latch button in a distal direction, which also causes the lock yoke 1712 to pivot out of retaining engagement with the distal attachment flange 1700 of the frame 1020. When the lock yoke 1712 is "held in engagement" with the distal attachment flange 1700 of the frame 1020, the lock lugs 1716 remain seated within the corresponding lock detents or grooves 1704 in the distal attachment flange 1700.

When interchangeable shaft assemblies are employed that include end effectors of the types described herein as well as other types of end effectors adapted to cut and fasten tissue, it may be advantageous to prevent the interchangeable shaft assemblies from inadvertently disengaging from the housing during actuation of the end effector. For example, in use, a clinician may actuate the closure trigger 1032 to grasp and manipulate the target tissue into a desired position. Once the target tissue is positioned within the end effector 1300 in the desired orientation, the clinician may fully actuate the closure trigger 1032 to close the anvil 1306 and clamp the target tissue in place for cutting and stapling. In such an example, first drive system 1030 has been fully actuated. After the target tissue has been clamped in the end effector 1300, it may be advantageous to prevent the shaft assembly 1200 from inadvertently disengaging from the housing 1012. One form of the latching system 1710 is configured to prevent such inadvertent disengagement.

As best seen in fig. 4, the lock yoke 1712 includes at least one, and preferably two, latch hooks 1718 that are adapted to contact corresponding lock tab portions 1256 formed on the closure shuttle 1250. When the closure shuttle 1250 is in the unactuated position (i.e., the first drive system 1030 is unactuated and the anvil 1306 is open), the locking yoke 1712 can be pivoted in the distal direction to unlock the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 from the housing 1012. In this position, the latch hook 1718 does not contact the latch ledge portion 1256 on the closure shuttle 1250. However, when the closure shuttle 1250 is moved to the actuated position (i.e., the first drive system 1030 is actuated and the anvil 1306 is in the closed position), the lock yoke 1712 is prevented from pivoting to the unlocked position. In other words, if the clinician attempts to pivot the locking yoke 1712 to the unlocked position, or, for example, the locking yoke 1712 is inadvertently bumped or contacted in a manner that might otherwise cause it to pivot distally, the locking hooks 1718 on the locking yoke 1712 will contact the locking lugs 1256 on the closure shuttle 1250 and prevent the locking yoke 1712 from moving to the unlocked position.

Attachment of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 to the handle 1014 will now be described. To begin the coupling process, the clinician may position the base 1240 of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 over or near the distal attachment flange 1700 of the frame 1020 such that the tapered attachment portions 1244 formed on the base 1240 align with the dovetail slots 1702 in the frame 1020. The clinician may then move the shaft assembly 1200 along a mounting axis perpendicular to the shaft axis SA to seat the attachment portions 1244 in "operable engagement" with the corresponding dovetail-shaped receiving slots 1702. In doing so, the shaft attachment lugs 1226 on the intermediate firing shaft 1222 will also be seated in the brackets 1126 of the longitudinally movable drive member 1120, and the portions of the pins 1037 on the second closure link 1038 will be seated in the corresponding hooks 1252 in the closure yoke 1250. As used herein, the term "operably engaged" in the context of two components means that the two components are sufficiently engaged with one another such that upon application of an actuation motion thereto, the components may perform their intended action, function, and/or procedure.

At least five systems of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 can be operably coupled with at least five corresponding systems of the handle 1014. The first system may include a frame system that couples and/or aligns the frame or spine of the shaft assembly 1200 with the frame 1020 of the handle 1014. Another system can include a closure drive system 1030 that can operably connect the closure trigger 1032 of the handle 1014 to the closure tube 1260 and anvil 2000 of the shaft assembly 1200. As outlined above, the closure tube attachment yoke 1250 of the shaft assembly 1200 can engage the pin 1037 on the second closure connector 1038. Another system can include a firing drive system 1080 that can operably connect the firing trigger 1130 of the handle 1014 to the intermediate firing shaft 1222 of the shaft assembly 1200. As outlined above, the shaft attachment lugs 1226 may be operably connected with the bracket 1126 of the longitudinal drive member 1120. Another system may include an electrical system capable of: signals that the shaft assembly (such as the shaft assembly 1200) has been operably engaged with the handle 1014 are sent to a controller (such as a microcontroller) in the handle 1014 and/or power and/or communication signals are conducted between the shaft assembly 1200 and the handle 1014. For example, the shaft assembly 1200 may include an electrical connector 1810 operably mounted to the shaft circuit board 1610. The electrical connector 1810 is configured for mating engagement with a corresponding electrical connector 1800 on the handle control board 1100. Further details regarding the circuitry and control system can be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 and U.S. patent application serial No. 14/226,142, the entire disclosures of each of which are previously incorporated herein by reference. The fifth system may consist of a latching system for releasably locking the shaft assembly 1200 to the handle 1014.

Referring now to fig. 5-7, in the illustrated example, the anvil 2000 includes an anvil body 2002 that terminates in an anvil mounting portion 2010. The anvil mounting portion 2010 is movably or pivotally supported on the elongate channel 1310 for selective pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed anvil pivot axis PA transverse to the shaft axis SA. In the illustrated arrangement, a pivot member or anvil trunnion 2012 extends laterally out of each lateral side of anvil mounting portion 2010 to be received in a corresponding trunnion bracket 1316 formed in an upstanding wall 1315 of proximal end portion 1312 of elongate channel 1310. Anvil trunnions 2012 are pivotally retained in their corresponding trunnion mounts 1316 by a channel cover or anvil retainer 1290. The channel cover or anvil retainer 1290 includes a pair of attachment lugs that are configured to be retainingly received within corresponding lug grooves or recesses formed in the upstanding wall 1315 of the proximal end portion 1312 of the elongate channel 1310.

Referring to fig. 7,8, and 9, in at least one arrangement, a distal closure member or end effector closure tube 3050 employs two axially offset proximal and distal positive jaw opening features 3060 and 3062. In fig. 7, the proximal positive jaw opening feature 2060 is located to the right of the shaft axis SA (as viewed by a user of the tool assembly). The positive jaw opening features 3060, 3062 are configured to interface WITH corresponding release areas 3064, 3066 and step portions formed on the anvil mounting portion 2010, as described in further detail in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/635,631 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER", filed on 28.6.2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Other jaw opening arrangements may be employed.

Fig. 6 and 7 illustrate one form of the anvil 2000 that includes an elongated anvil body portion 2002 that terminates in a mounting portion 2010 configured to interface with the end effector closure sleeve 3050 to minimize the amount of resultant force experienced by the end effector closure tube 3050 as the anvil 2000 moves from a fully open position to a closed position and ultimately to an over-closed position. The anvil body portion 2002 includes a staple forming undersurface 2004 that has a series of anvil forming pockets (not shown) formed therein. An elongate slot 2006 extends through the body portion 2002 and the mounting portion 2010 to facilitate passage of a knife portion or "firing member" 1920 therethrough. Further, an anvil cover 2030 is attached to the anvil body 2002 to cover the slot 2006. In various instances, the anvil mounting portion 2010 includes an anvil cam surface 2020 formed thereon. The anvil cam surfaces 2020 are bisected or otherwise separated by the elongated slots 2006. As can be seen in fig. 6 and 7, the proximal end portion 2032 of the anvil cover 2030 is oriented at an angle corresponding to the angle/orientation of the anvil cam surface 2020. Fig. 10 and 11 show the anvil 2000 in a fully open position. As can be seen in fig. 10, when the "second jaw" or anvil 2000 is in its fully open position, the distal or end effector closure tube 3050 is in its proximal-most position. When in this position, the cam surface 3072 formed on the distal end 3070 of the end effector closure tube 3050 does not apply any closing force to the cam closure surface 2020. As the end effector closure tube 3050 is moved distally, the camming surfaces 3072 on the end effector closure tube 3050 contact the camming closure surfaces 2020 on the anvil mounting portion 2010 and the corresponding closure surfaces 2034 on the proximal end portion 2032 of the anvil cover 2030 to pivot the anvil 2000 to the "closed" position. Fig. 12 and 13 illustrate the position of the end effector closure tube 3050 and anvil 2000 when the anvil 2000 is in the closed position.

As the end effector closure tube 3050 continues to advance distally to apply additional closure motions to the anvil, eventually moving the anvil to an "over-closed" position, the end effector closure tube may experience significant stress, which may occur over time, causing the end effector closure tube to become vertically elongated (when viewed from the end), or, in other words, to become slightly oval in shape, which may eventually lead to failure or otherwise adversely affect the ability to achieve a fully closed position. It is axial, creating "hoop" and longitudinal stresses in the wall of a thin walled tube or cylinder when the tube is subjected to internal pressure. The hoop stress acts circumferentially and perpendicular to the axis and radius of the cylinder wall. Such hoop stress can be calculated as:

σ_h＝pd/(2t)wherein:

σ_{h as hoop stress (MPa, psi)}

Internal pressure in pipe or cylinder (MPa, psi)

d-inner diameter of tube or cylinder (mm, in)

t-wall or cylinder wall thickness (mm, in)

End effector closure tubes have been developed having various tube wall configurations. An example of such a tube configuration is disclosed in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,903 entitled "close measure membrane FOR minor impurities FOR use in systems" filed on 21/12/2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Fig. 8 and 9 illustrate one form of an end effector closure tube 3050. The closure tube 3050 includes an outer surface 3074 and an inner wall surface 3076. In at least one form, the closure tube 3050 comprises a constant inner diameter ID and a constant outer diameter OD to define a uniform or constant wall thickness CT over the entire length of the closure tube 3050 or at least a portion of the closure tube configured to interface with an end effector jaw, such as the anvil 2000 and the elongate channel 1310.

Returning now to fig. 12, in at least one arrangement, when the anvil 2000 is in the "closed position," a gap distance "CD" can be observed between the staple forming underside 2004 of the anvil body 2002 and the cartridge deck surface of the cartridge supported within the elongate channel 1310 when no tissue is clamped between the anvil 2000 and the cartridge. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 in fig. 12 across the closure cam surface 2020 and through the distal end portion of the end effector closure tube 3050 and the anvil mounting portion 2020 and the proximal end portion of the elongate channel 1310. As can be seen in this figure, various closing forces CF are applied to the anvil 2000 and elongate channel 1310 by the end effector closure tube 3050. For example, a closing force CF is applied to the closing cam surface 2020 and the proximal end portion 2032 of the anvil cover 2030 and to the elongate channel 1310.

In the example illustrated in fig. 6-15, the anvil mounting portion 2020 is formed to establish a plurality of discrete load transfer positions configured to be contacted by the inner surface 3076 of the end effector closure tube 3050 when the end effector closure tube 3050 is in a position corresponding to the closed position of the anvil 2000. In at least one arrangement, at least two discrete load transfer positions are located on each side of a vertical plane VP that bisects the anvil 2000 when the anvil 2000 is in the closed position. For example, in fig. 13, a first right load transfer position or edge 2070R, a second right load transfer position or edge 2072R, a third right load transfer position or edge 2074R, and a fourth right load transfer position or edge 2076R are formed on the right side of the vertical plane VP. Similarly, a first left load transfer position or edge 2070L, a second left load transfer position or edge 2072L, a third left load transfer position or edge 2074L and a fourth left load transfer position or edge 2076L are formed on the left side of the vertical plane VP. As used in this context, the term "at least two discrete load transfer positions" means that the load transfer positions are formed relative to one another such that a space or gap is formed between the portion of the anvil mounting portion 2010 extending between the load transfer positions and the inner surface 3076 of the end effector closure tube 3050.

For example, the first gap amount CR₁Formed between the inner surface 3076 of the end effector closure tube 3050, extending between a first right load transfer position 2070R and a second right load transfer position 2072R. Second gap amount CR₂Formed between the inner surfaces of the end effector closure tube 3050, extending between a second right load transfer position 2072R and a third right load transfer position 2074R. Third gap amount CR₃Formed between third right load transfer position 2074R and fourth right load transfer position 2076R. First clearance CL₁Formed between the inner surfaces of the end effector closure tube, extends between a first left load transfer position 2070L and a second left load transfer position 2072L. Second clearance CL₂Formed between the inner surface 3076 of the end effector closure tube at the second left load transfer position 2072L and the third left load transfer position2074L. Third clearance CL₃Formed between third left load transfer position 2074L and fourth left load transfer position 2076L. In at least one arrangement, the closing force CF applied to the closing cam surface 2020 and the proximal portion 2032 of the anvil cover 2030 may be evenly distributed between the first right and left load transfer positions 2070R and 2070L. Likewise, the closing force CF applied to the elongate channel 1310 may be evenly distributed between, for example, the fourth right load transfer position 2076R and the fourth left load transfer position 2076L.

In at least one arrangement, the at least two right load transfer positions 2070R, 2072R and the at least two left load transfer positions 2070L, 2072L are located on one side of a horizontal plane HP that bisects the end effector 1300. As shown in fig. 13, the two right load transfer positions 2070R, 2072R are located on the opposite side of the vertical plane VP from the two left load transfer positions 2070L, 2072L. Also in at least one arrangement, the third and fourth right load transfer positions 2074R and 2076R are located on an opposite side of the horizontal plane HP from the first and second right load transfer positions 2070R and 2072R. Similarly, the third and fourth left load transfer positions 2074L and 2076L are located on an opposite side of the horizontal plane HP from the first and second left load transfer positions 2070L and 2072L. The right load transfer positions 2074R, 2076R are located on the opposite side of the vertical plane VP from the two left load transfer positions 2074L, 2076L. As seen in fig. 6 and 10, the load transfer positions may be formed by scalloped or relieved areas 2080, 2082, 2084 such that the load transfer positions include corners formed by the abutting surfaces. Other load transfer location shapes are contemplated.

Fig. 14 and 15 illustrate the anvil 2000 and end effector closure tube 3050 in an "over-closed" condition that results when the end effector closure tube 3050 is advanced further distally after the anvil 2000 has reached a closed position. In at least one example, the anvil 2000 has a body portion 2002 with a distal end portion 2003 that contacts a cartridge deck of a staple cartridge operably supported by an elongate channel 1310Seat 2000 is in an "over-closed state". See fig. 14. After the anvil 2000 has reached the closed position, continued distal advancement of the end effector closure tube 3050 may significantly increase the hoop stress formed in the end effector closure tube 3050, which may result in an end effector closure tube failure at all or vertical elongation, which may adversely affect proper closure of the anvil when used in future applications. As shown in FIG. 15, the first right clearance amount CR₁And a first left clearance amount CL₁May each have a gap width CW lying on a common side of the horizontal plane HP₁. Second right gap amount CR₂And a second left clearance amount CL₂Each crossing a horizontal plane HP. In other words, the second right gap amount CR₂Is located on each side of the horizontal plane HP, and a second left clearance amount CL₂Located on each side of the horizontal plane HP.

Forming at least two discrete load transfer locations on each side of a vertical plane may reduce the amount of detrimental hoop stress that develops in the end effector closure tube 3050 as it moves distally to an over-closed position. Forming at least three discrete load transfer locations on each side of a vertical plane may also reduce the amount of detrimental hoop stress formed in the end effector closure tube 3050 as it moves distally to an over-closed position. Forming at least four discrete load transfer locations on each side of a vertical plane may also reduce the amount of detrimental hoop stress created in the end effector closure tube 3050 as it moves distally to an over-closed position. Such an arrangement enables the end effector closure tube 3050 to be made with a constant wall thickness as described above, which can reduce manufacturing costs associated with manufacturing the end effector closure tube.

Fig. 16-22 illustrate an alternative anvil 2000' that is substantially identical to the anvil 2000 described above, except for the differences described below. As can be seen in fig. 16, the anvil mounting portion 2010 'is formed with a continuous arcuate anvil camming surface 2020' that is uninterrupted by any load transfer positions. FIGS. 17 and 18 show the fully open positionAn anvil 2000'. As can be seen in fig. 17, when the "second jaw" or anvil 2000 'is in its fully open position, the end effector closure tube 3050' is in its proximal-most position. When in this position, the end effector closure tube 3050 'does not apply any closure force to the cam closure surface 2020'. Fig. 23 illustrates one form of an end effector closure tube 3050', which may be identical to the end effector closure tube 3050 described above, except for the differences noted below. The end effector closure tube 3050' includes an outer surface 3074' and an inner wall surface 3076 '. In at least one form, the segment a of the wall other than at the top of the end effector closure tube 3050 ″, is_sIn addition, the closed tube 3050' has a constant wall thickness WT₁The sector having a size greater than WT₁Of the wall thickness WT₂. Such an arrangement forms a single load transfer location 2070'.

Fig. 19 and 20 illustrate the position of the end effector closure tube 3050' and anvil 2000' when the anvil 2000' is in the closed position. As can be seen in fig. 20, as the end effector closure tube 3050' is moved distally, the load transfer location 2070' on the end effector closure tube 3050' contacts the cam surface 2034 on the proximal portion 2032 of the anvil cover 2030. The end effector closure tube 3050' also contacts portions of the elongate channel 1310 on each side of the vertical plane VP bisecting the end effector. The load transfer position 2070 'may span the entire cam surface 2034 to contact an upper portion of the cam surface 2020' on each side of the vertical plane VP, as shown in fig. 20. Such an arrangement serves to create a space 3077 between a corresponding portion of the inner surface 3076 'of the end effector closure tube 3050' and the cam surface 2020 'of the anvil mounting portion 2010' when in the closed position as illustrated in fig. 19 and 20, as illustrated in fig. 20. The spaces 3077 are each from the load transfer position 2070 'and the region where the interior surface 3076' contacts the elongated channel 1310 (spatial distance S)_D) And (4) extending. Thus, when the anvil 2000 'is moved to the closed position, there is a discrete first load transfer position 2070' on one side of the horizontal plane HP and two discrete load transfer positions 2072R ', 2072L' on the opposite side of the horizontal plane HP. When the anvil 2000' is in the closed position, is discreteIs separated from each of the discrete load transfer positions 2072R ', 2072L' by a space 3077. See fig. 20. As can also be seen in fig. 20, the load transfer positions 2072R ', 2072L' are located on opposite sides of the vertical plane VP.

Fig. 21 and 22 illustrate the interrelationship between the end effector closure tube 3050 'and the anvil 2000' when the end effector closure tube 3050 'has moved the anvil 2000' in an over-closed orientation. As can be seen in fig. 22, when in the over-closed position, the end effector closure tube 3050' contacts the anvil 2000' and the elongate channel 1310 to form discrete load transfer locations 2070' that are separated from the discrete load transfer locations 2074R ', 2074L ' by spaces 3079R, 3079L. The discrete load transfer locations 2074R 'are separated from the discrete load transfer locations 2076R' by spaces 3081R and the discrete load transfer locations 2074L 'are separated from the discrete load transfer locations 2076L' by spaces 3081L. Thus, in this arrangement, at least one discrete load transfer position (2070') spans the vertical plane VP bisecting the end effector, and at least two discrete load transfer positions span the horizontal plane HP bisecting the end effector. Furthermore, at least one discrete load transferring position is located on each side of the horizontal plane HP and at least one discrete load transferring position is located on each side of the vertical plane VP. Such an arrangement of load transfer positions in the manner described above may help prevent vertical elongation of the end effector closure tube 3050'.

Fig. 24-30 illustrate an alternative anvil 2000 "that is substantially identical to the anvil 2000 described above, except for the differences described below. As seen in fig. 24, the anvil mounting portion 2010 "is formed with an arcuate anvil camming surface 2020" and right and left notched or recessed portions 2022 ". Fig. 24 and 25 illustrate the anvil 2000 "in a fully open position. As can be seen in fig. 24, when the "second jaw" or anvil 2000 "is in its fully open position, the end effector closure tube 3050" is in its proximal-most position. When in this position, the end effector closure tube 3050 "does not apply any closure to the cam closure surface 2020Force. Fig. 30 illustrates one form of an end effector closure tube 3050 ", which may be identical to the end effector closure tube 3050 described above, except for the differences noted below. The end effector closure tube 3050 "includes an outer surface 3074" and an inner wall surface 3076 ". In at least one form, the closed tube 3050 "has a first wall thickness WT arranged as shown in fig. 30₁Second wall thickness WT₂Third wall thickness WT₃And a fourth wall thickness WT₄. In at least one arrangement, e.g. WT₁<WT₂<WT₃≤WT₄. In some cases, WT₃>WT₄. The end effector closure tube 3050 "having a profile corresponding to WT₄The portion of the wall thickness of (a) forms the load transfer location 2070 ". In the illustrated arrangement, for example, the load transfer position 2070 "spans the vertical plane VP bisecting the end effector closure tube 3050". Wall thickness WT of end effector closure tube 3050 ″₃Form the load transfer positions 2072R ", 2072L". In at least one arrangement as shown in fig. 30, the load transfer positions 2072R ", 2072L" span the horizontal plane HP of the split end effector closure tube 3050 ".

Referring now to fig. 26 and 27, as the end effector closure tube 3050 "is moved distally, the load transfer location 2070" contacts the cam surface 2034 on the proximal portion 2032 of the anvil cover 2030. The load transfer positions 2072R ", 2072L" also contact corresponding portions of the anvil mounting portion 2010 ". In addition, portions of the end effector closure tube 3050 "form load transfer positions 2074R", 2074L "which contact corresponding portions of the elongate channel 1310 to move the anvil 2000" to the closed position illustrated in fig. 26 and 27. Such an arrangement serves to create spaces 3077 ", 3079" between corresponding portions of the inner surface 3076 "of the end effector closure tube 3050" and the cam surface 2020 "of the anvil mounting portion 2010" when in the closed position as illustrated in fig. 26 and 27, as illustrated in fig. 27. The space 3077 "is located between the load transfer position 2070" and the load transfer positions 2072R ", 2072L". The space 3079 "is located between the load transfer positions 2072R", 2072L "and the load transfer positions 2074R, 2074L" as shown in fig. 27.

Fig. 28 and 29 illustrate the relationship between the end effector closure tube 3050 "and the anvil 2000" when the end effector closure tube 3050 "has moved the anvil 2000" into the over-closed orientation. As can be seen in fig. 29, in addition to the load transfer positions 2070 ", 2072R", 2072L ", 2074R", 2074L ", discrete load transfer positions 2076R", 2076L "are formed by the edges of the recessed portion 2022" formed on the anvil mounting portion 2010 ". Such discrete load transfer locations 2076R ", 2076L" are separated from the corresponding discrete load transfer locations 2072R ", 2072L" by corresponding spaces 3081 ". Such a configuration in the manner described above to provide a load transfer position may help prevent vertical elongation of the end effector closure tube 3050 ".

When using an end effector 1300 of the type and configuration described herein, a clinician manipulates first and second jaws (an anvil 2000 and an elongate channel 1310 having a surgical staple cartridge operably mounted therein) to capture tissue to be cut and stapled ("target tissue") therebetween. As can be seen in fig. 5 and 7, for example, the surgical staple cartridge 4000 comprises a cartridge body 4010 that is configured to be removably supported in an elongate channel 1310. The cartridge body 4010 comprises an elongated cartridge slot 4016 that extends through the cartridge body 4010 from a proximal end 4012 to a distal end portion 4014 to enable a knife member or firing member 1920 to pass therethrough. The cartridge body 4010 also defines a cartridge deck surface 4020 on each side of the elongated slot 4016. A plurality of staple cavities 4022 are disposed in the cartridge body 4010 on each side of the elongate slot 4016. Each lumen 4022 opens through the deck surface 4020 to removably support one or more surgical staples therein. In at least one cartridge arrangement, three rows of staple cavities 4022 are provided on each side of the elongate slot 4016. The rows are shaped so that the staples in the central row are staggered with respect to the staples in the two adjacent outer rows. The staples are supported on staple drivers that are movably supported within each staple cavity. In at least some arrangements, for example, the staple drivers are arranged to contact or "fire" upwardly when contacted by a cam member or camming portion associated with the knife member 1920. In some arrangements, a wedge or camming slide is movably supported in the cartridge body and is adapted to be axially displaced through the cartridge body as the knife member 1920 is axially deployed through the cartridge from the proximal end portion 4012 to the distal end portion 4014 of the cartridge body 4010. The wedge sled includes a camming member or wedge associated with each row of staple cavities for continuously deploying the staple drivers supported therein. As the cams contact the staple drivers, the drivers are driven upwardly within the staple cavities, thereby driving one or more staples supported thereon out of the staple cavities and through the clamped tissue into forming contact with the staple forming undersurface of the anvil. The wedge sled or camming member is located distal to the tissue cutting edge of the knife or firing member 1920 such that tissue is stapled prior to being severed by the tissue cutting edge.

When the clinician initially positions the target tissue between the anvil and the staple cartridge, it is important that the target tissue be positioned such that the knife does not cut into the target tissue unless the target tissue is first stapled. In previous anvil arrangements, tissue stops were provided on the proximal end of the anvil body to prevent the target tissue from moving proximally past the most proximal staple pockets in the staple cartridge. Such tissue stops form an abrupt proximal end that faces or faces the distal end of the end effector closure tube. As the closure tube moves distally to close the anvil, tissue extending outwardly from between the anvil and the cartridge occasionally becomes undesirably trapped or clamped between the proximal end of the tissue stop and the distal end of the end effector closure tube. The examples disclosed below are configured to minimize the likelihood of tissue being pinched between the tissue stop and the end effector closure tube as the anvil is moved to the closed and over-closed positions in the various manners described herein.

Turning to fig. 7, for example, the staple cartridge 4000 comprises staples (not shown) that are removably supported or stored in each of the proximal-most staple cavities 4022P that are positioned in the rows of staple cavities 4022 in the cartridge body 4010 on each side of the elongate slot 4016. In various circumstances, to prevent the target tissue from being clamped proximally of the staples in the proximal-most staple cavities 4022P, the anvil 2000 includes two tissue stop members 2040 which project downwardly past the staple forming undersurface on each side of the anvil body. Each of the tissue stop members 2040 project downwardly on each side of the cartridge body 4010 when the anvil is in the closed position or in the over-closed position. Fig. 7 shows the anvil 2000 in an open configuration. As can be seen in this figure, each of the tissue stops 2040 extends below the cartridge deck surface to prevent the target tissue from extending proximally past the staples in the most proximal staple cavities 4022P. As can be seen in fig. 7, 31 and 32, in at least one arrangement, tissue stop 2040 is integral with anvil body portion 2002. The proximal ends of the anvil body portion 2002 and the tissue stop 2040 extend slightly above a corresponding camming surface 2020 formed on the anvil mounting portion 2010. In the illustrated example, the proximal end of tissue stop 2040 is segmented into an upper proximal end portion 2042, a lower proximal end portion 2043, and a bottom proximal end portion 2044. See fig. 31 and 32. As can also be seen in fig. 31 and 32, an angled or chamfered surface 2045 is formed on the anvil mounting portion between the upper proximal end portion 2042 and the camming surface 2020. An angled or chamfered surface 2046 is formed between the lower proximal end portion 2043 and the camming surface 2020, and an angled or chamfered surface 2047 is formed between the lower proximal end portion 2044 and the camming surface 2020. In the illustrated arrangement where scalloped or relieved areas 2080, 2082, 2084 are formed in the anvil mounting portion 2010, chamfer 2045 corresponds to relieved area 2080. See fig. 33. Lower proximal end portion 2043 and accompanying chamfer 2046 correspond to relief area 2082, and lower proximal end portion 2044 and accompanying chamfer 2047 correspond to relief area 2084.

As discussed above, the anvil 2000 is moved from the fully open position to the closed position and the over-closed position by the axially movable end effector closure tube 3050. Fig. 31 and 33 illustrate the position of the end effector closure tube 3050 relative to the tissue stop 2040 when the anvil 2000 is in the closed position. As can be seen in fig. 33, the upper proximal end portion 2042 and accompanying chamfer 2045 are generally parallel to corresponding portions of the distal end 3051 of the end effector closure tube 3050. To reduce the likelihood of tissue being inadvertently clamped between the tissue stop 2040 and the distal end 3051 of the end effector closure tube 3050, the lower proximal end portion 2043 and the bottom proximal end portion 2044 of the tissue stop 2040, as well as the corresponding chamfers 2046 and 2047, are angled with respect to the distal end 3051 of the end effector closure tube 3050. This arrangement has the practical effect of increasing the distance between the portion of the tissue stop and the end effector closure tube that is most likely to encounter adjacent tissue.

FIG. 33 is an enlarged view of a portion of the end effector shown in FIG. 31 with the anvil 2000 in a closed position. When in this position, the upper proximal end portion 2042 of each tissue stop 2040 is positioned a first tissue distance TD from the distal end 3051 of the end effector closure tube 3050₁. The bottom proximal end portion 2044 of each tissue stop 2040 is positioned a second tissue distance TD from the distal end 3051 of the end effector closure tube 3050₂. As can be seen in this figure, TD₂>TD₁. Fig. 32 and 34 illustrate the anvil 2000 in an over-closed position. A first tissue distance TD between the upper proximal end portion 2042 of each tissue stop 2040 and the distal end 3051 of the end effector closure tube 3050₁' still slightly less than a second tissue distance TD between the bottom proximal end portion 2044 of each tissue stop 2040 and the distal end 3051 of the end effector closure tube 3050₂', this will still reduce the likelihood of pinching tissue therebetween. In at least one example, TD₂And/or TD₂' may be approximately ten thousand inches to approximately twenty-five thousand inches. However, other thicknesses may be obtained. Additionally, the inclusion of the chamfered surfaces 2045, 2046, and 2047 can help reduce the likelihood of tissue becoming pinched between the tissue stop 2040 and the distal end 3051 of the end effector closure tube 3050 as the anvil 200 is moved to the closed and over-closed positions. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-described tissue stop configurations will also be capable of closing with other forms of end effectorsA tube closing and closing member arrangement is used together.

Fig. 35-38 illustrate another anvil embodiment 5000 that is identical to the anvil 2000 described above, except for the differences associated with the tissue stop 5040. The tissue stop 5040 can be identical to the tissue stops 2040, except that the proximal end portion 5042, 5043, 5044 and accompanying chamfer 5045, 5046, 5047 of each tissue stop are generally parallel to the distal end 5031 of the end effector closure tube 5030. The end effector closure tube 5050 may be identical to the end effector closure tube 3050 described above, except for the differences discussed below. Fig. 35 and 36 illustrate the anvil 5000 in a closed position. In this arrangement, the areas that could otherwise readily clamp tissue are the edges of the bottom proximal end portion 5044 and the confronting portions of the distal end 5031 of the end effector closure tube 5050. To mitigate and minimize this possibility, a release region 5060 is formed in the distal end 5031 of the end effector closure tube 5030 that faces or is otherwise opposite the bottom proximal end 5044 of each of the tissue stops 5040. In the illustrated example, each release region 5060 includes an arcuate notch 5062 formed in a portion of the distal end 5031 of the end effector closure tube 5030 that corresponds to the bottom proximal end portion 5044 of each tissue stop 5040. In the illustrated arrangement, for example, when the end effector closure tube 5050 is in a position corresponding to the closed position of the anvil 5000, the bottom proximal end portion 5044 of each of the tissue stops 5040 terminates in a bottom corner 5070, and the apex or bottom 5064 directly spans from the bottom corner 5070. However, other notch shapes may be employed.

FIG. 36 is an enlarged view of a portion of the end effector shown in FIG. 35 with the anvil 5000 in a closed position. When in this position, the upper proximal end portion 5042, the lower proximal end portion 5043, and the bottom proximal end portion 5044 of each tissue stop 5040 are positioned a first tissue distance TD from the distal end 3051 of the end effector closure tube 5050₁. The bottom proximal end portion 5044 of each tissue stop 5040 is positioned to be spaced from the endThe apex or bottom 5064 of the notch 5062 in the distal end 5051 of the walker closure tube 5050 is spaced a second tissue distance TD from₂. As can be seen in this figure, TD₂>TD₁. Fig. 37 and 38 show the anvil 5000 in an over-closed position. A first tissue distance TD between the bottom proximal end portion 5044 of each tissue stop 5040 and the distal end 5051 of the end effector closure tube 5050₁' still less than a second tissue distance TD between the bottom proximal end portion 5044 of each tissue stop 2040 and the apex 5064 of the corresponding notch 5062 in the distal end 5051 of the end effector closure tube 5050₂', this will still reduce the likelihood of pinching tissue therebetween. Additionally, the inclusion of the chamfered surfaces 5045, 5046, and 5047 can help reduce the likelihood of tissue being pinched between the tissue stop 5040 and the distal end 5051 of the end effector closure tube 5050 as the anvil 5000 is moved to the closed and over-closed positions. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the above-described tissue stop configurations will also be used with other forms of end effector closure tube and closure member arrangements.

Fig. 39 illustrates a prior surgical staple cartridge 4000 including a cartridge body 4010 that is configured to be removably supported in an elongate channel 1310. The cartridge body 4010 comprises an elongate cartridge slot 4016 that extends through the cartridge body 4010 from a proximal end 4012 to a distal end portion 4014 to enable a knife member or firing member 1920 (fig. 5) to pass therethrough. The cartridge body 4010 also defines a cartridge deck surface 4020 on each side of the elongated slot 4016. See fig. 39. A plurality of staple cavities 4022 are disposed in the cartridge body 4010 on each side of the elongate slot 4016. Each lumen 4022 opens through the deck surface 4020 to removably support one or more surgical staples therein. In at least one cartridge arrangement, three rows of staple cavities 4022 are provided on each side of the elongate slot 4016. In the illustrated example, the rows are shaped so that the staples in the central row are staggered with respect to the staples in the two adjacent outer rows. The staples are supported on staple drivers that are movably supported within each staple cavity. In at least some arrangements, for example, the staple drivers are arranged to contact or "fire" upwardly when contacted by a cam member or camming portion associated with the knife member 1920. In some arrangements, a "wedge" slide or camming slide is movably supported in the cartridge body 4010 and is adapted to be axially displaced through the cartridge body 4010 as the knife member 1920 is axially deployed through the cartridge from the proximal end portion 4012 to the distal end portion 4014 of the cartridge body 4010. The wedge sled includes a camming member or "wedge" associated with each row of staple cavities for successively deploying the staple drivers supported therein. As the corresponding wedges or cams contact the staple drivers, the drivers are driven upwardly within the staple cavities, thereby driving the staple or staples supported thereon out of the staple cavities and through the clamped tissue and into forming contact with the staple forming undersurface of the end effector that faces the anvil. The wedge sled or camming member is located distal to the tissue cutting edge of the knife or firing member 1920 such that tissue is stapled prior to being severed by the tissue cutting edge on the knife or firing member.

Variations in the arrangement and/or geometry of the staples in the staple line can affect the flexibility and sealing characteristics of the staple line. For example, staple lines comprised of linearly aligned staples may provide a limited amount of flexibility or stretch as the staple lines may flex or stretch between the linear staples. Thus, a limited portion of the staple line (e.g., the portion between the staples) is flexible. Staple lines comprised of angularly oriented staples may also flex or stretch between the staples. However, the angularly oriented staples can also be rotated, which provides an additional degree of stretch within the staple line. For example, staple lines made up of angularly oriented staples may stretch by more than 60%. In certain instances, for example, staple lines comprised of angularly oriented staples may stretch at least 25% or at least 50%. For example, the arrangement of the staples includes the relative orientation of the staples and the spacing between the staples. For example, the geometry of the staples includes the size and shape of the staples. The flexibility and sealing characteristics of the staple line may vary at longitudinal and/or lateral locations based on the staple arrangement and/or geometry. In some instances, it may be desirable to vary the flexibility and/or sealing characteristics of the staple line at one or more locations along the staple line. For example, it may be desirable to maximize the flexibility of the staple line or a portion thereof. Additionally or alternatively, it may be desirable to minimize the flexibility of the staple line or a portion thereof. It may also be desirable to maximize the sealing characteristics of the staple line or a portion thereof. Additionally or alternatively, it may be desirable to minimize the sealing characteristics of the staple line or a portion thereof.

The arrangement of the staple cavities in the staple cartridge corresponds to the arrangement of the staples in the staple line produced by the staple cartridge. For example, the spacing and relative orientation of the staple cavities in the staple cartridge correspond to the spacing and relative orientation of the staples in the staple line produced by the staple cartridge. In various examples, a staple cartridge can include an arrangement of staple cavities that are selected and/or designed to optimize the flexibility and/or sealing characteristics of the resulting staple line. For example, a surgeon may select a staple cartridge having staple cavities in a particular arrangement based on the surgical procedure to be performed and/or the characteristics of the tissue to be treated during the surgical procedure.

In some instances, it may be desirable to produce staple lines having different staple patterns. The staple line may include a first staple pattern for a first portion thereof and a second staple pattern for a second portion thereof. The first pattern and the second pattern may be longitudinally offset. For example, the first pattern may be positioned at a proximal end or a distal end of the staple line. In other examples, the first and second patterns may be laterally offset, and in other examples, the first and second patterns may be laterally offset and longitudinally offset. The staple line may comprise at least two different staple patterns.

In some instances, a majority of the staples in the staple line can form a primary pattern, and other staples in the staple line can form one or more secondary patterns. The main pattern may span a significant portion of the staple line and may include longitudinally repeating sub-patterns. In some examples, the secondary pattern or irregular shape may deviate from the primary pattern. The secondary pattern may be, for example, an anomaly at one or more locations along the length of the staple line. Different patterns in the staple line may be configured to produce different characteristics at predetermined locations. For example, the primary pattern may be a highly flexible or elastic pattern that may allow for extensive stretching of the stapled tissue, and the secondary pattern may be less flexible or less elastic. For example, it may be desirable for a majority of the staple lines to be highly flexible, and for one or more limited portions to be less flexible. In other examples, the secondary pattern may be more flexible than the primary pattern. In some instances, the flexibility of the secondary pattern may not affect, or not significantly affect, the overall flexibility of the entire staple line, as the secondary pattern extends along a shorter portion of the staple line. U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,389 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN" (now U.S. patent application publication 2018/0168629 (the entire disclosure OF which is hereby incorporated by reference herein) discloses various staple cartridge and staple driver arrangements. U.S. patent 9,801,627 entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE FOR CREATING flex STAPLE LINES" (the entire disclosure OF which is hereby incorporated by reference herein) discloses various cartridge and anvil arrangements FOR CREATING FLEXIBLE surgical staple lines.

Referring again to fig. 39, a majority of the staple cavities 4022 in the cartridge 4000 are arranged in a first pattern or master pattern 4030. The first pattern 4030 is a longitudinally repeating pattern of angularly oriented staple cavities 4022. A longitudinally repeating pattern is one in which a sub-pattern or arrangement of longitudinally repeating patterns. For example, an arrangement of three staple cavities (inner, middle, and outer) on each side of the slot 4016 can be repeated along at least a portion of the length of the staple cartridge body 4010. Various longitudinally repeating patterns of angularly oriented staple cavities are described in U.S. patent application 14/498,145, entitled "METHOD FOR CREATING A FLEXIBLE STAPLE LINE," filed on 26.9.2014, now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0089142, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The openings 4024 of the staple cavities 4022 in the first pattern 4030 form a herringbone pattern having six rows of angularly oriented staple cavity openings 4024 in the cartridge deck surface 4020. The inner row 4026a, middle row 4026b, and outer row 4026c of staple cavities 4022 are positioned on each side of the slot 4016.

Each staple lumen opening 4024 has a proximal end 4027 and a distal end 4028. The proximal ends 4027 and distal ends 4028 of the staple cavities 4022 in the first pattern 4030 are laterally offset. In other words, each staple cavity 4022 in the first pattern 4030 is angularly oriented relative to the longitudinal staple cartridge axis SCA. A lumen axis CA extends between a proximal end 4027 and a distal end 4028 of each opening 4024. The cavity axis CA is oriented obliquely with respect to the slot 4016. More specifically, the openings 4024 in the inner row 4026a of staple cavities 4022 and the outer row 4026c of staple cavities 4022 are oriented at 45 degrees or about 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal staple cartridge axis SCA, and the openings 4024 in the middle row 4026b of staple cavities 4022 are oriented at 90 degrees or about 90 degrees relative to the openings 4024 of the inner and outer rows 4026a, 4026 c.

In the example of fig. 39, certain staple cavities in the cartridge body 4010 are oriented at an abnormal or irregular angle relative to the staple cavities 4022 in the first pattern 4030. More specifically, the angular orientation of the proximal staple lumens 4022a, 4022b, 4022c, and 4022d and the distal staple lumens 4022e, 4022f, 4022g, and 4022h do not conform to the chevron arrangement of staple lumens 4022 in the first pattern 4030. In contrast, the proximal staple lumens 4022a-4022d and the distal staple lumens 4022e-4022h are angularly offset from the staple lumens 4022 in the first pattern 4030. The proximal staple lumens 4022a, 4022b, 4022c, and 4022d are obliquely oriented relative to the staple lumens 4022 in the first pattern 4030, and the distal staple lumens 4022e, 4022f, 4022g, and 4022h are also obliquely oriented relative to the staple lumens 4022 in the first pattern 4030. The proximal and distal staple cavities 4022a-4022h are oriented parallel to the slot 4016 and parallel to the longitudinal staple cartridge axis SCA.

The proximal staple lumens 4022a-4022d form a proximal pattern 4040 that is different from the first pattern 4030, and the distal staple lumens 4022e-4022h form a distal pattern 4042 that is also different from the first pattern 4030. In the illustrated arrangement, the proximal pattern 4040 includes a first pair of parallel longitudinally aligned staple lumens 4022a, 4022b on a first side of the slot 4016 and a second pair of parallel longitudinally aligned staple lumens 4022c, 4022d on a second side of the longitudinal slot 4016. The distal pattern 4042 further includes a first pair of parallel longitudinally aligned staple cavities 4022e, 4022f on a first side of the longitudinal slot 4016 and a second pair of parallel longitudinally aligned staple cavities 4022g, 4022h on a second side of the longitudinal slot 4016. In other examples, the distal pattern 4042 may be different from the proximal pattern 4040.

The proximal pattern 4040 and the distal pattern 4042 are symmetric relative to the longitudinal staple cartridge axis SCA. In other examples, the proximal pattern 4040 and/or the distal pattern 4042 can be asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal staple cartridge axis SCA. For example, the staple lumens 4022e and 4022f may be longitudinally offset from the staple lumens 4022g and 4022h, and/or the staple lumens 4022a and 4022b may be longitudinally offset from the staple lumens 4022c and 4022 d. Additionally or alternatively, in certain examples, the staple cartridge body 4010 can comprise a proximal pattern 4040 or a distal pattern 4042. In other examples, the staple cavities 4022 defined in the staple cartridge body 4010 can comprise additional and/or different patterns of staple cavities 4022.

As further seen in fig. 39, atraumatic dilator 4050 extends or protrudes from the platform surface 4020 around a portion of the staple cavities 4022 in the first pattern 4030. Atraumatic dilators 4050 surround the proximal and distal ends 4027, 4028, respectively, of the openings 4024 of the staple cavities 4022 in the first pattern 4030. Atraumatic dilator 4050 may be configured to grasp tissue clamped by the end effector. Additionally or alternatively, in certain examples, the tips of the staple legs can protrude from the cartridge body 4010. In such examples, atraumatic dilator 4050 may be configured to extend flush with and/or beyond the tips of the staple legs to prevent the tips from prematurely penetrating the tissue. Thus, larger staples (e.g., staples having longer legs) can be positioned in the staple cavities 4022 that have atraumatic dilators 4050 positioned thereabout. For example, referring again to fig. 39, larger staples can be positioned in the staple cavities 4022 in the first pattern 4030 as compared to the staples in the staple cavities in the proximal and distal patterns 4040, 4042 without the risk of premature tissue penetration by the longer staple legs. In certain examples, atraumatic dilator 4050 may be positioned around staple cavities 4022 in proximal pattern 4040 and/or distal pattern 4042, and larger staples may also be positioned in one or more of those staple cavities 4022a-4022 h.

The staple cartridge body 4010 can be configured to produce staple lines having different properties along its length. Staple lines 4060 produced by the staple cartridge body 4010 and embedded in the tissue T are shown in fig. 40. Staple line 4060 is comprised of staples 4062, and an exemplary staple 4062 for use with the various staple cartridges described herein is shown in FIG. 41. For example, the staple 4062 may be constructed from bent wire. The diameter of the wire may have a diameter of 0.0079 inches or about 0.0079 inches. In other examples, the wire may have a diameter of 0.0089 inches or about 0.0089 inches. In other examples, the wire may have a diameter of 0.0094 inches or about 0.0094 inches. In certain examples, the wire may have a diameter of less than 0.0079 inches or greater than 0.0094 inches. The reader will appreciate that the diameter of the wire may determine the diameter of the nail. Staple 4062 is a substantially U-shaped staple having a base 4064, a first leg 4066 extending from a first end of base 4064, and a second leg 4068 extending from a second end of base 4064. First leg 4066 is substantially parallel to second leg 4068 and substantially perpendicular to base 4064. When implanted in tissue T, the angular orientation of bases 4064 corresponds to the angular orientation of the staple cavity openings 4024 from which staples 4062 are fired.

Another exemplary staple 4070 that may be used with the various staple cartridges described herein is shown in fig. 42. Staple 4070 is a substantially "V-shaped" staple having a base 4072, a first leg 4074 extending from a first end of base 4072, and a second leg 4076 extending from a second end of base 4072. The first leg 4074 is oriented obliquely relative to the second leg 4076 and the base 4072. When implanted in tissue T, the orientation of base 4072 corresponds to the orientation of the staple cavity openings 4024 from which staples 4070 are fired. The reader will appreciate that staples having different geometries may also be fired from the staple cartridges described herein.

Referring again to FIG. 40, the staple line 4060 includes a first portion 4061, a proximal portion 4063, and a distal portion 4065. The first portion 4061 is generated from a first pattern or host 4030 and extends along a majority of the staple line 4030. Due to the angular orientation of the staples 4062 in the first portion 4030, the first portion 4061 is substantially flexible or compliant. For example, because angularly oriented staples 4062 are rotatable within stapled tissue T while minimizing trauma to tissue T, first portion 4061 is configured to stretch or extend longitudinally and/or laterally as the stapled tissue is stretched.

Proximal portion 4063 is generated from proximal pattern 4040 and forms the proximal end of staple wire 4060. The distal portion 4065 is generated from the distal pattern 4042 and forms the distal end of the staple line 4060. Due to the parallel orientation of the staples 4062 in the proximal and distal portions 4063, 4065 of the staple line 4060, the proximal and distal portions 4063, 4065 of the staple line 4060 may have less flexibility than the first portion 4061. However, the reduced flexibility of the proximal and distal portions 4063, 4065 may not affect, or substantially affect, the overall flexibility of the staple line 4060. Further, as described herein, the proximal and distal portions 4063, 4065 may not extend adjacent the cut line, and in certain examples, the proximal portion 4063 may be absent or missing from the staple line 4060.

As described herein, staples are removably positioned in a staple cartridge and fired from the staple cartridge during use. In various examples, staples can be driven out of staple cavities in a staple cartridge and into forming contact with an anvil. For example, the firing element may translate through the staple cartridge during a firing stroke to drive the staples from the staple cartridge toward the anvil. In certain instances, the staples can be supported by staple drivers, and a firing element can lift the staple drivers to eject or remove the staples from the staple cartridge.

The anvil can include a staple forming surface having staple forming pockets defined therein. In certain examples, the staple forming pockets can be stamped in the anvil. For example, the staple forming pockets can be embossed in the flat surface of the anvil. The reader will appreciate that certain features of the staple forming pockets can be an intentional consequence of the embossing process. For example, a degree of rounding at the corners and/or edges of the staple formed product may be an intentional result of the embossing process. These features may also be designed to better form the staples into their formed configurations, including staples that become deflected and/or otherwise misaligned during deployment.

Each staple in the staple cartridge can be aligned with a staple forming pocket of the anvil. In other words, the arrangement of staple cavities and staples in a staple cartridge for an end effector can correspond to or match the arrangement of staple forming pockets in an anvil of the end effector. More specifically, the angular orientation of each staple cavity may match the angular orientation of the corresponding staple forming pocket. For example, when the staple cavities are arranged in a herringbone pattern, the staple forming pockets may also be arranged in a herringbone pattern.

The staples can be formed into a "fired" configuration as they are driven from the staple cartridge and into forming contact with the anvil. In various examples, the firing configuration can be a "B-shaped" configuration in which the ends of the staple legs are bent toward the staple base or crown to form a capital letter B having symmetrical upper and lower rings. In other examples, the firing configuration can be a modified B-shape, such as a skewed B-shape configuration in which at least a portion of the staple legs are twisted out-of-plane with the staple base, or an asymmetric B-shape configuration in which the upper and lower rings of the capital letter B are asymmetric. Tissue can be captured or clamped within the formed staples.

The arrangement of staples and/or staple cavities in the staple cartridge can be configured to optimize the corresponding arrangement of staple forming pockets in the forming surface of the staple complementary anvil. For example, the angular orientation and spacing of the staples in the staple cartridge can be designed to optimize the forming surface of the anvil. In certain examples, the footprint of the staple forming pockets in the anvil may be limited by the geometry of the anvil. In instances where the staple forming pockets are oriented obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis, the width of the anvil may limit the size and spacing of the obliquely oriented staple forming pockets. For example, the width of the middle row of staple forming pockets may define a minimum distance between a first row (e.g., outer row) on one side of the middle row and a second row (e.g., inner row) on the other side of the middle row. Further, rows of staple forming pockets are confined between the inside edges of the anvil (such as the knife slot) and the outside edges of the anvil.

In various examples, the pockets can be adjacently nested along a staple forming undersurface of the anvil. For example, the middle dimple may be nested between the inner and outer dimples. The angular orientation of the dimples may be varied from row to facilitate nesting thereof. For example, the staple forming pockets in the inner row may be oriented at a first angle, the staple forming pockets in the middle row may be oriented at a second angle, and the staple forming pockets in the outer row may be oriented at a third angle. The first, second, and third angles may be different, which may facilitate a close arrangement of staple forming pockets.

Referring again to the previous staple cartridge shown in FIG. 39 and other previous staple cartridges such as those disclosed in the following patents: U.S. patent 9,801,627, entitled "FASTENER CARTRIDGE FOR CREATING flex fluid STAPLE LINES," and/or U.S. patent application 14/498,145, now entitled "METHOD FOR CREATING A flex fluid STAPLE LINE," filed on 26 9/2014, U.S. patent application publication 2016/0089142, the varying angles of the staples and staple cavities in each row being selected to optimize the nesting of the staple forming pockets in the complementary anvil. For each such staple cartridge, the complementary anvil can be configured to have a corresponding arrangement of staple forming pockets. Further, the staple forming pockets in the complementary anvil can be larger than the staple cavities to facilitate the staple legs landing or falling into the staple forming pockets. For example, the staple legs can be biased outwardly, such as in the case of V-shaped staples (see fig. 42), and the larger footprint of the staple forming pockets can capture the outwardly biased staple legs during firing. In various examples, the staple forming pockets can be 0.005 inches to 0.015 inches longer than the corresponding staple cavities and/or staples. Additionally or alternatively, the staple-receiving cup of each staple-forming pocket may be 0.005 inches to 0.015 inches wider than the corresponding staple cavity. In other examples, the difference in length and/or width may be less than 0.005 inches or greater than 0.015 inches.

In instances where the dimensions of the staples vary within the staple cartridge, the dimensions of the staple forming pockets may vary accordingly within the complementary anvil. Varying the size of the staple forming pockets can further facilitate nesting thereof. For example, in instances where the staple forming pockets in the middle row are shorter than the staple forming pockets in the inner or outer rows, the width of the middle row of staple pockets may be reduced, which may minimize the necessary spacing between the inner and outer rows.

The spacing of the staple forming pockets can also be configured to optimize their nesting. For example, dimples arranged in an inner row may be longitudinally staggered relative to dimples arranged in an outer row. Further, the dimples in the inner row may partially longitudinally overlap the dimples in the outer row. The dimples in the middle row may be staggered longitudinally relative to the dimples in the inner row and the dimples in the outer row. For example, the dimples in the middle row may be longitudinally offset equidistant from the dimples in the outer row and the dimples in the inner row.

Examples

Example 1-a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw proximal end portion and a first jaw distal end portion. The surgical end effector further includes a second jaw including a second jaw distal end portion and a second jaw proximal mounting portion pivotally supported on the first jaw proximal end portion such that the second jaw is pivotable about a pivot axis relative to the first jaw between an open position, a closed position, and an over-closed position in which the second jaw distal end portion contacts the first jaw distal end portion. An end effector closure tube is selectively movable toward the second jaw proximal mounting portion for engagement therewith during a closure stroke. The end effector closure tube includes an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface configured to engage the second jaw proximal mounting portion to move the second jaw distal end portion toward the first jaw distal end portion during the closure stroke. The end effector closure tube also has a uniform wall thickness between the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface. When the second jaw is in the over-closed position, the end effector closure tube contacts at least two discrete load transfer locations on the second jaw mounting portion on each side of a vertical plane that bisects the end effector.

Example 2-the surgical end effector of example 1, wherein the at least two discrete load transfer positions on each side of the vertical plane comprise two pairs of discrete load transfer positions. Each pair of discrete load transfer locations includes a first discrete load transfer location and a second discrete load transfer location spaced apart from the first discrete load transfer location.

Example 3-the surgical end effector of example 2, wherein the second discrete load transfer position is spaced from the first discrete load transfer position on one side of the vertical plane by a first release region in the proximal mounting portion of the second jaw such that a corresponding portion of the end effector closure tube that spans between the first and second discrete load transfer positions on one side of the vertical plane does not contact the second jaw proximal mounting portion when the second jaw is in the over-closed position.

Example 4-the surgical end effector of examples 2 or 3, wherein the end effector closure tube contacts a third discrete load transfer location on the second jaw on each side of the vertical plane when the second jaw is in the over-closed position.

Example 5-the surgical end effector of example 4, wherein the third discrete load transfer position is spaced from the second discrete load transfer position on the corresponding side of the vertical plane by a second release region in the second jaw such that when the second jaw is in the fully closed position, a corresponding other portion of the end effector closure tube that spans between the second discrete load transfer position and the third discrete load transfer position on the corresponding side of the vertical plane does not contact the second jaw.

Example 6-the surgical end effector of example 5, wherein the first and second discrete load transfer positions on one side of the vertical plane are on one side of a horizontal plane bisecting the surgical end effector, and the third discrete load transfer position on one side of the vertical plane is on another side of the horizontal plane.

Example 7-the surgical end effector of examples 2 or 3, wherein each first discrete load transfer location comprises a first edge configured to be contacted by the end effector closure tube, and wherein each second discrete load transfer location comprises a second edge configured to be contacted by the end effector closure tube.

Example 8-the surgical end effector of example 7, wherein the first edge comprises an axially elongated first corner, and wherein the second edge comprises an axially elongated second corner.

Example 9-the surgical end effector of example 3, wherein each first release region comprises a first scalloped region in the second jaw proximal mounting portion.

Example 10-the surgical end effector of examples 5 or 6, wherein each second release region comprises a second scalloped region in the proximal mounting portion of the second jaw.

Example 11-a surgical instrument comprising an elongate channel configured to support a surgical staple cartridge therein. An anvil is pivotally supported on the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto between an open position and an over-closed position. An elongate shaft assembly is operably coupled to the elongate channel and includes an axially movable closure member. The axially movable closure member includes an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface configured to engage the elongate channel and the anvil to pivot the anvil from the open position toward a surgical staple cartridge in the elongate channel during a closure stroke of the axially movable closure member. The axially movable closure member also has a uniform wall thickness between the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface and is configured to contact at least two discrete contact locations on the anvil. The two discrete contact positions are spaced apart from each other on each side of a vertical plane bisecting the anvil when the anvil is in the over-closed position.

Example 12-the surgical instrument of example 11, wherein the at least two discrete contact locations on each side of the vertical plane comprise a first discrete contact location and

a second discrete contact location separated from the first discrete contact location by a scalloped portion of the anvil.

Example 13-the surgical instrument of examples 11 or 12, wherein the axially movable closure member contacts a third discrete contact location on the anvil on each side of the vertical plane when the anvil is in the over-closed position.

Example 14-the surgical instrument of example 13, wherein each of the two discrete contact locations on one side of the vertical plane is spaced apart from the third discrete contact location on a corresponding side of the vertical plane by a second release region in the anvil.

Example 15-the surgical instrument of examples 13 or 14, wherein the first and second discrete contact locations on one side of the vertical plane are on one side of a horizontal plane extending through the pivot axis, and wherein the third discrete contact location on one side of the vertical plane is on another side of the horizontal plane.

Example 16-the surgical instrument of examples 12, 13, 14, or 15, wherein each first discrete contact location comprises a first edge formed on the anvil and configured for contact by the axially movable closure member, and wherein each second discrete contact location comprises a second edge formed on the anvil and configured for contact by the axially movable closure member.

Example 17-the surgical instrument of example 16, wherein the first edge comprises an axially elongated first corner, and wherein the second edge comprises an axially elongated second corner.

Example 18-the surgical instrument of example 13, wherein each first discrete contact location comprises a first corner formed on the anvil and configured for contact by the axially-movable closure member, and wherein each second discrete contact location comprises a second corner formed on the anvil and configured for contact by the axially-movable closure member. Each third discrete contact location includes a third corner formed on the anvil and configured for contact by the axially movable closure member.

Example 19-the surgical instrument of example 18, wherein the first corner is spaced apart from the second corner on the same side of the vertical plane by a first scalloped region in the anvil, and wherein one of the second corners is spaced apart from the third corner on the same side of the vertical plane by a second scalloped region in the anvil.

Example 20-a surgical instrument comprising an elongate channel configured to support a surgical staple cartridge therein. The surgical instrument further includes an anvil including an anvil body having a distal end and a proximal mounting portion pivotally supported on the elongate channel to facilitate pivotal travel of the anvil relative to the elongate channel between an open position and an over-closed position. The anvil further includes at least one tissue stop portion distal to the proximal mounting portion. The surgical instrument further includes an elongate shaft assembly operably coupled to the elongate channel and including an axially movable closure member. The axially movable member includes an outer surface and an inner wall surface configured to engage the elongate channel and the proximal mounting portion to pivot the anvil from the open position to the over-closed position during a closing stroke of the axially movable closure member. The axially movable closure member also has a uniform wall thickness between the outer surface and the inner wall surface. The axially movable closure member is configured to contact at least two discrete contact locations on the proximal mounting portion of the anvil. The at least two discrete contact positions are spaced apart from each other on each side of a vertical plane bisecting the proximal mounting portion of the anvil when the anvil is in the over-closed position.

Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are actuated by an electric motor; the surgical instrument systems described herein may be actuated in any suitable manner. In various examples, for example, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be actuated by a manually operated trigger. In certain examples, the motors disclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a robotic control system. Further, any of the end effectors and/or tool assemblies disclosed herein may be used with a robotic surgical instrument system. For example, U.S. patent application serial No. 13/118,241 (now U.S. patent 9,072,535), entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH robotic SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," discloses several examples of robotic SURGICAL instrument systems in more detail.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in connection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not so limited. For example, various embodiments are contemplated in which fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks, are deployed. Moreover, various embodiments are also contemplated that utilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For example, an end effector according to various embodiments may include an electrode configured to heat and seal tissue. In addition, for example, an end effector according to certain embodiments may apply vibrational energy to seal tissue.

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

-U.S. patent 5,403,312 entitled "ELECTROSURURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE" published on 4.4.1995;

-us patent 7,000,818 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS" published on 21.2.2006;

-us patent 7,422,139 entitled "MOTOR-driving SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK" published on 9.9.2008;

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

-U.S. patent 7,670,334 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR" published on 3, 2.2010;

-U.S. patent 7,753,245 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS" published on 13.7.2010;

-us patent 8,393,514 entitled "SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE" published on 12.3.3.2013;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES"; now us patent 7,845,537;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 12/031,573 entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENTT HAVAGING RF ELECTRODES" filed on 14.2.2008;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 12/031,873 (now U.S. patent 7,980,443) entitled "END effects FOR a SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT" filed on 15.2.2008;

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

U.S. patent application serial No. 12/235972 entitled "MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent 9050083.

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

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100 entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY" filed 24.12.2009; now us patent 8,220,688;

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/036,647 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT" filed on 28.2.2011, now U.S. patent 8,561,870;

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

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

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,067 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE thickknoss SENSOR SYSTEM" filed on 3/13/2013, now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263552;

-U.S. patent application publication 2007/0175955 entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENTT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM" filed on 31.1.2006; and

U.S. patent application publication 2010/0264194 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR" filed on 22.4.2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040.

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

The device disclosed herein may be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or it may be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, the device may be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the following steps, including, but not limited to, disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, and subsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, the reconditioning facility and/or surgical team can remove the device, and after cleaning and/or replacement of particular components of the device, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the finishing assembly may be disassembled, cleaned/replaced, and reassembled using a variety of techniques. The use of such techniques and the resulting prosthetic devices are within the scope of the present application.

The devices disclosed herein may be processed prior to surgery. First, new or used instruments may be obtained and cleaned as needed. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container (such as a plastic or TYVEK bag). The container and instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, X-rays, and/or high energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in a sterile container. Sealing the container may keep the instrument sterile until the container is opened in a medical facility. The device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including, but not limited to, beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.

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