Wiring arrangement for surgical instruments

JP7920536B2Active Publication Date: 2026-09-15CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024525378
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-10-28
Filing Date
2022-10-25
Publication Date
2026-09-15
Estimated Expiration
2042-10-25

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Abstract

A surgical tool assembly is disclosed that includes a shaft assembly, an articulation actuator, a firing member, and an articulation joint. The articulation joint includes an articulation support member. The surgical tool assembly further includes an end effector assembly including a first jaw, a second jaw, and a distal spine portion, the articulation support member configured to laterally support the firing member during articulation of the end effector assembly relative to the shaft assembly. The distal spine portion includes a distal support structure including a firing member slot and a lateral channel defined within the distal support structure. The surgical tool assembly further includes an electrical system including electrical leads extending through the articulation support member, through the lateral channel, and into the end effector assembly.
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Description

[[Background Art]]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a surgical instrument including a surgical stapler configured to staple and cut tissue, which can be used as a handheld instrument and / or as a surgical tool connectable to a surgical robot. [[Brief Description of Drawings]]

[0002] Various aspects described herein, both in terms of configuration and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a handle, a shaft assembly, and an end effector assembly. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing the end effector assembly of Fig. 1. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the end effector assembly of Fig. 1, wherein the end effector assembly includes a staple cartridge assembly, the staple cartridge assembly includes a retainer, and the staple cartridge assembly is shown removed from the cartridge channel of the end effector assembly. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of a portion of the shaft assembly and the handle of Fig. 1. [Figure 5] It is a schematic view of the surgical stapling instrument of Fig. 1. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional perspective view of a shaft assembly, comprising a conductive lead extending through the shaft assembly. [Figure 7] It is a detailed view of the shaft assembly of Fig. 6. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional perspective view of the shaft assembly of Fig. 6, wherein the shaft assembly includes an articulation joint. [Figure 9] It is a plan view of a surgical instrument assembly comprising a shaft assembly, an articulation joint, an end effector assembly, and an electrical system. [Figure 10]This is a perspective view of a surgical instrument assembly comprising a shaft assembly which includes a joint movement locking part, a joint movement joint part, and an end effector assembly. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a surgical instrument assembly in which the articular joint has a support structure with a slot defined inside for receiving a wire. [Figure 12] Figure 10 is a plan view of the surgical instrument assembly, in which the end effector assembly is shown in a non-articular motion configuration. [Figure 13] Figure 10 is a plan view of the surgical instrument assembly, in which the end effector assembly is illustrated with a joint movement configuration. [Figure 14] Figure 10 is a plan view of a surgical instrument assembly, further comprising an electrical system and a spool positioned within the shaft assembly. [Figure 15] Figure 10 is a bottom view of the anvil of an end effector assembly, which comprises an anvil configured to receive electrical system wires and a termination assembly to which the wires terminate. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view of the anvil shown in Figure 15. [Figure 17] This is a front view of a surgical instrument assembly equipped with a shaft rotation limiting system. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view of a ring assembly configured to restrict shaft rotation within a surgical instrument assembly. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view of a surgical instrument assembly comprising a handle, a shaft assembly, a joint including a joint movement joint cover, and an end effector assembly. [Figure 20] Figure 19 is a front view of the joint movement junction. [Figure 21] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the shaft assembly, joint movement connection, and end effector assembly. [Figure 22]Figure 19 shows a perspective view and a detailed view of the joint movement joint cover, which includes a wire extending through the joint movement joint cover, configured to electrically connect the wire in the shaft assembly with the wire in the end effector assembly. [Figure 23] This is a perspective view of a joint cover for joint movement, through which a wire penetrates and extends. [Figure 24] This is a perspective view of the wiring arrangement for use with surgical instrument assemblies. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view of the wiring arrangement for use with surgical instrument assemblies. [Figure 26] This is a front view of a surgical instrument assembly, which comprises a shaft assembly, a joint movement joint, an end effector assembly, and an electrical system extending through the surgical instrument assembly. [Figure 27] This is a perspective view of a surgical instrument assembly comprising a shaft assembly, a joint movement connection, an end effector assembly, and an electrical system. [Figure 28] This is an exploded view of a joint movement assembly, which includes a joint movement joint cover, joint components, and conductors. [Figure 29] This is a perspective view of a surgical instrument assembly comprising a shaft assembly, a joint joint, an end effector assembly, and an electrical system having flexible cables extending through the shaft assembly, the joint joint, and the end effector assembly. [Figure 30] Figure 29 is a perspective view of the surgical instrument assembly. [Figure 31] Figure 29 is a plan view of the surgical instrument assembly. [Figure 32] Figure 29 is a perspective view of the flexible cable, which is illustrated in a non-articular movement configuration. [Figure 33] Figure 29 is a perspective view of the flexible cable, which is illustrated in the joint movement configuration. [Figure 34]It is a cross-sectional view of a surgical end effector comprising: a first jaw; a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw; a staple cartridge including a conductive member; and a lockout member configured to be electrically connected to the conductive member. [Figure 35] It is a perspective view of the lockout member of Figure 34, wherein the lockout member includes a conductive trace printed thereon. [Figure 36] It is a top view of the lockout member of Figure 34. [Figure 37] It is a perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly including an identification feature defined within a longitudinal slot of the staple cartridge assembly. [Figure 38] It is a perspective view of the staple cartridge assembly of Figure 37. [Figure 39] It is a graph of movement of a firing member passing through the identification feature of Figure 37, showing the sensed force versus the position of the firing member. [Figure 40] It is a top view of a conductive cable including an expandable structure. [Figure 41] It is a partial top view of an articulation joint cover including a braided sleeve of conductive wires. [Figure 42] It is a cross-sectional view of a shaft assembly comprising: a shaft; and a conductive wire wrapped around the shaft. [Figure 43] It is a partial top view of an articulation joint cover including a coiled conductive wire. [Figure 44] It is a top view of a surgical instrument assembly comprising: a shaft assembly; an articulation joint; an end effector assembly; and an electrical system including a conductive post and a conductive member extending across the articulation joint. [Figure 45] It is a top view of the surgical instrument assembly of Figure 44, wherein the surgical instrument assembly is illustrated in an articulated configuration. [Figure 46] It is a top view of a staple cartridge assembly including an identifiable pressure point matrix configured to be sensed by a pressure sensor matrix. [Figure 47] This is a partial perspective view of a cartridge pan, which has an identifiable pressure point matrix configured to be sensed by a pressure sensor matrix. [Figure 48] An example of a possible pressure point matrix is ​​shown. [Figure 49] A matrix of 16 possible pressure points is shown.

[0003] Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. The examples described herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention in one form, and such examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0004] The applicant of this application owns the following concurrently filed U.S. patent applications, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference: - U.S. Patent Application, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL DEVICE WITH INTERNAL COMMUNICATION THAT COMBINES MULTIPLE SIGNALS PER WIRE", Agent Reference Number: END9362USNP2 / 210195-2 - US Patent Application, Invention Title "STAPLE CARTRIDGE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS", Agent Reference Number END9362USNP3 / 210195-3 - US Patent Application, Invention Title: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CARTRIDGE WITH UNIQUE RESISTOR FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IDENTIFICATION", Agent Reference Number: END9362USNP4 / 210195-4 - U.S. Patent Application, Title of Invention "METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TRANSMITTING UART COMMUNICATIONS OVER A SECURITY SHORT RANGE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION", Agent Reference Number END9362USNP5 / 210195-5, and - U.S. Patent Application, Title of Invention: "ALTERNATE MEANS TO ESTABLISH RESISTIVE LOAD FORCE", Agent Reference Number: END9362USNP6 / 210195-6.

[0005] The applicant of this application also owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed on April 11, 2020, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 846,303, Title of Invention: "Methods for Stapling Tissue Using a Surgical Instrument" - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 846,304, Title of Invention: "ARTICULATION ACTUATORS FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 846,305, Title of Invention: "ARTICULATION DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS ON A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 846,307, Title of Invention: "SHAFT ROTATION ACTUATOR ON A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 846,308, Title of Invention: "ARTICULATION CONTROL MAPPING FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 846,309, Title of Invention: "INTELLIGENT FIRING ASSOCIATED WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 846,310, Title of Invention: "INTELLIGENT FIRING ASSOCIATED WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 846,311, Title of Invention: "ROTATABLE JAW TIP FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 846,312, Title of Invention "TISSUE STOP FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", and - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 846,313, Title of Invention: "ARTICULATION PIN FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT".

[0006] The entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 840,715, filed on April 30, 2019, with the title of the invention, "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ADAPTIVE CONTROL SYSTEM," is incorporated herein by reference.

[0007] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed on February 21, 2019, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 16 / 281,658, Title of Invention: "Methods for Controlling a Powered Surgical Stapler That Has Separate Rotary Closure and Fire Systems," - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,670, Title of Invention: "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A LOCKOUT KEY CONFIGURED TO LIFT A FIRING MEMBER", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,675, Title of Invention: "Surgical staplers with arrangements for maintaining a firing member thereof in a locked configuration unless a compatible cartridge has been installed therein," - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,685, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING CO-OPERATING LOCKOUT FEATURES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,693, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT AND AN EXTERIOR ACCESS ORIFICE TO PERMIT ARTIFICIAL UNLOCKING OF THE LOCKOUT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,704, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH FEATURES FOR BLOCKING ADVANCEMENT OF A CAMMING ASSEMBLY OF AN INCOMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE INSTALLED THEREIN", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,707, Title of Invention: "STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A DEACTIVATABLE LOCKOUT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,741, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,762, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH CARTRIDGE COMPATIBLE CLOSURE AND FIRING LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,666, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,672, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH ASYMMETRIC CLOSURE FEATURES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,678, Title of Invention: "ROTARY DRIVEN FIRING MEMBERS WITH DIFFERENT ANVIL AND CHANNEL ENGAGEMENT FEATURES", and - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 281,682, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH SEPARATE ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS AND FIRING MEMBER THAT ENGAGES BOTH JAWS WHILE FIRING".

[0008] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. provisional patent applications, filed on February 19, 2019, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 807,310, Title of Invention: "Methods for Controlling a Powered Surgical Stapler That Has Separate Rotary Closure and Fire Systems," - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 807,319, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED LOCKOUT SYSTEMS", and - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 807,309, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS".

[0009] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. provisional patent applications filed on 28 March 2018, the entirety of each disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,302, Title of Invention: "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH encrypted COMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,294, Title of Invention: "DATA STRIPPING METHOD TO INTERROGATE PATIENT RECORDS AND CREATE ANONYMIZED RECORD", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,300, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL HUB SITUATIONAL AWARENESS", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,309, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL HUB SPATIAL AWARENESS TO DETERMINE DEVICES IN OPERATING THEATER", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,310, Title of Invention: "COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,291, Title of Invention: "USE OF LASER LIGHT AND RED-GREEN-BLUE COLORATION TO DETERMINE PROPERTIES OF BACK SCATTERED LIGHT", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,296, Title of Invention: "ADAPTIVE CONTROL PROGRAM UPDATES FOR SURGICAL DEVICES", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,333, Title of Invention: "CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR CUSTOMIZATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO A USER", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,327, Title of Invention: "CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR SECURITY AND AUTHENTICATION TRENDS AND REACTIVE MEASURES", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,315, Title of Invention: "DATA HANDLING AND PRIORITIZATION IN A CLOUD ANALYTICS NETWORK", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,313, Title of Invention: "CLOUD INTERFACE FOR COUPLED SURGICAL DEVICES", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,320, Title of Invention: "Drive arrangements for robot-asposed surgical platforms," - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,307, Title of Invention: "AUTOMATIC TOOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS", and - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,323, Title of Invention: "SENSING ARRANGEMENTS FOR Robot-Assisted Surgical PlatformS".

[0010] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. provisional patent applications filed on March 30, 2018, the entirety of each disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 650,887, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH OPTIMIZED SENSING CAPABILITIES".

[0011] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed on December 4, 2018, the entirety of each disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,423, Title of Invention: "Method of Compressing Tissue Within a Stapling Device and Simultaneously Displaying the Location of the Tissue Within the Jaws."

[0012] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed on August 20, 2018, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,101, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR FABRICATING SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,183, Title of Invention: "REINFORCED DEFORMABLE ANVIL TIP FOR SURGICAL STAPLER ANVIL", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,150, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS WITH STAPLE DIRECTING PROTRUSIONS AND TISSUE STABILITY FEATURES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,098, Title of Invention: "FABRICATING TECHNIQUES FOR SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,140, ​​Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS WITH TISSUE STOP FEATURES CONFIGURED TO AVOID TISSUE PINCH", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,081, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR OPERATING A POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,094, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH PROGRESSIVE JAW CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,097, Title of Invention: "POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS TO CONVERT LINEAR DRIVE MOTIONS TO ROTARY DRIVE MOTIONS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,104, Title of Invention: "POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLUTCHING AND LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR LINKING AN ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM TO A FIRING DRIVE SYSTEM", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,119, Title of Invention: "ARTICULATABLE MOTOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH DEDICATED ARTICULATION MOTOR ARRANGEMENTS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,160, Title of Invention: "SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR MOTOR POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", and - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 660,252, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS".

[0013] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications and U.S. patents, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,185, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168642), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,230, Title of Invention: "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168649), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,221, Title of Invention: "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168646), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,209, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168645), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,198, Title of Invention: "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168644), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,240, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168651), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,939, Title of Invention: "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168629), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,941, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168630), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,943, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168631), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,950, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168635), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,945, Title of Invention: "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168632), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,946, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168633), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,951, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168636), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,953, Title of Invention "METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168637), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,954, Title of Invention: "FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168638), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,955, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168639), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,948, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168584), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,956, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168640), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,958, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168641), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,947, Title of Invention: "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168634), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,896, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168597), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,898, Title of Invention: "STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168599), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,899, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168600), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,901, Title of Invention: "STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168602), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,902, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168603), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,904, Title of Invention: "STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND / OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168605), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,905, Title of Invention "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168606), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,907, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168608), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,908, Title of Invention: "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168609), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,909, Title of Invention: "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168610), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,920, Title of Invention: "STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168620), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,913, Title of Invention: "ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168614), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,914, Title of Invention: "Method of Deforming Staples from Two Different Types of Staple Cartridges with the Same Surgical Stapling Instrument" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168615), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,893, Title of Invention: "BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE-FORMING POCKET PAIRS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168594), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,929, Title of Invention: "Closure Members with Cam Surface Arrangements for Surgical Instruments with Separate and Distinct Closure and Fire Systems" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168626), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,911, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168612), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,927, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168625), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,917, Title of Invention: "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168617), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,900, Title of Invention: "STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168601), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,931, Title of Invention: "NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168627), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,915, Title of Invention "FIRING MEMBER PIN ANGLE" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168616), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,897, Title of Invention: "STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168598), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,922, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168622), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,924, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168624), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,910, Title of Invention: "ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168611), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,903, Title of Invention: "Closure Member Arrangements for Surgical Instruments" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168604), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,906, Title of Invention: "FIRING MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168607), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,188, Title of Invention: "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168585), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,192, Title of Invention: "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168643), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,206, Title of Invention: "STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168586), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,226, Title of Invention: "DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168648), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,222, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168647), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 386,236, Title of Invention: "CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168650), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,887, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168589), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,889, Title of Invention: "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168590), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,890, Title of Invention: "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168591), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,891, Title of Invention: "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168592), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,892, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168593), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,894, Title of Invention: "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168595), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,895, Title of Invention: "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168596), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,916, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168575), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,918, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168618), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,919, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168619), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,921, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168621), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,923, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168623), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,925, Title of Invention: "JAW ACTUATED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF A FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNLESS AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168576), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,926, Title of Invention: "AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168577), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,928, Title of Invention: "Protective Cover Arrangements for a Joint Interface Between a Movable Jaw and Actuator Shaft of a Surgical Instrument" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168578), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,930, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168579), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,932, Title of Invention: "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168628), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,933, Title of Invention: "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168580), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,934, Title of Invention: "ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168581), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,935, Title of Invention: "LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168582), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,936, Title of Invention: "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0168583), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 318,996, Title of Invention: "FASTENER CARTRIDGES INCLUDING EXTENSIONS HAVING DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0297228), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 319,006, Title of Invention: "FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING FASTENER CAVITIES INCLUDING FASTENER CONTROL FEATURES" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,010,324), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 318,991, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGES WITH DRIVER STABILIZING ARRANGEMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,833,241), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 319,004, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH FIRING ELEMENT MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,844,369), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 319,008, Title of Invention: "FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING NON-UNIFORM FASTENERS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0297232), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 318,997, Title of Invention: "FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING DEPLOYABLE TISSUE ENGAGING MEMBERS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0297229), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 319,002, Title of Invention: "FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING TISSUE CONTROL FEATURES" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,877,721), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 319,013, Title of Invention "FASTENER CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLIES AND STAPLE RETAINER COVER ARRANGEMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0297233), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 319,016, title of invention "FASTENER CARTRIDGE INCLUDING A LAYER ATTACHED THERETO" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0297235).

[0014] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed on June 24, 2016, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 191,775, Title of Invention: "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0367695), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 191,807, Title of Invention: "STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0367696), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 191,834, Title of Invention: "STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0367699), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 191,788, Title of Invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0367698), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 191,818, Title of Invention: "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0367697).

[0015] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on June 24, 2016, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 569,218, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL FASTENER" (currently U.S. Design Patent No. D826,405), - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 569,227, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL FASTENER" (currently U.S. Design Patent No. D822,206), - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 569,259, Title of Invention "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE", and - U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 569,264, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE".

[0016] The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications, filed on April 1, 2016, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,325, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0281171), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,321, Title of Invention: "MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,271,851), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,326, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0281172), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,263, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0281165), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,262, Title of Invention: "ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0281161), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,277, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0281166), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,296, Title of Invention: "INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0281168), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,258, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0281178), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,278, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0281162), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,284, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0281186), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,295, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0281187), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,300, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0281179), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,196, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0281183), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,203, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0281184), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,210, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0281185), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,324, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0281170), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,335, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0281155), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,339, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0281173), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,253, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0281177), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,304, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0281188), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,331, Title of Invention: "ANVIL MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0281180), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,336, Title of Invention: "STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0281164), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,312, Title of Invention: "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0281189), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,309, Title of Invention "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0281169), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,349, Title of Invention: "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0281174).

[0017] The applicant of this application also owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed on December 30, 2015, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 984,488, Title of Invention: "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0189018), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 984,525, Title of Invention "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0189019), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 984,552, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,265,068).

[0018] The applicant of this application also owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed on 9 February 2016, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,220, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,245,029), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,228, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0224342), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,196, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0224330), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,206, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0224331), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,215, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0224332), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,227, Title of Invention: "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0224334), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,235, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATION SYSTEMS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,245,030), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,230, Title of Invention "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0224335), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,245, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0224343).

[0019] The applicant of this application also owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed on February 12, 2016, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 043,254, Title of Invention: "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,258,331), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 043,259, Title of Invention: "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0231626), - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 043,275, Title of Invention "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0231627), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 043,289, title of invention "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0231628).

[0020] The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications, filed on 18 June 2015, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,925, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,182,818), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,941, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,052,102), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,933, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS SPENT OR MISSING" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,154,841), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,914, Title of Invention: "MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0367255), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,900, Title of Invention: "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0367254), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,885, title of invention "DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0367246), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,876, title of invention "PUSH / PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,178,992).

[0021] The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications, filed on March 6, 2015, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,746, Title of Invention: "POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,808,246), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,795, Title of Invention: "MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 02561185), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,832, Title of Invention: "Adaptive Tissue Compression Techniques to Adjust Closure Rates for Multiple Tissue Types," (Currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0256154), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,935, Title of Invention: "OVERLAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0256071), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,831, Title of Invention: "Monitoring Speed ​​Control and Precision Increasing of Motor for Powered Surgical Instruments" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,895,148), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,859, Title of Invention: "TIME DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,052,044), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,817, Title of Invention: "INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,924,961), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,844, Title of Invention: "CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,045,776), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,837, Title of Invention: "SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,993,248), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,765, Title of Invention: "SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLER" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0256160), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,799, Title of Invention "SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,901,342), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,780, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,245,033).

[0022] The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications, filed on 27 February 2015, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,576, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,045,779), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,546, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,180,463), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,560, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND / OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0249910), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,566, Title of Invention: "CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,182,816), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,555, Title of Invention: "SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED" (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0249916), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,542, Title of Invention: "REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,931,118), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,548, Title of Invention: "POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,245,028), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,526, Title of Invention: "ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,993,258), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,541, Title of Invention "MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,226,250), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,562, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,159,483).

[0023] The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications, filed on December 18, 2014, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,478, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,844,374), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,483, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,188,385), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,139, Title of Invention: "Drive Arrangements for Articulatable Surgical Instruments" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,844,375), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,148, Title of Invention: "LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,085,748), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,130, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,245,027), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,143, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,004,501), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,117, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,943,309), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,154, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,968,355), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,493, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,987,000), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,500, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,117,649).

[0024] The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications, filed on March 1, 2013, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,295, Title of Invention: "Articulatable Surgical Instruments With Conductive Pathways For Signal Communication" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,700,309), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,323, Title of Invention: "Rotary Powered Articulation Joints For Surgical Instruments" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,782,169), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,338, Title of Invention: "Thumbwheel Switch Arrangements For Surgical Instruments" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0249557), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,499, Title of Invention: "Electromechanical Surgical Device with Signal Relay Arrangement" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,358,003), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,460, Title of Invention: "Multiple Processor Motor Control for Modular Surgical Instruments" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,554,794), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,358, Title of Invention: "Joystick Switch Assemblies For Surgical Instruments" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,326,767), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,481, Title of Invention: "Sensor Straightened End Effector During Removal Through Trocar" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,468,438), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,518, Title of Invention: "Control Methods for Surgical Instruments with Removable Implement Portions" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0246475), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,375, Title of Invention "Rotary Powered Surgical Instruments With Multiple Degrees of Freedom" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,398,911), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,536, Title of Invention: "Surgical Instrument Soft Stop" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,307,986).

[0025] The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications, filed on March 14, 2013, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,097, Title of Invention: "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,687,230), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,193, Title of Invention: "CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,332,987), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,053, Title of Invention: "INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,883,860), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,086, Title of Invention: "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0263541), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,210, Title of Invention: "SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,808,244), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,148, Title of Invention: "MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0263554), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,066, Title of Invention: "DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,629,623), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,117, Title of Invention: "ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,351,726), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,130, title of invention "DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,351,727), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,159, Title of Invention: "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,888,919).

[0026] The applicant of this application also owns the following patent application, filed on March 7, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 200,111, title of invention "CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,629,629).

[0027] The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications, filed on March 26, 2014, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,106, Title of Invention: "POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0272582), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,099, Title of Invention: "STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,826,977), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,094, Title of Invention: "VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES / PROCEDURE COUNT" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0272580), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,117, Title of Invention: "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,013,049), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,075, Title of Invention: "MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,743,929), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,093, Title of Invention: "FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,028,761), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,116, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0272571), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,071, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,690,362), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,097, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,820,738), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,126, Title of Invention: "INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,004,497), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,133, Title of Invention: "MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0272557), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,081, Title of Invention: "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,804,618), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,076, Title of Invention: "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,733,663), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,111, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,750,499), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,125, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,201,364).

[0028] The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications, filed on September 5, 2014, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,103, Title of Invention: "CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,111,679), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,119, Title of Invention: "ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,724,094), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 478,908, Title of Invention: "Monitoring Device Degradation Based on Component Evaluation" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,737,301), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 478,895, Title of Invention: "Multiple Sensors with One Sensor Affecting a Second Sensor's Output or Interpretation" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,757,128), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,110, Title of Invention: "POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET TO IDENTIFY CARTRIDGE TYPE" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,016,199), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,098, Title of Invention: "SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,135,242), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,115, title of invention "MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,788,836), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,108, Title of Invention: "LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0066913).

[0029] The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications, filed on 9 April 2014, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,590, Title of Invention: "MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,826,976), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,581, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,649,110), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,595, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND DRIVE SYSTEMS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,844,368), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,588, Title of Invention: "POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0309666), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,591, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A GAP SETTING SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,149,680), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,584, Title of Invention: "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,801,626), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,587, Title of Invention "POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,867,612), - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,586, Title of Invention "DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,136,887), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,607, title of invention "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,814,460).

[0030] The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications, filed on April 16, 2013, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,365, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,376, Title of Invention: "LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,382, Title of Invention: "LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,385, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL", and - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,372, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR".

[0031] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. provisional patent applications, filed on 28 December 2017, the entirety of each disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,341, Title of Invention: "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,340, Title of Invention "CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS", and - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,339, Title of Invention: "ROBOT ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORM".

[0032] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. provisional patent applications filed on 28 March 2018, the entirety of each disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,302, Title of Invention: "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH encrypted COMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,294, Title of Invention: "DATA STRIPPING METHOD TO INTERROGATE PATIENT RECORDS AND CREATE ANONYMIZED RECORD", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,300, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL HUB SITUATIONAL AWARENESS", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,309, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL HUB SPATIAL AWARENESS TO DETERMINE DEVICES IN OPERATING THEATER", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,310, Title of Invention: "COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,291, Title of Invention: "USE OF LASER LIGHT AND RED-GREEN-BLUE COLORATION TO DETERMINE PROPERTIES OF BACK SCATTERED LIGHT", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,296, Title of Invention: "ADAPTIVE CONTROL PROGRAM UPDATES FOR SURGICAL DEVICES", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,333, Title of Invention: "CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR CUSTOMIZATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO A USER", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,327, Title of Invention: "CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR SECURITY AND AUTHENTICATION TRENDS AND REACTIVE MEASURES", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,315, Title of Invention: "DATA HANDLING AND PRIORITIZATION IN A CLOUD ANALYTICS NETWORK", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,313, Title of Invention: "CLOUD INTERFACE FOR COUPLED SURGICAL DEVICES", - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,320, Title of Invention: "Drive arrangements for robot-asposed surgical platforms," - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,307, Title of Invention: "AUTOMATIC TOOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS", and - U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 649,323, Title of Invention: "SENSING ARRANGEMENTS FOR Robot-Assisted Surgical PlatformS".

[0033] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed on March 29, 2018, the entirety of each disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,641, Title of Invention: "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH encrypted COMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,648, Title of Invention: "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH CONDITION HANDLING OF DEVICES AND DATA CAPABILITIES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,656, Title of Invention: "Surgical hub coordination of control and communication of operating room devices", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,666, Title of Invention: "Spatial awareness of surgical hubs in operating rooms" - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,670, Title of Invention: "Cooperative utilization of data derived from secondary sources by intelligent surgical hubs", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,677, Title of Invention: "Surgical hub control arrangements", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,632, Title of Invention: "DATA STRIPPING METHOD TO INTERROGATE PATIENT RECORDS AND CREATE ANONYMIZED RECORD", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,640, Title of Invention: "Communication Hub and Storage Device for Storage Parameters and Status of a Surgical Device to Be Shared with Cloud-Based Analytical Systems" - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,645, Title of Invention: "SELF DESCRIBING DATA PACKETS GENERATED AT AN ISSUING INSTRUMENT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,649, Title of Invention: "DATA PAIRING TO INTERCONNECT A DEVICE MEASURED PARAMETER WITH AN OUTCOME", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,654, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL HUB SITUATIONAL AWARENESS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,663, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL SYSTEM DISTRIBUTED PROCESSING", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,668, Title of Invention: "AGGREGATION AND REPORTING OF SURGICAL HUB DATA", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,671, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL HUB SPATIAL AWARENESS TO DETERMINE DEVICES IN OPERATING THEATER", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,686, Title of Invention: "DISPLAY OF ALIGNMENT OF STAPLE CARTRIDGE TO PRIOR LINEAR STAPLE LINE", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,700, Title of Invention: "STERILE FIELD INTERACTIVE CONTROL DISPLAYS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,629, Title of Invention: "COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,704, Title of Invention: "USE OF LASER LIGHT AND RED-GREEN-BLUE COLORATION TO DETERMINE PROPERTIES OF BACK SCATTERED LIGHT", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,722, Title of Invention: "CHARACTERIZATION OF TISSUE IRREGULARITIES THROUGH THE USE OF MONO-CHROMATIC LIGHT REFRACTIVITY", and - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,742, Title of Invention: "DUAL CMOS ARRAY IMAGING".

[0034] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed on March 29, 2018, the entirety of each disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,636, Title of Invention: "ADAPTIVE CONTROL PROGRAM UPDATES FOR SURGICAL DEVICES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,653, Title of Invention: "ADAPTIVE CONTROL PROGRAM UPDATES FOR SURGICAL HUBS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,660, Title of Invention: "CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR CUSTOMIZATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO A USER", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,679, Title of Invention: "CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR LINKING OF LOCAL USAGE TRENDS WITH THE RESOURCE ACQUISITION BEHAVIORS OF LARGER DATA SET", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,694, Title of Invention: "Cloud-based Medical Analytics for Medical Facility Segmented Individualization of Instrument Function", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,634, Title of Invention: "CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR SECURITY AND AUTHENTICATION TRENDS AND REACTIVE MEASURES", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,706, Title of Invention "DATA HANDLING AND PRIORITIZATION IN A CLOUD ANALYTICS NETWORK", and - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,675, Title of Invention: "CLOUD INTERFACE FOR COUPLED SURGICAL DEVICES".

[0035] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed on March 29, 2018, the entirety of each disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,627, Title of Invention: "Drive arrangements for robot-assigned surgical platforms," - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,637, Title of Invention: "Communication Arrangements for Robot-Assised Surgical Platforms" - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,642, Title of Invention: "CONTROLS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,676, Title of Invention: "Automatic Tool Adjustments for Robot-Assised Surgical Platforms" - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,680, Title of Invention: "CONTROLLERS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS", - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,683, Title of Invention: "Cooperative Surgical Actions for Robot-Assisted Surgical Platforms" - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,690, Title of Invention: "DISPLAY ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS", and - U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 940,711, Title of Invention: "SENSING ARRANGEMENTS FOR Robot-Assisted Surgical Platforms".

[0036] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed on 30 June 2019, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,104, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR AUTHENTICATING THE COMPATIBILITY OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0405301), - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,108, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN RFID SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0405436), - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,111, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN RFID SYSTEM FOR TRACKING A MOVABLE COMPONENT" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0405437), - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,114, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ALIGNED RFID SENSOR" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0405438), - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,105, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING AN INFORMATION DECRYPTION PROTOCOL" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0405302), - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,110, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING AN INFORMATION ENCRYPTION PROTOCOL" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0405297), - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,120, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING A LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR AN INCOMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0405303), - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,125, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING A FRANGIBLE RFID TAG" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0405441), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,103, title of invention: "PACKAGING FOR A REPLACEABLE COMPONENT OF A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM" (currently published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0405296).

[0037] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on June 30, 2019, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,107, title of invention "METHOD OF USING MULTIPLE RFID CHIPS WITH A SURGICAL ASSEMBLY" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0405311). - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,109, Title of Invention: "MECHANISMS FOR PROPER ANVIL ATTACHMENT SURGICAL STAPLING HEAD ASSEMBLY" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0405312), - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,119, Title of Invention: "MECHANISMS FOR MOTOR CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS OF A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0405314), - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,115, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH BATTERY COMPATIBILITY VERIFICATION FUNCTIONALITY" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0405313), - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,117, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL SYSTEM WITH RFID TAGS FOR UPDATING MOTOR ASSEMBLY PARAMETERS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0405439), - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,121, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH MULTIPLE RFID TAGS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0405440), - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,122, Title of Invention: "RFID IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0410177), - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,106, Title of Invention: "RFID IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0405316), - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,112, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR DISPLAY AND COMMUNICATION" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0405409), - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,116, Title of Invention "SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR COMPATIBILITY DETECTION" (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0410180), and - U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 458,118, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR INSTRUMENT OPERATIONAL SETTING CONTROL" (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0405410).

[0038] Numerous specific details are described in order to provide a complete understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments, as described in the specification and shown in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, and elements are not described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Readers will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and therefore certain structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and illustrative. Modifications and changes thereto may be made without departing from the claims.

[0039] 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 “contains” and “containing”) are unrestricted linking verbs. As a result, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more elements has one or more of those elements, but is not limited to having only one or more of those elements. Similarly, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more features has one or more of those features, but is not limited to having only one or more of those features.

[0040] The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein in reference to the clinician operating the handle of a surgical instrument. “Proximal” refers to the part closest to the clinician, and “distal” refers to the part further away from the clinician. For convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “up,” and “down” may be used herein in reference to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be restrictive and / or absolute.

[0041] Various exemplary apparatuses and methods for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures are provided. However, it will be readily apparent to the reader that the various methods and apparatuses disclosed herein can be used in many surgical procedures and applications, including, for example, those related to incisional surgical procedures. By reading further into the “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention” section of this specification, the reader will further understand that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into the body in any way, for example, through a pre-existing opening, through an incision or puncture hole formed in the tissue, and so on. The working portion, or end-effector portion, of these instruments can be inserted directly into the patient’s body, or through an access device having a working passage through which the end-effector and elongated shaft of the surgical instrument can be advanced.

[0042] A surgical stapling system may comprise a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw, although other embodiments can be conceived in which the staple cartridge is not removable from the first jaw, or at least not easily replaceable from the first jaw. The second jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a closing axis, although other embodiments can be conceived in which the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system further comprises an articulated joint configured to rotate, i.e., articulate, the end effector relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articular axis extending through the articular joint. Other embodiments that do not include the articular joint can also be conceived.

[0043] A staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal and distal ends. During use, the staple cartridge is positioned on the first side of the tissue to be stapled, and the anvil is positioned on the second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge to press and clamp the tissue against the deck. Staples, which are then removably stored within the cartridge body, can be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes a defined staple cavity, and the staples are removably stored within the staple cavity. The staple cavity is arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on the first side of the longitudinal slots, and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on the second side of the longitudinal slots. Other configurations of the staple cavity and staples are also possible.

[0044] The staples are supported by a staple driver within the cartridge body. The driver is movable between a first, i.e., non-firing position and a second, i.e., firing position, to eject the staples from the staple cavity. The driver is held within the cartridge body by a retainer extending around the lower perimeter of the cartridge body and includes an elastic member configured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer relative to the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between their non-firing positions and their firing positions by threads. The threads are movable between a proximal position adjacent to the proximal end and a distal position adjacent to the distal end. The threads include a plurality of inclined surfaces configured to slide beneath the driver and lift the driver, on which the staples are supported and directed toward the anvil.

[0045] In addition to the above, the thread is moved distally by the launching member. The launching member is configured to contact the thread and push it toward its distal end. A longitudinal slot defined within the cartridge body is configured to receive the launching member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the launching member. The launching member further comprises a first cam that engages with a first jaw and a second cam that engages with a second jaw. When advancing the launching member distally, the first and second cams can control the distance between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil, i.e., the tissue gap. The launching member also includes a knife configured to excise tissue trapped between the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable that the knife be positioned at least partially proximal to the inclined surface so that the staple is ejected ahead of the knife.

[0046] Before describing in detail the various embodiments of surgical devices and generators, it should be noted that the illustrative embodiments are not limited in their application or use to the details of the structure and arrangement of the components illustrated in the accompanying drawings and descriptions. The illustrative embodiments may be implemented or incorporated into other embodiments, variations, and modifications, and may be carried out or performed in various ways. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the terms and expressions used herein have been selected for the purpose of describing the illustrative embodiments for the convenience of the reader and are not intended to limit them. Furthermore, it should be understood that one or more embodiments, expressions of embodiments, and / or embodiments described below may be combined with any one or more other embodiments, expressions of embodiments, and / or embodiments described below.

[0047] Herein, specific exemplary embodiments are described to provide an overall understanding of the structure, function, manufacturing and use principles of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these exemplary embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and the scope of the various exemplary embodiments of the invention is defined solely by the claims. Features illustrated or described in relation to one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other exemplary embodiments. Such modifications and variations are included within the scope of the invention.

[0048] Figures 1 to 5 show a surgical stapler 1000 configured to cut and staple patient tissue. The surgical stapler 1000 comprises a housing or handle assembly 1100, a shaft assembly 1200 attached to the handle assembly 1100, and an end effector assembly 1300. The handle assembly 1100 comprises a housing 1101 configured to house various components, such as electronics, electric motors, and / or drive train components. The handle assembly 1100 comprises a pistol grip portion 1120 with a handle 1121 configured to be held by a user, a closing trigger 1125 configured to clamp tissue at the end effector assembly 1300, and a firing trigger or button 1129 configured to cut and staple tissue at the end effector assembly 1300. The handle assembly 1100 further comprises a plurality of actuators and / or buttons 1130 configured to electronically operate various functions of the surgical staple fastener 1000. In at least one case, the actuators 1130 are configured to operate the motorized joint movement of the end effector assembly 1300, and / or the rotation of the shaft assembly 1200 and / or the end effector assembly 1300.

[0049] In at least one case, the handle assembly 1100 comprises a plurality of internally located electric motors configured to drive one or more functions of the surgical stapling device 1000. The handle assembly 1100 further comprises one or more power sources, such as a battery 1110, configured to power onboard electronics such as printed circuit boards 1140, 1150, and / or to power the electric motors located within the handle assembly 1100. In at least one case, the handle assembly 1100 comprises one or more onboard memories, processors, and / or control circuits configured to analyze sensor data and / or control various electronic systems of the surgical stapling device, such as an electric motor control program. The handle assembly 1100 may wirelessly communicate with the surgical hub and / or various other components of the surgical room, for example, to communicate various data between the handle assembly 1100 and the surgical hub.

[0050] The shaft assembly 1200 is attached to the handle assembly 1100. In at least one case, the shaft assembly 1200 is modular and can be replaced, for example, with another shaft assembly of another surgical instrument attachment. In at least one case, the shaft assembly 1200 comprises one or more printed circuit boards 1140, 1150. The shaft assembly 1200 is configured to house multiple components of the surgical staple fastener 1000, such as drive shafts, electronics, sensors, wires, and / or frame components. Such components are configured to be connected to corresponding components located within the handle assembly 1100, such as electric motors, supply leads, wires, and / or drive train components. The shaft assembly 1200 houses such components, transfers such components to the end effector assembly 1300, drives various functions of the shaft assembly 1200 and / or the end effector assembly 1300, and / or transmits electrical signals, for example, between the shaft assembly 1200 and the end effector assembly 1300, and to / from the handle assembly 1100. The shaft assembly 1200 includes one or more printed circuit boards 1140, 1150, and a conductor 1160 electrically connected to one or more components in the shaft assembly 1200 and / or the end effector assembly 1300.

[0051] The shaft assembly 1200 comprises a proximal mounting portion 1220, a primary outer shaft 1210, and an articular joint 1230. The end effector assembly 1300 is articulate relative to the shaft 1210 by the articular joint 1230. The end effector assembly 1300 is articulate around the articular axis AA (Figure 1). In at least one case, the end effector assembly 1300 and the shaft assembly 1200 are configured to be inserted through a trocar that penetrates into the patient's body cavity to clamp, staple, and cut patient tissue. In at least one case, the proximal mounting portion 1220 comprises one or more contacts configured to transmit electrical signals, power, and / or data between, for example, the end effector assembly 1300, the shaft assembly 1200, and the handle assembly 1100. In at least one case, the contact includes a conductive ring configured to allow rotation of the shaft assembly 1200 relative to the handle assembly 1100 about a central longitudinal axis, while still allowing electrical transmission between the shaft assembly 1200 and the handle assembly 1100.

[0052] The end effector assembly 1300 comprises a first jaw 1310 and a second jaw 1340 movable relative to the first jaw 1310, between which tissue is grasped and released. The first jaw 1310 is fixed relative to the second jaw 1340. In at least one case, the first jaw 1310 is not fixed, and both jaws 1310, 1340 are pivotable relative to each other. The first jaw 1310 includes a cartridge channel 1320 configured to receive a replaceable staple cartridge assembly 1330 inside it. The second jaw 1340 includes an anvil 1350 configured to clamp tissue when a closing trigger 1125 is activated and to form staples that are removablely stored in the replaceable staple cartridge assembly 1330 when a firing trigger 1129 is activated. The end effector assembly 1300 further comprises a firing member assembly configured to operate throughout the firing stroke to deploy staples from a replaceable staple cartridge assembly 1330 and cut the clamped tissue between the jaws 1310 and 1340.

[0053] As described above, the surgical staple fastener 1000 may be equipped with various electronic devices. Such electronic devices may be, for example, wireless, wired, passively powered, and / or actively powered. Such electronic devices may be located within the staple cartridge assembly 1330, on one or more components of the end effector assembly 1300, such as the cartridge channel jaw 1310 and / or the anvil jaw 1340, within the shaft assembly 1200, and / or within the handle assembly 1100. In at least one case, a wire may be required to traverse the articular joint 1230. Various configurations disclosed herein illustrate various methods for passing the wire through the articular joint 1230.

[0054] The staple cartridge assembly 1330 further comprises a retainer 1400 mounted on the cartridge assembly 1330. In at least one case, the retainer 1400 is configured to hold staples within the cartridge assembly 1330 during transport and / or installation of the cartridge assembly 1330 into the cartridge channel 1320. The retainer 1400 is configured to be removed before use of the surgical staple fastener 1000 and the cartridge assembly 1330.

[0055] Figures 6 to 8 show a shaft assembly 2000 configured for use with surgical staple fasteners as disclosed herein. The shaft assembly 2000 includes a proximal mounting interface 2010 configured to be attached to and detached from, for example, a housing or handle assembly. The shaft assembly 2000 houses and allows a conductor or wire 2040 to pass through the shaft assembly 2000. The conductor 2040 may transmit DC or any suitable electrical signal to, for example, an end effector assembly. The shaft assembly 2000 includes an outer shaft 2020, a proximal spine portion or proximal channel retainer 2030, and a distal spine portion or distal channel retainer 2071. The shaft assembly 2000 includes an articular joint 2080. The conductor 2040 passes through the shaft assembly 2000 in the proximal spine portion 2030 and the articular joint 2080. In at least one case, the lead wire 2040 is positioned between the outer shaft 2020 and the proximal spine portion 2030. In at least one case, a dedicated channel exists within the proximal spine portion 2030 through which the lead wire 2040 passes. In at least one case, a dedicated channel exists inside the outer shaft or the closure tube 2020 through which the lead wire 2040 passes. In at least one case, the lead wire is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly 2000. The lead wire 2040 may be grounded to the proximal spine portion 2030 to prevent interference with various other movable components located within the shaft assembly 2000.

[0056] As can be seen in Figure 8, the lead wire 2040 extends through the articular joint 2040 toward the end effector 2070. The lead wire 2040 enters the end effector 2070 through a cavity 2072 defined next to the distal spine portion 2071. In at least one case, additional slack is provided in the lead wire 2040 to allow the end effector 2070 to articulate relative to the shaft 2020. In at least one case, the lead wire 2040 consists of a flexible wire constrained to a specific position within the shaft assembly 2000. In at least one case, the lead wire 2040 terminates in a conductor ring located within a proximal mounting interface 2010, configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding conductor ring of the handle assembly, for example. Power and / or data may be transmitted to the end effector 2070, for example, via the conductor ring and the lead wire 2040. Sensors, chips, LEDs, and / or any other suitable components located within the end effector 2070 may receive electrical signals from the lead wire 2040. In at least one case, the lead wire 2040 is located at the bottom and center of the proximal spine portion 2030.

[0057] In at least one case, the lead wires 2040 include redundant lead wires for redundant power supply, such as DC power, in case one or more of the lead wires 2040 fail. In such a case, the control circuit is configured to automatically supply power to various electronic components of the end effector 2070, for example, through the redundant lead wires. In at least one case, the lead wires 2040 are located within the shaft assembly 2040 and grounded to various components that are not configured to move or interact with any other components, for example.

[0058] The control circuit may include one or more sensors, such as current sensors and / or voltage sensors, configured to measure parameters indicating a fault in one or more lead wires 2040. For example, the control circuit may detect a short circuit due to fluid exposure of the primary lead wire of lead wire 2040. In such a case, the control circuit may be configured to switch power transmission and / or data signal transmission from the primary lead wire to the redundant lead wire of lead wire 2040.

[0059] In at least one case, the control circuit includes a processor and a memory for storing program instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to detect a short circuit in one or more primary leads of lead wire 2040 based on sensor readings from one or more sensors communicating with the processor. The instructions further cause the processor to cause a power source and / or a data signal source to switch power transmission and / or data signal transmission to one or more redundant leads.

[0060] Figure 9 shows a surgical instrument assembly 2100 comprising a shaft assembly 2110, an articulated joint 2120, and an end effector assembly 2130 articulated relative to the shaft assembly 2110 via the articulated joint 2120. The surgical instrument assembly 2100 further comprises a conductor 2140 configured to transmit power and / or data signals via the articulated joint 2120. The lead wire 2140 may be connected to a printed circuit board within the shaft assembly 2110 and / or to a handle assembly to which the shaft assembly 2110 is mounted. In at least one case, the lead wire 2140 is connected to various electrical components located within the end effector assembly 2130, such as a sensor mounted on a staple cartridge.

[0061] The lead wire 2140 comprises a proximal section 2141 located within the shaft assembly 2110, an intermediate section 2142 extending through the articular joint 2120, and a distal section 2143 located within the end effector assembly 2130. The proximal section 2141 is fixed within the shaft assembly 2110, and the distal section 2143 is fixed within the end effector assembly 2130. The intermediate section 2142 has a coiled length that can expand and contract to accommodate the articular movement of the end effector assembly 2130 relative to the shaft assembly 2110. The coiled length may also allow for expansion and contraction of the lead wire 2140 caused by clamping of the jaws of the end effector assembly 2130, and one or more of the lead wires 2140 may be connected to or attached to the jaws of the end effector 2130 as they translate longitudinally during the clamping operation. For example, various surgical instruments require the end effector assembly to be pulled proximal to the occluder canal, for instance, to clamp the jaw. In such cases, the expansion and contraction of the lead wire 2140 reduces this longitudinal translation of the end effector assembly relative to the shaft assembly.

[0062] The lead wire 2140 may include any material suitable for the transmission path. In at least one case, the lead wire 2140 includes a flexible ribbon cable. For example, the lead wire 2140 may include, for example, a fiber optic cable. In at least one case, the lead wire 2140 includes a length that allows for some degree of rotation of the end effector assembly 2130 about its longitudinal axis relative to the shaft assembly 2110. In at least one case, the lead wire 2140 is configured to transmit a DC current to the end effector assembly 2130. In at least one case, the lead wire 2140 is sealed, for example, to prevent, during surgical procedures, for example, tissue and / or fluid flowing near and / or around the lead wire 2140 from causing a short circuit of the electrical components.

[0063] In at least one case, the lead wire 2140 is fixed to the outer shaft of the shaft assembly 2110, for example, by adhesive. Any suitable mounting mechanism may be used. For example, electrical terminals may be used on both sides of the articulated joint 2120 to which the lead wire 2140 can be connected. Such terminals may function as intermediate mounting points in the transmission path of the lead wire 2140 and may function solely as mounting means for fixing the lead wire 2140 to various components. In at least one case, additional lead wires 2140 are provided and positioned circumferentially around the outer shaft of the shaft assembly 2110. In at least one case, the lead wire 2140 is mounted externally to the shaft assembly 2110.

[0064] Figures 10 to 16 show a surgical instrument assembly 3000 comprising a shaft assembly 3100, an articulated joint 3200, and an end effector assembly 3300 configured to articulate relative to the shaft assembly 3100 around the articulated joint 3200. The surgical instrument assembly 3000 includes features for passing one or more conductors 3420 of an electrical transmission system 3400 through the shaft assembly 3100, the articulated joint 3200, and the end effector assembly 3300. The surgical instrument assembly 3000 may be similar in many respects to the surgical instrument assembly described in U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 765,337, title of the invention, “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR” (now U.S. Patent No. 8,408,439), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0065] The shaft assembly 3100 includes a proximal spine portion 3110, which extends from the proximal spine portion 3110 and includes an articular movement pin 3311 (Figure 13) that defines the articular movement axis AA. The articular movement pin 3211 rotatably connects the distal channel holder 3330 of the end effector assembly 3300 to the proximal spine portion 3110, thereby allowing the end effector assembly 3300 to articulate with respect to the shaft assembly 3100 around the articular movement axis AA.

[0066] The end effector assembly 3300 comprises a channel jaw 3310 and an anvil jaw 3340, which is pivotably connected to the channel jaw 3310 and is described in more detail below. The end effector assembly 3300 is configured to clamp, unclamp, staple, and cut tissue. In at least one case, the end effector assembly 3300 comprises a replaceable staple cartridge, which is removably received within the channel jaw 3310. The replaceable staple cartridge may be replaced so that the surgical instrument assembly 3000 can be reused during a surgical procedure. The surgical staple assembly 3000 comprises a shaft assembly 3100, an articulated joint 3200, and a launching member 3150 configured to pass through the end effector assembly 3300. The launch member 3150 is configured to act linearly such that a launch member assembly attached to the distal end of the launch member 3150 is linearly translated through the end effector assembly 3300 to staple and cut tissue.

[0067] The articular joint 3200 includes an articular support member 3210 configured to support the launching member 3150 within the articular joint 3200. In at least one case, the articular support member 3210 is configured to prevent the launching member 3150 from being blown away during articular movement and / or operation of the launching member 3150 through the end effector assembly 3300 while the surgical instrument assembly 3000 is in an articular configuration (Figure 13). The articular support member 3210 includes a central portion 3211 defining a support slot 3212. The support slot 3212 is configured to receive the launching member 3150 through its interior and to support the launching member 3150 through the articular joint 3200. The articular support member 3210 further includes an outer pillar 3213 defining a slot 3214 between the outer pillar 3213 and the central portion 3211. In at least one case, the slot 3214 is configured to receive one or more articular movement actuators, which will be described in more detail below. The articular movement support member 3210 is configured to move within the articular movement joint 3200 when the end effector assembly 3300 is articularized around the articular movement axis AA, and to support the launch member 3150 during the articular movement of the end effector assembly 3300. In at least one case, the launch member 3150 comprises a plurality of bands positioned laterally to one another, configured to spread out during the articular movement of the end effector assembly 3300.

[0068] The distal channel retainer 3330 is fixedly attached to the channel jaw portion 3310, so that when articular force is applied to the distal channel retainer 3330, the end effector assembly 3300 as a whole articulates around the articular axis AA. The distal channel retainer 3330 includes an actuation post 3331 distal to the articular axis AA, configured to receive articular force. In at least one case, an articular band, rod, and / or actuator is configured to push and pull the post 3331 to apply torque to the end effector assembly 3300, causing the end effector assembly 3300 to articulate around the articular axis AA. The articular actuator may pass through one of the slots 3214 defined within the articular support member 3210.

[0069] The distal channel retainer 3330 comprises a proximal portion 3255 that receives the articular movement pin 3311. The proximal portion 3255 further comprises locking teeth 3256 formed thereon. The surgical instrument assembly 3000 further comprises an articular movement locking system 3250, which comprises an articular movement locking bar 3252 and a proximal articular movement locking actuator 3251 configured to push and pull the articular movement locking bar 3252. The articular movement locking bar 3252 comprises a distal locking head 3253 configured to engage and disengage with locking teeth 2356. The articular movement locking bar 3252 may be actuated longitudinally by any preferred source. For example, the joint locking bar 3252 may be actuated manually by a clinician, automatically by a surgical robot, and / or automatically by a passive locking system that locks the locking bar 3252 to the joint joint junction 3200 whenever the end effector assembly 3300 is not articulating. For example, the joint locking bar 3252 may be spring-loaded distally so that the locking bar 3252 remains engaged with the locking teeth 3256 until an articulation control movement or articulation control force is applied to the end effector assembly 3300 causing the end effector assembly 3300 to articulate around the articulation axis AA. When the desired joint movement position is achieved and / or joint movement control movement is no longer applied to the end effector assembly 3300, the locking bar 3252 re-engages with the locking teeth 3256 and can hold the end effector assembly 3300 in its joint movement position, for example, until further joint movement control movement is applied to the end effector assembly 3300. In at least one case, the joint movement locking bar 3252 is actuated, for example, by a solenoid. In at least one case, the locking bar 3252 is advanced distally together with an obturator configured to clamp tissue. Such a configuration may be useful, for example, to prevent joint movement of the end effector assembly 3300 due to the end effector assembly 3300 striking the inside of the patient.Such a configuration can also prevent the surgical instrument assembly 3000 from becoming straight due to a blowout force applied to the joint joint 3200 by the launching member 3150 during the operation of the launching member 3150 and / or during the joint movement of the end effector assembly 3300.

[0070] In various embodiments, the articular joints disclosed herein include an articular joint cover. As described, the articular joint cover may include one or more wire and / or braided wire structures. In at least one case, the articular joint cover includes an electrically actuated solenoid coil. In such a case, the coil can be energized to actuate the locking bar 3252. In at least one case, the solenoid structure is provided proximal to the articular joint and positioned, for example, in a shaft assembly and / or surgical instrument handle and / or robot. The locking bar 3252 may be actuated at a suitable timing. For example, the locking bar 3252 may be actuated automatically and / or manually to a locked position when the anvil jaw is in a partially and / or fully clamped position.

[0071] The distal channel retainer 3330 further comprises a distal support structure or pillar 3320 having a defined launch member slot 3321 inside it. In at least one case, the distal support structure 3320 is attached, for example, to the channel jaw 3310. The launch member slot 3321 is configured to receive the launch member 3150 through its interior, allowing the launch member 3150 to pass through the channel jaw 3310 and the anvil jaw 3340 and enter their interiors.

[0072] As described above, the surgical instrument assembly 3000 comprises one or more wires 3420 configured to pass through the shaft assembly 3100, the articular joint 3200, and the end effector assembly 3300. The wires 3420 may be used for any of the purposes described herein. For example, the wires 3420 may transmit electrical signals between, for example, a surgical robot and a sensor located within the end effector assembly 3300. Such signals may include, for example, power and / or data information.

[0073] Referring to Figures 14 to 16, the electrical transmission system 3400 comprises a proximal spool 3410 mounted within the shaft assembly 3100 near the articular joint 3200, a conductor 3420 attached to the proximal spool 3410 and extending through the shaft assembly 3100, the articular joint 3200, and the end effector assembly 3300, and a termination assembly 3430 located within the end effector assembly 3300 and configured to terminate the conductor 3420.

[0074] The proximal spool 3410 is mounted within the shaft assembly 3100 and configured to feed wire as the end effector assembly 3300 moves through its articulated and non-articulated configurations. The spool 3410 may be electrically connected to a conductor proximal to the spool 3410, configured, for example, to send electrical signals back to a surgical instrument handle and / or surgical robot. The conductor 3420 may float within the surgical instrument assembly 3000 so that the spool 3410 can provide more wire when the end effector assembly 3300 is articulated to a fully articulated position, and can accommodate the excess wire when the end effector assembly 3300 articulates back to a non-articulated position. When the end effector assembly 3300 is articulated, more wire may be supplied by the spool 3410 to accommodate the extra travel distance required by the articulation of the end effector assembly 3300. As the end effector assembly 3300 articulates and returns to the non-articulated position, the wire supplied by the spool 3410 may be rewound around the spool 3410. In at least one case, clamping and unclamping the anvil jaw 3430 may also require additional wire to be supplied from the spool 3410.

[0075] In at least one case, such winding and unwinding of the lead wire 3420 may be assisted, for example, by a spring. In at least one case, the spool 3410 is spring-loaded so that the end effector assembly 3300 can overcome the spring force of the spool 3410 when the end effector assembly 3300 articulates to pull and unwind additional wire from the spool 3410. Similarly, the spring force of the spool 3410 is configured so that just the excess wire provided is unwound when the end effector assembly 3300 articulates to return to the non-articulated position.

[0076] In at least one case, such winding and unwinding of the lead wire 3420 may be assisted, for example, by an electric motor. The operation of the spool motor may be configured, for example, to coincide with joint motion control movements.

[0077] The conductor 3420 extends from the spool 3410 through the articular joint 3200. Specifically, the conductor 3420 extends through one of the slots 3214 of the articular support member 3210. The support structure 3320 further comprises a channel 3322 defined inside it, which is configured to receive the conductor 3420 through its interior. The channel 3322 has an arched contour. In at least one case, the conductor 3420 includes a flexible circuit cable. In such a case, the flexible circuit cable defines a cable plane corresponding to the contour of the channel 3322. In at least one case, the conductor 3420 is attached to the side wall of the channel 3322. In at least one case, the channel 3322 has an open top. In at least one case, channel 3322 has a tunnel-like shape such that lead wire 3420 is supplied through one side of channel 3322 and exits from the other side of channel 3322. Channel 3322 is configured to allow lead wire 3420 to pass through on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis LA where the actuation post 3331 is located. In at least one case, channel 3322 and actuation post 3331 are located on the same side of the longitudinal axis LA.

[0078] As can be seen from Figures 15 and 16, the lead wire 3420 is further configured to pass through the anvil jaw 3340 and terminate at the end assembly 3430. The anvil jaw 3340 has a proximal end 3341 with arms 3342 extending in the proximal direction, each arm having an anvil trunnion 3343 extending therefrom. The anvil trunnion 3343 is configured to be received in a corresponding anvil trunnion slot defined within the channel jaw 3310. The anvil jaw 3340 further includes an internally defined proximal aperture 3345 configured to receive the upper cam action portion of the launching member assembly internally, so that the upper cam action portion of the launching member assembly can be positioned within a longitudinal cam action channel 3346 defined within the anvil jaw 3340. The anvil jaw 3340 further comprises a channel 3347 defined in one of the arms 3342, which is configured to receive a conductor 3420 through its interior.

[0079] The termination assembly 3430 may, for example, be equipped with electrical contacts and may be attached to the anvil jaws 3340 and / or channel jaws 3310. In at least one case, the termination assembly 3430 is in electrical communication with the replaceable staple cartridge. In at least one case, each replaceable staple cartridge installed in the end effector assembly 3300 may be equipped with a sensor that requires electrical transmission between, for example, the termination assembly 3430 and, for example, a corresponding contact on the replaceable staple cartridge.

[0080] Channel 3347 is positioned so that the lead wire 3420 is not interfered with during and / or after the assembly of the end effector assembly 3300. In at least one case, the launch member assembly with the cutting knife and the anvil jaw 3340 are assembled, for example, before the lead wire 3420 is attached. The lead wire 3420 is positioned laterally away from the launch slot 3344 and vertically away from the upper cam action portion of the launch member assembly. Such a configuration can prevent accidental damage to the lead wire 3420 during and / or after the assembly of the end effector assembly 3300. As can be seen in Figure 16, channel 3347 provides a positioning of the lead wire 3420 vertically away from channel 3346 to prevent interference between, for example, the launch member 3150, the launch member assembly, and the lead wire 3420.

[0081] In various embodiments, for example, when a shaft assembly is rotatable relative to an interface to which it is attached, electrical transmission is required between the shaft assembly and a surgical handle assembly and / or surgical robot. For example, the shaft assembly 1200 shown in Figure 1 is configured to rotate relative to a handle assembly 1100 in order to better position an end effector assembly 1300 for clamping, stapling, and cutting tissue. Figure 17 shows a surgical instrument assembly 3500 comprising an outer nozzle 3510, an inner shaft frame assembly 3520, and a conductor 3530 configured to transmit electrical signals between the nozzle 3510 and the inner shaft frame assembly 3520. The nozzle 3510 is configured to rotate relative to the inner shaft frame assembly 3520 in order to rotate a shaft and / or end effector assembly connected to the nozzle 3510. The inner shaft frame assembly 3520 may extend from the handle assembly and be stationary relative to the nozzle 3510.

[0082] The surgical instrument assembly 3500 further comprises a shaft rotation limiting system configured to prevent over-rotation of the nozzle 3510 relative to the shaft assembly 3520. Preventing over-rotation of the nozzle 3510 relative to the shaft frame assembly 3520 can prevent stretching, breakage, or damage to the conductor 3530. The nozzle 3512 includes a tab 3512 extending from the inner annular surface 3511 of the nozzle 3510. The shaft frame assembly 3520 includes a tab 3522 extending from the outer annular surface 3521 of the shaft frame assembly 3520. When the nozzle 3510 is rotated relative to the shaft frame assembly 3520, the tabs 3512, 3522 are configured to contact each other to prevent further rotation of the nozzle 3510 in a particular direction. In at least one case, the surgical instrument assembly 3500 includes a control circuit configured to electronically limit the degree of relative rotation between the nozzle 3510 and the shaft assembly 3520. In at least one case, for example, the current of an electric motor configured to rotate the nozzle 3510 is monitored, and if a current spike is detected, over-rotation of the nozzle 3510 is determined by the engagement of tabs 3512, 3522.

[0083] Figure 18 shows a ring assembly 3600 configured for use in surgical instrument assemblies such as those described herein. The ring assembly 3600 comprises a plurality of rings 3610, 3612, and 3614 configured to transmit rotational control motion to each other, and a hard stop portion 3620 configured to prevent the rings 3610, 3612, and 3614 from rotating beyond a certain configuration to a certain extent. The ring assembly 3600 allows for multiple full rotations of a shaft rotation mechanism, for example, while still providing a hard stop. For example, the rotating shaft may be connected to ring 3614. Ring 3614 may rotate clockwise, and after a full rotation, a tab 3615 extending from ring 3612 engages with a tab 3613 of ring 3614. The shaft can continue to rotate further clockwise to a full rotation, and after ring 3612 has rotated fully, tab 3613 engages with tab 3611 of ring 3610. The shaft may continue its final complete rotation clockwise, and after the ring 3610 has completed its rotation, the tab 3611 engages with the hard stop portion 3620. Such a configuration can provide a physical hard stop while still allowing multiple complete rotations of the shaft assembly. The conductor may be wound around the shaft assembly or coiled to allow multiple rotations of the shaft assembly. Rings 3610, 3612, and 3614 are configured, for example, to stack the rotational motion of the shaft assembly.

[0084] The rotation-limiting feature of the ring assembly 3600 is illustrated in the form of a tab, but other forms including any preferred interlocking member are contemplated in this disclosure. In other embodiments, the ring thickness may be adjusted, for example, to prevent rotation exceeding a threshold by friction between the rings of the ring assembly.

[0085] The assemblies provided in Figures 17 and 18 can prevent infinite rotation of one component relative to another, provided that wires are provided for transmitting electrical signals between the components. In various embodiments, limiting tabs or stacks of limiting tabs are provided at various locations throughout the surgical instrument assembly. For example, such configurations may be provided, for example, within an end effector assembly, a shaft assembly, a mounting interface configured for attachment to a surgical robot, and / or a surgical instrument handle assembly. Such limiting tabs or stacks of limiting tabs may prevent, for example, a certain degree of rotation of any suitable rotary drive mechanism. In at least one case, the limiting tab includes an electrical stop switch configured, for example, to inform the motor and / or user that the rotation limit has been reached. The tab can, accordingly, close / open the switch. In such a case, the control circuit may stop the corresponding motor, for example, to rotate the shaft assembly, and / or warn the user of excessive rotation. In at least one case, the tab is configured to close an electrical circuit and indicate to the user that the rotation limit has been reached. In such cases, the tabs may include a conductive material configured to close the rotation limiting circuit. In at least one case, the rotation limiting circuit may be used in conjunction with a stack of tabs as described above. In such embodiments, the control circuit may indicate to the user how many times the shaft assembly has rotated, warn the user that the rotation limit is being approached when a predetermined number of rotations is reached, and, in at least one case, put the motor providing the shaft rotation into limp mode to prevent abrupt stopping of rotation.

[0086] The control circuit may include a processor and a storage medium, such as memory, that stores program instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the processor to determine the number of rotations the shaft assembly has been rotated, to notify the user of the number of rotations on a user interface, such as a display, and / or to put the motor providing the shaft rotation into limp mode to prevent abrupt stopping. If the ring assembly 3600 has conductive tabs that close the circuit when they come into contact with each other, the processor may determine that a predetermined number of rotations has been reached based on the change in the circuit state from open to closed.

[0087] Figures 19 to 22 show a surgical staple assembly 3700. The surgical staple assembly 3700 comprises a handle 3710, a shaft assembly 3720, an articulated joint 3730, and an end effector assembly 3760 having a cartridge jaw 3762 and an anvil jaw 3763 pivotable relative to the cartridge jaw 3762. The surgical staple assembly 3700 further comprises an electrical transmission system 3770 extending through the surgical staple assembly 3700 for transmitting electrical signals between the handle 3710, the shaft assembly 3720, and the end effector assembly 3760.

[0088] As can be seen in Figure 20, the surgical staple fastening assembly 3700 includes an articular motion actuator 3711 configured to apply articular motion control to the end effector assembly 3760, causing the end effector assembly 3760 to articulate with respect to the shaft assembly 3720. The shaft assembly 3720 includes a closure tube 3721 and a spine portion 3722 located within the closure tube 3720.

[0089] The electrical transmission system 3770 includes a proximal conductor portion 3771 extending through the shaft assembly 3720. In at least one case, the proximal conductor portion 3771 includes a flexible circuit. However, the proximal conductor portion 3771 may have any preferred electrical transmission configuration. In at least one case, the proximal conductor portion 3771 is located in a dedicated channel or cavity defined within the spine portion 3722. In at least one case, the proximal conductor portion 3771 is located in a dedicated channel or cavity defined on the inner surface of the closed tube 3721. The proximal conductor portion 3771 includes a distal portion 3772 with contact terminals 3773. An intermediate lead wire 3750 is provided to electrically connect the lead wire located within the end effector assembly 3760 to the proximal conductor portion 3771. The lead wire 3750 (Figure 22) is located within the joint movement joint cover 3740.

[0090] The articular joint cover 3740 comprises a main body portion 3741 configured to protect various internal components exposed within the articular joint 3720. The articular joint cover 3740 may be made of, for example, a flexible substrate material and may resist or prevent fluid flow into the articular joint 3730 during surgical procedures. The articular joint cover 3740 is configured to flex, expand, and / or contract when the end effector assembly 3760 articulates with respect to the shaft assembly 3720. The articular joint cover 3740 is attached to the shaft assembly 3720 and the end effector assembly 3760 by a crimping ring 3745. The crimping rings 3745 are crimped or clamped around the joint cover 3740 into corresponding annular ring slots 3731 and 3733, respectively, defined within the proximal portions 3761 of the shaft assembly 3720 and the end effector assembly 3760.

[0091] Referring to Figures 21 and 22, the joint cover 3740 includes openings 3742 defined at each end of the joint cover 3740. The openings 3742 expose the proximal contact end 3751 of the lead wire 3750 so that the lead wire 3750 can be electrically connected to the contact terminal 3773 of the proximal conductor portion 3771. In at least one case, a crimp ring 3745 is configured to press and engage the proximal contact end 3751 with the contact terminal 3773. A similar configuration may be provided for connecting the lead wire of an end effector assembly to the lead wire 3750. In at least one case, the opening is defined within a closure tube 3721 to expose the contact terminal 3773. In at least one case, the terminal is incorporated into the closure tube 3721 to electrically connect the proximal conductor portion 3771 and the lead wire 3750.

[0092] Figure 23 shows an articular joint cover assembly 3800 comprising an articular joint cover 3810 and an electrical transmission configuration 3820 positioned within the articular joint cover 3810. The electrical transmission device 3820 includes a conductor 3822 extending between the ends of the articular joint cover 3810. The articular joint cover 3810 has defined openings 3811 at each end, configured to expose the contact ends of the conductor 3822, through which the conductor 3822 can be electrically connected, for example, to corresponding electrical input and / or electrical output sections. The conductor 3822 extends substantially along the length of the articular joint cover 3810. The conductor 3822 is configured to accommodate the stretching of the articular joint cover 3810 due to the articular movement of the end effector assembly relative to the shaft to which the joint cover 3810 is attached. The conductor 3822 includes an intermediate relaxation section 3821 that provides additional length or slack to the conductor 3822 in order to provide stretch relief to the conductor 3822. Such a configuration can prevent distortion and / or damage to the conductor 3822 during the joint movement of the end effector.

[0093] Figures 24 and 25 show wire arrangements 3900 and 3950 configured to correspond to the articular movement of the end effector assembly relative to the shaft assembly. Wire arrangement 3900 comprises an articular joint cover 3910 and a wire 3920 disposed within the articular joint cover 3910. In at least one case, the lead wire 3920 is located on the inner surface of the articular joint cover 3910. In at least one case, the lead wire 3920 is located on the outer surface of the articular joint cover 3910. In at least one case, the lead wire 3920 is located between multiple layers of the articular joint cover 3910. In at least one case, the lead wire 3920 includes a flexible conductive material. In at least one case, the flexible conductive material is configured to provide articular relief for the lead wire 3920. In at least one case, the lead wire 3920 includes a relaxation bend or section and / or a flexible conductive material. The conductor configuration 3950 comprises an articular joint cover 3960 and a conductor 3970 extending through the articular joint cover 3970. The lead wire 3970 extends between the end effector assembly and the shaft assembly. In at least one case, the lead wire 3970 is provided around the substantial outer circumference of the electrical joint cover 3960. In at least one case, the lead wire 3970 is provided only in the articular plane, which is defined as the plane in which the end effector assembly articulates with respect to the shaft assembly. In at least one case, the lead wire 3970 is provided only in the plane opposite to the articular plane.

[0094] In at least one case, the articular joint cover disclosed herein is configured to expand and contract longitudinally, in addition to flexing laterally to accommodate joint movement. The conductors within the joint cover are configured to adapt to the expansion, contraction, and lateral flexion of the articular joint cover.

[0095] In at least one case, the conductor located within the articular joint cover includes an uninsulated wire. In such a case, the articular joint cover may provide electrical insulation to the wire extending through the articular joint cover. In at least one case, the conductor is located on the outer surface of the articular joint cover, and the conductor includes an insulated wire. In at least one case, the conductor extends through the articular joint cover in a substantially linear configuration. In at least one case, the conductor extends through the articular joint cover in a curved configuration. In at least one case, the conductor is a flexible printed circuit board. In at least one case, the conductor is specifically located within a portion of the articular joint cover to minimize expansion, bending, and / or contraction of the conductor, for example, above or below the articular joint. In at least one case, the conductor is fed through a groove formed in the thermoplastic spine portion of the shaft assembly. In at least one case, the lead positioned within the surgical instrument assembly includes multiple contacts molded within various components of the surgical instrument assembly. In various cases, the lead positioning disclosed herein can minimize, for example, the possibility of various leads being pinched and / or damaged near articular joints.

[0096] In various cases, surgical end effectors include sensors and / or other electronic components, which may require various electrical signals to be transmitted to and from such sensors and components. For example, electrical signals such as power and / or data signals, digital and / or analog signals, may need to be transmitted between the sensors and / or electronic components within the end effector and the handle and / or surgical robot, for example, via a mounting interface. In such cases, multiple wires may be used between the surgical end effector and the handle to transmit electrical signals between the surgical end effector and the handle. In various cases, the end effector includes articulated joints. Articulated joints may add additional architecture to a shaft assembly where space may be limited. For example, articulated joints may require articulated drive trains. Such articulated drive trains may consume valuable space within such a shaft assembly, in addition to other drive trains and components housed within the shaft assembly. In various cases, surgical end effectors may require multiple individual wires to each sensor and / or electronic component mounted on the surgical end effector. Various configurations are disclosed to minimize the amount of wire passing through the shaft assembly, joint joints, and end effector.

[0097] Figure 26 shows a surgical instrument assembly 4000 comprising a shaft assembly 4100, an articulated joint 4200, and an end effector assembly 4300 attached to the shaft assembly 4100 by the articulated joint 4200. The end effector assembly 4300 is articulate relative to the shaft assembly 4100 by the articulated joint 4200. The shaft assembly 4100 may be attached, for example, to a surgical instrument handle and / or a surgical robot, and may house a plurality of components, such as drive train components, conductors, sensors, and / or frame components, inside. The shaft assembly 4100 includes a distal end 4110 attached to the articulated joint 4200. The distal end 4110 is attached to the articulated joint cover 4210. The end effector assembly 4300 includes a proximal shaft portion 4310 attached to the articulated joint 4200. The articular joint cover 4210 is also attached to the proximal shaft portion 4310. The end effector assembly 4300 comprises a cartridge channel jaw portion 4320 fixedly attached to the proximal shaft portion 4310, and an anvil jaw portion 4330 pivotably connected to the cartridge channel jaw portion 4320. The anvil jaw portion 4330 is pivotable relative to the cartridge channel jaw portion 4320 for clamping and unclamping tissue between the cartridge channel jaw portion 4320 and the anvil jaw portion 4330. In at least one case, the cartridge channel jaw portion 4320 is pivotable relative to the anvil jaw portion 4330. In at least one case, the cartridge channel jaw portion 4320 and the anvil jaw portion 4330 are pivotable relative to each other.

[0098] The surgical instrument assembly 4000 further comprises an electrical system 4400, which includes a first conductor 4410 extending through the shaft assembly 4100 and the articulated joint 4200 and configured to transmit electrical signals, for example, between the handle and the end effector assembly 4300. The electrical system 4400 further comprises an electronic chip 4420. In at least one case, the electronic chip 4420 includes, for example, a CPU, processor, memory, and / or capacitance-to-digital converter. The electronic chip 4420 is configured to process signals, such as raw sensor data, received from various sensors and / or electronic components located within the end effector assembly 4300. The processed data can then be returned, for example, through the first conductor 4410 to the handle, surgical robot, and / or surgical hub. The first conductor 4410 may include, for example, a flexible printed circuit cable. In at least one case, the first conductor 4410 is configured to transmit power and / or data signals to and from the electronic chip 4410.

[0099] The electrical system 4400 further comprises a plurality of first sensors 4450 located within the cartridge channel jaw section 4320, electrically connected to the electronic chip 4420 by a conductor 4430. The electrical system 4400 further comprises a second sensor 4440 located within the anvil jaw section 4330, electrically connected to the electronic chip 4420 by a conductor 4430. Data and / or power can be transmitted to and / or from the electronic chip 4420 via the conductor 4430. Such a configuration can reduce the amount of conductors passing through the shaft assembly and integrate signal transmission paths within the surgical instrument assembly by processing information on the distal end effector assembly 4300 of the articular joint 4200. Such a configuration can reduce the amount of physical wires located within the shaft assembly by integrating the information passed between the handle and the end effector assembly 4300 into digital data, but the digital data can, in at least one case, all be transmitted via a single digital transmission path (e.g., the first conductor 4410). The raw data from the end effector assembly 4300 may include analog and digital data. As described above, such data can be integrated into a single digital transmission path by the electronic chip 4420.

[0100] In at least one case, the electronic chip 4420 is located within the proximal shaft portion 4310. In at least one case, the electronic chip 4420 is located within the cartridge channel jaw portion 4320 and / or the anvil jaw portion 4330. The sensors 4420, 4440 may include any suitable sensors, such as pressure sensors, position sensors, temperature sensors, force sensors, current sensors, potential sensors, magnetic sensors, optical sensors, thermal sensors, and / or proximity sensors. The sensors may require a certain power supply and data transmission leads. As described above, the sensors may include digital and / or analog sensors.

[0101] Figure 27 shows a surgical instrument assembly 5000 comprising a shaft assembly 5100, an articulated joint 5200, and an end effector assembly 5300 articulated with respect to the shaft assembly 5100 via the articulated joint 5200. The surgical instrument assembly 5000 includes an articulated rod or actuator 5120 configured to push or pull in order to rotate the end effector assembly 5300 around the articulated joint 5200. The surgical instrument assembly 5000 further includes an electrical system 5400 extending from the shaft assembly 5100 and the articulated joint 5200 to the end effector assembly 5300. The electrical system 5400 includes conductors 5400. The conductors 5410 may include, for example, flexible printed circuit board cables. The conductor 5410 comprises a proximal section 5411 attached to the articular movement rod 5120, an intermediate section 5412 configured to float within the articular movement joint 5200, and a distal section 5413 extending within the end effector assembly 5300. The distal section 5413 includes a mounting end 5413 located within the cartridge channel jaw portion 5320. The distal section 5413 is attached to the end effector assembly 5300.

[0102] The mounting portions 5411 and 5413 of the conductor 5410 may be attached, for example, by adhesive and / or glue. In addition to, or instead of, adhesive, hook or loop fasteners may also be used. Any suitable mounting means may be used. The intermediate section 5412 is configured to expand and contract when the end effector assembly 5300 is articulated relative to the shaft assembly 5300. In at least one case, the articulation rod 5120 is configured to pre-set the intermediate section 5412 to a position where the conductor 5410 can accommodate the next articulation position of the end effector assembly 5300. For example, the articulation rod 5120 is pushed distally to move the end effector assembly 5300 in direction 5201. In such cases, the articulation rod 5120 pulls the proximal section 5411 distally, bundling or bending the intermediate section 5412 to provide the necessary slack in the conductor 5410 for the subsequent articulation position. By articulating the end effector assembly 5300 in the opposite direction to direction 5201, the articulation rod 5120 reduces, at least partially, the amount of slack in the conductor 5410, and the cable distance required for the conductor 5410 when the end effector assembly 5300 is articulated in this direction becomes shorter.

[0103] Figure 28 shows an articulation assembly 5500 for use with surgical instrument assemblies, such as those described herein. The articulation assembly 5500 includes an inner joint component 5510 having a stepped portion 5511 configured to allow bending of the joint component 5510 when the end effector assembly is articulated. In at least one case, the joint component 5510 includes an inner frame portion of the articulation joint. In at least one case, the joint component 5510 is attached to the shaft assembly and the end effector assembly. The articulation assembly 5500 further includes an articulation joint cover 5520 having an opening configured to expose its internal contacts. The articulation assembly 5500 further includes a conductor 5530, such as a flexible printed circuit board cable, positioned on the outer surface of the joint component 5510. The conductor 5530 is positioned around the outer surface of the joint component 5510 such that the conductor 5530 corresponds to the stepped portion 5511. The conductor 5530 is configured to bend and flex together with the stepped portion 5511 of the joint component 5510.

[0104] In various cases, for example, an electrical system comprising a flexible printed circuit board cable may extend through the articular joint of a surgical instrument assembly. Such a flexible printed circuit board cable may be coiled around an articular axis that allows the end effector to articulate relative to the shaft assembly. Such a cable is incorporated within the articular joint so that it can be wound and / or unwound around the articular axis to accommodate the articular movement of the end effector.

[0105] Figures 29 to 33 show a surgical instrument assembly 6000 comprising a shaft assembly 6100, an articulated joint 6200, and an end effector assembly 6300. The end effector assembly 6300 is articulated relative to the shaft assembly 6100 by the articulated joint 6200. The shaft assembly comprises an outer shaft 6110 and an articulated actuator 6112 configured to apply articulated control motion to the end effector assembly 6300 to cause the end effector assembly 6300 to articulate relative to the shaft assembly 6100. The end effector assembly 6300 comprises a cartridge channel jaw portion 6330 and an anvil jaw portion 6340 that is pivotable relative to the channel jaw portion 6330. The cartridge channel jaw portion 6330 is attached to the shaft portion 6310. The surgical instrument assembly 6000 further comprises a shaft assembly 6100, an articular joint 6200, and an electrical system 6400 extending through an end effector assembly 6300 to electrically connect, for example, a surgical instrument handle and an electrical component mounted and positioned on the end effector assembly 6300.

[0106] The shaft assembly 6100 further comprises a spine portion 6120 having a distal end 6121 pivotably connected to the proximal end 6321 of the spine portion 6320 of the end effector assembly 6300. In at least one case, the spine portion 6320 is fixedly mounted to a cartridge channel jaw portion 6330, which is fixedly mounted to the shaft portion 6310. The pivot portion 6122 of the distal end 6121 is supported within an opening 6322 defined in the proximal end 6321 of the spine portion 6320. The actuator 6112 is configured to push and / or pull the spine portion 6320 of the end effector assembly 6300 to articulate the end effector assembly 6300 around the articulation axis AA (Figure 31) relative to the shaft assembly 6100.

[0107] The electrical system 6400 includes, for example, a flexible cable 6410, such as a flexible PCB, extending through the shaft assembly 6100, the articular joint 6200, and the end effector assembly 6300. The flexible cable 6410 may transmit electrical signals, such as power and / or data signals, between, for example, the end effector assembly 6300 and the surgical robot and / or instrument handle. The flexible cable 6410 includes a proximal lead wire portion 6411 extending through the shaft assembly 6100 into the articular joint 6200. The flexible cable 6410 may be attached to the outer shaft 6110. The flexible cable 6410 further includes a coiled portion 6413 positioned within the articular joint 6200 such that its coil axis can coincide with the articular axis AA. The coiled portion 6413 is located within the pivot portion 6122 and, in at least one case, is centrally located relative to the proximal end 6321 and the pivot portion 6122. The cable 6410 further comprises a distal lead wire portion 6414 extending from the coiled portion 6413 into the end effector assembly 6300. In at least one case, the distal lead wire portion 6414 is attached to the cartridge channel jaw portion 6330.

[0108] Referring to Figures 32 and 33, the coiled portion 6413 is configured to adapt to the articulation of the end effector assembly 6300 and to maintain electrical connections between them through the articulation joint 6200. When the end effector assembly 6300 is articulated relative to the shaft assembly 6100 in a first direction, the coiled portion or section 6414 is wound in a first winding direction, enabling the end effector assembly 6300 to articulate in the first direction. When the end effector assembly 6300 is articulated relative to the shaft assembly 6100 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the coiled portion or section 6414 is unwound in a second winding direction opposite to the first winding direction, enabling the end effector assembly 6300 to articulate in the first direction. Figure 33 shows the cable 6410 in a partially unwound configuration. If the distal lead wire portion 6414 is articulated in the opposite direction to that shown in Figure 33, the coiled portion 6413 is wound in the opposite direction. In at least one case, the coiled portion 6413 is wound more tightly when the end effector assembly 6300 is articulated in a first direction, and more loosely when the end effector assembly 6300 is articulated in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Such a configuration may provide relief within a flexible cable 6410 extending through the articular joint 6200. Such a configuration provides, for example, a cable 6410 of a certain length that is coiled and / or wound within the articular joint 6200 centered on the articular axis AA. In at least one case, the coiled section 6413 is not centered on the articular axis AA.

[0109] While the electrical system 6400 shows a cable configured to accommodate joint movement, such a configuration can also be used for rotation of an end effector about a longitudinal axis relative to the shaft assembly. In at least one case, a flexible cable is provided that can be wound and unwound in multiple planes to accommodate both the joint movement and rotation of the end effector. Such a cable configuration can prevent, for example, the breakage of a flexible PCB extending through a joint joint. In at least one case, such a cable can be used through a plurality of separate joint joints, each having its own joint axis.

[0110] In various cases, replaceable or non-replaceable surgical staple cartridges include electronic components. Such electronic components may include active components, passive components, and / or electromechanical components. For example, such components may include, for example, conductive components, integrated circuits, programmable devices, display technology, power supplies, resistive components, capacitive components, magnetic devices, and / or switches. One or more of these components may require that the staple cartridge be electrically connected to the cartridge channel jaw to transmit electrical signals between the staple cartridge and the surgical instrument handle and / or surgical robot. The electrical signals may be digital and / or analog. The electrical signals may include, for example, data signals and / or power signals. In at least one case, the electrical signals include data corresponding to, for example, the cartridge type, cartridge length, and / or staple length.

[0111] Figures 34 to 36 show a surgical end effector 7000 comprising a cartridge channel jaw 7100 and an anvil jaw 7200 pivotable relative to the cartridge channel jaw 7100. The end effector 7000 further comprises a replaceable staple cartridge 7130, which is detachably positioned within the cartridge channel 7110 of the cartridge channel jaw 7100. The staple cartridge 7130 may include one or more electronic components as disclosed herein. The staple cartridge 7130 further comprises a thread 7131 that is movable through a firing stroke between a proximal unfired position and a distal fully fired position. The thread 7131 is configured to eject staples from the staple cartridge 7130 and is configured to be pushed distally by a longitudinally translatable firing member. The end effector 7000 further comprises a lockout member 7120 configured to prevent the launching member from advancing distally through the staple cartridge 7130 until the lockout condition is overcome.

[0112] In at least one case, the lockout member 7120 is opened or released by the installation of a suitable staple cartridge that has not been fired. The lockout member 7120 is further configured to electrically connect a conductor extending proximal from the lockout member 7120 to the staple cartridge 7130. The conductor may be electrically connected, for example, to a control circuit of a surgical robot and / or surgical instrument handle. The staple cartridge 7130 further comprises a conductive member 7132 extending proximal from the staple cartridge 7130. In at least one case, the conductive member 7132 includes one or more conductive lead wires printed thereon. In at least one case, the conductive member 7132 itself includes an electrical path. In at least one case, the conductive member 7132 is electrically connected to one or more electrical components of the staple cartridge 7130 as described herein. The conductive member 7132 is configured to contact the distal end 7121 of the lockout member 7120, thereby electrically connecting, for example, the staple cartridge 7130 to a surgical instrument handle and / or surgical robot.

[0113] The lockout member 7120 further includes a corresponding conductive trace 7122 printed thereon. In at least one case, the trace 7122 is printed on the lockout member 7120 after the lockout member 7120 has been stamped and / or machined. The trace 7122 extends along the entire length of the lockout member 7120 and is configured to contact the conductive member 7132 to electrically connect the staple cartridge 7130 to a wire extending, for example, to a surgical robot and / or surgical instrument handle. In at least one case, the lockout member 7120 is electrically connected to the staple cartridge only when the lockout member 7120 is in the unlocked position. In at least one case, the lockout member 7120 is electrically connected to the staple cartridge 7130 regardless of the position or state of the lockout member 7120. For example, see U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 314,108, title of the invention, "METHOD OF USING LOCKOUT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL STAPLER CARTRIDGE" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,335,147), which is incorporated in its entirety by reference.

[0114] In at least one case, the lockout member 7120 includes a lockout spring member. In at least one case, the conductive member 7132 extends proximal to the thread 7131. In such cases, terminals are provided between the cartridge 7130 and the thread 7131 to electrically connect the electronic components located within the staple cartridge to the thread 7131, the conductive member 7132, the lockout member 7120, and the surgical instrument handle and / or surgical robot.

[0115] In various cases, the surgical instrument assemblies provided herein are configured to identify the type of staple cartridge to be placed in the cartridge channel without corresponding electronic components within the staple cartridge and / or end-effector assembly. Such an arrangement can reduce, for example, the amount of electrical wiring passing through the various components of the surgical instrument assembly.

[0116] Referring to Figures 37 to 39, the staple cartridge assembly 7200 is shown equipped with a feature for cartridge identification without requiring any electrical components mounted on the staple cartridge assembly 7200. The staple cartridge assembly 7200 may be similar in many respects to other staple cartridges disclosed herein. The staple cartridge assembly 7200 may be used with any suitable surgical instrument assembly as described herein. The staple cartridge assembly 7200 comprises a cartridge body 7210, a thread 7220 movable between a proximal non-firing position (Figure 38) and a distal fully-firing position for deploying staples from the cartridge body 7210, and a cartridge pan 7230 configured to hold the thread 7220, staples, and / or staple driver within the cartridge body 7210. The cartridge body 7210 comprises a cartridge deck 7211, a plurality of longitudinal rows of staple cavities 7212 defined in the cartridge deck 7211, and a longitudinal slot 7214 that divides the cartridge body 7210 in two. The longitudinal slot 7214 is configured to receive at least a portion of the thread 7220 during the staple firing stroke, and the firing member is configured to push the thread 7220 through the staple firing stroke.

[0117] The cartridge body 7210 further comprises a proximal end 7213 having an identification feature section 7216 defined within the proximal end 7215 of a longitudinal slot 7214. The feature section 7216 is configured to engage with the thread 7220 and / or firing member before the staple firing stroke. The feature section 7216 is detectable by the control circuit of a surgical instrument handle and / or surgical robot and is configured to correspond to one or more identification parameters of the staple cartridge assembly 7200, so that when the feature section 7216 is detected, specific identification parameters of the staple cartridge assembly 7200 can be interpolated based on the detected information of the feature section 7216, which will be described in more detail below.

[0118] The feature portion 7216 comprises a projection or ridge 7217 extending over a specific length within the proximal end 7215 of the slot 7214. The ridge 7217 is positioned such that the thread 7220 and / or the launching member engage with the ridge 7217 prior to the staple launching stroke during the initial pre-launch stroke. The ridge 7217 may obstruct the movement of the thread 7230 and / or the launching member. In at least one case, the motor current of the motor operating the launching member is monitored, through which the ridge 7217 is detectable. In at least one case, the ridge 7217 requires a larger motor current for, for example, a crossing that can be detected and identified. In such a case, the amount of increased current may correspond to one or more specific cartridge parameters. In at least one case, the ridge 7217 simply generates a recognizable motor current pattern. In such a case, the detected pattern corresponds to one or more specific cartridge parameters. Cartridge parameters and corresponding detectable features or patterns (e.g., current) may be stored, for example, in a lookup table or database in a storage medium such as a memory unit. The control circuit is configured to compare the detected features and / or patterns with information in, for example, the lookup table, in order to identify the type of cartridge installed in the end effector assembly.

[0119] The thread 7220 includes a distal portion 7221 having a first width and a proximal portion 7222 having a second width. The second width may be configured such that the proximal portion 7222 engages with the feature portion 7216 as it passes through the feature portion 7216. However, after passing through the feature portion 7216, the proximal portion 7222 does not interfere with the rest of the slot 7214. Although the engagement of the thread 7220 with the feature portion 7216 is illustrated, the feature portion 7216 may be engaged by a launching member in addition to, or instead of, the thread 7220. In at least one case, the current of the motor driving the launching member and / or the thread is monitored. In at least one case, the speed of the launching member and / or the thread is monitored. In at least one case, the vibration of the launching member and / or the thread is monitored.

[0120] Figure 39 is graph 7240 of one scenario in which the motor current is monitored as the launching member advances through the staple cartridge assembly 7200. In at least one case, the force required to advance the launching member through the staple cartridge assembly 7200 is interpolated from the monitored motor current. As can be seen from graph 7240, a recognizable force pattern is detected during the initial pre-launch stroke. As described above, the force pattern is a recognizable and unique characteristic of a particular staple cartridge assembly 7200. In at least one case, other cartridges with different cartridge parameters than the staple cartridge assembly 7200 include different unique protrusions that generate different corresponding unique force characteristics. Variations of the protrusion 7216 may include, for example, the depth of the protrusion, the contour of the protrusion, and / or the amount of the protrusion. One or more such variations may be employed to generate a unique detectable cartridge identification feature 7216 for each possible type of staple cartridge.

[0121] In at least one case, the operation of the launching member during the initial pre-fire stroke is constant across all different types of staple cartridges, and the operating characteristics are determined only after the type of staple cartridge is identified and used to advance the launching member through the staple firing stroke. Once the cartridge type is identified, a range of operating parameters for the surgical instrument assembly may be selected for the identified cartridge. For example, the firing stroke duration, force, and / or velocity may be selected based on the identified cartridge type. In at least one case, the user is alerted about the identified cartridge type, and the user selects various operating parameters for the staple firing stroke. As can be seen from Graph A33, the force characteristics detected through feature section 7216 are smaller than the force characteristics of the firing stroke in which tissue is traversed and staples are deployed and formed. In at least one case, the force characteristics detected through feature section 7216 are larger than the force characteristics of the firing stroke.

[0122] In at least one case, the feature section 7216 is similar to the features of a Braille code. In at least one case, the identifiable cartridge parameters include, for example, the color, type, length, date of manufacture, and / or lot number of the cartridge. In at least one case, the feature section 7216 includes a firing force feedback code. In at least one case, the feature section 7216 is located within a non-cartridge lockout zone, which is also configured to disable a first stage of lockout for the firing member. Such a first stage includes locking the firing member when the cartridge is not installed in the end-effector assembly. Such cartridge identification information may be recorded, for example, for each staple cartridge installed and / or used with a surgical instrument handle / or robot.

[0123] Figure 40 shows a conductor cable 7300 including a conductor 7310. The conductor cable 7300 may be used with any surgical instrument assembly, such as those disclosed herein. The conductor cable 7300 is configured to extend through a shaft assembly, an articular joint, and an end effector assembly. The conductor cable 7300 is configured to expand and contract, for example, with articular movement of the end effector assembly. The conductor cable 7300 comprises a plurality of vertical support members 7320 and horizontal support members 7330. The pattern of the support members 7320, 7330 can provide a structure that can expand, stretch, contract, and / or compress. The conductor cable 7300 may act similarly to that of a natural spring. The support members 7320, 7330 may be made of any suitable material. In at least one case, the support members 7320, 7330 are made of an elastic material. The conductor 7310 may be coiled or woven around, for example, the horizontal support members 7320, 7330. In at least one case, the conductor cable 7300 includes multiple layers of material bonded together, with the conductor 7310 and / or support members 7320, 7330 positioned between the bonded layers.

[0124] In various cases, the braided sleeve member may be used with conductors to transmit electrical signals between the shaft assembly, the articular joint, and / or the end effector assembly. Figure 41 shows an articular joint cover 7400 comprising a braided sleeve 7410 configured to be crimped to the distal end of the shaft assembly and the proximal end of the end effector using a crimp ring 7420. The joint cover 7400 may be similar in many respects to other articular joint covers disclosed herein. The braided sleeve 7410 comprises conductors 7413 and 7411. The conductors 7411 and 7413 may include, for example, printed flexible circuit cables. In at least one case, the electrical leads 7411 and 7413 include, for example, conductive wires. In at least one case, the conductors 7411 and 7413 include a combination of conductive wires and printed flexible circuit cables.

[0125] In at least one case, the conductors 7411, 7413 are positioned between insulating material layers. In such a case, one insulating layer may comprise an inner insulating layer and be positioned directly adjacent to the articular joint component, and the second insulating layer may comprise an outer insulating layer and be the outermost layer of the articular joint component 7400. In at least one case, such a braided sleeve of conductors is used around the shaft assembly and / or end effector assembly for at least a certain length. The braided sleeve configuration may be configured such that the length of the sleeve 7410 allows for some degree of bending and contraction, for example, during articular movement of the end effector assembly. In at least one case, the lead wires 7411, 7413 are woven along the length of the sleeve 7400. In at least one case, lead wire 7411 includes an outer layer of lead, and lead wire 7413 includes an inner layer of lead wire 7413. Braided sleeves may reduce the need for conductors to penetrate the articular joint near mechanically integrated components within the articular joint where the risk of pinching and / or tearing is greater than outside the articular joint. In at least one case, such braided sleeves may also act to protect components of the articular joint. In at least one case, conductors as disclosed herein include cables and / or wires and may be, for example, flat and / or circular. In at least one case, the crimp ring 7420 is made of an insulating material. In at least one case, a flexible circuit cable having one or more conductors acts as an articular joint cover itself. In such cases, the non-conductive portion of the flexible circuit cable may protect, for example, components of the articular joint.

[0126] Figure 42 shows a shaft assembly 7500 comprising a shaft 7510, conductors 7520, 7540 wound around the shaft 7510, and an insulating layer 7560 covering the lead wires 7520, 7540. The lead wires 7520, 7540 are attached to each other and / or to the shaft 7510 by connection points 7530, 7550. In at least one case, the connection points 7530, 7550 include, for example, hook and loop engagements between the lead wires 7520, 7540 and / or between the lead wires 7520, 7530 and the shaft 7510. Such connection points may restrict the conductors 7520, 7540 from moving excessively in the rotational or longitudinal direction relative to each other and / or to the shaft 7510. In at least one case, the lead wires 7520 and 7540 include a woven sleeve configuration in which the lead wires 7520 and 7540 are woven around the shaft 7510. In at least one case, the lead wires 7520 and 7540 include a flexible printed circuit cable.

[0127] Figure 43 shows a joint joint cover 7600, which includes a lead wire 7610 wound around the joint joint between a proximal end 7601 and a distal end 7603. The joint joint cover 7600 further includes a connection point 7620. In at least one case, the connection point 7620 includes a hook-and-loop configuration. The connection point 7620 is configured to attach the lead wire 7610 to one or more components of the joint joint, such as a coupler portion connecting a shaft assembly and an end effector assembly. In at least one case, the connection point 7620 controls the relative amount of movement between the component to which the lead wire 7610 is fixed and the lead wire 7610 itself. If there is no connection point to slightly restrict the target movement of the lead wire 7610, the relative movement may be too large, potentially causing the lead wire 7610 to become pinched, for example, within the joint joint.

[0128] In various cases, the expansion and contraction of the conductors places such lead wires under a certain degree of stress. Figures 44 and 45 show a surgical instrument assembly 7700 comprising a shaft assembly 7710, an articulated joint 7720, and an end effector assembly 7730. The end effector assembly 7730 is articulated relative to the shaft assembly 7710 by the articulated joint 7720. The surgical instrument assembly 7700 further comprises an electrical system 7740 configured to transmit electrical signals between the shaft assembly 7710 and the end effector assembly 7730 across the articulated joint 7720. The electrical system 7740 comprises a proximal conductor 7741 extending through the shaft assembly 7710 toward the distal end of the shaft assembly 7110. The proximal conductor 7741 is terminated by a conductive pin or post 7743 located at the distal end of the shaft assembly 7710.

[0129] The electrical system 7740 further comprises two conductive members 7745 extending through the articular joint and end-effector leads 7747 extending distally from the two conductive members 7745 into the end-effector assembly 7730. The conductive members 7745 are configured to allow electrical signals to pass across the articular joint 7720. The conductive members 7745 are redundant electrical paths such that, depending on the articular position of the end-effector assembly 7730, each conductive member 7745 is configured to electrically connect the end-effector lead 7747 to the proximal lead 7741. As can be seen in Figure 45, one of the conductive members 7745 is pressed against a conductive pin 7742. In this case, that particular conductive member 7745 electrically connects the end-effector lead 7747 to the proximal lead 7741. When the end effector assembly 7730 is articulated in the opposite direction, the other conductive member 7745 electrically connects the end effector lead 7747 to the proximal lead 7741. In at least one case, one of the conductive members 7745 is always in contact with the conductive pin 7743 so that electrical transmission between the proximal lead 7741 and the end effector lead 7747 is always maintained. As can be seen from Figure 44, both conductive members 7745 are in contact with the pin 7743 when the end effector assembly 7730 is in an articulated or linear configuration. In at least one case, the conductive member 7745 includes a leaf spring member.

[0130] Figure 46 shows a staple cartridge assembly 8000 comprising a cartridge body 8010 having a proximal end 8011, a cartridge pan 8020, and a pressure sensor matrix 8030 having a plurality of pressure points 8031 ​​positioned on the cartridge body 8010. In at least one case, the pressure points 8031 ​​are located on the anvil and / or cartridge channel. In at least one case, the pressure points 8031 ​​include unique characteristics such that a control circuit can identify a unique pressure point characteristic on the cartridge body 8010 when pressed against a corresponding pressure sensor matrix, such as the surface of the anvil, which includes a plurality of pressure sensors. The unique pressure point characteristics are configured to press the corresponding pressure sensors and communicate the unique characteristics to the control circuit. The unique pressure point characteristics are unique to the staple cartridge assembly 8000 such that one or more specific cartridge parameters can be determined through the pressure sensor matrix and the pressure point matrix. The pressure points 8031 ​​may include raised portions of the cartridge body 8010. In at least one case, the pressure point is located at the bottom of the cartridge body 8010 or the pan 8020.

[0131] Figure 47 shows a pan 8100 comprising a pressure point matrix 8120 configured to contact a corresponding pressure sensor matrix. The pressure point matrix 8120 includes raised pressure points 8121 and non-raised positions 8122. A unique pressure point matrix 8120 is specific to the cartridge to which the pan 8100 is mounted. In at least one case, the pressure point matrix 8120 is engaged when a staple cartridge assembly is installed in the cartridge channel. In such a case, the cartridge channel comprises a corresponding pressure sensor matrix configured to read the pressure point matrix and identify the type of staple cartridge assembly installed in the cartridge channel. In at least one case, one or more of the pressure points are sheared, for example, by a cam member of a launching member, in such a case the only information change provided with the new pressure point matrix may include that the cartridge has already been used.

[0132] In the 4-point pressure point matrix 8200 (Figure 48), a total of 16 different patterns, and therefore cartridge types, can be identified. More or fewer pressure point positions may be used to increase the number of possible repetitions for identification. Figure 49 shows 16, 8300 possible pressure point repetitions 8301 with a 4-point pressure point matrix. [Examples]

[0133] Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are illustrated in the following numbered examples. Example 1 - A surgical instrument assembly comprising a shaft assembly having a proximal spine portion, an articular movement actuator, a launching member, and an articular movement joint. The articular movement joint comprises an articular movement support member, and the launching member extends through the articular movement support member. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises an end effector assembly comprising a first jaw portion, a second jaw portion movable relative to the first jaw portion for clamping tissue between the first and second jaw portions, and a distal spine portion pivotably connected to the proximal spine portion, wherein the distal spine portion is configured to articulate with respect to the proximal spine portion by an articular movement actuator in order to articulate the end effector assembly with respect to the shaft assembly, and the articular movement support member is configured to laterally support the launching member during articulation of the end effector assembly with respect to the shaft assembly. The distal spine portion comprises a distal support structure having a launch member slot configured to accommodate the launch member and a lateral channel defined within the distal support structure. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises an electrical system having a conductor extending through the joint movement support member and through the lateral channel into the end effector assembly.

[0134] Example 2 - The surgical instrument assembly according to Example 1, further comprising an articulation locking bar configured to advance distally for locking the end effector assembly with respect to the shaft assembly.

[0135] Example 3 - The surgical instrument assembly according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the shaft assembly comprises a spool positioned within the shaft assembly, the spool being configured to unwind and rewind an additional length of wire.

[0136] Example 4 - The surgical instrument assembly described in Example 3, wherein the spool is spring-loaded.

[0137] Example 5 - A surgical instrument assembly according to Example 1, 2, 3, or 4, comprising an operating post configured such that the distal spine portion is pushed distally and pulled proximal by the articular movement actuator, wherein the operating post is positioned on a first side surface of the articular movement joint, and the conductor extends through the articular movement joint on a second side surface of the articular movement joint opposite to the first side surface.

[0138] Example 6 - The surgical instrument assembly according to Example 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the lateral channel includes an arched contour.

[0139] Example 7 - A surgical instrument assembly according to Example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein the lateral channel includes a first lateral channel, the first jaw portion comprises a cartridge channel jaw portion, and the second jaw portion comprises an anvil jaw portion, the anvil jaw portion comprising a proximal end defining a second lateral channel configured to receive the conductor through its interior.

[0140] Example 8 - The surgical instrument assembly according to Example 7, wherein the anvil jaw portion comprises a defined longitudinal cam channel therein, and the second lateral channel has a shallower depth than the longitudinal cam channel.

[0141] Example 9 - A surgical instrument assembly comprising: a shaft assembly including a proximal spine portion; an articulation actuator; a firing member; and an articulation region including an articulation support member, wherein the firing member extends through the articulation support member. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises an end effector assembly including a cartridge channel, an anvil jaw pivotable relative to the cartridge channel, and a distal spine portion attached to the cartridge channel. The distal spine portion comprises a proximal end pivotably coupled to the proximal spine portion, the distal spine portion is configured to be articulated relative to the proximal spine portion by the articulation actuator to articulate the end effector assembly relative to the shaft assembly, and the articulation support member is configured to laterally support the firing member during articulation of the end effector assembly relative to the shaft assembly. The distal spine portion further comprises a distal support structure including a firing member slot through which the firing member extends, and an electrical cavity defined therein. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises an electrical system including a flexible circuit cable that extends through the articulation support member and through the electrical cavity into the end effector assembly.

[0142] Example 10 - The surgical instrument assembly according to Example 9, further comprising an articulation locking bar configured to be advanced distally to lock the end effector assembly relative to the shaft assembly.

[0143] Example 11 - The surgical instrument assembly according to Example 9 or 10, wherein the shaft assembly comprises a wire spool positioned within the shaft assembly, the wire spool being configured to unwind an additional length of the flexible circuit cable and take up the additional length of the flexible circuit cable.

[0144] Example 12 - The surgical instrument assembly according to Example 11, wherein the spool is spring loaded.

[0145] Example 13 - The surgical instrument assembly according to any one of Examples 9, 10, 11, or 12, wherein said distal spine portion comprises an actuation post configured to be pushed distally and pulled proximally by said articulation actuator, said actuation post is positioned on a first side of said articulation region, and said flexible circuit cable extends through said articulation region on a second side of said articulation region opposite said first side.

[0146] Example 14 - The surgical instrument assembly according to any one of Examples 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13, wherein said electrical cavity comprises an arcuate contour.

[0147] Example 15 - The surgical instrument assembly according to any one of Examples 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14, wherein said electrical cavity comprises a first electrical cavity, and said anvil jaw comprises a proximal end defining a second electrical cavity configured to receive said flexible circuit cable therethrough.

[0148] Example 16 - The surgical instrument assembly according to Example 15, wherein said anvil jaw comprises a longitudinal cam channel defined therein, and said second electrical cavity has a depth that is less than a depth of said longitudinal cam channel.

[0149] Example 17 - The surgical instrument assembly according to any one of Examples 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16, further comprising a staple cartridge assembly comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein.

[0150] Example 18 - A surgical instrument assembly comprising a shaft assembly including a proximal spine portion, a launching member, an articulated region including an articulated support member, the articulated region through which the launching member extends, and an end effector assembly. The end effector assembly comprises a cartridge channel, an anvil jaw portion pivotable with respect to the cartridge channel, and a distal spine portion attached to the cartridge channel. The distal spine portion has a proximal end pivotably connected to the proximal spine portion, the distal spine portion is configured to articulate with respect to the proximal spine portion, the articulated support member is configured to laterally support the launching member during articulation of the end effector assembly with respect to the shaft assembly, and the distal spine portion includes a distal support structure. The distal support structure comprises a launching member slot through which the launching member extends, and an arc-shaped channel defined on the side of the distal support structure. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises a conductor that passes through the joint movement support member and extends through the arc-shaped channel into the end effector assembly.

[0151] Example 19 - The surgical instrument assembly according to Example 18, wherein the conductor comprises a flexible circuit cable, and the anvil jaw portion comprises a slot defined inside the anvil jaw portion, configured to receive the flexible circuit cable, the slot defining a plane corresponding to a plane defined by the flexible circuit cable.

[0152] Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are driven by electric motors. However, the surgical instrument systems described herein may be driven in any preferred manner. In various cases, the surgical instrument systems described herein may be driven, for example, by a manually operated trigger. In certain cases, the electric motors disclosed herein may comprise one or more parts of a robotically controlled system. Furthermore, any of the end effectors and / or tool assemblies disclosed herein may be used in conjunction with a robotic surgical instrument system. U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 118,241, titled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS” (now U.S. Patent No. 9,072,535), discloses, for example, several examples of robotic surgical instrument systems in more detail, and the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0153] While the surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in relation to the deployment and deformation of staples, the embodiments described herein are not limited thereto. For example, various embodiments can be conceived of which involve the deployment of fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks. Furthermore, various embodiments can be conceived of which utilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For example, end effectors according to various embodiments may include electrodes configured to heat and seal tissue. Similarly, end effectors according to certain embodiments may apply vibrational energy to seal tissue.

[0154] The various embodiments described herein are described in relation to linear end effectors and / or linear fastener cartridges. Such embodiments and teachings may be applied to non-linear end effectors and / or non-linear fastener cartridges, such as spiral end effectors and / or contoured end effectors. Various end effectors, including non-linear end effectors, are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 036,647, filed February 28, 2011, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011 / 0226837, currently U.S. Patent No. 8,561,870), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Furthermore, U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 893,461, filed on September 29, 2012, titled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE" (currently published as U.S. Patent Application No. 2012 / 0074198), is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 031,873, filed on February 15, 2008, titled "END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT" (currently published as U.S. Patent No. 7,980,443), is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. Patent No. 8,393,514, published on March 12, 2013, titled "SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE," is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0155] The entirety of the following disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. - U.S. Patent No. 5,403,312, issued on April 4, 1995, with the title of the invention "ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE", - U.S. Patent No. 7,000,818, issued on February 21, 2006, title of invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS", - U.S. Patent No. 7,422,139, issued September 9, 2008, with the title of the invention "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK", - U.S. Patent No. 7,464,849, issued December 16, 2008, title of invention: "ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS", - U.S. Patent No. 7,670,334, issued March 2, 2010, with the title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR", - U.S. Patent No. 7,753,245, issued on July 13, 2010, with the title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS", - U.S. Patent No. 8,393,514, issued March 12, 2013, with the title of the invention "SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE", - U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 343,803, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES" (currently U.S. Patent No. 7,845,537), -U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 031,573, filed on February 14, 2008, with the title of the invention "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES", -U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 031,873, filed on February 15, 2008, with the title of the invention "END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT" (currently U.S. Patent No. 7,980,443), - U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 235,782, Title of Invention: "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT" (currently U.S. Patent No. 8,210,411), - U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 235,972, Title of Invention: "MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,050,083). - U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 249,117, Title of Invention: "POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent No. 8,608,045), -U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 647,100, filed on December 24, 2009, with the title of the invention "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY" (currently U.S. Patent No. 8,220,688), - U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 893,461, filed on September 29, 2012, with the title of the invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE" (currently U.S. Patent No. 8,733,613), -U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 036,647, filed on February 28, 2011, with the title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT" (currently U.S. Patent No. 8,561,870), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 118,241, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,072,535), - U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 524,049, filed on June 15, 2012, with the title of the invention "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,101,358), -U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 800,025, filed on March 13, 2013, with the title of the invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,345,481), -Filed on March 13, 2013, U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 800,067, with the title of the invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM" (currently published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0263552), -U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0175955, filed on January 31, 2006, title of invention "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM", and - U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0264194, filed on April 22, 2010, with the title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR" (currently U.S. Patent No. 8,308,040).

[0156] While several forms have been shown and described, it is not the applicant's intention to limit or restrict the attached claims in such detail. Many modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, and equivalents of these forms may be implemented and will be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the structure of each element related to the described form may be described alternatively as a means for providing the function performed by that element. Also, while materials are disclosed with respect to specific components, other materials may be used. Therefore, it should be understood that the above description and the attached claims are intended to cover all such modifications, combinations, and variations as being included within the scope of the disclosed forms. The attached claims are intended to cover all such modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions, alterations, and equivalents.

[0157] The detailed descriptions above have used block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or embodiments to illustrate various forms of devices and / or processes. To the extent that such block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or embodiments include one or more functions and / or operations, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that each function and / or operation included in such block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or embodiments can be individually and / or collectively implemented by various hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand that some or all of the forms disclosed herein can be equivalently implemented on integrated circuits as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or substantially any combination thereof, and that designing circuits and / or writing software and / or firmware code falls within the scope of the skills of those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein can be distributed in various forms as one or more program products, and the specific forms of the subject matter described herein are applicable regardless of the specific type of signal carrier medium used to actually carry out the distribution.

[0158] Instructions used to program logic to implement various disclosed aspects may be stored in system memory, such as Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), cache, flash memory, or other storage. Furthermore, instructions may be distributed over a network or by other computer-readable media. Therefore, machine-readable media can include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer), but are not limited to floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact disks, read-only memory (CD-ROM), and magneto-optical disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic or optical cards, flash memory, or tangible machine-readable storage used for transmitting information over the Internet via electrically, optically, acoustically, or other propagating signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.). Therefore, non-temporary computer-readable media can include any type of tangible machine-readable media suitable for storing or transmitting electronic instructions or information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer).

[0159] Where used in any aspect of this specification, the term “control circuit” may refer, for example, to hardwired circuits, programmable circuits (e.g., computer processors, processing units, processors, microcontrollers, microcontroller units, controllers, digital signal processors (DSPs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)) including one or more individual instruction processing cores), state-machine circuits, firmware that stores instructions executed by programmable circuits, and any combination thereof. Control circuits may be embodied collectively or individually as circuits that form part of a larger system, such as an integrated circuit (IC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on-chip (SoC), a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a server, or a smartphone.Accordingly, as used herein, "control circuit" includes, but is not limited to, an electric circuit having at least one discrete electric circuit, an electric circuit having at least one integrated circuit, an electric circuit having at least one application-specific integrated circuit, an electric circuit forming a general-purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general-purpose computer configured by a computer program that at least partially implements the processes and / or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program that at least partially implements the processes and / or devices described herein), an electric circuit forming a memory device (e.g., in the form of random access memory) and / or an electric circuit forming a communication device (e.g., a modem, a communication switch, or opto-electric equipment). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be implemented in analog form, digital form, or some combination thereof.

[0160] As used in any aspect herein, the term "logic" may refer to applications, software, firmware, and / or circuits configured to perform any of the aforementioned operations. Software may be embodied as a software package, code, instructions, an instruction set, and / or data recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Firmware may be embodied as code, instructions or an instruction set, and / or hard-coded (e.g., non-volatile) data in a memory device.

[0161] As used in any aspect herein, the terms "component", "system", "module", and the like may refer to a computer-related entity that is either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution.

[0162] Where used in any aspect of this specification, “algorithm” means a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result, and “step” means an operation of physical quantities and / or logical states, which may take the form of electrical or magnetic signals that can be stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated, although this is not necessarily required. These signals are commonly referred to as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc. These and similar terms may be associated with appropriate physical quantities, or simply are convenient labels applied to these quantities and / or states.

[0163] The network may include a packet-switched network. Communication devices may be able to communicate with each other using a selected packet-switched network communication protocol. One exemplary communication protocol may be the Ethernet communication protocol, which may enable communication using the Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP). The Ethernet protocol may conform to or be compatible with the Ethernet standard published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in December 2008, titled "IEEE 802.3 Standard," and / or later versions of this standard. Alternatively or additionally, communication devices may be able to communicate with each other using the X.25 communication protocol. The X.25 communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with standards published by the International Telecommunication Union - Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). Alternatively or additionally, communication devices may be able to communicate with each other using the Frame Relay communication protocol. The Frame Relay communication protocol conforms to, or may be compatible with, the standards published by the Consultative Committee for International Telegraph and Telephone (CCITT) and / or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Alternatively or additionally, transceivers may be able to communicate with each other using the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) communication protocol.The ATM communication protocol conforms to, or may be compatible with, the ATM standard titled "ATM-MPLS Network Interworking 2.0" and / or later versions thereof, published by the ATM Forum in August 2001. Naturally, different and / or later developed connection-oriented network communication protocols are equally construed herein.

[0164] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, as is evident from the foregoing disclosures, any use of terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” and “displaying” throughout the foregoing disclosures will be understood to refer to the actions and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulate and convert data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the registers and memory of a computer system into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in the memory or registers of a computer system or other such information storage, transmission, or display device.

[0165] One or more components may be referred to herein as “configured to,” “configurable to,” “operable / operative to,” “adapted / adaptable,” “able to,” “conformable / conformed to,” and so on. Those skilled in the art will understand that “configured to” generally encompasses active components and / or inactive components and / or standby components, unless the context should otherwise interpret it as such.

[0166] The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein in reference to the clinician operating the handle of a surgical instrument. “Proximal” refers to the part closest to the clinician, and “distal” refers to the part further away from the clinician. For convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “up,” and “down” may be used herein in reference to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be restrictive and / or absolute. Those skilled in the art will generally understand that the terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., the text of the appended claims), are generally intended to be "open" terms (for example, the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," and the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to"). Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that if a particular number is intended in an introduced claim recitation, such intent will be clearly stated in the claim, and if such statement is not made, such intent does not exist. For example, to aid understanding, subsequent appended claims may include the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce the claim recitation.However, the use of such phrases should not be interpreted as suggesting that any particular claim containing such introduced claims is limited to claims containing only one such item, even if the same claim contains an introductory phrase such as "one or more" or "at least one" and the indefinite article "a" or "an" (for example, "a" and / or "an" should generally be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more"). The same applies when introducing claims using the definite article.

[0167] Furthermore, even if a specific number is explicitly stated in the introduced claim, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that such a statement should typically be interpreted as meaning at least the stated number (for example, if there is a statement that is simply “two descriptions” without any other modifiers, it generally means at least two descriptions, or two or more descriptions). In addition, when a statement similar to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, such a construction is generally intended to be understood in a way that those skilled in the art would understand (for example, “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” is not limited to systems having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C and / or all of A, B and C, etc.). When expressions similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." are used, such constructions are generally intended to be understood in a way that a person skilled in the art would understand (for example, "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" is not limited to systems having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C and / or all of A, B and C, etc.). Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will understand that typically any disjunctive words and / or phrases representing two or more selective terms should be understood, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, as intended to include the possibility of including one of those terms, any of those terms, or both of those terms, unless the context should interpret them in a different way. For example, the phrase "A or B" will typically be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0168] With respect to the attached claims, a person skilled in the art will understand that the operations cited herein may generally be performed in any order. Furthermore, while various operations are shown in sequence(s), it will be understood that the operations may be performed in an order other than those shown, or simultaneously. Examples of such alternative orderings may include repetition, alternation, interruption, reordering, augmentation, preliminary, additional, simultaneous, reverse, or other different orderings, unless the context should interpret them otherwise. Moreover, the terms “responsive to,” “related to,” or other past tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variations, unless the context should interpret them otherwise.

[0169] It is worth noting that any reference to “one aspect,” “an aspect,” “an exemplification,” or “one exemplification” implies that the specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to that aspect is included in at least one aspect. Therefore, the phrases “in one aspect,” “in an aspect,” “in an exemplification,” and “in one exemplification,” which appear in various places throughout this specification, do not necessarily all refer to the same aspect. Furthermore, specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any preferred manner in one or more aspects.

[0170] Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication, or other disclosure material referenced herein and / or listed in any application data sheet is incorporated herein by reference to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with this Specified. Disclosures expressly stated herein, both in themselves and to the extent required, shall supersede any conflicting statements incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or any part thereof, that is referred to as being incorporated herein by reference but conflicts with current definitions, views, or other disclosures contained herein shall be incorporated only to the extent that there is no conflict between the incorporated material and the current disclosures.

[0171] In summary, the numerous benefits that can be obtained as a result of using the concepts described herein have been described. The foregoing descriptions of one or more forms are presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes only. They are not intended to be comprehensive or to be limited to the exact forms disclosed. Modified or altered forms are possible in light of the teachings above. One or more forms have been selected and described to illustrate the principle and practical applications, thereby enabling a person skilled in the art to utilize the various forms, along with various modifications, for specific conceivable uses. The claims presented herein are intended to define the overall scope.

[0172] [Implementation Method] (1) A surgical instrument assembly, A shaft assembly comprising a proximal spine portion, Joint movement actuators, Launching component and A joint that moves, A joint movement support member comprising a joint movement support member, wherein the launching member extends through the joint movement support member, and a joint movement joint portion comprising the joint movement support member, An end effector assembly, The first jaw region, A second jaw portion, which is movable relative to the first jaw portion for clamping tissue between the first jaw portion and the second jaw portion, A distal spine portion pivotably connected to the proximal spine portion, wherein the distal spine portion is configured to be articulated relative to the proximal spine portion by the articulation actuator in order to articulate the end effector assembly relative to the shaft assembly, and the articulation support member is configured to laterally support the launching member during the articulation of the end effector assembly relative to the shaft assembly, and the distal spine portion, A distal support structure, A launch member slot configured to accommodate the aforementioned launch member, An end effector assembly comprising a distal spine portion comprising a distal support structure comprising a distal support structure comprising a lateral channel defined within the distal support structure, It is an electrical system, A surgical instrument assembly comprising an electrical system, which includes a wire extending through the joint movement support member and through the lateral channel into the end effector assembly. (2) The surgical instrument assembly according to Embodiment 1, further comprising a joint movement locking bar configured to advance distally for locking the end effector assembly with respect to the shaft assembly. (3) The surgical instrument assembly according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the shaft assembly comprises a spool positioned within the shaft assembly, and the spool is configured to unwind an additional length of wire and to wind up the additional length of wire. (4) The surgical instrument assembly according to Embodiment 3, wherein the spool is spring-loaded. (5) The surgical instrument assembly according to Embodiment 1, comprising an actuation post configured such that the distal spine portion is pushed distally and pulled proximal by the articular motion actuator, wherein the actuation post is positioned on a first side surface of the articular motion joint, and the conductor extends through the articular motion joint on a second side surface of the articular motion joint opposite to the first side surface.

[0173] (6) The surgical instrument assembly according to Embodiment 1, wherein the lateral channel includes an arched contour. (7) The surgical instrument assembly according to Embodiment 1, wherein the lateral channel includes a first lateral channel, the first jaw portion comprises a cartridge channel jaw portion, and the second jaw portion comprises an anvil jaw portion, the anvil jaw portion comprising a proximal end defining a second lateral channel configured to receive the conductor through its interior. (8) The surgical instrument assembly according to Embodiment 7, wherein the anvil jaw portion comprises a defined longitudinal cam channel therein, and the second lateral channel has a shallower depth than the longitudinal cam channel. (9) Surgical instrument assemblies, A shaft assembly comprising a proximal spine portion, Joint movement actuators, Launching component and A joint movement region comprising a joint movement support member, wherein the launching member extends through the joint movement support member, An end effector assembly, Cartridge channel and An anvil jaw portion that is pivotable relative to the cartridge channel, The distal spine portion attached to the cartridge channel, wherein the distal spine portion is A proximal end pivotably connected to the proximal spine portion, wherein the distal spine portion is configured to articulate with respect to the proximal spine portion by the articulation actuator in order to articulate the end effector assembly with respect to the shaft assembly, and the articulation support member is configured to laterally support the launching member during the articulation of the end effector assembly with respect to the shaft assembly, A distal support structure, A launch member slot through which the launch member extends, An end effector assembly comprising a distal support structure comprising an electrical cavity defined inside the distal support structure, and a distal spine portion comprising the distal support structure, It is an electrical system, A surgical instrument assembly comprising an electrical system, which includes a flexible circuit cable extending through the joint movement support member and through the electrical cavity into the end effector assembly. (10) The surgical instrument assembly according to embodiment 9, further comprising a joint locking bar configured to advance distally for locking the end effector assembly with respect to the shaft assembly.

[0174] (11) The surgical instrument assembly according to Embodiment 9 or 10, wherein the shaft assembly comprises a wire spool positioned within the shaft assembly, and the wire spool is configured to unwind and rewind an additional length of flexible circuit cable. (12) The surgical instrument assembly according to embodiment 11, wherein the spool is spring-loaded. (13) The surgical instrument assembly according to Embodiment 9, comprising an actuation post configured such that the distal spine portion is pushed distally and pulled proximal by the joint movement actuator, wherein the actuation post is positioned on a first side surface of the joint movement region, and the flexible circuit cable extends through the joint movement region on a second side surface of the joint movement region opposite to the first side surface. (14) The surgical instrument assembly according to Embodiment 9, wherein the electrical cavity includes an arched contour. (15) The surgical instrument assembly according to Embodiment 9, wherein the electrical cavity comprises a first electrical cavity, and the anvil jaw portion comprises a proximal end defining a second electrical cavity configured to receive the flexible circuit cable through it.

[0175] (16) The surgical instrument assembly according to Embodiment 15, wherein the anvil jaw portion comprises a defined longitudinal cam channel therein, and the second electrical cavity has a depth shallower than the depth of the longitudinal cam channel. (17) The surgical instrument assembly according to embodiment 9, further comprising a staple cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples removably stored inside. (18) Surgical instrument assemblies, A shaft assembly comprising a proximal spine portion, Launching component and A joint movement region comprising a joint movement support member, wherein the launching member extends through the joint movement support member, An end effector assembly, Cartridge channel and An anvil jaw portion that is pivotable relative to the cartridge channel, The distal spine portion attached to the cartridge channel, wherein the distal spine portion is A proximal end pivotably connected to the proximal spine portion, wherein the distal spine portion is configured to articulate with respect to the proximal spine portion, and the articulation support member is configured to laterally support the launching member during the articulation of the end effector assembly with respect to the shaft assembly, A distal support structure, A launch member slot through which the launch member extends, An end effector assembly comprising a distal support structure comprising a distal spine portion comprising a distal support structure comprising a distal support structure comprising an arc-shaped channel defined on the side surface of the distal support structure, A surgical instrument assembly comprising a conductor that passes through the joint movement support member and extends through the arc-shaped channel into the end effector assembly. (19) The surgical instrument assembly according to Embodiment 18, wherein the conductor comprises a flexible circuit cable, and the anvil jaw portion comprises a slot defined inside the anvil jaw portion configured to receive the flexible circuit cable, the slot defining a plane corresponding to a plane defined by the flexible circuit cable.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument assembly, A shaft assembly comprising a proximal spine portion, Joint movement actuators, Launching element and A joint that moves, A joint movement support member comprising a joint movement support member, wherein the launching member extends through the joint movement support member, and a joint movement joint portion comprising the joint movement support member, An end effector assembly, The first jaw portion and A second jaw portion, which is movable relative to the first jaw portion for clamping tissue between the first jaw portion and the second jaw portion, A distal spine portion pivotably connected to the proximal spine portion, wherein the distal spine portion is configured to be articulated relative to the proximal spine portion by the articulation actuator in order to articulate the end effector assembly relative to the shaft assembly, and the articulation support member is configured to laterally support the launching member during the articulation of the end effector assembly relative to the shaft assembly, and the distal spine portion, A distal support structure, A launch member slot configured to accommodate the aforementioned launch member, An end effector assembly comprising a distal spine portion comprising a distal support structure comprising a distal support structure comprising a lateral channel defined within the distal support structure, It is an electrical system, A surgical instrument assembly comprising an electrical system, which includes a wire extending through the joint movement support member and through the lateral channel into the end effector assembly.

2. The surgical instrument assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a joint movement locking bar configured to advance distally for locking the end effector assembly with respect to the shaft assembly.

3. The surgical instrument assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shaft assembly comprises a spool positioned within the shaft assembly, and the spool is configured to unwind an additional length of wire and to wind up the additional length of wire.

4. The surgical instrument assembly according to claim 3, wherein the spool is subjected to a spring load.

5. The surgical instrument assembly according to claim 1, wherein the distal spine portion comprises an operating post configured to be pushed distally and pulled proximal by the joint movement actuator, the operating post being positioned on a first side surface of the joint movement joint, and the conductor extending through the joint movement joint on a second side surface of the joint movement joint opposite to the first side surface.

6. The surgical instrument assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lateral channel includes an arched contour.

7. The surgical instrument assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lateral channel includes a first lateral channel, the first jaw portion comprises a cartridge channel jaw portion, and the second jaw portion comprises an anvil jaw portion, the anvil jaw portion comprising a proximal end defining a second lateral channel configured to receive the conductor through its interior.

8. The surgical instrument assembly according to claim 7, wherein the anvil jaw portion comprises a longitudinal cam channel defined therein, and the second lateral channel has a shallower depth than the longitudinal cam channel.

9. A surgical instrument assembly, A shaft assembly comprising a proximal spine portion, Joint movement actuators, Launching element and A joint movement region comprising a joint movement support member, wherein the launching member extends through the joint movement support member, An end effector assembly, Cartridge channel and An anvil jaw portion that is pivotable relative to the cartridge channel, The distal spine portion attached to the cartridge channel, wherein the distal spine portion is A proximal end pivotably connected to the proximal spine portion, wherein the distal spine portion is configured to articulate with respect to the proximal spine portion by the articulation actuator in order to articulate the end effector assembly with respect to the shaft assembly, and the articulation support member is configured to laterally support the launching member during the articulation of the end effector assembly with respect to the shaft assembly, A distal support structure, A launch member slot through which the launch member extends, An end effector assembly comprising a distal support structure comprising an electrical cavity defined within the distal support structure, and a distal spine portion comprising a distal support structure, It is an electrical system, A surgical instrument assembly comprising an electrical system, which includes a flexible circuit cable extending through the joint movement support member and through the electrical cavity into the end effector assembly.

10. The surgical instrument assembly according to claim 9, further comprising a joint movement locking bar configured to advance distally for locking the end effector assembly with respect to the shaft assembly.

11. The surgical instrument assembly according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the shaft assembly comprises a wire spool positioned within the shaft assembly, and the wire spool is configured to unwind and rewind an additional length of flexible circuit cable.

12. The surgical instrument assembly according to claim 11, wherein the spool is subjected to a spring load.

13. The surgical instrument assembly according to claim 9, wherein the distal spine portion comprises an actuation post configured to be pushed distally and pulled proximal by the joint movement actuator, the actuation post is positioned on a first side surface of the joint movement region, and the flexible circuit cable extends through the joint movement region on a second side surface of the joint movement region opposite to the first side surface.

14. The surgical instrument assembly according to claim 9, wherein the electrical cavity includes an arched contour.

15. The surgical instrument assembly according to claim 9, wherein the electrical cavity comprises a first electrical cavity, and the anvil jaw portion comprises a proximal end defining a second electrical cavity configured to receive the flexible circuit cable through it.

16. The surgical instrument assembly according to claim 15, wherein the anvil jaw portion comprises a defined longitudinal cam channel therein, and the second electrical cavity has a depth shallower than the depth of the longitudinal cam channel.

17. The surgical instrument assembly according to claim 9, further comprising a staple cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples removably stored inside.

18. A surgical instrument assembly, A shaft assembly comprising a proximal spine portion, Launching element and A joint movement region comprising a joint movement support member, wherein the launching member extends through the joint movement support member, An end effector assembly, Cartridge channel and An anvil jaw portion that is pivotable relative to the cartridge channel, The distal spine portion attached to the cartridge channel, wherein the distal spine portion is A proximal end pivotably connected to the proximal spine portion, wherein the distal spine portion is configured to articulate with respect to the proximal spine portion, and the articulation support member is configured to laterally support the launching member during the articulation of the end effector assembly with respect to the shaft assembly, A distal support structure, A launch member slot through which the launch member extends, An end effector assembly comprising a distal support structure comprising a distal spine portion comprising a distal support structure comprising a distal support structure comprising an arc-shaped channel defined on the side surface of the distal support structure, A surgical instrument assembly comprising a conductor that passes through the joint movement support member and extends through the arc-shaped channel into the end effector assembly.

19. The surgical instrument assembly according to claim 18, wherein the conductor comprises a flexible circuit cable, and the anvil jaw portion comprises a slot defined inside the anvil jaw portion configured to receive the flexible circuit cable, the slot defining a plane corresponding to a plane defined by the flexible circuit cable.

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