Patent ID: 7731072
Filing Date: 2010-06-08
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical instrument comprising: an elongate channel assembly having a proximal end and a distal end and configured to operably support a staple cartridge therein; an anvil assembly having a proximal end movably and selectively detachably coupled to said proximal end of said elongate channel assembly; a spring member on said anvil assembly; and a knife assembly movably supported within said elongate channel assembly and operably communicating with a drive system for driving said knife assembly from said proximal end of said elongate channel assembly to said distal end of said elongate channel assembly, said knife assembly configured to movably engage said anvil assembly such that, as said knife assembly is driven from said proximal end to said distal end of said elongate channel assembly, said knife assembly draws said anvil assembly toward said elongate channel assembly and wherein said knife assembly is configured to disengage said anvil assembly upon engagement with said spring member when said knife assembly has been driven to said distal end of said elongate channel assembly.