Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
227181100 | With means to position a mating-member in alignment with driver | 44 |
20080217376 | Surgical Stapler - A method for surgically stapling tissue may include providing staples in a first configuration, plastically deforming at least one staple to a second configuration different from the first configuration; and then plastically deforming at least one staple to a third configuration different from the first configuration and the second configuration. The deformation of a staple from the first configuration to the second configuration may be performed by splaying the staple. The staple may be splayed by a splay arm or other suitable structure or mechanism. | 09-11-2008 |
20080283577 | Steerable surgical stapler - Embodiments include a surgical device and a method. An embodiment of the surgical instrument includes at least one grasping jaw, the at least one grasping jaw being adapted to deliver surgical staples by a force generated from a force generator mechanism that is contained within the at least one grasping jaw or is in a proximity to the at least one grasping jaw. Another embodiment includes at least one grasping jaw, at least one delivery mechanism adapted to deliver surgical fasteners, the delivery mechanism being located in a proximity to or contained within the at least one grasping jaw, the surgical fasteners containing at least one shape-transforming material, at least one sensor, at least one chemical tissue sealant and at least one cutter. A method includes: grasping a body organ/tissue with at least one grasping jaw, adjusting a configuration of the grasping in response to a signal or a datum or an image, and releasing a surgical staple/fastener in response to the signal, datum or image. | 11-20-2008 |
20090283568 | SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE - A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle portion, a central body portion and a SULU. The SULU includes a proximal body portion, an intermediate pivot member and a tool assembly. The intermediate pivot member is pivotally secured to the proximal body portion about a first pivot axis and the tool assembly is pivotally secured to the intermediate pivot member about a second pivot axis which is orthogonal to the first pivot axis. The SULU includes a plurality of articulation links which are operably connected to the tool assembly by non-rigid links. The articulation links are adapted to releasably engage articulation links positioned in the central body portion. The body portion articulation links are connected to an articulation actuator which is supported for omni-directional movement to effect articulation of the tool assembly about the first and second axes. The handle portion includes a spindle and barrel assembly drive mechanism for advancing and retracting a drive member positioned in the tool assembly. In one embodiment, the tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples and an anvil assembly. | 11-19-2009 |
20100133321 | DIRECTIONALLY BIASED STAPLE AND ANVIL ASSEMBLY - In accordance with the present disclosure a directionally biased staple is provided for use in all types of surgical staplers having anvil structure against which the staple is formed. The directionally biased staple may be constructed in a wide variety of cross-sectional configurations including rectangular, elliptical, trapezoidal, etc. All of the configurations are distinguished by having a bending region requiring more force to twist or malform the staple than is required to properly form the staple. Preferably, these staples have Moment of Inertia Ratios on the order of between about 1.1 to about 3.0. The staple preferably corresponds in other respects to conventional formed staples, i.e. having at least a pair of leg members interconnected by a crown portion wherein the leg members are formed by direct contact with the anvil. An anvil assembly is also provided for minimizing the malformation of staples. | 06-03-2010 |
20100163598 | SHIELD FOR SURGICAL STAPLER AND METHOD OF USE - A surgical stapler that may have a head assembly, a stapling assembly, a shield, a base head, a handle assembly, and a shaft assembly. A head assembly may have an anvil and anvil shaft, as well as a stapling assembly. A stapling assembly may have a trocar that can be removeably detachable with the anvil, a cannula extension, and a plurality of staples. A shield may be configured to retract from a first extended position where the shield generally covers the stapling assembly or the head assembly, to a second retracted position where the shield generally exposes the stapling assembly or the head assembly. The shield may be integral with the stapler, or provided after-market as an add-on. A surgical stapler may additionally or alternatively include an air or gas pump assembly that can be used to insufflate the rectum and intestinal tract during insertion and advancement of the stapler. | 07-01-2010 |
20100237133 | KNIFE/FIRING ROD CONNECTION FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument including a frame, an elongate portion, a firing rod and an end effector is disclosed. The elongate portion extends distally from the frame and defines a longitudinal axis. The firing rod is disposed at least partially with the elongate portion and is proximally and distally translatable with respect to the elongate portion. The end effector includes a knife and is disposed at a distal portion of the elongate portion. Distal movement of the firing rod causes a distal end of the firing rod to link with the knife. Proximal movement of the firing rod moves the linked knife proximally to a first predetermined position. The knife is unlinked from the firing rod when the firing rod has been translated proximally to a second predetermined position. | 09-23-2010 |
20100243711 | Center Cinch And Release Of Buttress Material - A buttressed anvil assembly is provided for use with a surgical stapling instrument. The buttressed anvil assembly generally includes an anvil member having a strip of buttress material attached thereto by a pair of sutures. A tensioning mechanism is provided to secure or tension the buttress material to the anvil member prior to use and allow for release of the buttress material after stapling of tissue. The tensioning mechanism includes a cinch track engageable with one of the pair of sutures. | 09-30-2010 |
20100264195 | HUB FOR POSITIONING ANNULAR STRUCTURE ON A SURGICAL DEVICE - An apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections is provided. The apparatus includes an anastomosis device having a cartridge assembly; and an anvil assembly having a shaft extending therefrom and a connection feature on the shaft. The apparatus further including a hub having a connection portion selectively attachable to the connection feature of the shaft, the connection portion defining a lumen for receiving the shaft; and an annular structure operatively connected to the hub and extending radially outwardly therefrom, the hub being arranged for locating the annular structure between the adjacent intestinal sections when connected to the shaft. | 10-21-2010 |
20100282820 | PIN LOCKING MECHANISM FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument having a handle portion, an elongated portion defining a longitudinal axis therethrough, an end effector, and a pin. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle portion. The end effector is disposed adjacent the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The pin is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first jaw member and includes an engaging section. In operation, the pin moves between a first position and a second position. While in the first position, the engaging portion of the pin is spaced from the second jaw member. In the second position, the engaging portion of the pin engages the second jaw member. The second jaw member includes a locking structure configured to maintain the position of the second jaw member with respect to the first jaw member during actuation of the end effector. | 11-11-2010 |
20110011917 | METHODS, DEVICES, AND KITS FOR TREATING VALVE PROLAPSE - Methods, devices, and kits are described for addressing cardiac valve repair. A system for deploying a tensile member between two tissue structures may comprise a first anchor insertion instrument defining a working lumen therethrough, and a second anchor insertion instrument movably coupled through the working lumen, wherein the first anchor instrument defines a jaw space and is configured to deploy a staple prosthesis into a portion of a first tissue structure which may be captured within the jaw space, and wherein the second anchor instrument is configured to deploy an implantable anchor, such as an anchor dart, into a second tissue structure which is coupled to the staple prosthesis by a tensile member, such as a suture. | 01-20-2011 |
20110036895 | DETACHABLE BUTTRESS MATERIAL RETENTION SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE - Systems of releasably connecting staple line buttress material to the jaws of a surgical stapling instrument are provided. The systems include retainers configured to engage the buttress material and releasably retain the buttress material on the jaws of the surgical stapling instrument prior to stapling tissue. In certain embodiments, the retainers remain with the jaws of the instrument after stapling of tissue. In alternative embodiments, the retainers remain with the buttress material after being stapled to tissue. | 02-17-2011 |
20110036896 | FASTENER DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - This document discloses, among other things, a long reach, side ejecting fastener placement apparatus suitable for use in nasal septal surgery. A first linear member carries a fastener body and a second linear member delivers a fastener retainer or provides support for placement of the fastener body. In various examples, the fastener includes a single stud rivet or includes a two legged staple. A mechanical linkage coupled to the handle provides a linear force for placement and deployment of a fastener. | 02-17-2011 |
20110095070 | SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT - A surgical stapling instrument comprising a handle assembly having a proximal end, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, a head portion disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated body portion and including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The shell assembly includes a shell and a staple guide housing a plurality of staples. A flexible engagement structure attaches the staple guide to the shell. | 04-28-2011 |
20110155788 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The end effector may be directly manually operated by way of a handle located at the proximal end of the shaft or remotely, for example, via robotic controller. Articulation joints may be provided along the shaft, between the shaft and end effector or handle, or elsewhere. The hydraulic actuation of the present invention permits multiple axis instrument articulation, miniaturization and simplified instrument fabrication. | 06-30-2011 |
20110163150 | TISSUE STOP FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a stop member is disclosed. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle assembly. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one jaw member is movable with respect to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The stop member is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the first jaw member and is pivotable with respect to the first jaw member between a first position, a significant portion of the stop member being positioned external to the first jaw member, and a second position capturing the tissue between the first jaw member and second jaw member. | 07-07-2011 |
20110198386 | Articulation And Firing Force Mechanisms - There is provided a surgical instrument incorporating driving force mechanisms capable of transmitting a driving force through an articulated section of the surgical instrument. In one embodiment, a series of racks connect with a transfer gear to pass forces around the articulated section. In an alternative embodiment a series of cable sections and wheels or pulleys are provided to transmit a driving force through the articulated section of the surgical instrument. | 08-18-2011 |
20110278347 | Center Cinch And Release Of Buttress Material - A buttressed anvil assembly is provided for use with a surgical stapling instrument. The buttressed anvil assembly generally includes an anvil member having a strip of buttress material attached thereto by a pair of sutures. A tensioning mechanism is provided to secure or tension the buttress material to the anvil member prior to use and allow for release of the buttress material after stapling of tissue. The tensioning mechanism includes a cinch track engageable with one of the pair of sutures. | 11-17-2011 |
20110297732 | Surgical Staple Assembly - A surgical staple assembly is disclosed and can include a surgical staple. The surgical staple assembly can be moved between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the surgical staple can be in an original shape. Moreover, in the second configuration, the surgical staple can be in a deformed configuration. | 12-08-2011 |
20120012641 | ANVIL ASSEMBLY FOR SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE - An anvil assembly for use with a surgical fastener applying apparatus. The anvil assembly includes an anvil center rod and anvil head that is secured to the distal end portion of the anvil center rod. The anvil center rod and the anvil head include corresponding mating structures that are configured and dimensioned to facilitate connection of the anvil center rod and the anvil head such that relative movement between the anvil center rod and the anvil head is substantially inhibited. The anvil center rod and the anvil head include corresponding mating structures that are non-circular in configuration. A method of assembling a surgical anvil assembly is also disclosed. | 01-19-2012 |
20120024937 | COMPRESSION BONE STAPLE, APPARATUS AND METHOD OF THE INVENTION - A method and apparatus for interosseous bone fixation uses a compression staple, generally U-shaped, having a pair of legs with sharp front ends and proximal ends interconnect by a bridge portion that is resilient and bowed, the staple having an initial configuration and capable of a tensioned configuration by spreading apart the legs by a certain amount causing the curvature of the bowed bridge to lessen and the legs urged towards each other with certain compressive spring force. A staple applicator supports and guides the staple and positions the tensioned staple with its pointed ends forward, adjacent an ejection port at the front of the applicator. A powered strike member is mounted for longitudinal movement and has a front end that will strike the rear of the tensioned staple with percussive force and eject it in tensioned configuration from the applicator. | 02-02-2012 |
20120080503 | FASTENER SYSTEM COMPRISING A RETENTION MATRIX AND AN ALIGNMENT MATRIX - A surgical fastener system can comprise a plurality of fasteners which can be connected to each other by, one, a retention matrix which is assembled to the fasteners in order to capture tissue within the fasteners and, two, an alignment matrix configured to hold the fasteners together before the retention matrix is assembled thereto. In various embodiments, the retention matrix and the alignment matrix can each comprise a tissue-contacting surface configured to compress tissue therebetween. | 04-05-2012 |
20120085809 | SURGICAL STAPLER AND METHOD OF SURGICAL STAPLING - Surgical stapling methods and tools which allow a surgeon to create several different predetermined amounts of tissue constriction using the same staple ( | 04-12-2012 |
20120104073 | SURGICAL TILT ANVIL ASSEMBLY - A surgical tilt anvil assembly including a rod and a head assembly including an anvil plate having staple deforming pockets. The head assembly is pivotally secured to the rod and pivotal in relation to the rod between a first tilted position, a non-tilted position and a second different tilted position. The head assembly passes from the first tilted position, through the non-tilted position to the second tilted position. | 05-03-2012 |
20120145768 | APPARATUS FOR FORMING VARIABLE HEIGHT SURGICAL FASTENERS - A surgical device for applying a plurality of surgical staples is provided. The device includes a staple fastening assembly attached to a surgical instrument. The staple fastening assembly includes a pair of cooperating jaws, a jaw operating mechanism, and a gap sensor. A staple magazine having a plurality of staples and an anvil member having a plurality of staple pockets are attached to the jaws. The staple magazine includes a staple crimping cam and a staple dimpling cam that are operatively coupled to the surgical instrument. The jaw operating mechanism is operatively connected to a drive assembly in the surgical instrument for moving the jaws for automatically setting a tissue gap between the cooperating jaws. The gap sensor cooperates with the jaw operating mechanism for controlling staple formation. | 06-14-2012 |
20120193399 | Surgical Fastener Having A Safety Feature - A surgical fastener applier having a handle and a fastener housing extending from the handle. The housing contains at least one anvil movable within the staple housing having a proximal position and a distal position. When the anvil is in the distal position a distal end of the anvil extends distal to the distal end of the staple housing. The housing contains a plurality of surgical fasteners each of which in the shape of a loop, wherein at least one fasteners is placed around the anvil when the anvil is in distal position. And a distal end of the anvil extends distal to the distal end of the staple housing. The applier further includes a first means for moving the anvil distally during a deployment of the at least one fastener, and a second means for moving the anvil distally during the deployment of the at least one fastener, wherein the second means is independent of the first means. | 08-02-2012 |
20120248173 | SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE - A surgical stapling device an elongated body portion having proximal and distal portions, and a head portion positioned adjacent the distal portion of the elongated body portion. The head portion includes a shell assembly and an anvil assembly movable relative to the shell assembly between un-approximated and approximated positions. The anvil assembly includes a center rod and an anvil head connected to the center rod. The center rod includes at least one aperture extending transversely therethrough and configured and dimensioned to receive a flexible member such that the flexible member extends transversely through the center rod. | 10-04-2012 |
20130105555 | PIN LOCKING MECHANISM FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT | 05-02-2013 |
20130153642 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ENDOLUMINAL PLICATION - Devices and methods are provided for forming and securing a tissue plication. More particularly, the devices and methods of the present invention can be used to create multiple tissue folds on an anterior and posterior wall of a stomach cavity to reduce the volume thereof. In one aspect, a tissue acquisition and fixation system is described that includes a staple applying assembly having first and second jaws, and a tissue acquisition member that extends substantially parallel to a plane running through the first and second jaws. The tissue acquisition member is effective to engage and position tissue between the first and second jaws, and the jaws are effective to apply at least one staple to the tissue engaged therebetween. | 06-20-2013 |
20140027494 | RETRACTION MECHANISM WITH CLUTCH-LESS DRIVE FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL APPARATUS - A retraction mechanism allows the full distal retraction of the firing drive from various positions. The retraction mechanism has been developed for use with a hand held surgical apparatus. An embodiment of the retraction mechanism includes a drive member, a first pulley, a second pulley, and a firing drive. The drive mechanism is configured to be driven by a motor. The first pulley is configured to rotate when the motor drives the drive mechanism. The second pulley is movable relative to the first pulley between a proximal position and a distal position. The firing drive is movable relative to the first pulley between proximal and distal positions. In operation, the first pulley rotates in a first direction in response to a distal translation of the firing drive and wherein the firing drive moves proximally upon rotation of the first pulley in a second direction. | 01-30-2014 |
20140034705 | Tongue debulking stapler and tongue tissue holder - The main idea for the tongue debulking stapler is to introduce a new surgical procedure for tongue size reduction in cases of macroglossia and in concern for cases of moderate and sever OSA as a one of the minimally invasive procedures that will have a better outcome and less intraoperative and postoperative complications than the conventional procedures. The tongue debulking stapler did not used before in the field of otolaryngology. The stapler has 3 parts (hand—body—stapling cutting part) and for each parts there specific protection elements. The stapler is supplied by tongue tissue holder to facilitates its work | 02-06-2014 |
20140097228 | SURGICAL STAPLE INSERTION DEVICE - A staple inserter ( | 04-10-2014 |
20140175157 | Fasteners, Deployment Systems, and Methods for Ophthalmic Tissue Closure and Fixation of Ophthalmic Prostheses and Other Uses - Improved tissue fasteners are disclosed that can be inserted into (and optionally through) tissue structures underlying a tissue surface for affixing overlapping tissues and tissue planes together, and the like. In some embodiments, an elongate anvil body may protrude distally and/or laterally from a fastener support disposed along the base. The anvil body may have a sharpened end and be configured to penetrate into the tissue, with the elongate anvil body optionally having a bend from a more distal orientation adjacent the clip support to a more lateral orientation adjacent the sharpened end during at least a portion of the deployment. The first leg can be driven through a desired location on the surface of the first tissue and against a receptacle of the anvil body so as to deform the fastener and affix it to the first tissue. | 06-26-2014 |
20140339287 | PIN ALIGNMENT ASSEMBLY FOR SURGICAL STAPLER - An alignment pin assembly for a surgical stapler includes an alignment pin configured to be advanced prior to actuation of a stapler and an end cap defining an opening configured to receive the alignment pin prior to actuation of the stapler. The end cap includes an alignment pin contact area formed about the opening configured to direct the alignment pin into the opening. | 11-20-2014 |
20140367450 | EEA ANVIL SNAP RING ACTIVATOR - A surgical fastening apparatus and associated method of use is disclosed. The surgical fastening apparatus includes a handle assembly, a central body portion extending from the handle assembly, and a distal head portion including an anvil head assembly. The anvil head assembly includes an anvil head defining an interior recess, an activator plate, a deformable member, and a securing member. The anvil center rod assembly defines a longitudinal axis and is pivotably connected to the anvil head assembly about a pivot axis. The anvil center rod assembly includes a configured to contact the anvil head assembly upon an actuation of the surgical fastening apparatus. Upon the actuation of the surgical fastening apparatus, the deformable member is configured to deform such that the activator plate is advanced distally into the interior recess to facilitate the anvil head pivoting about the pivot axis. | 12-18-2014 |
20150053749 | CLOSURE INDICATOR SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical instrument system can comprise a surgical instrument and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise a distal end, a proximal connection portion configured to attach the end effector to the surgical instrument, a first jaw, and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, wherein the second jaw is movable between an open orientation, a partially-closed orientation, and a closed orientation. The end effector can further comprise at least one sensor configured to detect the orientation of the second jaw and an array of indicators configured to simulate the orientation of the second jaw. | 02-26-2015 |
20150359532 | TILT TOP ANVIL WITH TORSION SPRING - A tilt anvil assembly is disclosed which includes a center rod, a head assembly, and a torsion spring configured to pivot the head assembly relative to the center rod. The head assembly has a locking collar defining a locked position preventing pivotal movement of the head assembly, and an unlocked position allowing pivotal movement of the head assembly. The torsion spring selectively engages the locking collar to maintain the locking collar at either the locked or unlocked position. | 12-17-2015 |
20150374369 | MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT - A motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument that comprises an end effector, an electric motor, and a motor control circuit. The motor control circuit is for monitoring a parameter of the electric motor that is indicative of movement of a moveable member of the end effector, and for adjustably controlling the electric motor based on the monitored parameter to thereby adjustably control movement of the moveable member of the end effector during forward rotation of the electric motor. | 12-31-2015 |
20160000431 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CONTROL UNIT AND REMOTE SENSOR - A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The surgical instrument may also comprise a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle may comprise a control unit electrically coupled to the shaft such that the shaft radiates signals as an antenna from the control unit to the sensor and receives radiated signals from the sensor. Other components electrically coupled to the shaft may also radiate the signals. | 01-07-2016 |
20160000437 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CONTROL UNIT AND REMOTE SENSOR - A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The surgical instrument may also comprise a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle may comprise a control unit electrically coupled to the shaft such that the shaft radiates signals as an antenna from the control unit to the sensor and receives radiated signals from the sensor. Other components electrically coupled to the shaft may also radiate the signals. | 01-07-2016 |
20160000452 | MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT - A motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument that comprises an end effector, an electric motor, and a motor control circuit. The motor control circuit is for monitoring a parameter of the electric motor that is indicative of movement of a moveable member of the end effector, and for adjustably controlling the electric motor based on the monitored parameter to thereby adjustably control movement of the moveable member of the end effector during forward rotation of the electric motor. | 01-07-2016 |
20160000453 | MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT - A motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument that comprises an end effector, an electric motor, and a motor control circuit. The motor control circuit is for monitoring a parameter of the electric motor that is indicative of movement of a moveable member of the end effector, and for adjustably controlling the electric motor based on the monitored parameter to thereby adjustably control movement of the moveable member of the end effector during forward rotation of the electric motor. | 01-07-2016 |
20160022267 | CIRCULAR STAPLING INSTRUMENTS - A circular stapling instrument including a stapling forming assembly that is actuated independently from actuation of the cutting assembly is provided. The instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongate body extending from the handle assembly, a cartridge assembly mounted on a distal end of the elongate body. The cartridge assembly includes a pusher assembly and a knife assembly. The knife assembly is selectively fixed relative to the pusher assembly. | 01-28-2016 |
20160030046 | CIRCULAR ANASTOMOSIS STAPLING APPARATUS UTILIZING A TWO STROKE FIRING SEQUENCE - A circular anastomosis stapler is provided and includes a handle assembly having a firing trigger that is actuatable between a first firing stroke and a second firing stroke. A shell assembly includes a pusher assembly having a main pusher, a staple pusher and a knife pusher. A compressible member positioned between the main pusher and the knife pusher is movable between a first configuration for advancing the staple pusher through the first firing stroke to drive at least one staple from the shell assembly to staple tissue and a second configuration for advancing the knife pusher through the second firing stroke to drive a knife from the shell assembly to core the stapled tissue. | 02-04-2016 |
20160038142 | PIN LOCKING MECHANISM FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument having a handle portion, an elongated portion defining a longitudinal axis therethrough, an end effector, and a pin. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle portion. The end effector is disposed adjacent the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The pin is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first jaw member and includes an engaging section. In operation, the pin moves between a first position and a second position. While in the first position, the engaging portion of the pin is spaced from the second jaw member. In the second position, the engaging portion of the pin engages the second jaw member. The second jaw member includes a locking structure configured to maintain the position of the second jaw member with respect to the first jaw member during actuation of the end effector. | 02-11-2016 |