Surgical instrument including emergency parts of firing system

Abstract

The present invention discloses a surgical instrument for fastening and cutting tissue. The surgical instrument includes a firing member, a drive assembly, a control circuit and an emergency lever. The firing member is capable of moving distally during a firing stroke. The drive assembly includes a drive rack operably engaged with the firing member, a drive gear operably engaged with the drive rack, and a brushless motor operably engaged with the drive gear. The brushless motor is configured to transmit a rotational motion to the drive gear. The control circuit is configured to control the power supply from a power source to the brushless motor. The emergency lever is configured to be manually actuated by a user of the surgical instrument between an unactuated position and an actuated position to retract the firing member. When the emergency lever moves from the unactuated position to the actuated position, the brushless motor is driven in reverse.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various arrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments designed to stapling and cutting tissue and staple cartridges for use therewith. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] The features and advantages of the present invention and methods of obtaining them will become more apparent, and the invention itself may be better understood, by referring to the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0003] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument having an interchangeable shaft assembly operably coupled thereto;

[0004] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded assembly view of an interchangeable shaft assembly and a surgical instrument;

[0005] Figure 3 for Figure 1 and Figure 2 an exploded assembly view of a portion of a surgical instrument;

[0006] Figure 4 To show Figures 1 to 3 another exploded assembly view of an interchangeable shaft assembly and portions of a surgical instrument;

[0007] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge positioned in an end effector of a surgical instrument according to at least one embodiment, wherein the staple cartridge includes a plurality of ridges extending from a cartridge body of the staple cartridge;

[0008] Figure 6 is an exploded view of a battery pack assembly according to at least one embodiment;

[0009] Figure 7 for Figure 6 a perspective view of a battery pack assembly, a second battery pack assembly, and a battery base of a surgical instrument;

[0010] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a battery assembly including electrical contacts according to at least one embodiment;

[0011] Fig. 9 To include Figure 8 A perspective view of a battery pack assembly of a battery assembly;

[0012] Fig.10 For positioning in the battery base of the surgical instrument Fig. 9 A perspective view of a battery pack assembly;

[0013] Fig.11is a partial perspective view of a surgical instrument according to at least one embodiment, the surgical instrument including an end effector including a firing member lockout, shown with components removed;

[0014] Fig.12 for Fig.11 A partial cross-sectional view of an end effector and a surgical instrument with the firing member lockout in a locked configuration;

[0015] Fig.13 for Fig.11 A partial cross-sectional view of an end effector and a surgical instrument of , wherein the firing member lockout is in an unlocked configuration;

[0016] Fig.14 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a staple cartridge and a cartridge tray attached to the staple cartridge;

[0017] Fig.15 To include Fig.14 A partial cross-sectional perspective view of a sliding member of a locking key of a staple cartridge;

[0018] Fig.16 For positioning in the end effector of the surgical instrument Fig.14 A partial side cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge of the surgical instrument, the surgical instrument including a firing member in a locked configuration;

[0019] Fig.17 for Fig.16 A partial side cross-sectional view of an end effector of , showing a firing member in an unlocked configuration;

[0020] Fig.18 is a perspective view of a manual emergency assembly for use with a drive system of a surgical instrument according to at least one embodiment;

[0021] Fig.19 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument including an articulation assembly and an articulation locking assembly, shown with components removed, according to at least one embodiment;

[0022] Fig. 20 for Fig.19 A bottom view of a surgical instrument showing the articulation locking assembly in a locked configuration;

[0023] Fig.21 for Fig.19 A bottom view of a surgical instrument showing the articulation locking assembly in an unlocked configuration;

[0024] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a control circuit including a conformal coating according to at least one embodiment;

[0025] Fig.23 for Fig. 22 A partial side cross-sectional view of a switch and a seal of a control circuit;

[0026] Fig.24 is a perspective view of a seal for use with a gearbox and motor of a surgical instrument according to at least one embodiment;

[0027] Fig.25 for Fig.24 A cross-sectional view of the seal, gearbox and motor;

[0028] Fig.26 is an exploded view of a packaging assembly for a surgical instrument according to at least one embodiment, showing a particle trap positioned in the packaging assembly;

[0029] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of a particle trap;

[0030] Fig.28 for Fig. 27 A cross-sectional view of a particulate filter;

[0031] Fig.29 is a perspective view of a particle trap;

[0032] Fig.30 for Fig.29 A cross-sectional view of a particulate filter;

[0033] Fig.31 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge including a honeycomb extension according to at least one embodiment;

[0034] Fig.32 For along Fig.31 The line 32-32 in Fig.31 A partial cross-sectional view of a nail magazine;

[0035] Fig.33 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge according to at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staple cavities defined in a cartridge body and a plurality of posts extending from the cartridge body;

[0036] Fig.34 for Fig.33 An enlarged view of a nail cavity in a nail cavity of a nail cartridge and a column in a column;

[0037] Fig.35 for Fig.33 A plan view of a nail cavity and a pair of columns in a nail cavity of a nail cartridge;

[0038] Fig.36 For along Fig.35 The line 36-36 in Fig.35 A side cross-sectional view of a nail cavity and a column;

[0039] Fig.37 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge according to at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staple cavities defined in a cartridge body and a plurality of quarter-spherical protrusions extending from the cartridge body;

[0040] Fig.38 for Fig.37 An enlarged perspective view of one of the nail cavities of the nail cartridge and one of the quarter-spherical protrusions;

[0041] Fig.39 for Fig.37 A plan view of a nail cavity in a nail cavity of a nail cartridge and a quarter spherical protrusion;

[0042] Fig.40 For along Fig.39 The line 40-40 in Fig.39 A side cross-sectional view of the nail cavity and the quarter-sphere protrusion;

[0043] Fig.41 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge according to at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staple cavities defined in a cartridge body and a plurality of cubes extending from the cartridge body;

[0044] Fig.42 for Fig.41 An enlarged perspective view of a nail cavity in a nail cavity of a nail cartridge and a cube in a cube;

[0045] Fig.43 for Fig.41 A plan view of one of the nail cavities of the nail cartridge, wherein a pair of cubes are positioned at the proximal end and the distal end of the nail cavity;

[0046] Fig.44 For along Fig.43 The line 44-44 in Fig.43 A side cross-sectional view of the nail cavity and the cube;

[0047] Fig.45 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge according to at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staple cavities defined in a cartridge body and a plurality of posts extending from the cartridge body;

[0048] Fig.46 for Fig.45 An enlarged perspective view of a nail cavity and a pair of columns in a nail cavity of a nail cartridge;

[0049] Fig.47 for Fig.45 A plan view of a nail cavity and a pair of columns in a nail cavity of a nail cartridge;

[0050] Fig.48 For along Fig.47 The line 48-48 in Fig.47 A side cross-sectional view of a nail cavity and a column;

[0051] Fig.49 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge according to at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staple cavities defined in a cartridge body and a plurality of posts and cubes extending from the cartridge body;

[0052] Fig.50 for Fig.49 An enlarged perspective view of one of the staple cavities of the staple cartridge, wherein a post and a pair of cubes are positioned adjacent to the staple cavity;

[0053] Fig.51 for Fig.49 A plan view of one of the staple cavities of a staple cartridge, wherein a post and a pair of cubes are positioned at the proximal and distal ends of the staple cavity;

[0054] Fig.52 For along Fig.51 The line 52-52 in Fig.51 A side cross-sectional view of the nail cavity, column and cube;

[0055] Fig.53 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge according to at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staple cavities defined in a cartridge body and a plurality of circular and rectangular columns extending from the cartridge body;

[0056] Fig.54 for Fig.53 A plan view of one of the staple cavities of a staple cartridge, wherein a post is positioned at a proximal end of the staple cavity and a pair of cubes are positioned at a distal end of the staple cavity;

[0057] Fig.55 For along Fig.54 The line 55-55 in Fig.54 A side cross-sectional view of the nail cavity, column and cube;

[0058] Fig.56 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge according to at least one embodiment, the staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staple cavities defined in a cartridge body and a plurality of arcuate protrusions extending from the cartridge body;

[0059] Fig.57 for Fig.56 An enlarged perspective view of one of the nail cavities of the nail cartridge and one of the partial cylindrical protrusions;

[0060] Fig.58 for Fig.56 A plan view of one of the nail cavities of the nail cartridge, wherein a pair of partial cylindrical protrusions are positioned at the proximal end and the distal end of the nail cavity;

[0061] Fig.59 For along Fig.58 The line 59-59 in Fig.58 A side cross-sectional view of a nail cavity and a portion of a cylindrical protrusion;

[0062] Fig.60 shows a schematic diagram of a surgical instrument including a control unit;

[0063] Fig.61 is a side elevation view of a surgical instrument;

[0064] Fig.62 for Fig.61 A partial plan view of an end effector of a surgical instrument being articulated about an articulation axis by an articulation system;

[0065] Fig.63 for Fig.61 a side view of a surgical instrument with portions removed to illustrate an articulation system and a closure system of the surgical instrument; and

[0066] Fig.64 A side cross-sectional view of a surgical instrument including a manual rotation system and a rotation lockout.

[0067] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.The exemplification described herein illustrates various embodiments of the invention in one form, and such exemplification should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date as the present application and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0069] - Attorney Docket No. END9143USNP1 / 190219 named “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INCLUDING A BATTERY UNIT”;

[0070] - Attorney Docket No. END9133USNP1 / 190220 titled “BATTERY PACK INCLUDING A CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER”;

[0071] - Attorney Docket No. END9134USNP1 / 190226 titled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INCLUDING A FIRING LOCKOUT”;

[0072] - Attorney Docket No. END9139USNP1 / 190232 entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INCLUDING A LOCKOUT KEY”;

[0073] - Attorney Docket No. END9144USNP1 / 190227 titled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INCLUDING AN ARTICULATION LOCK”;

[0074] - Attorney Docket No. END9137USNP1 / 190230 named “CONTROL CIRCUIT COMPRISING A COATING”;

[0075] - Attorney Docket No. END9135USNP1 / 190228 entitled “PACKAGING ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A PARTICULATE TRAP”;

[0076] - Attorney Docket No. END9140USNP1 / 190233 titled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE INCLUDING A HONEYCOMB EXTENSION”;

[0077] - Attorney Docket No. END9141USNP1 / 190234 entitled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE INCLUDING PROJECTIONS”; and

[0078] - Attorney Docket No. END9138USNP1 / 190231 titled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS INCLUDING MANUAL AND POWERED SYSTEMLOCKOUTS”.

[0079] Many specific details are listed herein to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments described in the specification and shown in the drawings. Well-known operations, parts, and elements are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and shown herein are non-limiting examples, so that it can be recognized that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein can be representative and illustrative. These embodiments can be modified and changed without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0080] The terms "comprise" (and any form of "comprise", such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of "have", such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of "include", such as "includes" and "including"), and "contain" (and any form of "contain", such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended linking verbs. Thus, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more elements has those one or more elements, but is not limited to having only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus 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.

[0081] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein relative to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of a surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the clinician, and the term "distal" refers to the portion positioned away from the clinician. It should also be understood that for brevity and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," and "lower" may be used herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and / or absolute.

[0082] Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in a variety of surgical procedures and applications, including, for example, in conjunction with open surgical procedures. Continuing to refer 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 cavity, through an incision or puncture formed in the tissue, etc. The working portion or end effector portion of the instrument can be inserted directly into the patient's body or can be inserted through an access device having a working channel through which the end effector and elongated shaft of the surgical instrument can be advanced.

[0083] The surgical stapling system may include an axis and an end effector extending from the axis. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge can be inserted into the first jaw and can be removed from the first jaw; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the staple cartridge cannot be removed from the first jaw or can at least be easily replaced from the first jaw. The second jaw includes an anvil configured to deform the staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw can pivot relative to the first jaw about a closed axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the first jaw can pivot relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system also includes an articulated joint configured to allow the end effector to rotate or articulate relative to the axis. The end effector can rotate around an articulated axis extending through the articulated joint. Other embodiments are envisioned that do not include an articulated joint.

[0084] The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a platform extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of a tissue to be sutured, and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil moves toward the staple cartridge to compress the tissue and clamp it against the platform. The staples removably stored in the cartridge body can then be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body comprises a staple cavity defined in the cartridge body, wherein the staples are removably stored in the staple cavity. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of the longitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple cavities and staples are also possible.

[0085] The nail is supported by a nail driver in the magazine body. The driver can move between a first or non-firing position and a second or firing position to eject the nail from the nail magazine. The driver is retained in the magazine body by a retainer, which extends around the bottom of the magazine body and includes a resilient member configured to grip the magazine body and retain the retainer to the magazine body. The driver can move between its non-firing position and its firing position by a slide. The slide can move between a proximal position adjacent to the proximal end and a distal position adjacent to the distal end. The slide includes a plurality of ramp surfaces that are configured to slide under the driver toward the anvil and lift the driver, and the nail is supported on the driver.

[0086] In addition to the above, the slider can also move distally through the firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the slider and push the slider toward the distal end. The longitudinal slot defined in the magazine body is configured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member also includes a first cam engaging the first jaw and a second cam engaging the second jaw. As the firing member advances distally, the first cam and the second cam can control the distance or tissue gap between the platform of the nail magazine and the anvil. The firing member also includes a knife configured to cut into the tissue captured between the nail magazine and the anvil. It is desired that the knife is positioned at least partially close to the ramp surface so that the nail is ejected before the knife.

[0087] Figures 1 to 4 A motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument 1001 is shown. The instrument 1001 includes a housing 1002 including a handle 1004 configured to be grasped, manipulated, and actuated by a clinician. The housing 1002 is configured to be attached to an interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 including an end effector 1300 configured to perform one or more surgical tasks or surgical procedures. That is, embodiments are contemplated in which the shaft assembly 1200 is not interchangeable with another shaft assembly but is fixed to the handle 1004 but rotatable relative to the handle. The end effector 1300 includes a surgical cutting and fastening device configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 1304 therein, but any suitable arrangement may be used. Housing 1002 may be adapted for use with robotic systems, instruments, components, and methods, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 118,241 (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0298719), entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLEDEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS.” The disclosure of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 118,241 (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0298719), entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS,” is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0088] like Figure 3As can be seen in the figure, the handle 1004 includes handle housing segments 1006 and 1008 interconnected by, for example, screws, snap features, and / or adhesives. The handle housing segments 1006, 1008 cooperate to form a pistol grip portion 1019 that can be grasped and manipulated by a clinician, but can have any suitable configuration. As will be discussed in more detail below, the handle 1004 operably supports a plurality of drive systems therein that are configured to generate various control actions and apply these control actions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200.

[0089] Reference now Figure 3 , the handle 1004 includes a frame 1022 that operably supports a plurality of drive systems. The frame 1022 operably supports a closure drive system, generally designated 1003, for applying a closing action and an opening action to the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200. In at least one form, the closure drive system 1003 includes an actuator in the form of a closure trigger 1032 pivotally supported by the frame 1022. Figure 3 As shown, the closing trigger 1032 is pivotally connected to the housing 1002 via a pin 1033. Such an arrangement structure enables the closing trigger 1032 to be manipulated by the clinician so that when the clinician grasps the pistol grip portion 1019 of the handle 1004, the closing trigger 1032 can be easily pivoted from the starting or unactuated position to the actuated position. The closing trigger 1032 can be biased into the unactuated position by a spring or other biasing arrangement structure. In various forms, the closing drive system 1003 also includes a closing linkage assembly 1034 pivotally connected to the closing trigger 1032. As shown in FIG. Figure 3 As can be seen in the figure, the closure linkage assembly 1034 includes a first closure link 1036 and a second closure link 1038 pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 1032 via a pin 1035. The second closure link 1038 may also be referred to herein as an attachment member and includes a transverse attachment pin 1037.

[0090] Still refer to Figure 3, the first closure link 1036 includes a locking wall or locking end 1039 thereon, which is configured to cooperate with a closure release assembly 1007 pivotally coupled to the frame 1022. In at least one form, the closure release assembly 1007 includes a release button assembly 1065 having a locking pawl 1064 formed thereon and projecting distally. The release button assembly 1065 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction by a release spring. When the clinician presses the closure trigger 1032 toward the pistol grip portion 1019 of the handle 1004 from its unactuated position, the first closure link 1036 pivots upward to a point where the locking pawl 1064 falls 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. Therefore, the closure release assembly 1007 is used to lock the closure trigger 1032 in the fully actuated position. When the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger 1032, the clinician pivots the closure release button assembly 1065, causing the locking pawl 1064 to move 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 can be pivoted back to the unactuated position. Other closure trigger locking arrangements and release arrangements can also be used.

[0091] In addition to the above, arm 1061 extends from closure release button 1065. Magnetic element 1063 (such as a permanent magnet) is mounted to arm 1061, for example. When closure release button 1065 rotates from its first position to its second position, magnetic element 1063 moves toward circuit board 1101. Circuit board 1101 includes at least one sensor configured to detect the movement of magnetic element 1063. In at least one embodiment, a Hall effect sensor may be mounted to the bottom surface of circuit board 1101. The Hall effect sensor is configured to detect changes in the magnetic field around the Hall effect sensor caused by the movement of magnetic element 1063. The Hall effect sensor communicates with, for example, a microcontroller signal, which can determine whether closure release button 1065 is in its first position associated with the unactuated position of closure trigger 1032 and the open configuration of end effector 1300, its second position associated with the actuated position of closure trigger 1032 and the closed configuration of end effector 1300, and / or any position between the first position and the second position.

[0092] In at least one form, the handle 1004 and the frame 1022 operably support another drive system, namely a firing drive system 1080, which is configured to apply a firing action to the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200. The firing drive system 1080 includes an electric motor 1082 positioned in the pistol grip portion 1019 of the handle 1004. In various forms, the motor 1082 is, for example, a DC brushed drive motor having a maximum speed of approximately 25,000 RPM. In other forms, the motor 1082 is a brushless DC motor. In various arrangements, the motor includes a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor 1082 is powered by a power source 1090, which, in one form, includes a removable power pack 1092. As shown in FIG. Figure 3 As can be seen in the drawings, the power pack 1092 can include a proximal housing portion 1094 attached to a distal housing portion 1096. The proximal housing portion 1094 and the distal housing portion 1096 support a plurality of batteries 1098 therein. The batteries 1098 can each include, for example, a lithium ion ("LI") and / or any other suitable battery. The distal housing portion 1096 is configured to be coupled to a circuit board assembly 1101 that is also operably coupled to the motor 1082. The batteries 1098 can be connected in series and / or in parallel and comprise a power source for the surgical instrument 1001. Furthermore, the power source 1090 can be replaceable and / or rechargeable.

[0093] The electric motor 1082 includes a rotatable shaft that is operably connected to a gear reducer assembly 1084, which is mounted to mesh with a set or rack of drive teeth 1129 on the longitudinally movable drive member 1121. In use, the polarity of the voltage provided by the power source 1090 can operate the electric motor 1082 in a clockwise direction. The polarity of the voltage applied to the electric motor by the battery can be reversed to operate the electric motor 1082 in a counterclockwise direction. When the electric motor 1082 rotates in one direction, the drive member 1121 will be axially driven in the distal direction DD. When the motor 1082 is driven in the opposite rotational direction, the drive member 1121 will be axially driven in the proximal direction PD. The handle 1004 includes a switch that can be configured to enable the polarity applied to the electric motor 1082 by the power source 1090 to be reversed. In other embodiments, the controller of the surgical instrument 1001 can reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 1082 after the staple firing stroke. The handle 1004 can also include a sensor configured to detect the position of the drive member 1121 and / or the direction in which the drive member 1121 is moving.

[0094] Actuation of the motor 1082 is controlled by a firing trigger 1131 pivotally supported on the handle 1004. The firing trigger 1131 is pivotable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger 1131 is biased to the unactuated position by a spring 1133 or other biasing arrangement so that when the clinician releases the firing trigger 1131, it is pivoted or otherwise returned to the unactuated position by the spring 1133. In at least one form, the firing trigger 1131 is positioned "outside" relative to the closing trigger 1032. The firing trigger safety button 1135 is pivotally mounted to the closing trigger 1032 by a pin 1035. The safety button 1135 is positioned between the firing trigger 1131 and the closing trigger 1032 and includes a pivot arm 1137 protruding therefrom. See FIG. Figure 3 When the closure trigger 1032 is in the unactuated position, the safety button 1135 is contained in the handle 1004 and may not be easily accessible to the clinician or moved between a safety position that prevents actuation of the firing trigger 1131 and a firing position in which the firing trigger 1131 can be fired. When the clinician depresses the closure trigger 1032, the safety button 1135 and the firing trigger 1131 pivot downward and can then be manipulated by the clinician.

[0095] As described above, the longitudinally movable drive member 1121 has teeth 1129 of a rack formed thereon for meshing engagement with the corresponding drive gear 1086 of the gear reducer assembly 1084. The surgical instrument 1001 also includes a manually actuatable "panic" assembly 1141 that is configured to enable a clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 1121 in the event that the motor 1082 becomes inoperable. The panic assembly 1141 includes a lever or panic handle assembly 1143 that is configured to be manually pivoted into ratcheting engagement with teeth 1124 also disposed in the drive member 1121. Thus, the clinician can manually retract the drive member 1121 by using the panic handle assembly 1143 to ratchet the drive member 1121 in the proximal direction PD. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2010 / 0089970 (now U.S. Patent No. 8,608,045) discloses salvage constructions and other components, constructions, and systems that may also be used with the various apparatus disclosed herein. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 249,117 (now U.S. Patent No. 8,608,045), entitled "POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM," is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 235,972 (now U.S. Patent No. 9,050,083), entitled "MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 651,807 (now U.S. Patent No. 8,459,520), entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CONTROLUNIT AND REMOTE SENSOR," is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0096] In addition to the above, now go to Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the end effector 1300 includes an elongated channel 1302 that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 1304 therein. The end effector 1300 also includes an anvil 1306 that is pivotally supported relative to the elongated channel 1302. The interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 may also include an articulation joint 1270 and an articulation lock that may be configured to releasably hold the end effector 1300 in a desired position ( Figure 4). Details regarding the construction and operation of the end effector 1300, the articulation joint 1270, and the articulation lock are set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 803,086, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, entitled “ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING ANARTICULATION LOCK”. The complete disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 803,086, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, entitled “ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK” is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other embodiments having more than one articulation joint or no articulation joint are contemplated,

[0097] like Figure 4 As can be seen in the figure, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 also includes a proximal housing or nozzle 1201 composed of nozzle portions 1202 and 1203. The interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 may also include a closure tube 1260, which can be used to close and / or open the anvil 1306 of the end effector 1300. The shaft assembly 1200 includes a spine 1210, which is configured to: first, slidably support a firing member therein; and second, slidably support a closure tube 1260 extending around the spine 1210. The spine 1210 may also be configured to slidably support a proximal articulation driver. The articulation driver has a distal end that is configured to operably engage an articulation lock. The articulation lock interfaces with an articulation frame that is adapted to operably engage a drive pin on the end effector frame. As described above, more details on the operation of the articulation lock and articulation frame can be found in U.S. patent application serial number 13 / 803,086. In various circumstances, the spine 1210 may include a proximal end 1211 that is rotatably supported in a base 1240. The proximal end 1211 of the spine 1210 has threads 1214 formed thereon for threaded attachment to a spine bearing 1216 that is configured to be supported within the base 1240. Figure 4 Such an arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of the spine 1210 to the base 1240 such that the spine 1210 may be selectively rotated relative to the base 1240 about the shaft axis SA.

[0098] Main references Figure 4, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 includes a closure shuttle 1250 that is slidably supported within the base 1240 so that the closure shuttle moves axially relative to the base. The closure shuttle 1250 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 1252 ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 ), the attachment pin being attached to the second closure link 1038, as will be discussed in further detail below. The proximal end 1261 of the closure tube 1260 is coupled to the closure shuttle 1250. More specifically, the U-shaped connector 1263 is inserted into the annular slot 1262 in the proximal end 1261 of the closure tube 1260 so that it is retained within the vertical slot 1253 in the closure shuttle 1250. Such an arrangement is used to attach the closure tube 1260 to the closure shuttle 1250 for axial travel with the closure shuttle while enabling the closure tube 1260 to rotate relative to the closure shuttle 1250 about the shaft axis SA. A closure spring 1268 is journaled on the closure tube 1260 and is used to bias the closure tube 1260 in the proximal direction PD, which can be used to pivot the closure trigger to an unactuated position when the shaft assembly 1200 is operably coupled to the handle 1004.

[0099] In addition to the above, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 includes an articulation joint 1270. Figure 4 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the articulation joint 1270 includes a dual pivot closure sleeve assembly 1271. The dual pivot closure sleeve assembly 1271 includes an end effector closure sleeve assembly 1272 having an upper shank 1273 and a lower shank 1274 that protrude distally. The end effector closure sleeve assembly 1272 includes a horseshoe-shaped hole 1275 and a tab 1276 for engaging an open tab on anvil 1306 in various ways as described in U.S. patent application serial number 13 / 803,086, filed on March 14, 2013, entitled “ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK,” which is incorporated herein by reference. When the anvil 1306 is open, the horseshoe-shaped hole 1275 and the tab 1276 engage the tab on the anvil. The upper dual pivot connection 1277 includes an upwardly projecting distal pivot pin and a proximal pivot pin that respectively engage an upper distal pin hole in the proximally projecting upper shank 1273 and an upper proximal pin hole in the distally projecting upper shank 1264 on the closure tube 1260. The lower dual pivot connection 1278 includes an upwardly projecting distal pivot pin and a proximal pivot pin that respectively engage a lower distal pin hole in the proximally projecting lower shank 1274 and a lower proximal pin hole in the distally projecting lower shank 1265. See also Figure 4 .

[0100] During actuation of the closure system, the closure tube 1260 is translated distally (direction DD) to close the anvil 1306 in response to actuation of the closure trigger 1032. The anvil 1306 is closed by translating the closure tube 1260 and thereby the closure sleeve assembly 1272 distally so that it impacts a proximal surface on the anvil 1360 in a manner described in the aforementioned referenced U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,086. As also described in detail in that reference, the anvil 1306 is opened by translating the closure tube 1260 and closure sleeve assembly 1272 proximally so that the tab 1276 and the horseshoe-shaped aperture 1275 contact and push against the anvil tab to lift the anvil 1306.

[0101] As discussed above, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 also includes a firing member that is supported so as to travel axially within the shaft spine 1210. The firing member includes an intermediate firing shaft 1222 attached to a distal cutting portion or knife bar. The intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 includes a longitudinal slot in its distal end that receives a tab on the proximal end of the distal knife bar. The longitudinal slot and the proximal end are sized and configured to allow relative movement between the longitudinal slot and the proximal end tab and may include a sliding joint. The sliding joint may allow the intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 of the firing drive to move so as to articulate the end effector 1300 without moving the knife bar or at least substantially moving the knife bar. Once the end effector 1300 has been properly oriented, the intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 may be advanced distally until the proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot contacts the tab so as to advance the knife bar and fire the staple cartridge positioned within the channel 1302. Further description of the operation of the firing member may be found in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,086.

[0102] like Figure 4As can be seen in the figure, the shaft assembly 1200 also includes a switching barrel 1500 rotatably received on the closing tube 1260. The switching barrel 1500 includes a hollow shaft segment 1502 having a shaft boss formed thereon to receive an outwardly protruding actuating pin therein. In various cases, the actuating pin extends through a longitudinal slot provided in the locking sleeve to facilitate axial movement of the locking sleeve when the locking sleeve is engaged with the joint motion driver. The rotary torsion spring 1420 is configured to engage a boss on the switching barrel 1500 and a portion of the nozzle 1201 to apply a biasing force to the switching barrel 1500. The switching barrel 1500 also includes a circumferential opening or slot 1506 defined therein, which can be configured to receive a circumferential mounting seat extending from the nozzle halves 1202, 1203 and allow relative rotation rather than relative translation between the switching barrel 1500 and the proximal nozzle 1201. The mount also extends through an opening 1266 in the closure tube 1260 to be seated in a groove in the ridge 1210. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,086 and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 226,142, filed March 26, 2014, entitled "SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM," are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0103] Likewise Figure 4As shown, the shaft assembly 1200 includes a slip ring assembly 1600, which is configured, for example, to conduct power to and / or conduct power from the end actuator 1300, and / or transmit signals to and / or receive signals from the end actuator 1300. The slip ring assembly 1600 includes a proximal connector flange 1604 and a distal connector flange, the proximal connector flange being mounted to a base flange 1242 extending from a base 1240, and the distal connector flange being positioned in a slot defined in the shaft housing. The proximal connector flange 1604 includes a first face, and the distal connector flange includes a second face, the second face being positioned adjacent to the first face and being movable relative to the first face. The distal connector flange can rotate relative to the proximal connector flange 1604 about the shaft axis SA. The proximal connector flange 1604 includes a plurality of concentric or at least substantially concentric conductors defined in its first face. The connector is mounted on the proximal side of the connector flange and has a plurality of contacts, each of which corresponds to and is in electrical contact with one of the conductors. Such an arrangement allows relative rotation between the proximal connector flange 1604 and the distal connector flange while maintaining electrical contact between the two flanges. The proximal connector flange 1604 includes an electrical connector 1606 that places the conductor in signal communication with a shaft circuit board 1610 mounted to the shaft base 1240. In at least one example, a wiring harness including a plurality of conductors extends between the electrical connector 1606 and the shaft circuit board 1610. The electrical connector 1606 extends proximally through a connector opening 1243 defined in the base mounting flange 1242. See Figure 4 . U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 800,067, filed on March 13, 2013, and entitled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM” is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 800,025, filed on March 13, 2013, and entitled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM” is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. More details about the slip ring assembly 1600 can be found in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 803,086.

[0104] As discussed above, the shaft assembly 1200 may include a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion being fixedly mounted to the handle 1004, the distal portion being capable of rotating about a longitudinal axis. The rotatable distal shaft portion may rotate relative to the proximal portion around the slip ring assembly 1600 as discussed above. The distal connector flange of the slip ring assembly 1600 is positioned within the rotatable distal shaft portion. Moreover, in addition to the above, the switching cylinder 1500 is also positioned within the rotatable distal shaft portion. When the rotatable distal shaft portion rotates, the distal connector flange and the switching cylinder 1500 may rotate synchronously with each other. In addition, the switching cylinder 1500 is capable of rotating between a first position and a second position relative to the distal connector flange. When the switching cylinder 1500 is in its first position, the articulation drive system is operably disengaged from the firing drive system 1080, and therefore, the operation of the firing drive system 1080 does not cause the end effector 1300 of the shaft assembly 1200 to articulate. When the switch cylinder 1500 is in its second position, the articulation drive system is operably engaged with the firing drive system 1080, and thus, operation of the firing drive system 1080 causes the end effector 1300 of the shaft assembly 1200 to articulate. When the switch cylinder 1500 moves between its first position and its second position, the switch cylinder 1500 moves relative to the distal connector flange. In various examples, the shaft assembly 1200 may include at least one sensor configured to detect the position of the switch cylinder 1500.

[0105] Reference again Figure 4 , the base 1240 includes two tapered attachment portions 1244 formed thereon that are adapted to be received within corresponding dovetail-shaped slots 1702 formed within the distal attachment flange portion 1700 of the frame 1022. Figure 3 Each dovetail slot 1702 is tapered, or in other words, slightly V-shaped, so as to receive the attachment portion 1244 therein in a seating manner. Figure 4 As can be further seen in FIG, the shaft attachment lug 1226 is formed on the proximal end of the intermediate firing shaft 1222. When the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 is coupled to the handle 1004, the shaft attachment lug 1226 is received in the firing shaft attachment bracket 1126 formed in the distal end 1125 of the longitudinal drive member 1121. See FIG. Figure 3 .

[0106] The surgical instrument 1001 includes a latch system 1710 for removably coupling the shaft assembly 1200 to the housing 1002 and more specifically to the frame 1022. Figure 41700, the latch system 1710 includes a locking member or locking yoke 1712 movably coupled to the base 1240. The locking yoke 1712 is U-shaped having two spaced apart and downwardly extending legs 1714. The legs 1714 each have a pivot lug 1715 formed thereon that is adapted to be received in a corresponding hole 1245 formed in the base 1240. Such an arrangement facilitates pivotal attachment of the locking yoke 1712 to the base 1240. The locking yoke 1712 includes two proximally projecting locking ears 1716 that are configured to releasably engage corresponding locking detents or recesses 1704 in the distal attachment flange 1700 of the frame 1022. See FIG. Figure 3 . The locking yoke 1712 is biased in the proximal direction by a spring or biasing member. Actuation of the locking yoke 1712 is achieved by a latch button 1722, which is slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly 1720 mounted to the base 1240. The latch button 1722 is biased in the proximal direction relative to the locking yoke 1712. As will be discussed in further detail below, the locking yoke 1712 is moved to an unlocked position by biasing the latch button 1722 in the distal direction, which also causes the locking yoke 1712 to pivot out of engagement with the distal attachment flange 1700 of the frame 1022. When the locking yoke 1712 is "engaged" with the distal attachment flange 1700 of the frame 1022, the locking lugs 1716 are disposed in a retaining manner within corresponding locking detents or recesses 1704 of the distal attachment flange 1700.

[0107] In use, in various instances, the clinician may partially actuate the closure trigger 1032 to grasp the target tissue and manipulate it into a desired position. Once the target tissue is properly positioned within the end effector 1300, the clinician may fully actuate the closure trigger 1032 to close the anvil 1306 and clamp the target tissue in position for cutting and stapling. In this example, the closure drive system 1003 has been fully actuated. After the target tissue has been clamped in the end effector 1300, it may be desirable to prevent the shaft assembly 1200 from inadvertently disengaging from the housing 1002. The latch system 1710 is configured to prevent such inadvertent disengagement. Reference Figure 4, the locking yoke 1712 includes two locking hooks 1718 that are adapted to contact corresponding locking lug portions 1256 formed on the closure shuttle 1250. When the closure shuttle 1250 is in the unactuated position (i.e., the closure drive system 1003 is not actuated 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 1002. In such examples, the locking hooks 1718 do not contact the locking lug portions 1256 on the closure shuttle 1250. However, when the closure shuttle 1250 is moved to the actuated position (i.e., the closure drive system 1003 is actuated and the anvil 1306 is in the closed position), the locking yoke 1712 is blocked from pivoting to the unlocked position. In other words, if the clinician attempts to pivot the locking yoke 1712 to the unlocked position, or the locking yoke 1712 is inadvertently impacted or contacted in a manner that could otherwise cause it to pivot distally, the locking hook 1718 on the locking yoke 1712 will contact the locking lug 1256 on the closing shuttle 1250 and prevent the locking yoke 1712 from moving to the unlocked position.

[0108] To assemble the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 to the handle 1004, the clinician can position the base 1240 of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 above or adjacent to the distal attachment flange 1700 of the frame 1022 such that the tapered attachment portion 1244 formed on the base 1240 is aligned with the dovetail slot 1702 in the frame 1022. The clinician can then move the shaft assembly 1200 along a mounting axis perpendicular to the shaft axis SA to place the attachment portion 1244 into operative engagement with the corresponding dovetail receiving slot 1702. In doing so, the shaft attachment lug 1226 on the intermediate firing shaft 1222 will also be seated in the bracket 1126 in the longitudinally movable drive member 1121 and a portion of the pin 1037 on the second closure link 1038 will be seated in a corresponding hook 1252 in the closure shuttle 1250. As used herein, the term operably engaged in the context of two components means that the two components are sufficiently engaged with each other such that the components can perform their intended actions, functions and / or procedures upon application of an actuation action thereto.

[0109] At least five systems of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 can be operably coupled to at least five corresponding systems of the handle 1004. A first system can include a frame system that couples and / or aligns a frame or spine of the shaft assembly 1200 with a frame 1022 of the handle 1004. Another system can include a closure drive system 1003 that operably connects a closure trigger 1032 of the handle 1004 with a closure tube 1260 and anvil 1306 of the shaft assembly 1200. As outlined above, the closure shuttle 1250 of the shaft assembly 1200 engages the pin 1037 on the second closure connector 1038. Another system can include a firing drive system 1080 that operably connects the firing trigger 1131 of the handle 1004 with the intermediate firing shaft 1222 of the shaft assembly 1200. As outlined above, the shaft attachment lug 1226 is operably connected to the bracket 1126 of the longitudinal drive member 1121. Additional systems may include an electrical system that is capable of: sending a signal to a controller (such as a microcontroller) in the handle 1004 that the shaft assembly (such as the shaft assembly 1200) has been operably engaged with the handle 1004, and / or conducting power and / or transmitting signals between the shaft assembly 1200 and the handle 1004. In addition to the above, 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 1101. More details on the circuit system 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 complete disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The fifth system may include a latch system for releasably locking the shaft assembly 1200 to the handle 1004 .

[0110] Figure 5The end effector of a surgical stapling instrument is shown. The end effector includes an anvil, such as anvil 2001, and a jaw or a staple cartridge channel 2002 configured to removably support a staple cartridge therein. The staple cartridge 2000 is positioned in the cartridge channel 2002. The staple cartridge 2000 includes a cartridge body 2010, which includes a plurality of staple cavities 2050 defined therein. The staples are removably stored in each staple cavity 2050. The cartridge body 2010 includes a platform surface 2011 and a longitudinal slot 2015 defined in the platform surface 2011, which is configured to receive a firing member and / or a cutting edge therein. The cartridge body 2010 also includes a distal end 2013, a proximal end 2016, and relative longitudinal sides 2012 extending between the distal end 2013 and the proximal end 2016. The complete disclosure of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 319,004 (now U.S. Patent No. 9,844,369), entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH FIRING ELEMENT MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS," is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0111] Figure 6 and Figure 7 An embodiment of a battery cell 110 for use with a surgical instrument 100 is shown. The handle 102 of the surgical instrument 100 houses at least one battery cell 110. The battery cell 110 includes one or more batteries 112 arranged in a series and / or parallel configuration. At least one of the batteries 112 may be rechargeable. For example, the battery may be a CR-123A battery and / or a CR-2 battery and / or any other suitable battery. The handle 102 of the surgical instrument 100 includes a battery base 104 to which the battery cell 110 is attached. The battery base 104 includes any suitable structure for coupling the battery cell 110 to the instrument 100. For example, the battery base 104 includes a cavity in the handle 102 that is configured to receive at least a portion of the battery cell 110, such as Figure 7 In other embodiments, any suitable structure may be used to implement the battery base 104. In one embodiment, the battery base 104 includes a post 106 received by the battery cell 110. In one embodiment, the pistol grip portion of the handle 102 includes the battery base 104.

[0112] As discussed in more detail below, the battery base 104 includes a protrusion that interacts with the battery cell 110 when the battery cell 110 is attached to the handle 102. Once attached, the battery cell 110 is electrically connected to the circuit of the surgical instrument 100 and can provide power thereto. The circuit can be located in the handle 102, in the end effector of the surgical instrument 100, and / or in any combination of locations within the instrument 100. In use, the circuit can provide power for the operation of at least one surgical instrument at the end effector. For example, the circuit includes an electric motor for operating an electric cutter, a clamp, and / or other mechanical devices. In addition to the motor, or in place of the motor, the circuit may include suitable circuit components for implementing, for example, RF, ultrasonic, and / or other types of non-motor-driven surgical instruments.

[0113] Reference again Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the battery unit 110 includes a battery housing 114, batteries 112 positioned in the battery housing 114, and an outer housing 120 configured to receive the battery housing 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery housing 114 is configured to store four batteries 112; however, other embodiments are contemplated in which the battery housing 114 stores any suitable number and / or type of batteries 112. For example, CR123 and / or CR2 battery cells may be used. The outer housing 120 includes a battery housing 114 that can be opened in the open position ( Figure 6 ) and a top cover or lid 122 that moves between an open and closed position. The lid 122 is secured in the closed position by a retaining member 123 that engages a groove 129 in the outer housing 120. Other embodiments utilizing different securing methods such as latches, detents, etc. to secure the lid 122 to the outer housing 120 are contemplated. The outer housing 120 also includes a post 124 that includes an electrical contact 126 positioned thereon. The battery housing 114 includes a cavity 118 and electrical contacts 116. The electrical contacts 116 and the electrical contacts 126 provide a portion of an electrical path from the battery 112 to the surgical instrument 100, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0114] When the battery housing 114 is positioned in the outer housing 120, the post 124 of the outer housing 120 is received in the cavity 118 of the battery housing 114, and the electrical contacts 116 of the battery housing 114 are in contact with the electrical contacts 126 of the outer housing 120. Then the cover 122 is closed to enclose the battery housing 114 in the outer housing 120. In at least one embodiment, the outer housing 120 may be a sterile outer housing 120, which, for example, has undergone a sterilization procedure such as autoclaving. That is, the battery housing 114 and the battery 112 received therein may be sterile, but need not be sterile. Therefore, when the non-sterile battery assembly is received in the sterile outer housing 120, the entire battery unit 110 becomes a sterile assembly. In other words, the outer housing 120 acts as a sterile barrier between the non-sterile battery housing 114 and the battery 112 and the surrounding environment. Such an arrangement allows a battery assembly such as a battery housing 114 to be reused without sterilization. In at least one embodiment, a seal is positioned between the cover 122 and the outer housing 120 to seal the battery housing 114 and the battery 112 from the surrounding environment. The seal can be rubber, plastic, and / or any suitable material.

[0115] After the battery 112 is assembled to the battery housing 114 and the battery housing 114 is assembled to the outer housing 120, the battery unit 110 is attached to the surgical instrument 100. The battery unit 110 includes a cavity defined in the interior of the post 124 of the outer housing 120. This cavity defined in the post 124 is configured to receive the post 106 of the battery base 104 of the surgical instrument 100. When the battery unit 110 is placed in the battery base 104, the electrical contacts 126 positioned on the post 124 of the outer housing 120 are aligned with and electrically contacted with the electrical contacts 108 positioned in the battery base 104. The electrical contacts 126 are sealed so that the sterile barrier discussed above remains intact. When the battery unit 110 is assembled in the battery base 104, the electrical contacts 116, 126 and 108 form an electrical path from the battery 112 to the surgical instrument 100.

[0116] refer to Figure 7 , battery cell 110 has external dimensions similar to battery cell 130 and / or the external dimensions of the battery cell described in U.S. Patent 8,632,525, entitled “POWER CONTROLARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND BATTERIES,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Battery base 104 of surgical instrument 100 may receive battery cell 110 or battery cell 130.

[0117] In addition to the above, the battery housing 114 also includes a control circuit or circuit board 113 and a battery status indicator 119 that communicates with the circuit board 113 and the battery 112 when the battery 112 is positioned in the battery housing 114. The battery status indicator 119 includes a light; however, other embodiments with different types of indicators 119 are contemplated. In at least one embodiment, the status indicator 119 includes, for example, a linear LED display and / or a rotary dial LED indicator. The cover 122 of the outer housing 120 includes a transparent window 128 that aligns with the battery status indicator 119 when the cover 122 is closed. The transparent window 128 allows the clinician to see the status indicator 119 after the battery housing 114 is assembled within the outer housing 120. In an alternative embodiment, the cover 122 includes the status indicator 119.

[0118] In addition to the above, the battery status indicator 119 is configured to indicate, for example, the charge state of the battery cell 110. In at least one embodiment, the battery status indicator 119 indicates the remaining capacity of the battery cell 110 as the number of remaining actuations of the surgical instrument 100. For example, an actuation may be the number of nail magazines that can still be fired before the battery cell 110 must be replaced. For example, the remaining capacity may be displayed as the amount of time until the battery cell 110 is exhausted if the battery cell 110 is discharged at a predetermined or recent voltage, current, and / or power level. Still further, in at least one embodiment, the control circuit 113 of the battery housing 114 is configured to limit the current consumption of the surgical instrument 100, so as to, for example, extend the life of the battery cell 110 to complete the nail firing. For example, if the battery cell 110 has enough power to complete more than two and a half nail firings based on historical data, the charging management circuit of the battery cell 110 may limit the current consumption to three firings to accelerate the life.

[0119] For example, Figures 8 to 10A battery unit 210 is shown for use with a surgical instrument such as surgical instrument 100. Similar to the battery unit 110 discussed above, the battery unit 210 is configured to be received in the battery base 104 of the surgical instrument 100. The battery unit 201 includes a battery assembly 214 and an outer housing 220 configured to receive the battery assembly 214. The battery assembly 214 includes four batteries 112, however other embodiments are contemplated in which the battery assembly 214 includes two batteries, three batteries, or more than four batteries. The battery assembly 214 includes electrical contacts 216 that electrically connect the batteries 112 into two pairs. The battery assembly 214 also includes a first electrical connector 218 extending from the first pair of batteries 112 and a second electrical connector 219 extending from the second pair of batteries 112. The first electrical connector 218 and the second electrical connector 219 are configured to electrically connect the two pairs of batteries 112. The dielectric interruption member or pull tab 230 is positioned between the first electrical connector 218 and the second electrical connector 219 such that the two pairs of batteries 112 are not electrically connected when the pull tab 230 is present. Thus, when the pull tab 230 is present, the battery circuit is open.

[0120] The electrical contacts 216, the first electrical connector 218, and the second electrical connector 219 are welded to, for example, the battery 112. The first electrical connector 218 and the second electrical connector 219 are biased toward each other by a biasing member (such as a leaf spring) and / or by its own compliant structure. Other embodiments are envisioned in which the electrical contacts 216, the first electrical connector 218, and the second electrical connector 219 are part of an external housing or shell that accommodates the battery 112. When the battery is positioned in the external housing or shell, they contact or cam into the electrical contacts 216, the first electrical connector 218, and the second electrical connector 219. In other embodiments, one or more of the contacts 216 are cammed into a closed position to close at least part of the battery circuit. That is, the battery circuit is not completely closed until the battery cell 210 is placed in the battery base 104. In at least one embodiment, the external housing 220 includes, for example, the electrical contacts 216, the first electrical connector 218, and the second electrical connector 219.

[0121] As discussed above, the outer housing 220 is configured to receive the battery assembly 214. Once the battery assembly 214 is received in the outer housing 220, the cover or lid 222 can be closed to enclose the battery assembly 214 within the outer housing 220. The outer housing 220 and the lid 222 form a sterile barrier between the battery assembly 214 and the surrounding environment, as described above with respect to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The outer housing 220 also includes a retaining member 223 similar to the retaining member 123. For example, the retaining member 223 fixes the cover 222 to the outer housing 220.

[0122] In addition to the above, when the battery assembly 214 is positioned in the outer housing 220 and when the battery unit 210 is attached to the surgical instrument 100, the user of the battery unit 210 can access the pull tab 230. The pull tab 230 can be displaced to electrically connect all four batteries 112 within the battery assembly 214. The pull tab 230 can be displaced before or after the battery unit 210 is assembled to the surgical instrument 100. In at least one embodiment, the battery unit 110 includes a package that at least partially surrounds the battery unit 210. The package can be attached to the pull tab 230 so that when the battery unit 210 is at least partially removed from the package, the pull tab 230 is pulled out of the battery unit 210, thereby allowing the four batteries 112 to be electrically connected. In at least one embodiment, when, for example, the battery unit 210 is detached from the surgical instrument 100, the electrical connection between the two pairs of batteries 212 via the first electrical connector 218 and the second electrical connector 219 is interrupted again. More specifically, the battery unit 210 includes a resettable pull tab that is biased or spring-loaded toward the battery assembly 214 such that when the battery unit 210 is disengaged from the battery base 104 , the resettable pull tab interrupts the electrical connection between the two pairs of batteries 212 .

[0123] An end effector 320 of a surgical instrument such as surgical instrument 300 is shown in Figures 11 to 13 . The surgical instrument 300 may be similar to the surgical instruments described herein. The end effector 320 includes a first jaw or elongated channel 330 and a second jaw or anvil 340. The anvil 340 is pivotally connected to the elongated channel 330 and is capable of moving between an open position and a closed position relative to the elongated channel 330. However, other embodiments are envisioned in which the elongated channel 330 is capable of moving between an open position and a closed position relative to the anvil 340. In any case, the elongated channel 330 is configured to receive a nail magazine 350. The nail magazine 350 can be replaced with another nail magazine; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the nail magazine is not replaceable. The nail magazine 350 includes a plurality of nails removably stored therein. The nails are prevented from falling out of the nail magazine 350 by a magazine tray 352 attached to the nail magazine 350. In addition, the staple cartridge 350 includes a sled 354 that is configured to be movable from a proximal unfired position to a distal fired position to eject staples from the staple cartridge 350 during a staple firing stroke.

[0124] In addition to the above, the elongated channel 330 includes a longitudinal cavity 332 and a channel opening 334 defined in the bottom of the elongated channel 330. The surgical instrument 300 also includes a firing member 310 that is configured to travel through the end effector 320 during a nail firing stroke to eject nails from the nail magazine 350. More specifically, the firing member 310 is configured to move the slider 354 from a proximal unfired position toward a distal fired position during the nail firing stroke to eject nails from the nail magazine 350. The firing member 310 includes a lower flange or first cam member 312 and an upper flange or second cam member 314. During the nail firing stroke, the first cam member 312 is configured to slide within the longitudinal cavity 332 defined in the elongated channel 330, and the second cam member 314 is configured to slidably engage the anvil slot 342 defined in the anvil 340 to position the anvil 340 at a desired spacing relative to the elongated channel 330 and the nail cartridge 350. The firing member 310 also includes a distal portion or distal protrusion 316, which in conjunction with the slider 354 overcomes the firing member lockout, as described in more detail below.

[0125] When the staple cartridge 350 is not positioned in the elongated channel 330, or when the staple cartridge 350 is positioned in the elongated channel 330 and the slider 354 is not in the proximal unfired position at the beginning of the staple firing stroke, the firing member 310 is locked (i.e., prevented from executing the staple firing stroke). More specifically, if the staple cartridge 350 is not positioned in the elongated channel 330 and the firing member 310 is actuated (i.e., advanced distally), the first cam member 312 of the firing member 310 will be biased into the passage opening 334 in the elongated channel 330 at the beginning of the staple firing stroke. The firing member 310 is biased toward the passage opening 334 by a biasing member such as a spring in the shaft of the surgical instrument 300, for example. When the first cam member 312 is positioned in the channel opening 334, the first cam member 312 engages the side wall or locking shoulder 336 of the channel opening 334 at the beginning of the nail firing stroke, thereby preventing the firing member 310 from being further advanced distally. Fig.12 In the proximal unfired position shown, the same result would occur as if the staple cartridge 350 were completely missing.

[0126] In order to make the above-mentioned firing member locking member invalid, mainly refer to Fig.13, when the staple cartridge 350 is positioned in the elongated channel 330, the slider 354 must be in the proximal unfired position. The slider 354 includes a proximal cam surface 356 that cams upwardly to engage the distal protrusion 316 when the firing member 310 is advanced distally and lifts the firing member 310 above the locking shoulder 336 to allow the firing member 310 to perform a staple firing stroke. In addition, the interaction between the distal protrusion 316 and the proximal cam surface 356 aligns the first cam member 312 with the longitudinal cavity 332 of the elongated channel 330 and aligns the second cam member 314 with the anvil slot 342 of the anvil 340. When the distal protrusion 316 engages the proximal cam surface 356 to lift the firing member 310 above the locking shoulder 336, the biasing force on the firing member 310 is overcome and the firing member lockout is disabled. The proximal cam surface 356 not only supports the firing member 310, it cams the firing member 310 upward away from the locking shoulder 336. Once the firing member 310 is supported on the slide 354, the firing member 310 can be advanced distally to perform a nail firing stroke. It is also worth noting that the firing member 310 also includes a cutting edge or knife 318, which is configured to cut into the patient's tissue that has been captured between the anvil 340 and the nail magazine 350 during the nail firing stroke.

[0127] The following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: U.S. Patent 7,143,923, published on December 5, 2006, entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A FIRING LOCKOUT FOR AN UNCLOSED ANVIL”; U.S. Patent 7,044,352, published on May 16, 2006, entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING”; U.S. Patent 7,000,818, published on February 21, 2006, entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATEDISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS”; U.S. Patent 7,000,818, published on January 24, 2006, entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE and U.S. Patent 6,978,921, published on December 27, 2005, entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM.”

[0128] For example, other embodiments are contemplated in which a longitudinal cavity is defined between the cartridge pan 352 and the elongated channel 330 when the staple cartridge 350 and the cartridge pan 352 are positioned in the elongated channel 330. The first cam member 312 is configured to be slidable within the longitudinal cavity defined between the cartridge pan 352 and the elongated channel 330 during a staple firing stroke.

[0129] Figures 14 to 17The end effector 420 of the surgical instrument 400 is shown. The surgical instrument 400 may be similar to the surgical instrument 100, the surgical instrument 300 and / or the surgical instruments described herein. The end effector 420 includes a first jaw or elongated channel 430 and a second jaw or anvil. In at least one embodiment, the elongated channel 430 is capable of moving between an open position and a closed position relative to the anvil. In the illustrated embodiment, the anvil is pivotally connected to the elongated channel 430 and is capable of moving between an open position and a closed position relative to the elongated channel 430. In either case, the elongated channel 430 is configured to receive a nail magazine 450. The nail magazine 450 may be replaced with another nail magazine, but may not be replaceable in other embodiments. The nail magazine 450 includes a plurality of nails removably stored therein. The nails are prevented from falling out of the nail magazine 450 by a magazine tray 452 removably attached to the nail magazine 450. The nail magazine 450 includes a sliding member 454, which is configured to be able to be fired from a proximal unfired position P 0 ( Fig.16 ) moves to the middle unfired position P 1 ( Fig.17 ) and then moves to a distal firing position to eject the nails from the nail magazine 450.

[0130] The elongated channel 430 includes a channel opening 434 defined in the bottom of the elongated channel 430. The surgical instrument 400 also includes a firing member 410 that is configured to travel through the end effector 420 during a staple firing stroke to position the staple cartridge 450 in the elongated channel 430 and the slider 454 in its proximal unfired position P. 0 or its intermediate unfired position P 1 The firing member 410 includes a lower flange or first cam member 412, an upper flange or second cam member 414, a distally protruding nose portion 416, and a laterally extending locking member 419. The laterally extending locking member 419 is positioned between the first cam member 412 and the second cam member 414 and extends in opposite directions. During the nail firing stroke, the first cam member 412 is configured to be able to slidably engage the bottom of the elongated channel 430, and the second cam member 414 is configured to be able to slidably engage the anvil slot defined in the anvil to position the anvil at a desired spacing relative to the elongated channel 430 and the nail magazine 450. In addition, the laterally extending locking member 419 is configured to be able to travel in the longitudinal cavity 455 defined between the nail magazine 450 and the magazine plate 452 during the nail firing stroke. The distally projecting nose portion 416 is used in conjunction with the rotational member of the slide 454 to overcome the firing member lockout, as described in more detail below.

[0131] When the staple cartridge 450 is not positioned in the elongated channel 430, the firing member 410 is locked (i.e., prevented from performing a firing stroke). More specifically, if the staple cartridge 450 is not positioned in the elongated channel 430 and the firing member 410 is actuated (i.e., advanced distally), the firing member 410 is biased downward by the biasing member, and the laterally extending locking member 419 of the firing member 410 is biased into the channel opening 434 in the elongated channel 430. The firing member 410 is biased toward the channel opening 434 by a biasing member such as a spring, for example, in the shaft. When the laterally extending locking member 419 is biased into the channel opening 434 and the firing member 410 is advanced distally, the laterally extending locking member 419 engages the distal wall or locking shoulder 436 of the channel opening 434, which prevents the firing member 410 from being further advanced distally. Furthermore, if the staple cartridge 450 is positioned in the elongated channel 430 and the slider 454 is positioned in the intermediate unfired position P 1 , the firing member 410 will be prevented from advancing distally in a similar manner. In order to disable the firing member lockout member, when the nail firing stroke is initiated, the slide 454 must be positioned in the middle unfired position P 1 At or near the middle unfired position P 1 , as described in more detail below.

[0132] Main references Fig.16 and Fig.17 , the slide 454 includes a proximal cam surface 456 and a locking key or rotation member 458. The rotation member 458 can be relative to the slide 454 in an unactuated position ( Fig.16 ) and actuation position ( Fig.17 The nail magazine 450 includes a protrusion 451, when the slide member 454 is moved from the proximal unfired position P 0 Move to the middle unfired position P 1 When the slider 454 is in the proximal unfired position P, the protrusion rotates the rotating member 458 to rotate the rotating member 458 from the unactivated position to the activated position. 0 When the firing member 410 is advanced distally, the distally protruding nose portion 416 will slidably engage the proximal cam surface 456 of the slider 454, and the firing member 410 will cause the slider 454 to move from the proximal unfired position P 0 Towards the middle unfired position P 1 The cam surface 456 is advanced distally, however, this is insufficient to lift the laterally extending locking member 419 above the locking shoulder 436. When the slider 454 is advanced distally by the firing member 410, the rotating member 458 engages the protrusion 451 of the staple cartridge 450 and rotates the rotating member 458 from the unactuated position ( Fig.16 ) towards the actuated position ( Fig.17 ). When the rotating member 458 is rotated from the unactuated position toward the actuated position, the rotating member 458 engages the distally protruding nose portion 416 of the firing member 410 and lifts the firing member 410 above the locking shoulder 436 of the elongated channel 430. In other words, the laterally extending locking member 419 is lifted above the locking shoulder 436 and is prevented from entering the channel opening and engaging the locking shoulder 436 due to the lifting action of the rotating member 458. As a result, the slide 454 is moved from the proximal unfired position P to the actuated position. 0 Towards the middle unfired position P 1 The initial distal advancement of the firing member lockout member is disabled. In addition, the slide 454 is moved from the proximal unfired position P 0 Towards the middle unfired position P 1 The initial distal advancement of the laterally extending locking member 419 aligns with the longitudinal cavity 455 and aligns the second cam member 414 with the anvil slot to eject the nail during the nail firing stroke. In the illustrated embodiment, the firing member 410 also includes a cutting edge or knife 418 that is configured to cut into the patient's tissue that has been captured between the anvil and the nail magazine 450 during the nail firing stroke.

[0133] Fig.18 An emergency assembly 500 of a surgical instrument such as surgical instrument 100, 200 and / or 300 and / or a surgical instrument described in U.S. Patent Application 12 / 249,117, entitled "POWEREDSURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, is shown. For example, the emergency assembly 500 can be used in the event that the energy level of the power source of the surgical instrument drops below a sufficient operating level and the motor cannot be used to retract the firing system. The surgical instrument includes a drive system 530 for driving a firing member 538 through a staple firing stroke. The drive system 530 includes a motor 510, a gearbox 520 operably coupled to the motor 510, a drive shaft 522 extending from the gearbox 520, a drive gear 524 fixed to the drive shaft 522, a driven gear 535 operably engaged with the drive gear 524, and a drive rack 532 operably engaged with the driven gear 535. The drive gear 524 is configured to rotate in response to a rotational motion generated by the motor 510. In at least one embodiment, the drive system 530 can be housed within a handle and / or housing of a surgical instrument.

[0134] In addition to the above, the drive rack 532 includes a first rack 534 of teeth operably engaged with the driven gear 535 and a second rack 536 of teeth operably engaged with the emergency assembly 500. In use, when a rotational motion in a first direction is transmitted from the motor 510 to the drive gear 524, the drive gear 524 rotates in a counterclockwise direction and the driven gear 535 rotates in a clockwise direction. When the driven gear 535 rotates in a clockwise direction, the drive rack 532 and the firing member 538 translate distally to perform a nail firing stroke. When a rotational motion in a second direction opposite to the first direction is transmitted from the motor 510 to the drive gear 524, the drive gear 524 rotates in a clockwise direction and the driven gear 535 rotates in a counterclockwise direction. When the driven gear 535 rotates in a counterclockwise direction, the drive rack 532 translates proximally to retract the firing member 538.

[0135] In addition to the above, the emergency assembly 500 includes a rod 502 and a pawl 504 extending from the rod 502. The rod 502 is mounted to the handle or housing of the surgical instrument so that the rod 502 can rotate relative to the handle or housing. In at least one embodiment, the rod 502 is usually hidden from the user by a channel door or panel covering the opening in the handle or housing. The channel door can be removed by the user to allow the user to access the rod 502 through the opening in the handle or housing of the instrument. In at least one embodiment, the channel door is connected to an electronic switch and control circuit so that when the clinician removes the channel door, the power to the motor 510 is cut off, as described in more detail below.

[0136] When the user actuates the emergency assembly 500, the pawl 504 of the emergency assembly 500 is configured to engage the second rack 536 of teeth. For example, the pawl 504 is biased toward the second rack 536 of teeth by a biasing member, such as a spring. For example, when the rod 502 rotates clockwise, the pawl 504 engages the second rack 536 of teeth and drives the drive rack 532 and the firing member 538 proximally. When the drive rack 532 is driven proximally by the emergency assembly 500, the motor 510 is driven in reverse. More specifically, the driven gear 535 rotates counterclockwise, the drive gear 524 rotates clockwise, and when the drive rack 532 is driven proximally by the emergency assembly 500, the motor 510 is driven in reverse, as shown in FIG. Fig.18 shown.

[0137] In at least one embodiment, the motor 510 is an electromagnetic brushless DC motor. The surgical instrument also includes a power source, such as, for example, a battery or a battery pack, and a control circuit including a microprocessor. The power source is configured to supply power to the motor 510, and the control circuit is configured to control the power supply from the power source to the motor 510. In at least one embodiment, the control circuit may be similar to the control circuit 1200 including the emergency access door emergency switch 1218 described in U.S. Patent 8,695,866, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING A POWERCONTROL CIRCUIT", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. When the access door is disengaged from the surgical instrument, the emergency access door emergency switch cuts off the power flow from the power source to the motor 510, so that the motor will not accidentally operate when the emergency assembly 500 is manually driven.

[0138] In at least one embodiment, the motor 510 is an electromagnetic brushless DC motor that includes a capacitive timing element configured to control the motor 510. In any case, the use of a brushless DC motor and motor control circuit eliminates the need to mechanically decouple the motor 510 from the drive system 530 when the emergency assembly 500 is actuated to retract the firing member 538. In at least one embodiment, the emergency assembly 500 is in electrical communication with the instrument's control circuitry so that when the rod 502 is actuated, power is prevented from flowing from the power source to the motor 510 to allow the motor 510 to be driven in reverse, as described above.

[0139] In addition to the above, the control circuit is configured to be able to adjust the speed of the motor 510 during the firing stroke. More specifically, for example, the control circuit utilizes pulse width modulation to control the speed of the motor 510, and therefore controls the speed of the firing stroke at certain predetermined positions relative to the entire firing stroke (i.e., at the end of the stroke and / or at the beginning during the lockout portion of the firing stroke). In at least one embodiment, the control circuit may be located in a battery pack that serves as a power source for the motor 510, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 031,573, entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RFELECTRODES," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0140] Figures 19 to 21A surgical instrument 600 is shown that includes a housing 610, an elongated shaft 620 extending from the housing 610, an end effector 630 extending from the elongated shaft 620, and an articulation joint 640. The end effector 630 is rotatably coupled to the elongated shaft 620 by the articulation joint 640, and the elongated shaft 620 and the end effector 630 can rotate together about the longitudinal shaft axis SA. The end effector 630 can be rotated about the articulation axis AA relative to the elongated shaft 620 by an articulation assembly 650 that includes a first rod or articulation member 652, a second rod or articulation member 654, and a manually rotatable articulation knob 656. The articulation knob 656 extends away from the housing 610 of the surgical instrument 600 so that it can be manually rotated by a clinician. The articulation assembly 650 includes a shaft 657 extending from an articulation knob 656 into the housing 610 and a yoke 658 connecting the articulation knob 656 to a first articulation member 652 and a second articulation member 654. The first articulation member 652 is attached to a first side of the yoke 658 and a first side of the end effector 630. The second articulation member 654 is attached to a second side of the yoke 658 opposite the first side of the yoke 658 and a second side of the end effector 630 opposite the first side of the end effector 630. The first articulation member 652 and the second articulation member 654 are attached to the yoke 658 by a pin 659; however, any suitable attachment mechanism for attaching the articulation members 652, 654 to the yoke 658 may be utilized.

[0141] In use, the articulation knob 656 may be in a non-articulation position ( Fig.19 The end effector 630 is configured to be rotated between the plurality of articulation positions (shown in Figure 6) to articulate the end effector 630 about the articulation axis AA. The non-articulation position aligns the articulation knob 656 with the elongated shaft 620. When the articulation knob 656 is rotated clockwise, the yoke 658 rotates clockwise, the first articulation member 652 moves distally, the second articulation member 654 moves proximally, and the end effector 630 rotates clockwise about the articulation axis AA. When the articulation knob 656 is rotated counterclockwise, the yoke 658 rotates counterclockwise, the first articulation member 652 moves proximally, the second articulation member 654 moves distally, and the end effector 630 rotates counterclockwise about the articulation axis AA.

[0142] In addition to the above, the surgical instrument 600 also includes an articulation locking assembly 660 that is configured to lock the end effector 630 relative to the slender shaft 620. The articulation locking assembly 660 includes a proximal locking member 664, a shaft 663 extending distally from the proximal locking member 664, and a distal locking member 662 extending from the shaft 663. The distal locking member 662 includes a protrusion 665 that is configured to selectively engage a plurality of pawls or teeth 632 defined in the proximal end of the end effector 630. The articulation locking assembly 660 is biased toward the end effector 630 by a biasing member or spring 670 positioned in the slender shaft 620. The articulation locking assembly 660 is capable of locking the end effector 630 in a distal locked position ( Fig. 20 ) and near unlocked position ( Fig.21 ), in which the protrusion 665 of the distal locking member 662 engages one of the teeth 632 of the end effector 630, and in which the protrusion 665 of the distal locking member 662 does not engage any of the teeth 632 of the end effector 630. When the articulation knob 656 is rotated in either direction, the articulation lock assembly 660 moves between the distal locked position and the proximal locked position, as described in more detail below.

[0143] The proximal locking member 664 includes a bracket or collar 667 positioned about the shaft 657 of the articulation assembly 650. The collar 667 includes a protrusion 669 extending toward the shaft 657 of the articulation assembly 650. The articulation assembly 650 also includes a plurality of detents or teeth 655 radially positioned about the shaft 657. In the illustrated embodiment, a disc extending from the shaft 657 has the teeth 655 defined thereon. When the articulation knob 656 is rotated counterclockwise, for example, one of the teeth 655 cams into engagement with the protrusion 669 of the articulation locking assembly 660 to move the articulation locking assembly 660 from the distal locked position to the proximal position ( Fig. 20 ) to the near unlocked position ( Fig.21 ). When the articulation knob 656 is rotated in this manner, the articulation locking assembly 660 is automatically unlocked and the first articulation member 652 and the second articulation member 654 simultaneously rotate the end effector 630 about the articulation axis AA by a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount depends on the size, shape and / or spacing of the teeth 655 of the articulation assembly 650 and the size and / or shape of the protrusion 669 of the articulation locking assembly 660, among other things.

[0144] As discussed above, the articulation locking assembly 660 is biased distally by the spring 670. When the articulation knob 656 is rotated, the biasing force of the spring 670 is overcome and the articulation locking assembly 660 is driven proximally to the proximal unlocked position. When the articulation knob 656 is further rotated, the protrusion 669 of the articulation locking assembly 660 is aligned in the groove defined between the adjacent teeth 655, and the articulation locking assembly 660 is again biased distally by the spring 670, so that the distal locking member 662 is again engaged with the end effector 630 to lock the end effector 630 in place. This arrangement allows the end effector 630 to rotate around the articulation axis AA and to be locked in place at multiple rotational positions around the articulation axis AA.

[0145] In at least one embodiment, the elongated nail cartridge channel of the end effector 630 includes a plastic coating to minimize damage and bonding caused by cleaning with a corrosive solution. The plastic coating is applied to the elongated channel by means of an injection molded polymer that is not highly hydrophilic, but can be applied in any suitable manner. For example, the molding material may include polyethylene, polycarbonate, nylon 6 / 12 with glass or mineral fillers, ABS and / or a combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the elongated channel includes discrete features or cutouts arranged around the periphery of the elongated channel, which contact the closed tube of the surgical instrument when the closed tube is advanced toward the distal side. The cutout limits the contact of the elongated channel with the closed tube to a small interface, which minimizes damage to both the elongated channel and the closed tube during repeated use. In at least one embodiment, the end effector 630, the elongated shaft 620, and the portion of the elongated channel are lubricated to prevent wear. In various embodiments, dry sodium stearate is applied to the internal structure of these components in such a manner as if they were wet-impregnated and then dried. In certain embodiments, the elongated shaft 620 and / or any other element of the surgical instrument 600 may be dipped into a lubricant and baked to secure the lubricant to the component.

[0146] Fig. 22A control circuit 700 is shown for use with a surgical instrument such as surgical instruments 100, 300, 400, 600 and / or the surgical instruments described herein. For example, the control circuit 700 is configured to control the supply of power from a power source to a motor such as motor 510. For example, the power source may be a battery, a battery pack, a rechargeable battery pack, or any combination thereof. The control circuit 700 includes a printed circuit board 704, electrical components 706, a switch or rocker switch 710, and an electrical port 720 configured to receive a wiring harness 730. For example, the electrical components 706 include any combination of printed circuit board components such as a processor, a microprocessor, a resistor, an LED, a transistor, a capacitor, an inductor, a diode, and a switch. A conformal coating 702 is applied to the control circuit 700 to seal the control circuit 700 from the surrounding environment. In at least one embodiment, the conformal coating 702 includes However, the conformal coating may include any suitable sealant that flows onto the control circuit 700 to protect the control circuit 700 from the surrounding environment. In at least one embodiment, the conformal coating 702 is configured to protect the integrity of the control circuit 700 during one or more sterilization autoclave cycles. For example, the sterilization autoclave cycle may include a temperature in the range of 140 degrees Celsius to 170 degrees Celsius.

[0147] Reference now Fig.23 , a seal such as a gasket seal 740 is positioned between the conformal coating 702 and the rocker switch 710 to protect the control circuit 700 from the surrounding environment. In addition, the rocker switch 710 includes a flexible elastomeric diaphragm 712 that covers the switch 710 to maintain the functionality of the switch 710 while still protecting the control circuit 700 from the surrounding environment. In various embodiments, the electrical contacts on the rocker switch 710 are soldered to the electrical contacts on the circuit board 704. Surface mounting technology and / or through-hole technology can be used for the electrical components of the circuit board 704. In at least one embodiment, an adhesive is applied between the elastomeric diaphragm 712 and the rocker switch 710 to further seal the rocker switch 710 from the surrounding environment. In at least one embodiment, the circuit board 704 includes a snap-fit ​​and / or press-fit connection between the rocker switch 710 and the circuit board 704.

[0148] Reference again Fig. 22 , a gasket seal 750 is positioned between the conformal coating 702 and the wiring harness 730 electrically connected to the electrical port 720. The gasket seal 750 protects the control circuit 700 from the surrounding environment and allows an external electrical input (wiring harness 730) to be connected to the control circuit 700. For example, the wiring harness 730 may be connected to a power source and / or motor of a surgical instrument.

[0149] Reference now Fig.24 and Fig.25 , which shows a seal for use between a gearbox and a motor of a surgical instrument such as the surgical instruments disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, for example, the gearbox can be gearbox 520 and the motor can be motor 510 (see Fig.18 ). Double lip seal 760 is positioned around drive shaft 522 extending from gear box 520. Double lip seal 760 protects gear box 520 from the surrounding environment. In addition, double o-ring 770 is positioned between gear box 520 and motor 510 to seal the connection between gear box 520 and motor 510 from the surrounding environment. Still further, double lip seal 780 is positioned around electrical contacts extending from the bottom of motor 510. Double lip seal 780 protects motor 510 from the surrounding environment.

[0150] Fig.26 A sterile packaging assembly 800 for a surgical instrument 850 is shown. The surgical instrument 850 may be similar to the surgical instruments 100, 300, 400, 600 and / or the surgical instruments described herein. The sterile packaging assembly 800 includes a tray 810 and a cover 820 fixed to the tray 810. The tray 810 includes a plurality of cavities 812 defined therein, which are configured to receive the surgical instrument 850. In at least one embodiment, the tray 810 is a vacuum molded tray, but can be formed in any suitable manner. The cavity 812 is substantially similar to the outer profile of the surgical instrument 850, so that the surgical instrument 850 is correctly and securely placed in the tray 810, so that there is almost no relative offset between the surgical instrument 850 and the tray 810. The tray 810 includes an additional cavity 816 defined in the tray 810, which is configured to receive supplementary components that are usually packaged with the surgical instrument 850. In the illustrated embodiment, the additional cavity 816 is configured to receive, for example, a battery pack 852. However, other embodiments are contemplated having more or fewer cavities 816 than the embodiments shown to scale, depending on the number of supplemental components packaged with a particular surgical instrument.

[0151] In addition to the above, the tray 810 also includes a plurality of trap chambers 814 defined in the tray 810. The trap chambers 814 are configured to receive particle traps 830 and particle traps 840. The particle traps 830, 840 are configured to collect particles within the packaging assembly 800 and trap the particles within the particle traps 830, 840. The trap chambers 814 are substantially similar in profile to the particle traps 830, 840 to properly and securely position the particle traps 830, 840 in the tray 810 so that there is little relative displacement between the particle traps 830, 840 and the tray 810. After the particle traps 830, 840 are assembled into their respective trap chambers 814 in the tray 810 and the surgical instrument 850 is positioned in the tray 810, the cover 820 is fixed to the tray 810 to form a sterile barrier. In at least one embodiment, an additional film wrap or sealant can be applied to at least a portion of packaging assembly 800 to further seal packaging assembly 800 from the surrounding environment.

[0152] Reference now Figures 27 to 30 , each of the particle traps 830, 840 includes at least one concave or funnel-shaped surface terminating in an opening. Fig. 27 and Fig.28 , the particle trap 840 includes an outer profile that is substantially cubic with four side walls 842, a top wall 844, and a bottom wall 846. That is, the particle trap 840 may include any suitable shape. The particle trap 840 is hollow, that is, it includes a chamber or lumen 841. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the four side walls 842 includes an inwardly tapered surface 843 that terminates at an opening 845 that communicates with the lumen 841. The tapered surface 843 funnels the particles toward the opening 845 to facilitate the collection of the particles within the particle trap 840. In addition, the internal geometry of the particle trap 840 is arranged to inhibit particles from falling out of the particle trap 840. In addition, the tapered surface 843 is defined on an angled wall that, together with the particle trap 840, creates a partially closed and tapered recess. In other words, the tapered surface 843 is angled away from the opening 845 within the cavity 841 so that once particles enter the cavity 841, they are not easily ejected from the particle trap 840. The particle trap 840 also includes an adhesive material 847 positioned inside the cavity 841. One or more pieces of double-sided adhesive material are attached to the inner wall of the particle trap 840. The adhesive material 847 helps prevent particles from leaving the particle trap 840 and / or rattling around the interior of the particle trap 840.

[0153] Reference now Fig.29 and Fig.30, the particle trap 830 includes an outer profile that is a rectangular prism having four side walls 832, a top wall 834, and a bottom wall 836. The particle trap 830 is hollow, that is, it includes a chamber or cavity 831. In the illustrated embodiment, the top wall 834 includes an inwardly tapered surface 833 that terminates at an opening 835. The tapered surface 833 funnels particles positioned on the outer profile of the particle trap 830 toward the opening 835 to facilitate the collection of particles within the particle trap 830. In addition, the tapered surface 833 is angled away from the opening 835 within the cavity 831 so that once particles enter the cavity 831, they are not easily discharged from the particle trap 830. The particle trap 830 also includes an adhesive material 837 positioned inside the cavity 831. The adhesive material 837 helps prevent particles from leaving the particle trap 830 and / or rattling around the interior of the particle trap 830.

[0154] In addition to the above, the particle traps 830, 840 can be positioned in the tray 810 in a variety of different configurations. For example, the openings 835, 845 face the area where particles are most likely to be generated. For example, the openings 835, 845 can face the cavities 812, 816. In such examples, the openings 835, 845 of the particle traps 830, 840 are in communication with the cavities 812, 816. Other embodiments of particle traps with different sizes and shapes are contemplated, as the particle traps 830, 840 are not intended to cover all particle traps but are exemplary embodiments of particle traps. For example, the particle traps may be opaque or the same color as the tray 810. In at least one embodiment, the particle trap includes a soundproofing material that is configured to reduce the noise generated by the rattling of loose particles inside the particle trap. For example, such a soundproofing material may include foam.

[0155] Fig.31 and Fig.32A surgical staple cartridge 900 for use with a surgical instrument is shown, the surgical instrument comprising a jaw configured to receive the staple cartridge 900 and a jaw comprising an anvil. The staple cartridge 900 and the anvil jaws are configured to capture tissue therebetween, which is then sutured and cut by the surgical instrument. The staple cartridge 900 comprises a cartridge body 910, a longitudinal slot 920 defined in the cartridge body 910, and a platform surface 930 positioned on either side of the longitudinal slot 920. The longitudinal slot 920 is configured to receive a cutting member of a surgical instrument. The cartridge body 910 comprises a plurality of staple cavities 932 defined therein. Each staple cavity 932 defines a staple cavity opening in the platform surface 930. The staple cavities 932 are positioned in a plurality of longitudinal rows extending along the length of the cartridge body 910. The longitudinal rows of the staple cavities 932 are staggered relative to each other. In other words, each side of the platform surface 930 includes an inner row of nail cavities 932 adjacent to the longitudinal slot 920, an outer row of nail cavities 932, and an intermediate row of nail cavities 932 between the outer row of nail cavities 932 and the inner row of nail cavities 932, wherein the intermediate row of nail cavities 932 are longitudinally offset relative to the inner and outer rows of nail cavities 932. However, other embodiments are contemplated in which the rows of nail cavities 932 are not staggered relative to each other. In any case, each nail cavity 932 includes a nail positioned therein, which is ejected from the nail cavity opening of the nail cavity 932 by a nail driver that is movably positioned within the nail cavity 932 during the nail firing stroke.

[0156] In addition to the above, the nail magazine 900 also includes a grid extension or honeycomb extension 940 extending above the platform surface 930. The honeycomb extension 940 includes a plurality of through holes 942 defined in the honeycomb extension 940. Each through hole 942 extends through the honeycomb extension 940 and terminates at the platform surface 930. Each through hole 942 is aligned with and communicates with one of the nail cavity openings of the nail cavity 932 defined in the platform surface 930. In addition, each through hole 942 in the honeycomb extension 940 is larger than the corresponding nail cavity opening aligned therewith. Each through hole 942 includes an outer periphery that is at least partially aligned with the outer periphery of the corresponding nail cavity opening of the nail cavity 932 in the platform surface 930. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end 946 of each through hole 942 is aligned with the distal end of the corresponding nail cavity opening, and the proximal end 947 of each through hole 942 is aligned with the proximal end 937 of the corresponding nail cavity opening. The through-holes 942 defined in the honeycomb extensions 940 are configured to prevent tissue flow relative to the cartridge body 910 as the staples are ejected from the staple cavities 932 during a staple firing stroke.

[0157] In addition to the above, honeycomb extension 940 includes cutouts 944 and cutouts 948 that are not registered and / or aligned with any staple cavities 932 defined in platform surface 930. Each cutout 948 extends through honeycomb extension 940 and terminates at outer platform surface 950 of lugs 952. Each lug 952 extends laterally from cartridge body 910 and is positioned below platform surface 930 of cartridge body 910, as shown in FIG. Fig.32 As shown. The cutout 948 and the outer platform surface 950 provide additional surface area for clamping and expanding tissue during the nail firing stroke. The cutout 944 extends through the honeycomb extension 940 and terminates at the platform surface 930, but is not aligned with any nail cavity opening of the nail cavity 932. Fig.31 As shown, a portion of the honeycomb extension 940 extends longitudinally beyond the platform surface 930 adjacent the cutout 944 .

[0158] Reference again Fig.31 , the size and shape of the through-holes 942 defined in the honeycomb extension 940 vary between each longitudinal row of through-holes 942. More specifically, the through-holes 942 positioned closest to the longitudinal grooves 920 are smaller than the through-holes 942 in the middle row of through-holes 942. In any case, the size and shape of the through-holes 942 and the size and shape of the cutouts 944 and 948 can vary relative to each other. The size, shape and pattern of the through-holes 942, the cutouts 944 and the cutouts 948 can vary according to the desired amount of tissue compression desired in a particular area of ​​the staple cartridge 900. Other embodiments with through-holes such as through-holes 942 of different sizes and shapes are contemplated, because the through-holes 942 are not intended to cover all through-holes but exemplary embodiments of through-hole patterns. In any case, the through-holes 942 allow tissue to flow toward the staple cavities 932 rather than away from the staple cavities 932. In at least one embodiment, when the staples are ejected from the staple cartridge 900, a portion of the staple cavity opening of the staple cavity 932 and the through-holes 942 support the legs of the staples.

[0159] Reference now Figures 33 to 59, a staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge 1000, includes a cartridge body 1010, a plurality of staple cavities 1012 defined in the cartridge body 1010, and a staple 1020 positioned in each staple cavity 1012. The cartridge body 1010 also includes a cartridge deck surface 1030. The plurality of staple cavities 1012 define a plurality of staple cavity openings in the cartridge deck surface 1030. Each of the staple cavities 1012 includes a pair of lateral sidewalls 1013 that are opposed to each other and converge at the proximal end and the distal end of each staple cavity 1012. More specifically, each staple cavity 1012 includes a pair of proximal tapered sidewalls 1014 and a pair of distal tapered sidewalls 1015. The proximal tapered sidewalls 1014 converge toward each other and terminate at a proximal end wall 1016. The distal tapered sidewalls 1015 converge toward each other and terminate at a distal end wall 1017. The lateral sidewalls 1013, the tapered sidewalls 1014, 1015, the proximal end wall 1016, and the distal end wall 1017 form the perimeter of each staple cavity opening at the cartridge deck surface 1030. The cartridge body 1010 also includes a plurality of protrusions extending from the cartridge deck surface 1030. The protrusions may vary in size and shape and / or be arranged in different multiples, arrays, or patterns on the cartridge deck surface 1030 to control the flow of tissue relative to the cartridge deck surface 1030, as described in more detail below.

[0160] refer to Figure 33 to Figure 36 , a plurality of protrusions or posts 1040 extend from the cartridge deck surface 1030. In at least one embodiment, the posts 1040 are cylindrical and include chamfered ends. Other embodiments are contemplated in which each post 1040 includes a rounded end. In any case, the posts 1040 are positioned at the proximal and distal ends of each nail cavity 1012. In addition, the proximal end wall 1016 of each nail cavity 1012 is flush or aligned with the outer diameter of the post 1040 positioned at its proximal end, and the distal end wall 1017 of each nail cavity 1012 is flush or aligned with the outer diameter of the post 1040. In the illustrated embodiment, the posts 1040 are not interconnected with each other above the cartridge deck surface 1030. In other words, the posts 1040 are interconnected only by the cartridge deck surface 1030 from which they discretely extend. Other embodiments are contemplated in which the posts 1040 are positioned adjacent to the nail cavity 1012 but are spaced apart from the perimeter of the nail cavity opening defined in the cartridge deck surface 1030. Furthermore, other embodiments are contemplated in which the post 1040 is positioned at only one of the proximal end and the distal end of each staple cavity 1012 .

[0161] refer to Figures 37 to 40, a plurality of protrusions or quarter sphere ridges 1050 extend from the cartridge deck surface 1030. Each quarter sphere ridge 1050 includes a flat surface or face 1052 and an arcuate spherical portion 1054. The ridges 1050 are positioned at the distal end of each staple cavity 1012. In addition, the distal end wall 1017 of each staple cavity 1012 is flush or aligned with the flat face 1052 of the ridge 1050 positioned at its distal end. In the illustrated embodiment, the ridges 1050 are not interconnected with each other above the cartridge deck surface 1030. In other words, the ridges 1050 are interconnected only by the cartridge deck surface 1030 from which they discretely extend. Other embodiments are envisioned in which the ridges 1050 are positioned adjacent to the staple cavities 1012 but are spaced apart from the perimeter of the staple cavity openings defined in the cartridge deck surface 1030. In addition to or in lieu of the foregoing, other embodiments are envisioned in which the ridge 1050 is positioned at the proximal end of each staple cavity 1012 , wherein the flat surface 1052 of each ridge 1050 is flush or aligned with the proximal end wall 1016 of each corresponding staple cavity 1012 .

[0162] refer to Figure 41 to Figure 44 , a plurality of protrusions or cubes 1060 extend from the cartridge deck surface 1030. In at least one embodiment, the cubes 1060 are substantially cubic in shape. A pair of cubes 1060 are positioned adjacent to the proximal tapered sidewall 1014 and the distal tapered sidewall 1015 at the proximal and distal ends of each staple cavity 1012. The face 1062 of each cube 1060 positioned at the proximal end of each staple cavity 1012 is flush or aligned with the proximal tapered sidewall 1014. In addition, the face of each cube 1060 positioned at the distal end of each staple cavity 1012 is flush or aligned with the distal tapered sidewall 1015. The cubes 1060 are not interconnected with each other above the cartridge deck surface 1030. In other words, the cubes 1060 are interconnected only by the cartridge deck surface 1030 from which they discretely extend. Other embodiments are contemplated in which the cube 1060 is positioned adjacent to the nail cavity 1012 but is spaced apart from the perimeter of the nail cavity opening defined in the cartridge deck surface 1030. In addition, other embodiments are contemplated in which a pair of cubes 1060 are positioned at only the proximal end or the distal end of each nail cavity 1012.

[0163] refer to Figures 45 to 48, a pair of posts 1040 are positioned adjacent to the distal tapered sidewall 1015 at the distal end of each nail cavity 1012. The outer diameter of each post 1040 positioned at the distal end is flush or aligned with the distal tapered sidewall 1015 of the nail cavity 1012. In addition to or in lieu of the above, a pair of posts 1040 are positioned adjacent to the proximal tapered sidewall 1014 at the proximal end of each nail cavity 1012. In such an example, the outer diameter of each post 1040 is positioned at the proximal end of each nail cavity 1012 and is flush or aligned with the proximal tapered sidewall 1014 of the nail cavity 1012. The posts 1040 are not interconnected with each other above the cartridge deck surface 1030. In other words, the posts 1040 are interconnected only by the cartridge deck surface 1030 from which they discretely extend. Other embodiments are envisioned in which posts 1040 are positioned adjacent to staple cavities 1012 but are spaced apart from the perimeter of the staple cavity openings defined in cartridge deck surface 1030 .

[0164] Figures 49 to 52 Shows Fig.33 and Fig.41 More specifically, for example, the nail magazine 1000 includes Fig.41 The rectangular parallelepiped 1060 and the Fig.33 Posts 1040 are arranged as shown. Other embodiments are envisioned in which a pair of cubes 1060 and posts 1040 are positioned at only the proximal end or the distal end of each staple cavity 1012.

[0165] Figure 53 to Figure 55 Shows Fig.33 and Fig.41 More specifically, the staple cartridge 1000 includes a pair of cubes 1060 positioned at the distal end of each staple cavity 1012 and a column 1040 positioned at the proximal end of each staple cavity 1012. As described above, the face 1062 of each of the pair of cuboids 1060 is flush or aligned with the distal tapered sidewall 1015 on each side of the staple cavity 1012. See FIG. Figure 41 to Figure 44 The outer diameter of each post 1040 is flush or aligned with the proximal end wall 1016 of each staple cavity 1012. Figure 33 to Figure 36 Other embodiments are contemplated in which the cubes 1060 and posts 1040 are positioned adjacent to the staple cavities 1012 but are spaced apart from the outer perimeter of the staple cavity openings of the staple cavities 1012 .

[0166] Main references Figure 56 to Figure 59, a plurality of arcuate protrusions 1070 extend from the cartridge deck surface 1030. A pair of arcuate protrusions 1070 are positioned at the proximal and distal ends of each staple cavity 1012 adjacent to the proximal tapered sidewall 1014 and the distal tapered sidewall 1015. A face 1072 of each arcuate protrusion 1070 is positioned at the proximal end of the staple cavity 1012, the face being flush with or aligned with the proximal tapered sidewall 1014. In addition, the face 1072 of the arcuate protrusion 1070 positioned at the distal end of the staple cavity 1012 is flush with or aligned with the distal tapered sidewall 1015. The arcuate protrusions 1070 are not interconnected with each other above the cartridge deck surface 1030. In other words, the arcuate protrusions 1070 are interconnected only by the cartridge deck surface 1030 from which they discretely extend. Other embodiments are contemplated in which the arcuate protrusions 1070 are positioned adjacent to the staple cavities 1012 but are spaced apart from the perimeter of the staple cavity openings defined in the cartridge deck surface 1030. In addition, other embodiments are contemplated in which a pair of arcuate protrusions 1070 are positioned at only the proximal end or the distal end of each staple cavity 1012.

[0167] For example, various surgical instruments include power and / or mechanical systems for performing surgical functions such as shaft rotation, end effector articulation, end effector jaw closure, and end effector firing to suturing and cutting tissue positioned between the end effector jaws. In at least one embodiment, the mechanical and power systems interact with each other to mechanically and / or electrically lock one system based on the operation of another system or systems of the surgical instrument, as described in more detail below.

[0168] Fig.60 A schematic diagram of a surgical instrument 1100 is shown, which includes a mechanical closure system 1110, a powered firing system 1120, a powered articulation system 1130, a powered shaft rotation system 1140, a control unit 1150, and a power source 1160. The control unit 1150 is configured to control the supply of power from the power source 1160 to the powered firing system 1120, the powered articulation system 1130, and the powered shaft rotation system 1140.

[0169] The mechanical closure system 1110 may be similar to the mechanical closure system described in U.S. Patent 7,845,537, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The mechanical closure system 1110 is configured to move the jaws of the end effector 1102 between an open position and a closed position when the closure trigger 1112 moves between an unclamped position and a clamped position. Fig.61In at least one embodiment, the mechanical closure system 1110 includes a latch or lock that locks the closure trigger 1112 in the clamped position. In addition, the closure trigger 1112 is unlocked from the clamped position using a closure trigger release. In various embodiments, the end effector closure system can include a motor powered closure system.

[0170] The powered firing system 1120 may be similar to the powered firing system described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,537, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The powered firing system 1120 includes a firing motor 1122 of the surgical instrument 1100 such that when power is supplied from a power source 1160 to the firing motor 1122, the powered firing system 1120 moves the firing member of the surgical instrument 1100 within the end effector 1102 of the surgical instrument 1100 through a firing stroke and a retraction stroke to staple and cut patient tissue.

[0171] The powered articulation system 1130 may be similar to the powered articulation systems described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,517,239, entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A MAGNETIC ELEMENT DRIVER” and U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,629, entitled “CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,” which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The powered articulation system 1130 is operably coupled to the articulation motor 1132 of the surgical instrument 1100 such that when power is supplied from the power source 1160 to the articulation motor 1132, the end effector 1102 is articulated relative to the elongated shaft 1118 of the surgical instrument 1100 about the articulation axis AA (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.62 ).

[0172] The powered shaft rotation system 1140 includes a shaft rotation motor 1142 in communication with a control unit 1150. The control unit 1150 is configured to cause the elongated shaft 1118 and the end effector 1102 to rotate about a longitudinal shaft axis SA defined by the elongated shaft 1118 when power is supplied from a power source 1160 to the shaft rotation motor 1142. In various alternative embodiments, the elongated shaft 1118 and the end effector 1102 may be manually rotated about the longitudinal shaft axis SA.

[0173] When the surgical instrument 1100 is inserted into a patient's cavity, the jaws of the end effector 1102 are in a closed position so that they fit through a trocar or cannula inserted into the patient's body. After insertion into the patient's cavity, the jaws of the end effector 1102 are moved from the closed position to the open position by the mechanical closure system 1110. The end effector 1102 can then be articulated about the articulation axis AA by the powered articulation system 1130 to position the jaws of the end effector 1102 relative to the patient's tissue. The articulation sensor 1134 of the surgical instrument 1100 is in signal communication with the powered articulation system 1130 and the control unit 1150. In the illustrated embodiment, the articulation sensor 1134 is positioned on the articulation rod 1136 of the articulation system 1130 and detects movement of the articulation rod 1136, see Fig.62 The articulation sensor 1134 is configured to detect when the end effector 1102 is articulated about the articulation axis AA. In various embodiments, the control unit 1150 is further configured to detect when the end effector 1102 is articulated when the control unit 1150 controls the articulation motor 1132 that drives the articulation system 1130 .

[0174] When the end effector 1102 is being articulated, the control unit 1150 prevents power from being supplied to the firing motor 1122. Furthermore, when the articulation system 1130 is being actuated, the control unit 1150 actuates the locking solenoid 1170 (see Fig.63 ). The locking solenoid 1170 is in signal communication with the control unit 1150 and includes a mechanical member or pin 1172 that extends into a portion of the mechanical closure system 1110 to prevent the closure system 1110 from being actuated when the locking solenoid 1170 is actuated. When the articulation sensor 1134 no longer detects that the end effector 1102 is being articulated, the pin 1172 retracts to allow the mechanical closure system 1110 to be actuated.

[0175] In at least one alternative embodiment, when the control unit 1150 supplies power from the power source 1160 to the articulation motor 1132, the control unit 1150 prevents power from being supplied to the firing motor 1122, and the locking solenoid 1170 is actuated to engage the yoke 1114 of the mechanical closure system 1110 and prevent the mechanical closure system 1110 from being actuated. In such an arrangement, an articulation sensor may not be necessary.

[0176] After the end effector 1102 has been articulated to the desired orientation, the closure trigger 1112 of the mechanical closure system 1110 can be actuated between the unclamped position and the clamped position to capture tissue between the jaws of the end effector 1102. The mechanical closure system 1110 includes a closure sensor 1113 in signal communication with the control unit 1150. The closure sensor 1113 is configured to detect the position of the closure trigger 1112. When the closure sensor 1113 detects that the closure trigger 1113 has moved from the unclamped position toward the clamped position, the control unit 1150 prevents power from being supplied to the firing motor 1122, the articulation motor 1132, and the shaft rotation motor 1142. Unless the closure sensor 1113 detects that the closure trigger 1113 is in the clamped position (i.e., the jaws of the end effector 1102 are in the closed position), the control unit 1150 prevents power from being supplied to the firing motor 1122. In other words, when the jaws of the end effector 1102 are in the open position or when the jaws are partially closed, the control unit 1150 prevents the powered firing system 1120 from firing the end effector 1102. When the jaws of the end effector 1102 are in the closed position (i.e., the closure trigger 1112 is in the clamped position), the control unit 1150 allows power to be supplied to the firing motor 1122 to allow the powered firing system 1120 to perform a firing and retraction stroke within the end effector 1102.

[0177] In addition to the above, when power is supplied to the firing motor 1122, the control unit 1150 prevents power from being supplied from the power source 1160 to the articulation motor 1132 and the shaft rotation motor 1142. The control unit 1150 controls the amount and direction of the current supplied to the firing motor 1122 to advance the firing member from the unfired position to the fired position during the firing stroke, and to retract the firing member from the fired position to the unfired position during the retraction stroke after the firing stroke is completed. During the firing stroke when the firing motor 1122 rotates in a first direction when a first voltage polarity is applied to the firing motor 1122, the firing member is advanced through the end effector 1102, and during the retraction stroke when the firing motor 1122 rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction when a second voltage polarity opposite to the first voltage polarity is applied to the firing motor 1122, the firing member is retracted through the end effector.

[0178] The surgical instrument 1100 also includes an encoder that can track the position of the firing member, for example. The encoder communicates with the control unit 1150, which can determine whether the firing member is in its proximal unfired position. When the firing member is not in its proximal unfired position, the control unit 1150 prevents the joint motion motor 1132 and the shaft rotation motor 1142 from being supplied with power. In addition, when the firing member is distal to its proximal unfired position, the control unit 1150 operates the closure trigger solenoid 1170 to lock the closure system 1110 in its closed configuration.

[0179] In at least one embodiment, another solenoid in signal communication with the control unit 1150 and capable of selectively engaging the closure trigger release prevents the closure trigger release from being actuated to unlock the closure trigger 1112 from its clamped position. More specifically, the solenoid in signal communication with the control unit 1150 can be actuated to mechanically engage the closure trigger release, thereby preventing the closure trigger release from being actuated when the firing member is not in the unfired position.

[0180] In at least one alternative embodiment, the elongated shaft 1118 and the end effector 1102 are rotatable about the longitudinal shaft axis SA by a manual rotation system 1140'. In order to prevent the shaft from rotating when the jaws of the end effector 1102 are in the process of closing or when the jaws are closed, reference is now made to Fig.64 , the bracket 1114 of the mechanical closure system 1110 is operably engaged with the manual rotation system 1140' of the surgical instrument. More specifically, the rotating nozzle 1144 is configured to be manually rotated to rotate the elongated shaft 1118 and the end effector 1102 about the longitudinal shaft axis SA. The rotating nozzle 1144 is journaled on the elongated shaft 1118 so that the elongated shaft 1118 can translate relative to the rotating nozzle 1144. The bracket 1114 includes a pin 1119 extending therefrom, which is configured to engage the rotating nozzle 1144. The bracket 1114 moves from a proximal position to a distal position to advance the elongated shaft 1118 and move the jaws of the end effector 1102 between an open position and a closed position. When the carriage 1114 moves from the proximal position toward the distal position, the pin 1119 engages one of the plurality of holes defined in the rotation indexing member 1146 of the rotating nozzle 1144, thereby preventing the elongated shaft 1118 and the end effector 1102 from rotating about the longitudinal shaft axis SA. When the carriage 1114 is retracted from its distal position toward its proximal position, the pin 1119 disengages from the nozzle 1144, allowing the elongated shaft 1118 and the end effector 1102 to rotate when the rotating nozzle 1144 rotates.

[0181] As described above, the shaft rotation system is a manual shaft rotation system 1140'. Fig.64In such an arrangement, the elongated shaft 1118 and the end effector 1102 cannot rotate about the shaft axis SA unless the jaws of the end effector 1102 are in the open position due to the locking member engaged when the closure system is closed. In addition, unless the jaws of the end effector 1102 are in the closed position (i.e., the closure trigger 1112 is in the clamped position), the powered firing system 1120 cannot perform a firing stroke, as discussed above. Therefore, when the firing motor 1122 is actuated to move the firing member through the firing stroke and the retraction stroke, the manual shaft rotation system 1140' is locked, thereby preventing the elongated shaft 1118 and the end effector 1102 from rotating about the shaft axis SA.

[0182] As described above, the surgical instrument 1100 may include a powered shaft rotation system 1140. The powered shaft rotation system 1140 includes a shaft rotation motor 1142 that communicates with a control unit 1150. The control unit 1150 is configured to enable the mechanical closure system 1110, the powered firing system 1120, and the powered joint motion system 1130 to be locked when the end effector 1102 and the elongated shaft 1118 are rotated about the shaft axis SA. More specifically, the control unit 1150 actuates the locking solenoid 1170 to prevent the mechanical closure system 1110 from being actuated when the end effector 1102 and the elongated shaft 1118 are rotated. In addition, for example, when the end effector 1102 and the elongated shaft 1118 are rotated, the control unit 1150 prevents power from being supplied to the firing motor 1122 and the joint motion motor 1132. In at least one alternative embodiment, for example, the powered shaft rotation system 1140 may be used in conjunction with the powered closure system, the powered firing system 1120, and the powered articulation system 1130. In such examples, the control unit 1150 prevents power from being supplied to the powered closure system and the powered firing system 1120 when the powered shaft rotation system 1140 is actuated (i.e., the end effector 1102 and the elongated shaft 1118 are rotated about the shaft axis).

[0183] Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are illustrated in the following examples:

[0184] Example set 1

[0185] Embodiment 1 - A surgical instrument comprising an end effector and a handle. The handle comprises a drive system configured to actuate the end effector and a battery base comprising a first electrical contact. The surgical instrument further comprises a battery unit capable of being releasably attached to the battery base. The battery unit comprises a rechargeable battery cell, a non-sterile housing and a sterile housing. The battery unit is positioned in the non-sterile housing. The sterile housing is configured to receive the non-sterile housing. The sterile housing comprises a second electrical contact configured to electrically couple the battery cell of the non-sterile housing to the first electrical contact of the battery base when the battery cell is attached to the battery base. The sterile housing further comprises a retaining member configured to secure the battery cell to the battery base.

[0186] Example 2 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, wherein the battery cells are positioned in the non-sterile housing so that all of the battery cells are electrically connected simultaneously.

[0187] Example 3 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the battery cells is selected from the group consisting of CR123 batteries and CR2 batteries.

[0188] Example 4 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, 2 or 3, wherein the non-sterile housing includes a device for indicating the charging status of the battery unit to a user of the surgical instrument.

[0189] Example 5 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the non-sterile shell includes a display, which is configured to indicate the remaining capacity of the battery cell to a user of the surgical instrument, and wherein the remaining capacity is displayed as the remaining number of actuations of the drive system.

[0190] Example 6 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the non-sterile shell includes a display configured to indicate the remaining capacity of the battery cell to a user of the surgical instrument, and wherein the remaining capacity is displayed as the time until the battery cell is exhausted when the battery cell is discharged at a predetermined voltage, current or power level.

[0191] Example 7 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the non-sterile housing includes a control circuit that limits the current consumption of the surgical instrument to a predetermined threshold.

[0192] Example 8 - A surgical instrument comprising an end effector and a handle. The handle comprises a drive system configured to actuate the end effector and a battery base comprising a first electrical contact. The surgical instrument also comprises a battery cell capable of being releasably attached to the battery base. The battery unit comprises a rechargeable battery cell, a first shell and a second shell. The battery cell is positioned in the first shell. The second shell is configured to receive the first shell. The second shell is configured to encapsulate the first shell to create a sterile barrier between the first shell and the second shell. The second shell comprises a second electrical contact and a retaining member. The second electrical contact is configured to electrically connect the battery cell of the first shell to the first electrical contact of the battery base when the battery cell is attached to the battery base. The retaining member is configured to fix the battery cell to the battery base.

[0193] Example 9 - A surgical instrument according to Example 8, wherein the battery cells are positioned in the first housing so that all of the battery cells are electrically connected simultaneously.

[0194] Example 10 - A surgical instrument according to Example 8 or 9, wherein at least one of the battery cells is selected from the group consisting of CR123 batteries and CR2 batteries.

[0195] Example 11 - A surgical instrument according to Example 8, 9 or 10, wherein the first housing includes a device for indicating the charging status of the battery unit to a user of the surgical instrument.

[0196] Example 12 - A surgical instrument according to Example 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein the first shell includes a display, which is configured to indicate the remaining capacity of the battery cell to a user of the surgical instrument, and wherein the remaining capacity is displayed as the remaining number of actuations of the drive system.

[0197] Example 13 - A surgical instrument according to Example 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, wherein the first housing includes a display configured to indicate the remaining capacity of the battery cell to a user of the surgical instrument, and wherein the remaining capacity is displayed as the amount of time that would elapse if the battery cell were discharged at a predetermined voltage, current or power level until the battery cell was exhausted.

[0198] Example 14 - A surgical instrument according to Example 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, wherein the first shell includes a control circuit that limits the current consumption of the surgical instrument to a predetermined threshold.

[0199] Example 15 - A surgical instrument comprising an instrument housing and a power unit that can be releasably attached to the instrument housing. The instrument housing includes a battery base, and the battery base includes a first electrical contact. The power unit includes a rechargeable battery cell, a first housing, and a second housing. The battery cell is positioned in the first housing. The first housing is enclosed in the second housing to create a sterile barrier around the first housing. The second housing includes a second electrical contact and a retaining member for fixing the power unit to the instrument housing. The second electrical contact is configured to electrically connect the battery cell of the first housing to the first electrical contact of the battery base when the power unit is attached to the instrument housing.

[0200] Example 16 - A surgical instrument according to Example 15, wherein at least one of the battery cells is selected from the group consisting of CR123 batteries and CR2 batteries.

[0201] Example 17 - A surgical instrument according to Example 15 or 16, wherein the first housing includes a device for indicating the charging status of the power unit to a user of the surgical instrument.

[0202] Example 18 - A surgical instrument according to Example 15, 16 or 17, wherein the first shell includes a display, which is configured to indicate the remaining capacity of the battery cell to a user of the surgical instrument, and wherein the remaining capacity is displayed as the remaining number of uses of the surgical instrument.

[0203] Example 19 - A surgical instrument according to Example 15, 16, 17 or 18, wherein the first housing includes a display configured to indicate the remaining capacity of the battery cell to a user of the surgical instrument, and wherein the remaining capacity is displayed as the amount of time if the battery cell is discharged at a predetermined voltage, current or power level until the battery cell is exhausted.

[0204] Example 20 - A surgical instrument according to Example 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19, wherein the first shell includes a control circuit that limits the current consumption of the surgical instrument to a predetermined threshold.

[0205] Example Set 2

[0206] Example 1 - A battery pack for use with a surgical instrument. The battery pack includes an external housing, electrical contacts, a first pair of batteries, a second pair of batteries, an electrical connector, and an interrupt member, the electrical contacts being configured to electrically couple the battery pack to the surgical instrument when the battery pack is attached to the surgical instrument, the electrical connector being configured to electrically connect the first pair of batteries and the second pair of batteries, and the interrupt member preventing the electrical connector from electrically connecting the first pair of batteries and the second pair of batteries until the interrupt member is displaced. When the interrupt member is displaced, the electrical connector electrically connects the first pair of batteries and the second pair of batteries. When the interrupt member is displaced and the battery pack is attached to the surgical instrument, the first pair of batteries and the second pair of batteries are electrically connected to the surgical instrument.

[0207] Embodiment 2 - The battery pack of Embodiment 1, wherein the battery pack is packaged in a package, and wherein the interrupting member is displaced when the battery pack is at least partially removed from the package.

[0208] Embodiment 3 - A battery pack according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the interrupting member comprises a graspable tab extending from the battery pack.

[0209] Embodiment 4 - A battery pack according to Embodiment 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first pair of batteries and the second pair of batteries comprise CR123a batteries.

[0210] Embodiment 5 - A battery pack according to Embodiment 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein at least one of the batteries is rechargeable.

[0211] Example 6 - A battery pack according to Example 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the first pair of batteries and the second pair of batteries are electrically disconnected when the battery pack is detached from the surgical instrument.

[0212] Example 7 - A battery pack for use with a surgical instrument. The battery pack includes a battery housing, batteries positioned in the battery housing, and an interrupt member. The battery housing includes electrical contacts configured to electrically couple the battery pack to the surgical instrument when the battery pack is attached to the surgical instrument. The interrupt member is movable from a first position and a second position, in which the interrupt member electrically disconnects at least one battery from another battery. When the interrupt member moves from the first position to the second position and the battery pack is attached to the surgical instrument, the battery is electrically connected to the surgical instrument.

[0213] Embodiment 8 - A battery pack according to Embodiment 7, wherein the battery pack is packaged in a package, and wherein the interrupting member moves from the first position to the second position when the battery pack is at least partially removed from the package.

[0214] Embodiment 9 - A battery pack according to Embodiment 7 or 8, wherein the interrupting member comprises a graspable tab extending from the battery pack.

[0215] Embodiment 10 - A battery pack according to Embodiment 7, 8 or 9, wherein the battery comprises a CR123a battery.

[0216] Embodiment 11 - A battery pack according to Embodiment 7, 8, 9 or 10, wherein at least one of the batteries is rechargeable.

[0217] Example 12 - A battery pack according to Example 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein the battery is electrically disconnected when the battery pack is detached from the surgical instrument.

[0218] Example 13 - A battery pack for use with a surgical instrument. The battery pack includes a battery housing, batteries positioned in the battery housing, a circuit, and a circuit interrupter. The battery housing includes electrical contacts configured to electrically couple the battery pack to the surgical instrument when the battery pack is attached to the surgical instrument. The circuit interrupter is movable from a first position, in which the circuit interrupter electrically disconnects at least one battery from the circuit, and a second position, in which all of the batteries are electrically connected to the circuit. When the circuit interrupter moves from the first position to the second position and the battery pack is attached to the surgical instrument, the batteries are electrically connected to the surgical instrument.

[0219] Embodiment 14 - A battery pack according to Embodiment 13, wherein the battery pack is packaged in a package, and wherein the circuit interrupter moves from the first position to the second position when the battery pack is at least partially removed from the package.

[0220] Embodiment 15 - A battery pack according to Embodiment 13 or 14, wherein the circuit interrupter includes a graspable tab extending from the battery pack.

[0221] Embodiment 16 - A battery pack according to Embodiment 13, 14 or 15, wherein the battery comprises a CR123a battery.

[0222] Embodiment 17 - A battery pack according to Embodiment 13, 14, 15 or 16, wherein at least one of the batteries is rechargeable.

[0223] Example 18 - A battery pack according to Example 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17, wherein the battery is electrically disconnected when the battery pack is detached from the surgical instrument.

[0224] Example Set 3

[0225] Embodiment 1 - A surgical instrument, comprising a nail magazine, an anvil, a firing member, an elongated channel and a firing lock. The nail magazine comprises a magazine body, nails, a magazine tray releasably attached to the nail magazine, and a sliding member configured to eject the nails from the nail magazine. The sliding member is capable of moving from a proximal position to a distal position. One of the anvil and the nail magazine is capable of moving relative to the other of the anvil and the nail magazine. The anvil comprises an anvil slot. The firing member is configured to enable the sliding member to move from the proximal position to the distal position to eject the nails from the nail magazine during a firing stroke. The firing member comprises a cutting edge, a first cam member, a second cam member and a distal protrusion, the second cam member being configured to engage the anvil slot during the firing stroke. The elongated channel is configured to receive the nail magazine. When the nail magazine is received in the elongated channel, a longitudinal cavity is defined between the magazine tray and the elongated channel. The longitudinal cavity is configured to receive the first cam member during the firing stroke. The elongated channel includes a channel opening. The lockout is activated when the staple cartridge is not positioned in the elongated channel or when the staple cartridge is positioned in the elongated channel but the slide is not in the proximal position. The firing member engages a distal end of the channel opening to prevent the firing member from performing the firing stroke when the lockout is activated. The lockout is ineffective when the slide is in the proximal position and the distal protrusion of the firing member engages the slide and prevents the firing member from engaging the channel opening.

[0226] Example 2 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, wherein the sliding member is configured to align the first cam member with the longitudinal cavity and the second cam member with the anvil slot when the lockout member fails.

[0227] Example 3 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the nail magazine is replaceable.

[0228] Example 4 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, 2 or 3, wherein when the lockout is enabled, the firing member is biased into the channel opening by a biasing member.

[0229] Example 5 - A surgical instrument according to Example 4, wherein the sliding member includes a proximal cam portion, which is configured to cam engage the distal protrusion of the firing member to overcome the force of the biasing member and disable the locking member.

[0230] Example 6 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein when the locking member fails, the firing member is lifted out of the channel opening by the sliding member.

[0231] Embodiment 7-A surgical instrument, the surgical instrument comprising a nail magazine, an anvil, a firing member, an elongated channel and a biasing member. The nail magazine comprises a magazine body, a nail, a magazine tray releasably attached to the nail magazine, and a sliding member configured to eject the nail from the nail magazine. The sliding member is movable from a proximal position to a distal position. One of the anvil and the nail magazine is movable relative to the other of the anvil and the nail magazine. The anvil comprises an anvil slot. The firing member is configured to enable the sliding member to move from the proximal position to the distal position to eject the nail from the nail magazine during a firing stroke. The firing member comprises a cutting edge, a first cam member, a second cam member and a distal protrusion, the second cam member being configured to engage the anvil slot during the firing stroke. The elongated channel is configured to receive the nail magazine. When the nail magazine is received in the elongated channel, a longitudinal cavity is defined between the magazine tray and the elongated channel. The longitudinal cavity is configured to receive the first cam member during the firing stroke. The elongated channel includes a channel opening. The biasing member is configured to apply a biasing force to the firing member and move the firing member into the channel opening when the slider is not in the proximal position. When the firing member is positioned in the channel opening, the firing member is prevented from performing the firing stroke. When the slider is in the proximal position and engages the distal protrusion of the firing member, the biasing force of the biasing member is overcome. When the slider engages the distal protrusion, the firing member is removed from the channel opening.

[0232] Example 8 - A surgical instrument according to Example 7, wherein the slide is configured to align the first cam member with the longitudinal cavity and the second cam member with the anvil slot when the slide is in the proximal position.

[0233] Example 9 - A surgical instrument according to Example 7 or 8, wherein the nail magazine is replaceable.

[0234] Example 10 - A surgical instrument according to Example 7, 8 or 9, wherein the sliding member includes a proximal cam portion, which is configured to cam engage the distal protrusion of the firing member to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member.

[0235] Example 11 - A surgical instrument according to Example 7, 8, 9 or 10, wherein the firing member is lifted out of the channel opening by the slide when the slide is in the proximal position.

[0236] Embodiment 12-A surgical instrument, the surgical instrument comprising a nail magazine, an anvil, a firing member, an elongated channel and a locking member. The nail magazine comprises a magazine body, a nail, a magazine plate releasably attached to the nail magazine, and a sliding member configured to eject the nail from the nail magazine. The sliding member is movable from a proximal position to a distal position. The sliding member comprises a proximal cam portion. One of the anvil and the nail magazine is movable relative to the other of the anvil and the nail magazine. The anvil comprises an anvil slot. The firing member is configured to enable the sliding member to move from the proximal position to the distal position to eject the nail from the nail magazine during a firing stroke. The firing member comprises a cutting edge, a first cam member, a second cam member and a distal protrusion, the second cam member being configured to engage the anvil slot during the firing stroke. The elongated channel is configured to receive the nail magazine. When the staple cartridge is received in the elongated channel, a longitudinal cavity is defined between the cartridge tray and the elongated channel. The longitudinal cavity is configured to receive the first cam member during the firing stroke. The elongated channel includes a channel opening. The lockout is configured to prevent the firing member from performing the firing stroke when the slide is not in the proximal position. The firing member is configured to engage the channel opening when the slide is not in the proximal position. The lockout is also configured to allow the firing member to perform the firing stroke when the staple cartridge is positioned in the elongated channel, the slide is in the proximal position, and the proximal cam portion of the slide engages the distal protrusion of the firing member and moves the firing member out of engagement with the channel opening.

[0237] Example 13 - A surgical instrument according to Example 12, wherein the sliding member is configured to align the first cam member with the longitudinal cavity and the second cam member with the anvil slot when the proximal cam portion engages the distal protrusion of the firing member.

[0238] Example 14 - A surgical instrument according to Example 12 or 13, wherein the nail magazine is replaceable.

[0239] Example 15 - A surgical instrument according to Example 12, 13 or 14, wherein the firing member is biased into the channel opening by a biasing member when the sliding member is not in the proximal position.

[0240] Example 16 - A surgical instrument according to Example 15, wherein the proximal cam portion of the sliding member is configured to cam engage the distal protrusion of the firing member to overcome the force of the biasing member, thereby allowing the firing member to perform the firing stroke.

[0241] Example 17 - A surgical instrument according to Examples 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, wherein when the proximal cam portion engages the distal protrusion of the firing member, the firing member is lifted toward the anvil.

[0242] Example Set 4

[0243] Embodiment 1 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated channel, an anvil, a nail magazine, a firing member and a locking key. The elongated channel comprises a locking shoulder. The nail magazine comprises a nail and a sliding member, the sliding member being capable of moving from a proximal end position to an intermediate position and then to a distal position during a nail firing stroke. The firing member is capable of moving distally to advance the sliding member through the nail magazine during the nail firing stroke, thereby ejecting the nail from the nail magazine. The firing member comprises a cutting edge, a first cam member and a second cam member, and a locking key, the first cam member being configured to engage the elongated channel during the nail firing stroke, the second cam member being configured to engage the anvil during the nail firing stroke, and the locking key being movably mounted to the sliding member. The locking key is capable of moving between an unactuated position and an actuated position during the nail firing stroke. When the locking key moves from the unactuated position toward the actuated position, the key lifts the firing member above the locking shoulder.

[0244] Example 2 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, wherein the locking key includes a rotating member, which is configured to rotate relative to the sliding member, and wherein when the sliding member moves from the proximal end position to the intermediate position, the rotating member is capable of moving between a starting position and a rotated position.

[0245] Example 3 - A surgical instrument according to Example 2, wherein the rotating member lifts the firing member above the locking shoulder when the slide moves from the proximal end position to the intermediate position.

[0246] Example 4 - A surgical instrument according to Example 2 or 3, wherein the nail magazine also includes a protrusion, which is configured to engage the rotating member when the sliding member moves from the proximal end position to the intermediate position so as to move the rotating member from the starting position to the rotation position.

[0247] Example 5 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the firing member includes a laterally extending member between the first cam member and the second cam member, and wherein when the locking key moves from the unactuated position toward the actuated position, the locking key lifts the laterally extending member above the locking shoulder.

[0248] Example 6 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the nail magazine is replaceable.

[0249] Example 7 - A surgical instrument comprising an elongated channel, an anvil, a nail magazine, a firing member and a locking key. The elongated channel includes a blocking member. The nail magazine includes a nail and a sliding member, which can move from a proximal end position to an intermediate position and then to a distal position during a nail firing stroke. The firing member can move distally to advance the sliding member through the nail magazine during the nail firing stroke, thereby ejecting the nail from the nail magazine. The firing member includes a cutting edge. The locking key can be movably mounted to the sliding member. The locking key can move between an unactuated position and an actuated position during the nail firing stroke. When the locking key moves from the unactuated position toward the actuated position, the locking key lifts the firing member above the blocking member.

[0250] Example 8 - A surgical instrument according to Example 7, wherein the locking key includes a rotating member, which is configured to rotate relative to the sliding member, and wherein when the sliding member moves from the proximal end position to the intermediate position, the rotating member is capable of moving from a starting position to a rotated position.

[0251] Example 9 - A surgical instrument according to Example 8, wherein the rotating member lifts the firing member above the blocking member when the slide moves from the proximal end position toward the intermediate position.

[0252] Example 10 - A surgical instrument according to Example 8 or 9, wherein the nail magazine also includes a protrusion, which is configured to engage the rotating member and cause the rotating member to move from the starting position to the rotation position when the sliding member moves from the proximal end position to the intermediate position.

[0253] Example 11 - A surgical instrument according to Example 7, 8, 9 or 10, wherein the nail magazine is replaceable.

[0254] Example 12 - A surgical instrument comprising an anvil, a nail magazine, an elongated channel and a firing member. The nail magazine comprises a nail and a sliding member, the sliding member being capable of moving from a proximal end position to an intermediate position and then to a distal end position during a nail firing stroke. The elongated channel is configured to receive the nail magazine. The elongated channel comprises a locking shoulder. The firing member is capable of moving distally to advance the sliding member through the nail magazine during the nail firing stroke, thereby ejecting the nail from the nail magazine. The sliding member is configured to enable the firing member to transition from a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, in which the locking configuration is prevented from advancing distally by the locking shoulder, and in which the firing member is allowed to advance distally. When the sliding member moves from the proximal end position to the intermediate position, the firing member transitions from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

[0255] Example 13 - A surgical instrument according to Example 12, wherein the firing member is in the locked configuration when the nail magazine is not present in the slender channel.

[0256] Example 14 - A surgical instrument according to Example 12 or 13, wherein the locking shoulder includes a distal end of the opening in the slender channel.

[0257] Example 15 - A surgical instrument according to Example 12, 13 or 14, wherein the firing member further comprises a cutting edge, a first cam member and a second cam member, the first cam member being configured to engage the anvil during the nail firing stroke, and the second cam member being configured to engage the elongated channel during the nail firing stroke.

[0258] Example 16 - A surgical instrument according to Example 12, wherein the firing member is biased into the locked configuration by a biasing member, and wherein the biasing member applies a biasing force on the firing member.

[0259] Example 17 - A surgical instrument according to Example 16, wherein the slide is configured to lift the firing member above the locking shoulder and overcome the biasing force of the biasing member when the slide moves from the proximal end position to the intermediate position.

[0260] Example 18 - A surgical instrument according to Example 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17, wherein the sliding member includes a locking key, which is capable of moving from an unactuated position to an actuated position when the sliding member moves from the proximal end position to the intermediate position, and wherein, when the locking key moves toward the actuated position, the locking key lifts the firing member above the locking shoulder.

[0261] Example 19 - A surgical instrument according to Example 18, wherein the locking key is configured to engage a protrusion in the nail magazine to move the locking key from the unactuated position to the actuated position.

[0262] Example 20 - A surgical instrument according to Example 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19, wherein the nail magazine is replaceable.

[0263] Example 5

[0264] Embodiment 1 - A surgical instrument for fastening and suturing tissue. The surgical instrument includes an end effector, a firing member, and a housing. The firing member is configured to move relative to the end effector during a firing stroke. The housing includes a drive rack operably engaged with the firing member, a drive gear operably engaged with the drive rack, and a brushless motor operably engaged with the drive gear. The brushless motor is configured to transmit a rotational motion to the drive gear. The housing also includes a power source, an access opening, a channel door, a control circuit, and an emergency lever, wherein the power source is configured to supply power to the brushless motor, the channel door covers the access opening, the control circuit is configured to control the power supply from the power source to the brushless motor, and the emergency lever is accessible to a user of the surgical instrument through the access opening. The emergency lever is configured to be manually actuated by a user of the surgical instrument between an unactuated position and an actuated position to retract the drive rack and the firing member. The brushless motor is driven in reverse when the emergency lever moves from the unactuated position toward the actuated position.

[0265] Example 2 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, wherein the control circuit includes an emergency switch, wherein the emergency switch is in a closed state when the access door is closed, and wherein the emergency switch is in an open state when the access door is open.

[0266] Example 3 - A surgical instrument according to Example 2, wherein the control circuit is configured to allow power to flow from the power source to the brushless motor when the emergency switch is in the closed state, and wherein the control circuit is configured to prevent power from flowing from the power source to the brushless motor when the emergency switch is in the open state.

[0267] Example 4 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, 2 or 3, wherein the control circuit includes a pulse width modulation control circuit, which is configured to control the speed of the brushless motor during the firing stroke.

[0268] Example 5 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the power source includes a replaceable battery pack.

[0269] Example 6 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the brushless motor comprises a brushless DC motor.

[0270] Example 7 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the firing member is configured to perform a plurality of the firing strokes.

[0271] Example 8 - A surgical instrument for fastening and cutting tissue. The surgical instrument includes a firing member, a drive assembly, a control circuit, and an emergency lever. The firing member is capable of moving distally during a firing stroke. The drive assembly includes a drive rack operably engaged with the firing member, a drive gear operably engaged with the drive rack, and a brushless motor operably engaged with the drive gear. The brushless motor is configured to transmit a rotational motion to the drive gear. The control circuit is configured to control the supply of power from a power source to the brushless motor. The emergency lever is configured to be manually actuated by a user of the surgical instrument between an unactuated position and an actuated position to retract the firing member. When the emergency lever moves from the unactuated position to the actuated position, the brushless motor is driven in reverse.

[0272] Example 9 - The surgical instrument according to Example 8 further comprises a housing configured to receive the drive assembly. The housing comprises an access opening and a channel door covering the access opening.

[0273] Example 10 - A surgical instrument according to Example 9, wherein the emergency lever is accessible through the access opening by a user of the surgical instrument when the access door is removed.

[0274] Example 11 - A surgical instrument according to Example 10, wherein the control circuit includes an emergency switch, wherein the emergency switch is in a closed state when the access door covers the access opening, and wherein the emergency switch is in an open state when the access door is removed.

[0275] Example 12 - A surgical instrument according to Example 11, wherein the control circuit is configured to allow power to flow from the power source to the brushless motor when the emergency switch is in the closed state, and wherein the control circuit is also configured to prevent power from flowing from the power source to the brushless motor when the emergency switch is in the open state.

[0276] Example 13 - A surgical instrument according to Example 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, wherein the control circuit includes a pulse width modulation control circuit, which is configured to control the speed of the brushless motor at various times during the firing stroke.

[0277] Example 14 - A surgical instrument according to Example 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, wherein the power source includes a replaceable battery pack.

[0278] Example 15 - A surgical instrument according to Example 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14, wherein the power source comprises a battery.

[0279] Example 16 - A surgical instrument according to Examples 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, wherein the surgical instrument further comprises an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises a nail magazine, wherein the nail magazine comprises a plurality of nails configured to be ejected therefrom during the firing stroke.

[0280] Example 17 - A surgical instrument for fastening and cutting tissue. The surgical instrument includes a firing member, a housing, an emergency lever, and a control circuit. The firing member is capable of moving to complete a firing stroke. The housing includes a drive rack operably engaged with the firing member, a drive gear operably engaged with the drive rack, and a brushless motor operably engaged with the drive gear. The brushless motor is configured to transmit a rotational motion to the drive gear. The housing also includes an access opening and a cover releasably attached to the housing to cover the access opening. When the cover is disengaged from the housing, the emergency lever is accessible to a user of the surgical instrument through the access opening. The emergency lever is configured to be manually actuated by the user of the surgical instrument between an unactuated position and an actuated position to retract the firing member. When the emergency lever moves from the unactuated position to the actuated position, the brushless motor is driven in reverse. The control circuit is configured to control the supply of power from a power source to the brushless motor. The control circuit is configured to prevent the power source from supplying power to the brushless motor when the cover is detached from the housing.

[0281] Example 18 - A surgical instrument according to Example 17, wherein the control circuit includes a pulse width modulation control circuit, which is configured to control the speed of the brushless motor at various times during the firing stroke.

[0282] Example 19 - A surgical instrument according to Example 17 or 18, wherein the power source comprises a replaceable battery pack.

[0283] Example 20 - A surgical instrument according to Example 17, 18 or 19, wherein the power source comprises a battery.

[0284] Example 6

[0285] Embodiment 1 - A surgical instrument comprising a handle, an elongated shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint, an articulation knob, a first articulation member, a second articulation member, and an articulation lock. The elongated shaft extends from the handle and defines a shaft axis. The end effector comprises a plurality of pawls. The end effector is rotatably coupled to the elongated shaft around an articulation axis via the articulation joint. The articulation knob is rotatable between a non-articulation position and an articulation position. The first articulation member is attached to a first side of the end effector and the articulation knob. The second articulation member is attached to a second side of the end effector and the articulation knob. The articulation lock comprises a locking member configured to be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locking member is engaged with the pawl of the end effector and wherein the locking member is disengaged from the end effector. The locking member is movable between the locked position and the unlocked position via the articulation knob. When the articulation knob is moved from the non-articulated position toward the articulated position, the first and second articulation members move in opposite directions to articulate the end effector about the articulation axis.

[0286] Example 2 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, wherein the locking member moves proximally when the locking member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0287] Example 3 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the locking member is biased to the locking position by a biasing member.

[0288] Example 4 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, 2 or 3, wherein the locking member includes a bracket, the bracket includes a protrusion configured to engage the articulation knob, and wherein the bracket surrounds a portion of the articulation knob.

[0289] Example 5 - A surgical instrument according to Example 4, wherein the articulation knob includes a plurality of knob detents, and wherein when the articulation knob moves from the non-articulation position toward the articulation position, the knob detents engage the protrusion and cause the bracket and the locking member to move proximally.

[0290] Example 6 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the end actuator includes a nail magazine.

[0291] Example 7 - A surgical instrument comprising a handle, an elongated shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint, an articulation knob, a first articulation member, a second articulation member, and an articulation lock. The elongated shaft extends from the handle and defines a shaft axis. The end effector comprises a plurality of pawls. The end effector is rotatably coupled to the elongated shaft by the articulation joint about an articulation axis. The articulation knob is capable of rotating between a non-articulation position and an articulation position. The first articulation member is attached to a first side of the end effector and the articulation knob. The second articulation member is attached to a second side of the end effector and the articulation knob. Rotation of the articulation knob causes the first articulation member and the second articulation member to move in opposite directions so that the end effector articulates about the articulation axis. The articulation lock comprises a distal locking member and a proximal locking member. The distal locking member is capable of selectively engaging with the end effector. When the distal locking member engages with the end effector, the end effector is prevented from rotating. The proximal locking member is operatively engageable with the articulation knob. The articulation lock is configured to be transitionable between a locked state in which the distal locking member is engaged with the end effector and an unlocked state in which the distal locking member is disengaged from the end effector. Rotation of the articulation knob between the non-articulation position and the articulation position transitions the articulation lock from the locked state to the unlocked state and then again into the locked state.

[0292] Example 8 - A surgical instrument according to Example 7, wherein the proximal locking member moves proximally when the articulation lock transitions from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0293] Example 9 - A surgical instrument according to Example 7 or 8, wherein the articulation lock is biased to the locked state by a biasing member.

[0294] Example 10 - A surgical instrument according to Example 7, 8 or 9, wherein the proximal locking member includes a bracket, the bracket includes a protrusion configured to engage the joint motion knob, and wherein the bracket surrounds a portion of the joint motion knob.

[0295] Example 11 - A surgical instrument according to Example 10, wherein the articulation knob includes a plurality of knob detents, and wherein when the articulation knob moves from the non-articulation position toward the articulation position, the knob detents engage the protrusion and cause the bracket and the proximal locking member to move proximally.

[0296] Example 12 - A surgical instrument according to Example 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein the end actuator includes a nail magazine.

[0297] Example 13 - A surgical instrument comprising a handle, an elongated shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint, an articulation knob, an articulation member, and an articulation lock. The elongated shaft extends from the handle and defines an axis. The end effector comprises a plurality of pawls. The end effector is rotatably coupled to the elongated shaft around an articulation axis via the articulation joint. The articulation knob is rotatable between a non-rotating position and a rotating position. The articulation member is attached to the end effector and the articulation knob. The articulation member is movable between a proximal position and a distal position. The articulation lock comprises a locking member configured to be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locking member engages with the pawl of the end effector and wherein the locking member disengages from the end effector in the unlocked position. The locking member is movable between the locked position and the unlocked position via the articulation knob. The articulation member moves between the proximal position and the distal position to articulate the end effector about the articulation axis when the articulation knob moves from the non-rotated position toward a rotated position.

[0298] Example 14 - A surgical instrument according to Example 13, wherein the locking member includes a bracket, the bracket includes a protrusion configured to engage the articulation knob, and wherein the bracket surrounds a portion of the articulation knob.

[0299] Example 15 - A surgical instrument according to Example 14, wherein the joint motion knob includes a plurality of knob detents, and wherein when the joint motion knob moves from the non-rotational position toward the rotational position, the knob detents engage the protrusion and cause the bracket and the locking member to move proximally.

[0300] Example 16 - A surgical instrument according to Example 13, 14 or 15, wherein the end actuator includes a nail magazine.

[0301] Embodiment 17 - A surgical instrument comprising a handle, an elongated shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint, an articulation knob, an articulation member, and an articulation lock. The elongated shaft extends from the handle and defines an axis. The end effector comprises a plurality of pawls. The end effector is rotatably connected to the elongated shaft around an articulation axis via the articulation joint. The articulation knob is capable of rotating between a non-rotating position and a rotating position. The articulation member is attached to the end effector and the articulation knob. The articulation member is capable of moving between a proximal position and a distal position. The articulation lock comprises a distal locking member and a proximal locking member. The distal locking member is capable of selectively engaging with the end effector. When the distal locking member engages with the end effector, the end effector is prevented from rotating. The proximal locking member is capable of operatively engaging with the articulation knob. The articulation lock is configured to be transitionable between a locked state in which the distal locking member is engaged with the end effector and an unlocked state in which the distal locking member is disengaged from the end effector. Rotation of the articulation knob between the non-rotated position and the rotated position causes the articulation lock to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state and then to re-enter the locked state.

[0302] Example 18 - A surgical instrument according to Example 17, wherein the proximal locking member includes a bracket, the bracket includes a protrusion configured to engage the articulation knob, and wherein the bracket surrounds a portion of the articulation knob.

[0303] Example 19 - A surgical instrument according to Example 18, wherein the joint motion knob includes a plurality of knob detents, and wherein when the joint motion knob moves from the non-rotational position toward the rotational position, the knob detents engage the protrusion and cause the bracket and the proximal locking member to move proximally.

[0304] Example 20 - A surgical instrument according to Example 17, 18 or 19, wherein the end actuator includes a nail magazine.

[0305] Example 7

[0306] Embodiment 1-A powered surgical stapler for suturing and cutting tissues, the powered surgical stapler comprising a handle, an elongated shaft extending from the handle, an end effector extending from the elongated shaft, a firing member and an articulated joint. The handle comprises a motor, a battery pack and a control circuit, the motor being configured to produce a rotational motion, the battery pack being configured to supply power to the motor, and the control circuit being configured to control the power supply from the battery pack to the motor. The control circuit comprises a conformal coating, which seals the control circuit from the environment. The handle also comprises a firing trigger and a closing trigger. The firing trigger is capable of moving between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The closing trigger is capable of moving between an unclamped position and a clamped position. The end effector comprises an elongated channel and an anvil. The elongated channel is configured to receive a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples removably stored in the staple cartridge. The anvil is capable of moving between an open position and a closed position relative to the elongated channel. The end actuator is configured to capture patient tissue between the anvil and the nail magazine when the anvil moves toward the closed position. When the closing trigger moves from the un-clamped position toward the clamped position, the anvil moves from the open position toward the closed position. The firing member can move from the un-fired position to the fired position during the firing stroke to eject the nail from the nail magazine and cut the patient tissue. The firing member is configured to perform the firing stroke when the firing trigger moves from the un-actuated position toward the actuated position. The firing member can only perform the firing stroke when the closing trigger is in the clamped position. The end actuator is configured to rotate around the articulated joint relative to the elongated shaft.

[0307] Example 2 - A powered surgical stapler as described in Example 1, wherein the conformal coating is configured to withstand a sterilization autoclave cycle.

[0308] Example 3 - A powered surgical stapler according to Example 2, wherein the sterilization autoclave cycle includes a temperature range of 140 degrees Celsius to 170 degrees Celsius.

[0309] Example 4 - A powered surgical stapler as described in Example 1, 2 or 3, wherein the conformal coating comprises a sealant that flows onto the control circuit.

[0310] Example 5 - A powered surgical stapler according to Example 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the control circuit includes a switch and an elastomeric diaphragm covering the switch, wherein the elastomeric diaphragm is configured to seal the switch from the environment.

[0311] Example 6 - A powered surgical stapler according to Example 5, wherein the switch comprises a manually actuatable rocker switch.

[0312] Example 7 - According to the powered surgical stapler of Example 5 or 6, the powered surgical stapler also includes a gasket seal positioned between the switch and the conformal coating, wherein the gasket seal is configured to seal the control circuit from the environment.

[0313] Example 8 - A powered surgical stapler according to Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the control circuit includes an electrical port, wherein the powered surgical stapler further includes an electrical wiring harness electrically connected to the electrical port and a gasket seal positioned between the electrical port and the electrical wiring harness, and wherein the gasket seal is configured to seal the control circuit from the environment.

[0314] Embodiment 9-A powered surgical stapler for suturing and cutting tissue. The powered surgical stapler includes a handle. The handle includes a motor, a control circuit, a firing trigger, and a closing trigger. The motor is configured to produce a rotational motion. The control circuit is configured to control the power supply from the power source to the motor. The control circuit includes a printed circuit board, electrical components mounted to the printed circuit board, and a coating above the printed circuit board and the electrical components, the coating sealing the control circuit from the environment. The firing trigger is capable of moving between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The closing trigger is capable of moving between an unclamped position and a clamped position.

[0315] Example 10 - A powered surgical stapler according to Example 9, wherein the coating is configured to withstand a sterilization autoclave cycle.

[0316] Example 11 - A powered surgical stapler according to Example 10, wherein the sterilization autoclave cycle includes a temperature range of 140 degrees Celsius to 170 degrees Celsius.

[0317] Example 12 - A powered surgical stapler according to Example 9, 10 or 11, wherein the coating comprises a sealant that can flow onto the control circuit.

[0318] Example 13 - A powered surgical stapler according to Example 9, 10, 11 or 12, wherein the control circuit includes a switch and an elastomeric diaphragm covering the switch, wherein the elastomeric diaphragm is configured to seal the switch from the environment.

[0319] Example 14 - A powered surgical stapler as described in Example 13, wherein the switch comprises a manually actuatable rocker switch.

[0320] Example 15 - A powered surgical stapler according to Example 13 or 14, further comprising a gasket seal positioned between the switch and the coating, wherein the gasket seal is configured to seal the control circuit from the environment.

[0321] Example 16 - A powered surgical stapler according to Examples 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, wherein the control circuit includes an electrical port, wherein the powered surgical stapler further includes an electrical wiring harness electrically connected to the electrical port and a gasket seal positioned between the electrical port and the electrical wiring harness, and wherein the gasket seal is configured to seal the control circuit from the environment.

[0322] Example 17 - A powered surgical stapler for suturing and cutting tissue. The powered surgical stapler includes a handle, an elongated shaft extending from the handle, an end effector extending from the elongated shaft, and a firing member. The handle includes a motor, a power group, a control circuit, a firing trigger, and a closing trigger. The motor is configured to generate a rotational motion. The power group is configured to supply power to the motor. The power group is releasably attached to the handle. The control circuit is configured to control the power supply from the power group to the motor. The control circuit includes a conformal coating that prevents the control circuit from being exposed to the surrounding environment. The firing trigger is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The closing trigger is movable between an unclamped position and a clamped position. The end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and an elongated channel. The second jaw is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the first jaw to clamp patient tissue between the first jaw and the second jaw. When the closing trigger moves from the un-clamped position toward the clamped position, the second jaw moves from the open position toward the closed position. The elongated channel is configured to receive a nail magazine. The nail magazine includes a plurality of nails that can be removably stored in the nail magazine. The firing member can move from an un-fired position to a fired position during a firing stroke to eject the nails from the nail magazine and cut the patient tissue. The firing member is configured to perform the firing stroke when the firing trigger moves from the un-actuated position toward the actuated position. The firing member can only perform the firing stroke when the closing trigger is in the clamped position.

[0323] Example 18 - A powered surgical stapler as described in Example 17, wherein the conformal coating is configured to withstand a sterilization autoclave cycle.

[0324] Example 19 - A powered surgical stapler according to Example 18, wherein the sterilization autoclave cycle includes a temperature range of 140 degrees Celsius to 170 degrees Celsius.

[0325] Example 20 - A powered surgical stapler as described in Example 17, 18 or 19, wherein the conformal coating comprises a sealant that flows onto the control circuit.

[0326] Example Set 8

[0327] Example 1 - A sterile packaging assembly configured to receive a surgical instrument. The sterile packaging assembly includes a vacuum molded tray and a particle trap. The vacuum molded tray includes an instrument cavity configured to receive the surgical instrument and a trap cavity. The particle trap is positioned in the trap cavity. The particle trap includes a housing including a funnel-shaped side terminating in an opening. The opening is in communication with a chamber defined in the particle trap.

[0328] Embodiment 2 - The sterile packaging assembly of Embodiment 1, wherein the particle trap further comprises an adhesive positioned in the chamber.

[0329] Embodiment 3 - The sterile packaging assembly of Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the particle trap is opaque.

[0330] Embodiment 4 - The sterile packaging assembly of Embodiment 1, 2 or 3, wherein the particle trap is the same color as the vacuum molded tray.

[0331] Example 5 - A sterile packaging assembly according to Example 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the particle trap further comprises a sound insulating material.

[0332] Embodiment 6 - A sterile packaging assembly according to Embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the housing includes another funnel-shaped side terminating in another opening communicating with the chamber.

[0333] Example 7 - The sterile packaging assembly of Example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the particle trap is not visible when the surgical instrument is positioned in the sterile packaging assembly.

[0334] Example 8 - A sterile packaging assembly according to Example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the vacuum molded tray includes another trap cavity, and wherein the sterile packaging assembly includes another particle trap positioned in the other trap cavity.

[0335] Example 9 - A sterile packaging assembly configured to receive a surgical instrument. The sterile packaging assembly includes a tray and a hollow particle trap. The tray includes an instrument cavity configured to receive the surgical instrument and a trap cavity. The hollow particle trap is positioned in the trap cavity. The hollow particle trap includes a funnel-shaped surface terminating in an opening.

[0336] Example 10 - The sterile packaging assembly according to Example 9, further comprising an adhesive positioned inside the hollow particle trap.

[0337] Embodiment 11 - According to the sterile packaging assembly of embodiment 9 or 10, wherein the hollow particle trap is opaque.

[0338] Embodiment 12 - The sterile packaging assembly of Embodiment 9, 10 or 11, wherein the hollow particle trap is the same color as the tray.

[0339] Example 13 - A sterile packaging assembly according to Example 9, 10, 11 or 12, wherein the hollow particle trap further comprises a sound insulating material.

[0340] Embodiment 14 - A sterile packaging assembly according to Embodiment 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, wherein the hollow particle trap further comprises another funnel-shaped surface terminating in another opening.

[0341] Example 15 - A sterile packaging assembly according to Example 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14, wherein the hollow particle trap is not visible when the surgical instrument is positioned in the tray.

[0342] Example 16 - A sterile packaging assembly according to Example 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, wherein the tray further comprises another trap cavity, wherein the sterile packaging assembly further comprises another hollow particle trap positionable in the another trap cavity.

[0343] Example 17 - A sterile packaging assembly comprising a surgical instrument, a tray, and a particle trap. The tray comprises an instrument cavity configured to receive the surgical instrument and a particle trap cavity. The particle trap is positioned in the particle trap cavity. The particle trap comprises a funnel-shaped surface terminating in an opening. The opening is in communication with a chamber defined in the particle trap.

[0344] Embodiment 18 - The particle trap of Embodiment 17, further comprising an adhesive positioned in the chamber, wherein the adhesive is configured to trap particles thereon.

[0345] Embodiment 19 - The particle trap of Embodiment 17 or 18, wherein the particle trap is opaque.

[0346] Embodiment 20 - The particle trap of Embodiment 17, 18 or 19, wherein the particle trap further comprises a sound insulating material.

[0347] Example Set 9

[0348] Embodiment 1 - A nail magazine, the nail magazine comprising a magazine body, a longitudinal slot defined in the magazine body, and a platform surface positioned on a first side of the longitudinal slot. The platform surface comprises a plurality of nail cavity openings. The nail magazine also comprises nails removably stored in the nail cavity openings, a honeycomb extension extending above the platform surface, and a plurality of through holes defined in the honeycomb extensions. Each through hole is aligned with a corresponding nail cavity opening. Each through hole is larger than the corresponding nail cavity opening. The through holes are configured to prevent the flow of tissue when the nails are ejected from the nail cavity openings during a nail firing stroke.

[0349] Embodiment 2 - A nail magazine according to embodiment 1, wherein each nail cavity opening defines a first perimeter, wherein each through hole defines a second perimeter, and wherein the second perimeter is aligned with the first perimeter portion.

[0350] Embodiment 3 - A nail magazine according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the platform surface includes a first platform surface, and wherein the nail magazine also includes a second platform surface positioned below the first platform surface.

[0351] Embodiment 4 - A nail magazine according to Embodiment 3, wherein the second platform surface has a second total surface area that is smaller than the first total surface area of ​​the first platform surface.

[0352] Embodiment 5 - A nail magazine according to Embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the second deck surface does not surround any of the nail cavity openings.

[0353] Embodiment 6 - A nail magazine, the nail magazine comprising a magazine body, a longitudinal slot defined in the magazine body, and a platform surface positioned on a first side of the longitudinal slot. The platform surface comprises a plurality of nail cavity openings. The nail magazine also comprises nails that are removably stored in the nail cavity openings. The nail magazine also comprises a grid extension extending above the platform surface. The grid extension comprises a plurality of through holes defined in the grid extension. Each through hole is aligned with a corresponding nail cavity opening. Each through hole is larger than the corresponding nail cavity opening. The through holes are configured to prevent the flow of tissue when the nails are fired.

[0354] Example 7 - A nail magazine according to Example 6, wherein each nail cavity opening defines a first perimeter, wherein each through-hole defines a second perimeter, and wherein the second perimeter is aligned with the first perimeter portion.

[0355] Embodiment 8 - A nail magazine according to Embodiment 6 or 7, wherein the platform surface includes a first platform surface, and wherein the nail magazine also includes a second platform surface positioned below the first platform surface.

[0356] Embodiment 9 - A nail magazine according to Embodiment 8, wherein the second platform surface has a second total surface area that is smaller than the first total surface area of ​​the first platform surface.

[0357] Embodiment 10 - A nail magazine according to Embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the second deck surface does not surround any of the nail cavity openings.

[0358] Embodiment 11-A nail magazine for use with a surgical instrument, the surgical instrument including an anvil. One of the nail magazine and the anvil is capable of moving between an open position and a closed position relative to the other of the nail magazine and the anvil. The nail magazine includes a magazine body, a longitudinal slot defined in the magazine body, and a nail magazine platform defined in the magazine body. The nail magazine platform includes a first platform surface and a second platform surface. The first platform surface includes a plurality of openings. When the nail magazine and the anvil are in the closed position, the first surface is positioned at a first distance from the anvil. The second platform surface includes a plurality of nail cavity openings. When the nail magazine and the anvil are in the closed position, the second surface is positioned at a second distance from the anvil. The second distance is greater than the first distance. Each opening of the first surface is aligned with a corresponding nail cavity opening of the second surface. The opening of the first surface is greater than the nail cavity opening of the second surface. The opening of the first surface is configured to prevent the flow of tissue when the nail magazine is fired.

[0359] Embodiment 12 - A nail magazine according to Embodiment 11, wherein the openings of the first surface are arranged in a honeycomb pattern.

[0360] Embodiment 13 - A nail magazine according to Embodiment 11 or 12, wherein the opening of the first surface is different in shape from the nail cavity opening of the second surface.

[0361] Embodiment 14 - A nail magazine according to Embodiment 11, 12 or 13, wherein the nail cavity openings of the second surface are the same shape, and wherein the openings of the first surface have a shape different from the same shape.

[0362] Embodiment 15 - A nail magazine according to Embodiment 11, 12, 13 or 14, wherein the opening of the first surface is different in size from another opening of the first surface.

[0363] Embodiment 16 - A nail magazine according to Embodiment 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, wherein the opening of the first surface defines a first shape, wherein another opening of the first surface defines a second shape, and wherein the first shape and the second shape are different.

[0364] Embodiment 17 - According to the nail magazine described in embodiment 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, the nail magazine also includes a third platform surface positioned below the first platform surface and the second platform surface.

[0365] Embodiment 18 - The staple cartridge of Embodiment 17, wherein the third deck surface has a second total surface area that is less than the total surface area of ​​the second deck surface.

[0366] Embodiment 19 - The nail magazine of embodiment 17 or 18, wherein the third planar surface does not surround either the opening of the first platform surface or the nail cavity opening of the second platform surface.

[0367] Embodiment 20 - A nail magazine according to Embodiment 17, 18 or 19, wherein the first platform surface, the second platform surface and the third platform surface are positioned on one side of the longitudinal slot.

[0368] Example 10

[0369] Embodiment 1 - A nail magazine, the nail magazine comprising a magazine body. The magazine body comprises a longitudinal slot, a platform surface and a plurality of nail cavities defined in the magazine body. The magazine body also comprises a plurality of cylindrical protrusions extending from the platform surface. The outer diameter of each cylindrical protrusion is flush with one of the proximal end wall and the distal end wall of each nail cavity. The nail magazine also comprises nails that can be removably stored in the nail cavities.

[0370] Embodiment 2 - A nail magazine according to Embodiment 1, wherein the cylindrical protrusions are not interconnected above the platform surface.

[0371] Example 3 - A nail magazine according to Example 1 or 2, wherein each cylindrical protrusion includes an end chamfer.

[0372] Embodiment 4 - A nail magazine according to Embodiment 1, 2 or 3, wherein each cylindrical protrusion includes a rounded tip.

[0373] Embodiment 5-A nail magazine, the nail magazine comprising a magazine body. The magazine body comprises a longitudinal slot, a platform surface and a plurality of nail cavities defined in the magazine body. Each nail cavity comprises a proximal end wall and a distal end wall. The magazine body also comprises a plurality of quarter-spherical protrusions extending from the platform surface. The face of each quarter-spherical protrusion is flush with one of the proximal end wall and the distal end wall of each nail cavity. The nail magazine also comprises a plurality of nails stored in the nail cavities.

[0374] Example 6 - A nail magazine according to Example 5, wherein the plurality of quarter sphere protrusions are not interconnected above the platform surface.

[0375] Example 7 - A nail magazine according to Example 5 or 6, wherein the plurality of quarter-sphere protrusions extend laterally beyond the nail cavity.

[0376] Embodiment 8-A nail magazine, the nail magazine comprising a magazine body. The magazine body comprises a longitudinal slot, a platform surface and a plurality of nail cavities defined in the magazine body. Each nail cavity comprises a proximal end wall, a distal end wall, a first lateral side extending between the proximal end wall and the distal end wall, and a second lateral side extending between the proximal end wall and the distal end wall. The second lateral side is opposite to the first lateral side. The magazine body also includes a cylindrical protrusion extending from the platform surface. The outer diameter of the cylindrical protrusion is flush with one of the proximal end wall and the distal end wall. The magazine body also includes a plurality of substantially cubic protrusions extending from the platform surface. The plurality of cubic protrusions are positioned along the first lateral side and the second lateral side. Each cubic protrusion includes a side that is flush with the first lateral side or the second lateral side. The nail magazine also includes a plurality of nails removably stored in the nail cavity.

[0377] Example 9 - According to the nail magazine described in Example 8, the nail magazine also includes a gap between the cylindrical protrusion and the cubic protrusion.

[0378] Embodiment 10 - A nail magazine according to Embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the cylindrical protrusion and the cubic protrusion are not interconnected above the platform surface.

[0379] Embodiment 11 - A nail magazine, which includes a magazine body. The magazine body includes a longitudinal slot, a platform surface and a plurality of nail cavities defined in the magazine body. Each nail cavity includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first lateral side extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a second lateral side extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The second lateral side is opposite to the first lateral side. The magazine body also includes a plurality of cylindrical protrusions extending from the platform surface. The plurality of cylindrical protrusions are positioned on either side of each nail cavity at one of the proximal end and the distal end of each nail cavity. The outer diameter of each cylindrical protrusion is flush with the first lateral side or the second lateral side of each nail cavity. The nail magazine also includes nails that can be removably stored in the nail cavities.

[0380] Example 12 - The staple cartridge of Example 11 wherein the cylindrical protrusions are not interconnected above the deck surface.

[0381] Example 13 - According to the nail magazine described in Example 11 or 12, the nail magazine also includes gaps between the cylindrical protrusions.

[0382] Embodiment 14 - A nail magazine, which includes a magazine body. The magazine body includes a longitudinal slot, a platform surface and a plurality of nail cavities defined in the magazine body. Each nail cavity includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first lateral side extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a second lateral side extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The second lateral side is opposite to the first lateral side. The magazine body also includes a plurality of substantially cubic protrusions extending from the platform surface. The plurality of cubic protrusions are positioned on either side of each nail cavity at one of the proximal end and the distal end of each nail cavity. The face of each cubic protrusion is flush with the first lateral side or the second lateral side. The nail magazine also includes nails that are removably stored in the nail cavities.

[0383] Embodiment 15 - A nail magazine according to Embodiment 14, wherein the cubic protrusions are not interconnected above the platform surface.

[0384] Embodiment 16 - A nail magazine, the nail magazine comprising a magazine body. The magazine body comprises a longitudinal slot, a platform surface and a plurality of nail cavities defined in the magazine body. Each nail cavity comprises a proximal end having a proximal end wall, a distal end having a distal end wall, a first lateral side extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a second lateral side extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The second lateral side is opposite to the first lateral side. The magazine body also includes a plurality of substantially cubic protrusions extending from the platform surface. The plurality of cubic protrusions are positioned on either side of each nail cavity at one of the proximal end and the distal end of each nail cavity. The face of each cubic protrusion is flush with the first lateral side or the second lateral side. The cubic protrusions are not interconnected above the platform surface. The magazine body also includes a plurality of cylindrical protrusions extending from the platform surface. Each cylindrical protrusion is positioned at the other of the proximal end and the distal end of each nail cavity. The outer diameter of each cylindrical protrusion is flush with one of the proximal end wall and the distal end wall of each of the plurality of nail cavities. The cylindrical protrusions are not interconnected above the platform surface. The nail magazine also includes nails that can be removably stored in the plurality of nail cavities.

[0385] Embodiment 17 - The staple cartridge of Embodiment 16, wherein the cubic protrusions and the cylindrical protrusions are not interconnected above the platform surface.

[0386] Embodiment 18 - A nail magazine, which includes a magazine body. The magazine body includes a longitudinal slot, a platform surface and a plurality of nail cavities defined in the magazine body. Each nail cavity includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first lateral side extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a second lateral side extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The second lateral side is opposite to the first lateral side. The magazine body also includes a plurality of radially rounded protrusions extending from the platform surface. The plurality of radially rounded protrusions are positioned along the first lateral side and the second lateral side. The radially rounded protrusions are not interconnected above the platform surface. The nail magazine also includes a plurality of nails stored in the nail cavities.

[0387] Embodiment 19 - The nail magazine of embodiment 18, wherein a portion of each radially rounded protrusion is flush with one of the first lateral side and the second lateral side of each nail cavity.

[0388] Embodiment 20 - A nail magazine according to Embodiment 18 or 19, wherein the radially rounded protrusion is positioned at one of the proximal end and the distal end of each nail cavity.

[0389] Example Collection 11

[0390] Embodiment 1 - A surgical instrument comprising a handle, an elongated shaft extending from the handle, and an end effector extending from the elongated shaft. The elongated shaft defines a longitudinal axis. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, the second jaw being capable of moving between an open position and a closed position relative to the first jaw. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation joint, a motor-powered articulation system, a motor-powered firing system, a closing system, a locking solenoid, a power source, and a control unit. The end effector is rotatably coupled to the elongated shaft about the articulation joint. The end effector is capable of rotating about an articulation axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. The motor-powered articulation system is configured to enable the end effector to rotate about the articulation axis. The articulation system operates in a plurality of states. The plurality of states comprises an active state and an inactive state, in which the end effector is articulating and in which the end effector is not articulating. The motor-powered firing system comprises a firing member capable of moving from an unfired position to a fired position during a firing stroke. The closure system includes a closure trigger capable of being operatively engaged with the end effector. The closure trigger is capable of being actuated relative to the handle between an unclamped position and a clamped position, wherein the second jaw is in the open position and the second jaw is in the closed position. The locking solenoid is capable of moving between an actuated position and an unactuated position, wherein the locking solenoid is engaged with a portion of the closure system and the unactuated position is not engaged with the closure system. When the locking solenoid is in the actuated position, the closure system is prevented from being actuated. The power source is configured to supply power to the articulation system, the firing system, and the locking solenoid. The control unit is configured to control the power supply from the power source to the articulation system, the firing system, and the locking solenoid. When the articulation system is in the active state, the control unit moves the locking solenoid to the actuated position and prevents the power supply from the power source to the firing system.

[0391] Example 2 - According to the surgical instrument of Example 1, the surgical instrument also includes a closure sensor in signal communication with the control unit, wherein the closure sensor is configured to detect when the closure trigger is in the clamping position.

[0392] Example 3 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is configured to prevent power from being supplied from the power source to the firing system when the closing trigger is not in the clamping position.

[0393] Example 4 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, 2 or 3, wherein one of the first jaw and the second jaw is configured to receive a nail magazine, and wherein the other of the first jaw and the second jaw includes an anvil.

[0394] Example 5 - According to the surgical instrument described in Example 4, the surgical instrument also includes the nail magazine.

[0395] Example 6 - A surgical instrument comprising a handle, an elongated shaft extending from the handle and defining a longitudinal axis, an end effector extending from the elongated shaft, an articulation joint, a powered articulation system, a powered firing system, a closure system, a locking system, a power source, and a control unit. The end effector comprises a pair of jaws capable of moving between an open position and a closed position. The end effector is rotatably coupled to the elongated shaft about the articulation joint. The end effector is capable of rotating about an articulation axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. The powered articulation system is configured to enable the end effector to rotate about the articulation axis. The articulation system is capable of operating in a variety of states. The various states include an active state and an inactive state, in which the end effector is articulating and in which the end effector is not articulating. The powered firing system comprises a firing member capable of moving from an unfired position to a fired position during a firing stroke. The closure system comprises a closure trigger capable of operatively engaging the end effector. The closed trigger can be actuated between an unclamped position and a clamped position relative to the handle, in which the end actuator is in the open position and in the clamped position, the end actuator is in the closed position. The locking system can operate in multiple states. The multiple states include a locked state and an unlocked state, in which the locking system locks the closed system and in which the locking system unlocks the closed system. When the locking system is in the locked state, the closed system is prevented from being actuated. The power source is configured to supply power to the joint motion system, the firing system and the locking system. The control unit is configured to control the power supply from the power source to the joint motion system, the firing system and the locking system. When the joint motion system is in the active state, the control unit causes the locking system to transition to the locked state and prevents the power from being supplied to the firing system from the power source.

[0396] Example 7 - According to the surgical instrument of Example 6, the surgical instrument also includes a closure sensor in signal communication with the control unit, wherein the closure sensor is configured to detect when the closure trigger is in the clamping position.

[0397] Example 8 - A surgical instrument according to Example 6 or 7, wherein the control unit is configured to prevent power from being supplied from the power source to the firing system when the closing trigger is not in the clamping position.

[0398] Example 9 - A surgical instrument according to Example 6, 7 or 8, wherein the end actuator is configured to receive a nail magazine.

[0399] Example 10 - According to the surgical instrument described in Example 9, the surgical instrument also includes the nail magazine.

[0400] Embodiment 11 - A surgical instrument, the surgical instrument comprising a handle, an elongated shaft extending from the handle and defining a longitudinal axis, an end effector extending from the elongated shaft, an articulation joint, a power source, a powered articulation system, a closure system, and a control unit. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, the second jaw being capable of moving between an open position and a closed position relative to the first jaw. The end effector is rotatably coupled to the elongated shaft about the articulation joint. The end effector is capable of rotating about an articulation axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. The powered articulation system is configured to rotate the end effector about the articulation axis when power is supplied from the power source. The closure system comprises a closure trigger and a closure sensor. The closure trigger is capable of operatively engaging with the end effector. The closure trigger is capable of actuating between an unclamped position and a clamped position relative to the handle, in which the second jaw is in the open position and in which the second jaw is in the closed position. The closure sensor is configured to detect the position of the closure trigger. The control unit is configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the articulation system. The closure sensor is in signal communication with the control unit. When the closure sensor detects that the closure trigger is not in the unclamped position, the control unit prevents the supply of power from the power source to the articulation system.

[0401] Example 12 - According to the surgical instrument of Example 11, the surgical instrument also includes a power firing system, the power firing system includes a firing member, and the firing member is capable of moving from an unfired position to a firing position during a firing stroke, wherein the power source is configured to supply power to the firing system, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the power supply to the firing system.

[0402] Example 13 - A surgical instrument according to Example 12, wherein the control unit is configured to prevent the power source from supplying power to the firing system when the closing trigger is not in the clamping position.

[0403] Example 14 - A surgical instrument according to Example 11, 12 or 13, wherein one of the first jaw and the second jaw is configured to receive a nail magazine, and wherein the other of the first jaw and the second jaw includes an anvil.

[0404] Example 15 - According to the surgical instrument described in Example 14, the surgical instrument also includes the nail magazine.

[0405] Example 16 - A surgical instrument comprising a handle, an elongated shaft extending from the handle and defining a longitudinal axis, an end effector extending from the elongated shaft, an articulation joint, a power source, a powered articulation system, a motor-powered closure system, a closure sensor, and a control unit. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, the second jaw being movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the first jaw. The end effector is rotatably coupled to the elongated shaft about the articulation joint. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. The powered articulation system is configured to rotate the end effector about the articulation axis when power is supplied from the power source. The motor-powered closure system is operably engaged with the end effector. The closure system is capable of transitioning between an unactuated state in which the second jaw is in the open position and an actuated state in which the second jaw is in the closed position. The closure sensor is configured to detect when the closure system is actuated. The control unit is configured to control the power supply from the power source to the joint motion system. The closure sensor is in signal communication with the control unit. When the closure sensor detects that the closure system is actuated, the control unit prevents the power supply from the power source to the joint motion system.

[0406] Example 17 - A surgical instrument according to Example 16, wherein the surgical instrument also includes a powered firing system, the powered firing system including a firing member capable of moving from an unfired position to a fired position during a firing stroke, wherein the power source is configured to supply power to the firing system, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the supply of power to the firing system.

[0407] Example 18 - A surgical instrument according to Example 17, wherein the control unit is configured to prevent the power source from supplying power to the firing system when the closure system is actuated.

[0408] Example 19 - A surgical instrument according to Example 16, 17 or 18, wherein one of the first jaw and the second jaw is configured to receive a nail magazine, and wherein the other of the first jaw and the second jaw includes an anvil.

[0409] Example 20 - According to the surgical instrument described in Example 19, the surgical instrument also includes the nail magazine.

[0410] Embodiment 21 - A surgical instrument comprising a handle, an elongated shaft extending from the handle and defining a longitudinal axis, an end effector extending from the elongated shaft, an axis rotation system, and a closure system. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, the second jaw being movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the first jaw. The axis rotation system is operatively engageable with the end effector and the elongated shaft. The axis rotation system is capable of transitioning between a locked state and an unlocked state, in which the end effector and the elongated shaft are prevented from rotating about the axis axis, and in which the end effector and the elongated shaft are capable of rotating about the axis axis. The closure system is operatively engageable with the end effector and is capable of transitioning between an unactuated state and an actuated state, in which the second jaw is in the open position, and in which the second jaw is in the closed position. When the closure system is actuated, the closure system transitions the axis rotation system from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0411] Example 22 - A surgical instrument according to Example 21, wherein the shaft rotation system includes a motor-powered shaft rotation system, which is configured to rotate the end actuator and the slender shaft around the shaft axis when power is supplied from the power source to the motor-powered shaft rotation system.

[0412] Example 23 - According to the surgical instrument of Example 22, the surgical instrument also includes a control unit and a closure sensor that communicates signals with the control unit, wherein the closure sensor is configured to detect when the closure system is actuated, and wherein when the closure sensor detects that the closure system is actuated, the control unit prevents power from being supplied from the power source to the motor power shaft rotation system.

[0413] Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are actuated by electric motors; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein may be actuated in any suitable manner. In various instances, for example, the surgical instrument systems described herein may be actuated by a manually operated trigger. In certain instances, the motor disclosed herein may include a portion or portions of a robotic control system. In addition, any end effector and / or tool assembly 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 No. 9,072,535), entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENTARRANGEMENTS," discloses several examples of robotic surgical instrument systems in more detail and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0414] The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in conjunction with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not limited thereto. For example, various embodiments are contemplated that deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks. In addition, various embodiments are contemplated that utilize any suitable device for sealing tissue. For example, an end effector according to various embodiments may include an electrode configured to heat and seal tissue. Additionally, for example, an end effector according to certain embodiments may apply vibration energy to seal tissue.

[0415] The entire disclosures of the following patents are hereby incorporated herein by reference:

[0416] - U.S. Patent No. 5,403,312, issued on April 4, 1995, entitled "ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE";

[0417] - U.S. Patent 7,000,818, issued on February 21, 2006, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS";

[0418] - U.S. Patent 7,422,139, issued on September 9, 2008, entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK";

[0419] - U.S. Patent 7,464,849, issued on December 16, 2008, entitled "ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENTWITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS";

[0420] - U.S. Patent 7,670,334, issued on March 2, 2010, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING ANARTICULATING END EFFECTOR”;

[0421] - U.S. Patent 7,753,245, entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS,” issued on July 13, 2010;

[0422] - U.S. Patent 8,393,514, issued on March 12, 2013, entitled “SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE”;

[0423] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 343,803, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES,” now U.S. Patent No. 7,845,537;

[0424] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 031,573, filed February 14, 2008, entitled “SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES”;

[0425] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 031,873, filed on February 15, 2008, entitled "END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT" (now U.S. Patent No. 7,980,443);

[0426] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 235,782, entitled “MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT,” now U.S. Patent No. 8,210,411;

[0427] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 235,972, entitled "MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. Patent 9,050,083.

[0428] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 249,117, entitled “POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLYRETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM,” now U.S. Patent No. 8,608,045;

[0429] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 647,100, filed December 24, 2009, entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY," now U.S. Patent No. 8,220,688;

[0430] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 893,461, filed on September 29, 2012, entitled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE,” now U.S. Patent No. 8,733,613;

[0431] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 036,647, filed on February 28, 2011, entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT,” now U.S. Patent No. 8,561,870;

[0432] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 118,241, entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLEDEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS,” now U.S. Patent No. 9,072,535;

[0433] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 524,049, filed on June 15, 2012, entitled “ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE,” now U.S. Patent No. 9,101,358;

[0434] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 800,025, filed on March 13, 2013, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM," now U.S. Patent No. 9,345,481;

[0435] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 800,067, filed on March 13, 2013, and entitled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0263552;

[0436] - U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0175955, filed January 31, 2006, entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM"; and

[0437] - U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0264194, filed on April 22, 2010, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH ANARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR," now U.S. Patent No. 8,308,040.

[0438] Although various devices have been described herein in conjunction with certain embodiments, many modifications and variations of these embodiments may also be implemented. In one or more embodiments, specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner. Therefore, without limitation, specific features, structures, or characteristics shown or described in conjunction with one embodiment may be combined in whole or in part with features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments. In addition, where materials for certain components are disclosed, other materials may also be used. In addition, 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 one or more functions. The above-described specific embodiments and the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.

[0439] The device disclosed herein can be designed to be discarded after a single use, or it can be designed to be used multiple times. However, in either case, the device can be used again after being conditioned after at least one use. Conditioning may include any combination of the following steps, including but not limited to disassembling the device, cleaning or replacing specific parts of the device, and then reassembling the device. Specifically, the conditioning facility and / or surgical team can disassemble the device, and after cleaning and / or replacing specific parts of the device, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conditioning device can be disassembled, cleaned / replaced, and reassembled using a variety of techniques. The use of such techniques and the resulting repair device are within the scope of this application.

[0440] The devices disclosed herein can be processed before surgery. First, new or used instruments can be obtained and cleaned as needed. Then, the instruments can be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instruments are placed in a closed and sealed container (such as a plastic or TYVEK bag). The container and the instruments can then be placed in a radiation field that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, X-rays and / or high-energy electrons. Radiation can kill bacteria on the instruments and in the container. The sterilized instruments can then be stored in a sterile container. The sealed container can keep the instruments sterile until the container is opened in a medical facility. The devices can also be sterilized using any other technology known in the art, including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide and / or steam.

[0441] While the present invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention using its general principles.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument for fastening and suturing tissue, comprising: End effector; a firing member configured to move relative to the end effector during a firing stroke; and A housing, the housing comprising: a drive rack operably engaged with the firing member; a drive gear operably engaged with the drive rack; a brushless motor operably engaged with the drive gear, wherein the brushless motor is configured to transmit rotational motion to the drive gear; a power source configured to supply power to the brushless motor; Enter the opening; an access door covering the access opening; a control circuit configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the brushless motor; and a panic lever accessible by a user of the surgical instrument through the access opening, wherein the panic lever is configured to be manually actuatable by the user of the surgical instrument between an unactuated position and an actuated position to retract the drive rack and the firing member, and wherein when the panic lever moves from the unactuated position toward the actuated position, the drive rack, the drive gear, and the brushless motor remain engaged and the panic lever rotates the drive gear via the drive rack so that the brushless motor is driven in reverse.

2. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The control circuit includes an emergency switch, wherein the emergency switch is in a closed state when the access door is closed, and wherein the emergency switch is in an open state when the access door is open.

3. The surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein: The control circuit is configured to allow power to flow from the power source to the brushless motor when the emergency switch is in the closed state, and wherein the control circuit is configured to prevent power from flowing from the power source to the brushless motor when the emergency switch is in the open state.

4. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The control circuit includes a pulse width modulation control circuit configured to control the speed of the brushless motor during the firing stroke.

5. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The power source includes a replaceable battery pack.

6. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The brushless motor includes a brushless DC motor.

7. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The firing member is configured to perform a plurality of the firing strokes.

8. A surgical instrument for fastening and cutting tissue, comprising: a firing member movable distally during a firing stroke; A drive assembly, the drive assembly comprising: a drive rack operably engaged with the firing member; a drive gear operably engaged with the drive rack; and a brushless motor operably engaged with the drive gear, wherein the brushless motor is configured to transmit rotational motion to the drive gear; a control circuit configured to control the supply of power from a power source to the brushless motor; and an emergency lever configured to be manually actuated by a user of the surgical instrument between an unactuated position and an actuated position to retract the firing member, wherein when the emergency lever moves from the unactuated position to the actuated position, the drive rack, the drive gear and the brushless motor remain engaged and the emergency lever drives the drive gear to rotate via the drive rack so that the brushless motor is driven in reverse.

9. The surgical instrument of claim 8, further comprising a housing configured to receive the drive assembly, wherein the housing comprises: Enter the opening; and An access door covers the access opening.

10. The surgical instrument according to claim 9, wherein: When the access door is removed, the panic lever is accessible through the access opening by the user of the surgical instrument.

11. The surgical instrument according to claim 10, wherein: The control circuit includes an emergency switch, wherein the emergency switch is in a closed state when the access door covers the access opening, and wherein the emergency switch is in an open state when the access door is removed.

12. The surgical instrument according to claim 11, wherein: The control circuit is configured to allow power to flow from the power source to the brushless motor when the emergency switch is in the closed state, and wherein the control circuit is also configured to prevent power from flowing from the power source to the brushless motor when the emergency switch is in the open state.

13. The surgical instrument according to claim 8, wherein: The control circuit includes a pulse width modulation control circuit configured to control the speed of the brushless motor at various times during the firing stroke.

14. The surgical instrument according to claim 8, wherein: The power source includes a replaceable battery pack.

15. The surgical instrument according to claim 8, wherein: The power source includes a battery.

16. The surgical instrument of Claim 8, further comprising an end effector comprising a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples configured to be ejected therefrom during the firing stroke.

17. A surgical instrument for fastening and cutting tissue, comprising: a firing member, the firing member being movable to complete a firing stroke; and A housing, the housing comprising: a drive rack operably engaged with the firing member; a drive gear operably engaged with the drive rack; a brushless motor operably engaged with the drive gear, wherein the brushless motor is configured to transmit rotational motion to the drive gear; Enter the opening; a cover releasably attached to the housing to cover the access opening; a panic lever accessible by a user of the surgical instrument through the access opening when the cover is disengaged from the housing, wherein the panic lever is configured to be manually actuatable by the user of the surgical instrument between an unactuated position and an actuated position to retract the firing member, and wherein when the panic lever moves from the unactuated position to the actuated position, the drive rack, the drive gear, and the brushless motor remain engaged and the panic lever rotates the drive gear via the drive rack to drive the brushless motor in reverse; and A control circuit is configured to control the supply of power from a power source to the brushless motor, wherein the control circuit is configured to prevent the power source from supplying power to the brushless motor when the cover is detached from the housing.

18. The surgical instrument of claim 17, wherein: The control circuit includes a pulse width modulation control circuit configured to control the speed of the brushless motor at various times during the firing stroke.

19. The surgical instrument of claim 17, wherein: The power source includes a replaceable battery pack.

20. The surgical instrument of claim 17, wherein: The power source includes a battery.

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