US 12,029,419 B2
Surgical instrument including a flexible support configured to support a flexible firing member
Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Hillsboro, OH (US); and Chester O. Baxter, III, Loveland, OH (US)
Assigned to Cilag GmbH International, Zug (CH)
Filed by Cilag GmbH International, Zug (CH)
Filed on Apr. 11, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/133,283.
Application 18/133,283 is a continuation of application No. 17/708,996, filed on Mar. 30, 2022, granted, now 11,678,877.
Application 17/708,996 is a continuation of application No. 16/838,263, filed on Apr. 2, 2020, granted, now 11,571,207, issued on Feb. 7, 2023.
Application 16/838,263 is a continuation of application No. 16/293,186, filed on Mar. 5, 2019, granted, now 11,083,453, issued on Aug. 10, 2021.
Application 16/293,186 is a continuation of application No. 14/575,130, filed on Dec. 18, 2014, granted, now 10,245,027, issued on Apr. 2, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2023/0270437 A1, Aug. 31, 2023
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. A61B 17/068 (2006.01); A61B 17/064 (2006.01); A61B 17/072 (2006.01); A61B 17/10 (2006.01); A61B 34/30 (2016.01); A61B 17/00 (2006.01); A61B 17/29 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 17/068 (2013.01) [A61B 17/0644 (2013.01); A61B 17/072 (2013.01); A61B 17/07207 (2013.01); A61B 17/105 (2013.01); A61B 34/30 (2016.02); A61B 2017/00309 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00314 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00327 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00398 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00477 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00734 (2013.01); A61B 2017/07257 (2013.01); A61B 2017/07278 (2013.01); A61B 2017/2902 (2013.01); A61B 2017/2923 (2013.01); A61B 2017/2927 (2013.01); A61B 2017/2933 (2013.01); A61B 2017/2937 (2013.01); A61B 2034/302 (2016.02)] 33 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A surgical instrument, comprising:
an end effector, comprising:
an elongate channel configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein; and
an anvil pivotally coupled to a proximal end of the elongate channel, the anvil pivotal about a discrete, non-movable anvil axis defined by said elongate channel;
a flexible firing member configured for axial travel within the elongate channel in response to an application of firing motions thereto, the flexible firing member being configured to movably engage the anvil and the elongate channel as the flexible firing member is axially driven through the elongate channel;
an elongate shaft comprising a shaft frame, wherein the shaft frame defines a mounting slot;
first and second flexible supports and configured to support the flexible firing member during axial travel thereof, wherein the first flexible support is coupled with the second flexible support to allow the first and second supports to act as a couple, wherein each of the first and second flexible supports comprises a mounting tab configured to be received in the mounting slot; and
a closure member configured to move the anvil between an open position and closed positions relative to the elongate channel upon application of closure motions to the closure member.