Patent Publication Number: US-2021177413-A1

Title: Stepped staple cartridge with asymmetrical staples

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/743,262, entitled STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH STAPLES, filed Jan. 15, 2020, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0222045, which is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,188, entitled STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES, filed Dec. 21, 2016, which issued on Jan. 21, 2020 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,537,324, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various arrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staple cartridges for use therewith that are designed to staple and cut tissue. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various features of the embodiments described herein are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The various embodiments, however, both as to organization and methods of operation, together with advantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a staple for use with a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the staple of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the staple of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the staple of  FIG. 1  taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of the staple cartridge assembly of  FIG. 5  without a bottom pan; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of an end effector including a staple cartridge assembly and an anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a sled of the end effector of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an elevational view of staples with different unformed heights in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is an elevational view of staples with different formed heights in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is an elevational view of staples with different formed heights in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly including tissue retention features in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of the staple cartridge assembly of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of a staple cartridge assembly including tissue retention features in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of a staple cartridge assembly including gap setting members in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of an end effector including a staple cartridge assembly and an anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 17  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an end effector including a staple cartridge assembly and an anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly including gap setting pins in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly including gap setting features in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly including a staple cartridge and a staple retainer held against a cartridge deck of the staple cartridge by a hairpin retainer; 
         FIG. 21  is an exploded view of the staple cartridge assembly of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge assembly of  FIG. 20  where the hairpin retainer is fully inserted into an elongate slot of the staple cartridge; 
         FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge assembly of  FIG. 20  where the hairpin retainer is partially inserted into the elongate slot of the staple cartridge; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly including stepped deck surfaces in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 25  is a plan view of the staple cartridge assembly of  FIG. 24  without a bottom pan; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a quadruple staple driver of the staple cartridge assembly of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a partial perspective view of the staple cartridge assembly of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view as taken along the lines  28 - 28 , of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a quadruple staple driver including deformable retention features in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 30  is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly including deformable retention features in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 31  is a cross-sectional view as taken along the lines  31 - 31 , of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a plan view of a staple cavity of the staple cartridge assembly of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a partial perspective view of an anvil of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 34  is a partial perspective view of an anvil of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 35  is a partial perspective view of a firing assembly and a firing bar of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument in accordance with the at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 36  is a partial perspective view of the firing bar of  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 37  is a cross-sectional view of a firing bar of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 38  is a cross-sectional view of a firing bar of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 39  is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 40  is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 39  in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 41  is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 42  is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 41  in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 43  is an elevational view of a disposable loading unit in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 44  is an elevational view of a disposable loading unit in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 45  is an elevational view of a disposable loading unit in accordance with at least one embodiment; and 
         FIG. 46  is an exploded view of an intermediate shaft assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,185, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,639,035;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,230, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168649;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,221, entitled LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, now U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/835,247;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,209, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,588,632;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,198, entitled LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,610,224; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,240, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168651.       

     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,939, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,835,246;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,941, entitled SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,736,629;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,943, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,667,811;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,950, entitled SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,588,630;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,945, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168632;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,946, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168633;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,951, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,568,626;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,953, entitled METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,675,026;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,954, entitled FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,624,635;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,955, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,813,638;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,948, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168584;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,956, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,588,631;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,958, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,639,034; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,947, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,568,625.       

     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,896, entitled METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168597;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,898, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,537,325;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,899, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,758,229;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,901, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,667,809;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,902, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER, now U.S. Patent Application No. 2018/0168603;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,904, entitled STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168605;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,905, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,695,055;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,907, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/01268608;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,908, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168609; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,909, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168610.       

     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,920, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,499,914;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,913, entitled ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168614;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914, entitled METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168615;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,893, entitled BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,682,138;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,929, entitled CLOSURE MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,667,810;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,448,950, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,448,950;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,927, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168625;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,917, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168617;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,900, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168601;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,931, entitled NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168627;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,915, entitled FIRING MEMBER PIN ANGLE, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,779,823;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,897, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168598;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,922, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,426,471;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,924, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,758,230;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,912, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT A FIXED AXIS AND INCLUDE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,568,624;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,910, entitled ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,485,543;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,903, entitled CLOSURE MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,617,414; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,906, entitled FIRING MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,856,868.       

     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,192, entitled STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,657,810;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,206, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168586;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,226, entitled DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168648;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,222, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168647; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,236, entitled CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DISPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168650.       

     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,887, entitled METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,835,245;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,889, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168590;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,890, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,675,025;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,891, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168592;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,892, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168593;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,894, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,492,785; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,895, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,542,982.       

     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,916, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168575;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,918, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168618;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,919, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168619;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,921 entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,687,809;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,923, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168623;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,925, entitled 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, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,517,595;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,926, entitled AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168577;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,928, entitled PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOVABLE JAW AND ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168578;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,930, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168579;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,932 entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0168628;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,933, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,603,036;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,934, entitled ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,582,928;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,935, entitled LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,524,789; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,936, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,517,596.       

     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,775, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0367695;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,807, entitled STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0367695;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,834, entitled STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,542,979;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,788, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,675,024; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,818, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0367697.       

     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,218, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER, now U.S. Design Pat. No. D826,405;   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,227, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER, now U.S. Design Pat. No. D822,206;   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,259, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Design Pat. No. D847,989; and   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,264, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Design Pat. No. D850,617.       

     Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 1, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325, entitled METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281171;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,321, entitled MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,271,851;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,326, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,433,849;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,263, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,307,159;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,262, entitled ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,357,246;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,531,874;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,296, entitled INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,413,293;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,258, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,342,543;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,792,234;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281186;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295, entitled STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,856,867;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,300, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,456,140;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,568,632;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,542,991;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,210, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,478,190;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,324, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,786,935;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,485,542;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,339, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281173;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,253, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,413,297;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,304, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,285,705;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,331, entitled ANVIL MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,376,263;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,336, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,709,446;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,312, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281189;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,309, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,675,021; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,349, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,682,136.       

     Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. patent applications identified below which were filed on Dec. 31, 2015 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,488, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,292,704;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,525, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,368,865; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,265,068.       

     Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. patent applications identified below which were filed on Feb. 9, 2016 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,245,029;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,433,837;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,413,291;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,206, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,653,413;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224332;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224334;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATION SYSTEMS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,245,030;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,588,625; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,470,764.       

     Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. patent applications identified below which were filed on Feb. 12, 2016 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,254, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,258,331;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,259, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,448,948;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,275, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0231627; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0231628.       

     Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Jun. 18, 2015 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,182,818;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,052,102;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,914, entitled MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,405,863;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,900, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,335,149;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885, entitled DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,368,861; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876, entitled PUSH/PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,178,992.       

     Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 6, 2015 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,746, entitled POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,808,246;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,795, entitled MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,441,279;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832, entitled ADAPTIVE TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,687,806;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935, entitled OVERLAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,548,504;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,831, entitled MONITORING SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,895,148;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859, entitled TIME DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,052,044;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,817, entitled INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,924,961;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844, entitled CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,045,776;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,837, entitled SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,993,248;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765, entitled SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,086,382;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,799, entitled SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,901,342; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,245,033.       

     Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Feb. 27, 2015, and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,045,779;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,180,463;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,560, entitled SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249910;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,566, entitled CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,182,816;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555, entitled SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,321,907;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542, entitled REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,931,118;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548, entitled POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,245,028;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,526, entitled ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,993,258;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,541, entitled MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,226,250; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,562, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,159,483.       

     Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Dec. 18, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,844,374;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,188,385;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,139, entitled DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,844,375;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,148, entitled LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,085,748;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,130, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,245,027;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,143, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,004,501;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,943,309;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,154, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,968,355;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,987,000; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,500, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,117,649.       

     Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 1, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,700,309;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323, entitled ROTARY POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,782,169;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338, entitled THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0249557;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,499, entitled ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,358,003;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460, entitled MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,554,794;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358, entitled JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,326,767;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481, entitled SENSOR STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,438;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518, entitled CONTROL METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375, entitled ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,398,911; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,986.       

     Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 14, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,687,230;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,193, entitled CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,332,987;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053, entitled INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,883,860;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210, entitled SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,808,244;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148, entitled MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,470,762;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066, entitled DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,134,287;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117, entitled ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,726;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,130, entitled DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,727; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,888,919.       

     Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent application that was filed on Mar. 7, 2014 and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111, entitled CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,629.       

     Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 26, 2014 and are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106, entitled POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272582;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,099, entitled STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,826,977;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094, entitled VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272580;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117, entitled POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,013,049;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,075, entitled MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,743,929;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,093, entitled FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,028,761;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,116, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272571;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,071, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,690,362;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,097, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,820,738;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,126, entitled INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,004,497;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133, entitled MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272557;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,081, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0277471;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,076, entitled POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,733,663;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,750,499; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,201,364.       

     Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Sep. 5, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,103, entitled CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,111,679;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,119, entitled ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,724,094;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,908, entitled MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,737,301;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,895, entitled MULTIPLE SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR&#39;S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,757,128;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110, entitled POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,016,199;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,098, entitled SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,135,242;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,115, entitled MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,788,836; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,108, entitled LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066913.       

     Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 9, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590, entitled MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,826,976;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,649,110;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,595, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,844,368;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,588, entitled POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,405,857;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,591, entitled TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,149,680;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,584, entitled MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,801,626;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,587, entitled POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,867,612;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586, entitled DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,136,887; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,607, entitled MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,814,460.       

     Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 16, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,365, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR;   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,376, entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER;   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,382, entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP;   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,385, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL; and   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,372, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR.       

     Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and illustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. 
     The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. 
     The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician and the term “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute. 
     Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures and applications including, for example, in connection with open surgical procedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, the reader will further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. The working portions or end effector portions of the instruments can be inserted directly into a patient&#39;s body or can be inserted through an access device that has a working channel through which the end effector and elongate shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced. 
     A surgical stapling system can 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; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which a staple cartridge is not removable from, or at least readily 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 closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system further comprises an articulation joint configured to permit the end effector to be rotated, or articulated, relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments are envisioned which do not include an articulation joint. 
     The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck. Thereafter, staples removably stored in the cartridge body can be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein wherein staples are removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of a longitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple cavities and staples may be possible. 
     The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between a first, or unfired position, and a second, or fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cavities. The drivers are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer which extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient members configured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer to the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between their unfired positions and their fired positions by a sled. The sled is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled comprises a plurality of ramped surfaces configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, and the staples supported thereon, toward the anvil. 
     Further to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled toward the distal end. The longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member further comprises a first cam which engages the first jaw and a second cam which engages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, the first cam and the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap, between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firing member also comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue captured intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for the knife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the ramped surfaces such that the staples are ejected ahead of the knife. 
     Various staples disclosed herein comprise a flat-formed staple which can be cut and/or stamped from a sheet of material, for example. The sheet of material can be metallic and can comprise stainless steel and/or titanium, for example. In at least one instance, outlines can be traced, etched, and/or cut into the sheet of material which are machined and/or laser cut to form the staples into a manufactured shape. 
     The staples comprise a pair of staple legs and a staple base portion, or crown, from which the staple legs extend. Each staple leg comprises a staple tip, or piercing portion, which is configured to pierce the tissue and contact a corresponding forming pocket of the anvil of the surgical stapling instrument. The staple legs are configured to change shape to achieve a formed configuration to fasten the tissue. The staple base portion defines a first plane and the staple legs define a second plane which is laterally offset from but at least substantially parallel to the first plane. Embodiments are envisioned where the first and second planes are not parallel. 
     The flat-formed staple  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1-4  comprises a proximal staple leg  110 , a distal staple leg  120 , and a staple base portion  130 . The staple  100  further comprises vertical transition portions, or bends,  118 ,  128  and lateral transition portions, or bends,  116 ,  126 . The vertical transition portions  118 ,  128  bend, or extend, the legs  110 ,  120  vertically, or upward, from the staple base portion  130 . The lateral transition portions  116 ,  126  extend the staple legs  110 ,  120  laterally outward, or at least substantially perpendicularly with respect to the staple base portion  130 . The staple legs  110 ,  120  define a first plane and the staple base portion  130  defines a second plane. Together, the vertical transition portions  118 ,  128  and the lateral transition portions  116 ,  126  permit the staple legs  110 ,  120  to be laterally offset and parallel with respect to the staple base portion  130 . Stated another way, the first plane is offset from and at least substantially parallel to the second plane. In  FIGS. 1-4 , the first plane is offset in the negative Y direction. Other staples may be used in conjunction with a plurality of staples  100  where the other staples comprise a first plane which is offset in the positive Y direction. The use of both types of staples permits staple rows to be nested, or interwoven, where staple legs of neighboring rows may be at least substantially aligned and/or share a common longitudinal axis. In various instances, the staple rows can be nested to provide denser staple rows. 
     The proximal staple leg  110  and the distal staple leg  120  comprise staple tips  112 ,  122  and corners  114 ,  124 , respectively. The tips  112 ,  122  are configured to pierce tissue and contact a forming pocket of an anvil of a surgical stapling instrument. The tips  112 ,  122  contact the anvil when the staple  100  receives a driving force to eject the staple  100  from a corresponding staple cavity in the staple cartridge. The tips  112 ,  122  and/or legs  110 ,  120  of the staple  100  will then begin forming from an unfired configuration to a fired configuration. The proximal staple leg  120  further comprises a leading engagement foot  117  comprising a chamfered surface, or edge,  119 . As the sled contacts the staple  100  upon the sled&#39;s distal translation, a feature of the sled can engage the leading engagement foot  117  to aid in preventing longitudinal staple roll, or rotation, for example. The engagement foot  117  can comprise a push point that is configured to be pushed on to load the staple  100  into a staple cartridge. 
     Since the staple  100  is a flat-formed staple, the staple legs  110 ,  120 , tips  112 ,  122 , and/or other portions of the staple  100  can be further developed, or worked, after being stamped from a flat, or at least substantially flat, stock. Further developing the staple  100  can provide specific properties creating and/or altering preferential bending planes, toughness, and/or elasticity, for example. Traditional wire-formed staples comprise desirable properties advantageous for surgical fastening and can be implemented with the staple  100 . Methods for constructing the corners  114 ,  124  and/or tips  112 ,  122 , for example, may include any suitable process including cold working, for example. A specific process may include coining by working the corners  114 ,  124  into a rounded, angled, oblique, and/or parabolic profile, for example. The staple tips  112 ,  122  can also be worked using similar methods to provide an adequate tip configured to pierce tissue and form against a corresponding forming pocket of the anvil. 
     The staple base portion  130  comprises an inclined drive surface  132 , a final drive surface  131 , and a distal wall  133 . In various instances, the staple  100  is supported in a staple cartridge by a pan where the final drive surface  131  is configured to rest on the pan. In various other instances where a staple cartridge is pan-less, the final drive surface does not rest on a pan; rather, the final drive surface comprises an initial position residing above a bottom surface of the pan-less staple cartridge. This would allow a bottom surface of the sled and the bottom surface of the pan-less staple cartridge to be at least substantially flush as the sled translates through the cartridge. The drive surface  132  of each staple base portion  130  is configured to receive the driving force F s  from the sled of the surgical stapling instrument. When the sled translates distally through the staple cartridge, the sled contacts the drive surface  132  to lift the staple  100  out of the cartridge and, in addition, contact the final drive surface  131  to form the staple  100  into its fired configuration. 
     The distal wall  133  acts as a distal-most wall of the staple base portion  130  and is positioned proximal of the distal staple leg  120  resulting in a lack of any portion of the staple base portion  130  underneath the distal staple leg  120 . Having a greater amount of mass in the base portion  130  of the staple  100  increases the ability of the staple  100  to resist rotational motion caused by the moment M S  applied by the sled. Increasing the moment of inertia of the staple base portion  130  increases the ability to resist rotational motion. As a result, a greater torque, or larger moment, would be required to cause longitudinal staple roll. 
     The staple base portion  130  further comprises a top surface, or compression surface,  136  comprising a proximal surface  139 , an intermediate surface  138 , and a distal surface  137 . The proximal surface  139  is angled, or slanted, upward toward the proximal leg  110 . The distal surface  137  is angled, or slanted, upward toward the distal leg  120 . The intermediate surface  138  is at least substantially parallel to the final drive surface  131 . This valley-like configuration limits the stress concentration of tissue captured near the transition portions  118 ,  128 ,  116 ,  126  where the legs  110 ,  120  extend from the staple base portion  130 . In various instances, these surfaces  137 ,  138 ,  139  can be curved to create a concave surface. In traditional staples, when formed, the connections where the legs meet the staple base produce locations responsible for highly localized tissue stress. This is especially true in the event that such a traditional staple buckles, or is crushed, or flattened, rather than formed into a true “B” configuration. 
     In various instances, the dynamics of the staple  100  are predictable when ejected from a staple cartridge. As the staple  100  is ejected from its corresponding staple cavity, a driving force F S  from the sled generates a moment M s . One preventive measure for preventing staple roll includes increasing the moment of inertia of the staple  100 , discussed above, which is configured to prevent, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , longitudinal roll, or rotation of the staple. In the event that the staple  100  rolls longitudinally in the distal direction, or, in other words, rotates counterclockwise about the Y axis, outer, longitudinal staple leg surfaces  115 ,  125  of the staple  100  will contact the guide surfaces, or sidewalls, of the staple cartridge. This contact produces corresponding reaction forces F C1  and F C2 . More particularly, as the staple  100  is driven out of the staple cavity and rotated about the Y axis, the wall  115  of the proximal staple leg  110  contacts a proximal sidewall of the staple cartridge producing a reaction force F C2  which acts upon the staple leg  110  below the center of mass. The wall  125  of the distal staple leg  120  contacts a distal sidewall of the staple cartridge producing a reaction force F C1  which acts upon the staple leg  120  above the center of mass. Both reaction forces, F C1  and F C2 , contribute to a reactional moment M RC  to counteract, or balance, the applied moment M S  acting on the staple  100 . The reaction forces discussed herein may be distributed loads acting upon a surface area of each of the staple legs  110 ,  120 . In certain instances, the reaction force F C2  can be about 0. 
     The moment of inertia of the staple  100  is also configured to prevent, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , lateral roll, or rotation of the staple  100 . The staple base portion  130  comprises a notch  134  defined in the top surface  136  on a side of the staple base portion  130  closest to the legs  110 ,  120 . The notch  134  contributes to the predictability of the dynamics of the staple  100  before formation and upon formation when ejected from the staple cartridge. For example, referring primarily to  FIG. 4 , the notch  134  is configured to induce rotation of the staple  100  toward a particular cavity sidewall. In the event that the staple  100  rolls laterally, or, in other words, rotates in the direction of the applied moment M S , outer, lateral staple leg walls  111 ,  121  of the staple  100  will contact the guide surfaces, or sidewalls, of the staple cartridge producing corresponding reaction forces F C1  and F C2 . For example, as the staple  100  is driven out of the staple cavity and rotated in the direction of the applied moment M S , the walls  111 ,  121  of the staple legs  110 ,  120  contact a corresponding sidewall of the staple cartridge producing a reaction force F C1  which act upon the staple legs  110 ,  120  above the center of mass. An outer lateral wall  135  of the staple base portion  130  contacts another corresponding sidewall of the staple cartridge producing a reaction force F C2  which acts upon the staple base portion  130  below the center of mass. Reaction forces F C1  and F C2  produce a reactional moment M RC  to counteract, or balance, the applied moment M S  acting on the staple  100  from the sled. The reaction forces discussed herein may be distributed loads acting upon a surface area of each of the staple legs  110 ,  120  and the staple base portion  130 . In various instances, the staple  100  is encouraged to roll laterally in the direction of the applied moment M S  to control which walls of the staple cavity are going to be contacted for staple guidance as the staple  100  is ejected from the staple&#39;s  100  corresponding staple cavity. 
     A staple cartridge assembly  240  is illustrated in  FIGS. 5-6 . The staple cartridge assembly  240  comprises a cartridge body  242 . The cartridge body  242  is positionable in and removable from a jaw of a surgical stapling instrument. As a result, the staple cartridge  240  is replaceable; however, other instances are envisioned in which the staple cartridge  240  is not replaceable. The cartridge body  242  comprises a proximal end  246 , a distal end  247 , and a deck  245  extending between the proximal end  246  and the distal end  247 . The deck  245  is configured to support the tissue of a patient when the tissue is compressed against the deck  245 . 
     The cartridge body  242  further comprises a plurality of staple cavities  244  defined therein. The staple cavities  244  are arranged in six longitudinal rows extending between the proximal end  246  and the distal end  247 ; however, any suitable arrangement of staple cavities  244  can be utilized. A staple, such as staple  100  ( FIG. 1 ), for example, can be removably stored in each staple cavity  244 . As discussed in greater detail below, the staples are ejected from the staple cavities  244  by a firing member when the firing member is moved from the proximal end  246  of the cartridge body  242  toward the distal end  247 . 
     Further to the above, the staples are moved from an unfired position to a fired position by the firing member. The firing member lifts the staples toward an anvil, such as anvil  250  ( FIG. 7 ), for example, to deform the staples between an unfired, undeformed configuration and a fired, deformed configuration. The cartridge body  242  further comprises a elongate slot  243  defined therein. The elongate slot  243  is configured to receive the staple firing member and/or a tissue cutting member therein when the staples are ejected from the staple cavities  244 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 5-6 , the cartridge body  2010  comprises steps  245 ′ and  245 ″ which extend upwardly from the deck  245 . More specifically, the steps  245 ′ extend upwardly from the deck  245  and the steps  245 ″ extend upwardly from the steps  245 ′. As a result, three discrete deck surfaces  245   a ,  245   b ,  245   c  are defined in the deck  245 , wherein the deck surface  245   a  may apply a larger compressive pressure to the tissue than the deck surface  245   b , and wherein the deck surface  245   b  may apply a larger compressive pressure to the tissue than the deck surface  245   c . As illustrated in  FIGS. 5-6 , the deck surface  245   c  is shorter than the deck surfaces  245   a  and  245   b . In addition, the deck surface  245   b  is shorter than the deck surface  245   a . Said another way, the deck surfaces  245   a ,  245   b ,  245   c  comprise first, second, and third heights, respectively, relative to a plane define by a bottom surface  248  ( FIG. 7 ) of the staple cartridge  240 , wherein the first height is greater than the second height, and wherein the second height is greater than the third height. Furthermore, the deck surfaces  245   a ,  245   b ,  245   c  are laterally offset from one another relative to the elongate slot  243 . The deck surface  245   a  is positioned closer to the elongate slot  243  than the deck surface  245   b . In addition, the deck surface  245   b  is positioned closer to the elongate slot  243  than the deck surface  245   c . That said, any suitable arrangement of the deck surfaces  245   a ,  245   b ,  245   c  can be utilized. 
     Further to the above, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5-6 , the staple cavities  244  comprise an inner row of staple cavities  244   a  defined in the deck surface  245   a , an intermediate row of staple cavities  244   b  defined in the deck surface  245   b , and an outer row of staple cavities  244   c  defined in the deck surface  245   c . As a result, the inner row of staple cavities  244   a  is positioned closer to the elongate slot  243  than the intermediate row of staple cavities  244   b , and the intermediate row of staple cavities  244   b  is positioned closer to the elongate slot  243  than the outer row of staple cavities  244   c.    
     The staple cavities  244   c  are similar to the staple cavities  244   a ,  244   b  in many respects. For instance, the staple cavities,  244   a ,  244   b ,  244   c  each comprise a central slot  249  having a proximal end and a distal end, a proximal staple leg guide  249 ′ extending laterally from the proximal end of the central slot  249 , and a distal staple leg guide  249 ″ extending laterally from the distal end of the central slot  249 . That said, the staple cavities  244   b  and the staple cavities  244   c  are oriented in different directions. More particularly, the staple leg guides  249 ′,  249 ″ of the staple cavities  244   b  extend toward the staple cavities  244   a , while the staple leg guides  249 ′,  249 ″ of the staple cavities  100   c  extend away from the staple cavities  100   a ; however, any suitable arrangement can be utilized. 
     The various instances of the staple cartridge assemblies disclosed herein can have any suitable number of staples and/or any suitable size of staples. In certain instances, all of the staples stored in the staple cartridge assembly  240  ( FIG. 5 ) have the same, or at least substantially the same, size. Referring to  FIG. 1 , each staple  100  comprises an unformed, or unfired, overall height H 1  defined between the bottom of the base  130  and the tips of the staple legs  112 ,  122 . Similarly, each staple  100  comprises a tissue capture area defined between the top of the base  130  and the tips of the staple legs  112 ,  122  which have the same height H 2  when the staple  100  is in its unformed height. 
     In contrast to the above, a first group of staples stored in the staple cartridge  240  can have a first unformed height H 1  and a second group of staples can have a second unformed height H 2  which is different than the first unformed height H 1 . Also in contrast to the above, a first group of staples stored in the staple cartridge  240  can have a first tissue capture height H 1  and a second group of staples can have a second tissue capture height H 2  which is different than the first tissue capture height H 2 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-11 , the staples  100  comprise a first row of staples  100   a  removably stored in the inner row of staple cavities  244   a , a second row of staples  100   b  removably stored in the intermediate row of staple cavities  244   b , and a third row of staples  100   c  removably stored in the outer row of staple cavities  244   c . The rows of staples  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  comprise different unformed heights; however, in other arrangements, the rows of staples  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may comprise the same unformed height H 1 . Also, the rows of staples  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  comprise different tissue capturing heights; however, in other arrangements, the rows of staples  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may comprise the same tissue capturing height H 2 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the staples  100   c  comprise an unformed height  103  which is greater than an unformed height  102  of the staple  100   b . Also, the unformed height  102  of the staples  100   b  is greater than an unformed height  101  of the staples  100   a . In addition, the staples  100   c  comprise a tissue capturing height  106  which is greater than a tissue capturing height  105  of the staple  100   b  in an unformed configuration. Also, the tissue capturing height  105  of the staples  100   b  is greater than a tissue capturing height  104  of the staples  100   a  in the unformed configuration. As a result, the staples  100   c  comprise a tissue capturing area which is greater than a tissue capturing area of the staple  100   b  in an unformed configuration. In addition, the tissue capturing area of the staples  100   b  is greater than the tissue capturing area of the staples  100   a  in the unformed configuration. 
     The staples  100  are driven between unfired positions and fired positions by a firing member, such as sled  290  ( FIG. 8 ), for example. The sled  290  comprises ramps or wedges  291   a ,  291   b ,  291   c  which are configured to directly engage the staples  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , respectively, and lift the staples  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  toward an anvil, such as anvil  250 , for example, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The sled  290  utilizes a wedge for each longitudinal row of staples  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c ; however, the sled  290  may have any suitable number of wedges. Each of the wedges  291   a ,  291   b ,  291   c  comprises an angled drive surface which slides under the staples  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  as the sled  290  is advanced from the proximal end  246  of the staple cartridge  240  toward the distal end  247  of the staple cartridge  240 . The base  130  of each staple  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  comprises an angled drive surface  132  which is directly contacted by the drive surface of the wedges  291   a ,  291   b ,  291   c . Stated another way, each staple  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  comprises its own integrally-formed driver having a drive surface  132 . The staples  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  are comprised of metal and, as a result, the integrally-formed driver is also comprised of metal. That said, the staples disclosed herein can be comprised of any suitable material. 
     Further to the above, the drive surfaces of the wedges  291   a ,  291   b ,  291   c  comprise apex portions defining peak drive surfaces  292   a ,  292   b ,  292   c . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the wedges  291   a ,  291   b ,  291   c  comprise different heights. The wedge  291   c  is shorter than the wedge  291   b , and the wedge  291   b  is shorter than the wedge  291   a . The wedge  291   a  comprises a first height  294  defined between a bottom surface  293  of the sled  290  and the peak drive surface  292   a . Likewise, the wedge  291   b  comprises a second height  295  defined between the bottom surface  293  of the sled  290  and the peak drive surface  292   b . Also, the wedge  291   c  comprises a third height  296  defined between the bottom surface  293  of the sled  290  and the peak drive surface  292   c . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the heights  294 ,  295 ,  296  are different. The first height  294  is shorter than the second height  295 , and the second height  295  is shorter than the third height  296 . In other instances, however, the heights  294 ,  295 ,  296  can be the same, or at least substantially the same, size. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , an end effector  220  is depicted in a closed configuration. A forming gap is defined between the cartridge deck  245  and the anvil  250 . A first gap height (A) is defined between the deck surface  245   a  and anvil pockets  254   a  which are configured to deform the staples  100   a . A second gap height (B) is defined between the deck surface  245   b  and anvil pockets  254   b  which are configured to deform the staples  100   b . A third gap height (C) is defined between the deck surface  245   c  and anvil pockets  254   c  which are configured to deform the staples  100   c . The gap height (A) is shorter than the gap height (B), and the gap height (B) is shorter than the gap height (C). This arrangement improves fluid flow through tissue captured by the end effector  220  in a direction away from the elongate slot  243  by creating a pressure gradient where more pressure is applied to the tissue closer to the cut-line or the elongate slot  243 . In other instances, however, the forming gap may comprise a constant, or at least substantially constant, height between the cartridge deck  245  and the anvil  250 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-11 , the sled  290  and the anvil  250  cooperate to form the staples  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  to different formed heights  107 ,  108 ,  109 , respectively. As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the staples  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  can be proportionally formed by the sled  290  and the anvil  250 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the staples  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  comprise different unformed heights, and are fully or completely formed to a standard “B” shaped formation. The difference in unformed height between the staples  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  causes the staples  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  to comprise different tissue capturing areas in the formed configuration even though the staples  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  are proportionally formed. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a formed staple  100   a  comprises a smaller tissue capturing area than a formed staple  100   b , and a formed staple  100   b  comprises a smaller tissue capturing area than a formed staple  100   c . In such instances, the formed staple  100   a  exerts more pressure on tissue captured by the formed staple  100   a  than the pressure exerted by the formed staple  100   b  on tissue captured by the formed staple  100   b . In addition, the pressure exerted by the formed staple  100   b  on the tissue captured by the formed staple  100   b  is greater than the pressure exerted by the staple  100   c  on tissue captured by the formed staple  100   c.    
     In certain instances, a first group of staples, a second group of staples, and/or a third group of staples may comprise the same unformed height but are deformed to different deformed heights by utilizing a sled that comprises wedges with different heights such as, for example, the sled  290 . The sled  290  may cause the first group of staples to be fully formed, the second group of staples to be partially formed, and the third group of staples to be partially formed to a lesser degree than the second group of staples. This is the result of the wedges  291   a ,  291   b ,  291   c  of the sled  290  having different heights  294 ,  295 ,  296 , respectively. In such instances, the first group of staples can apply a larger pressure to the tissue than the second group of staples and, similarly, the second group of staples can apply a larger pressure to the tissue than the third group of staples. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the staples  100   d ,  100   e ,  100   f  comprise the same unformed height. Yet the staples  100   d ,  100   e ,  100   f  can be formed to different formed heights by causing the staples  100   d ,  100   e ,  100   f  to formed to different degrees. For example, the staples  100   d  are more tightly formed than the staples  100   e , and the staples  100   e  are more tightly formed than the staples  100   f . In result, the formed staples  100   d  comprise a smaller tissue capturing area than the formed staples  100   e , and the formed staples  100   e  comprise a smaller tissue capturing area than a formed staple  100   f . In such instances, the formed staple  100   d  exerts more pressure on tissue captured by the formed staple  100   d  than the pressure exerted by the formed staple  100   e  on tissue captured by the formed staple  100   e . In addition, the pressure exerted by the formed staple  100   e  on the tissue captured by the formed staple  100   e  is greater than the pressure exerted by the staple  100   f  on tissue captured by the formed staple  100   f.    
     In various instances, the height of the base  130  ( FIG. 1 ) can be varied such that a first group of staples, a second group of staples, and/or a third group of staples may comprise different base heights. For example, the row of staples  100   a  may comprise a first base height greater than a corresponding base height of the row of staples  100   b , and the row of staples  100   b  may comprise a base height greater than a corresponding base height of the row of staples  100   c.    
     Various other suitable staples, staple cartridge, and end effectors for use with the present disclosure can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,036, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY WITHOUT A BOTTOM COVER, and filed Aug. 26, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,213,203, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12-17 , various staple cartridges  340  ( FIG. 12 ),  340 ′ ( FIG. 14 ),  340 ″ ( FIG. 15 ) are depicted. The staple cartridges  340 ,  340 ′,  340 ″ are similar in many respects to the staple cartridge  240 . For example, the staple cartridges  340 ,  340 ′,  340 ″ comprise a cartridge body  342 , staple cavities  344 , a cartridge deck  345 , a proximal portion  346 , a distal portion  347 , and an elongate slot  343  extending longitudinally from the proximal portion  346  to the distal portion  347 . The cartridge deck  345  includes steps  345 ′,  345 ″ that define stepped deck surfaces  345   a ,  345   b ,  345   c , which comprise rows of staple cavities  344   a ,  344   b ,  344   c , respectively. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12-14 , the staple cartridges  340 ,  340 ′ are provided with stepped deck surfaces that are equipped tissue retention features or cleats  348 . The stepped deck surfaces provide several advantages such as facilitating fluid outflow during a tissue stapling procedure; however, the stepped nature of the deck surfaces reduces traction against the tissue gripped between a staple cartridge and an anvil. To resist tissue slippage, stepped deck surfaces of staple cartridges  340  ( FIG. 12 ),  340 ′ ( FIG. 14 ) are equipped with tissue retention features or cleats  348  that are strategically placed in various arrangements that improve traction against the tissue without significantly interfering with or reducing the functionality of the stepped deck surfaces. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the cartridge deck  345  includes pyramid-shaped cleats  348 . The pyramid-shaped cleats  348  may include square and/or triangular bases and sloping sides that may extend generally away from cartridge deck  345 . As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the cleats  348  generally comprise a base  351  defined in the cartridge deck  345 , and a peak  341  narrower than the base  351 . In certain instances, the cartridge deck  345  may include pillar-shaped cleats which may include square and/or rectangle bases and substantially perpendicular sides extending generally away from the deck surfaces  345   a ,  345   b ,  345   c . In certain instances, the cartridge deck  345  may include cone-shaped cleats and/or dome-shaped cleats  1042 . Cleats with other suitable shapes and sizes can also be utilized. 
     The cleats  348  can be made, or at least partially made, from the same material or materials as the cartridge deck  345 . Alternatively, the cleats  348  may comprise a different material composition than the cartridge deck  345 . In various instances, the cleats  348  can be made from a plastic or a ceramic material. In certain instances, the cleats  348  may comprise one or more biocompatible elastomeric polymers. In certain instances, the cleats are made, or at least partially made, from a medical grade plastic material such as, for example, a glass filled poly-carbonate material. In certain instances, the cleats  348  are made, or at least partially made, from one or more resilient materials. In certain instances, the cleats  348  are more flexible than the cartridge deck  345  to ensure an atraumatic interaction with the tissue. 
     Cleats  348  can be spatially arranged onto the cartridge deck  345  in a predetermined pattern or array. For example, cleats  348  can be spatially arranged onto the cartridge deck  345  in multiple rows which may extend longitudinally along a length of the cartridge deck  345 , which can be in parallel with one another. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the cleats  348  are spatially arranged in a cleat pattern  350  configured to define a perimeter around the staple cavities  344 . The cleats  348  of the cleat pattern  350  are positioned outside the area of the cartridge deck  345  occupied by the staple cavities  344 . The cleats  348  on one side of a plane defined by the elongate slot  343  are mirror images of corresponding cleats  348  on an opposite side of the plane. More of the cleats  348  of the cleat pattern  350  are positioned on the external deck surfaces  345   c  than the internal deck surfaces  345   b ,  345   a . This creates a barrier against tissue slippage while minimizing interference with the fluid outflow functionality of the stepped cartridge deck  345 . In the same vein, the cleats  348  that are positioned on the deck surfaces  345   c  are limited to external area of the deck surfaces  345   c , as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
     Further to the above, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the cleat pattern  350  is more tightly formed at the distal portion  347  and/or the proximal portion  346  than an intermediate portion  349  that includes the staple cavities  344 . The distance between adjacent cleats  348  of the intermediate portion  349  is greater than the distance between adjacent cleats  348  of the distal portion  347 . Likewise, the distance between adjacent cleats  348  of the intermediate portion  349  is greater than the distance between adjacent cleats  348  of the proximal portion  346 . Furthermore, the cleats  348  in the deck surfaces  345   a ,  345   b , are positioned proximal and/or distal to the rows of staple cavities  344   a ,  344   b . This arrangement of the cleat pattern  350  is designed to improve tissue traction without significantly interfering with or reducing the functionality of the stepped deck surfaces, as described above. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , a cleat pattern  360  is utilized with the staple cartridge  340 ′. The cleats  348  of the cleat pattern  360  are limited to the proximal portion  346  and distal portion  347  of the staple cartridge  340  that are void of the staple cavities  344 . In other words, the cleats  348  of the cleat pattern  360  are positioned outside the intermediate portion  349  that includes the staple cavities  344 . The cleats  348  of the cleat pattern  360  are distributed on the cartridge deck  345  in areas that are void of the staple cavities  344  which are proximal and distal to the intermediate portion  349 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 14 , the cleats  348  of the cleat pattern  360  are arranged in rows  348   a ,  348   b ,  348   c  which extend or protrude from deck surfaces  345   a ,  345   b ,  345   c , respectively. The rows  348   a ,  348   b ,  348   c  are aligned with the rows of the staple cavities  344   a ,  344   b ,  344   c , respectively, to provide appropriate traction against tissue slippage that is caused by the stepped nature of the stepped cartridge deck  345 . The cleats of the cleat rows  348   a ,  348   b ,  348   c  are spatially arranged on the deck surfaces  345   a ,  345   b ,  345   c , respectively, at positions that are proximal and distal to the rows of staple cavities  344   a ,  344   b ,  344   c , respectively. The number, size, and/or shape of the cleats in each of the cleat rows  348   a ,  348   b ,  348   c  can be adjusted to provide an appropriate amount of traction against the tissue slippage at each of the deck surfaces  345   a ,  345   b ,  345   c , for example. 
     In various instances, the cleats of the deck surfaces  345   a ,  345   b ,  345   c  include different cleat heights. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the cleats of the cleat row  348   a  may comprise a first cleat height H 1  smaller than a second cleat height H 2  of corresponding cleats of the cleat row  348   b , which is smaller than a third cleat height H 3  of corresponding cleats of the cleat row  348   c . That said, cleats with other cleat height arrangements can be utilized. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 16 , the cleat heights of the cleat rows  348   a ,  348   b ,  348   c  can be selected to compensate for the difference in height between the deck surfaces  345   a ,  345   b ,  345   c . As a result, the peaks  341  of the cleat rows  348   a ,  348   b ,  348   c  can define a plane extending in parallel, or substantially in parallel, with the deck surfaces  345   a ,  345   b ,  345   c . In other words, the combined height of the deck surfaces  345   a ,  345   b ,  345   c  and corresponding cleats from the cleat rows  348   a ,  348   b ,  348   c , respectively, may amount to the same, or substantially the same, height, for example. In certain instances, external cleats may comprise greater heights than internal cleats to provide a greater traction at peripheral portions of the cartridge deck  345 . As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the tissue traction provided by cleats of the cleat row  348   c  at the external deck surface  345   c  is greater than the tissue traction provided by cleats of the cleat row  348   b  at the intermediate deck surface  345   b , which is greater than the tissue traction provided by cleats of the cleat row  348   a  at the internal deck surface  345   a . As a result, the cleat pattern  350  creates a tissue-traction gradient where tissue closer to the elongate slot  343  experiences a greater traction than tissue further away from the elongate slot  343 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 16 , an end effector  220 ′ includes a staple cartridge  340 ′ and an anvil  250 . The end effector  220 ′ is similar in many respects to the end effector  220  ( FIG. 7 ). The end effector  220 ′ is depicted in a closed configuration. A forming gap is defined between the cartridge deck  345  and the anvil  250 . The cleat rows  348   a ,  348   b ,  348   c  protrude from the deck surfaces  345   a ,  345   b ,  345   c , respectively, toward the forming gap between the cartridge deck  345  and the anvil  250 . The cleat rows  348   a ,  348   b ,  348   c  are configured to provide appropriate traction for tissue captured between the anvil  250  and the cartridge deck  340  to resist slippage of the captured tissue. In various instances, the peaks  341  of corresponding cleats of the cleat rows  348   a ,  348   b ,  348   c  are the same or, at least substantially the same, distance from a datum in the anvil  250 . In various instances, one or more of the cleats  348  can function as gap setting members configured to set a minimum forming gap between a cartridge deck of a staple cartridge and anvil in a closed configuration. 
       FIGS. 15 and 17  illustrate a staple cartridge  340 ″ which is similar in many respects to other staple cartridges described herein such as, for example, the staple cartridge  340 . The staple cartridge  340 ″ comprises gap setting members  370  configured to set a minimum forming gap between the staple cartridge  340 ″ and an anvil  250 . In a fully closed configuration, the anvil  250  is configured to rest against the gap setting members  370 . A predetermined minimum gap is set between the anvil  250  and the cartridge deck  340 ″ by the transverse gap setting members  370  in the fully closed configuration. 
     The number, height, size, arrangement, and/or shape of the gap setting members  370  can be selected to set a suitable minimum gap between the anvil  250  and the cartridge deck  340 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 17 , the gap setting members  370  comprise a proximal gap setting member  370   a  extending transversely in a proximal portion  346  of the staple cartridge  340 ″, an intermediate gap setting member  370   b  extending transversely in an intermediate portion  349  of the staple cartridge  340 ″, and a distal gap setting member  370   c  extending transversely in a distal portion  347  of the staple cartridge  340 ″. As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the gap setting members  370   a ,  370   b ,  370   c  comprise different heights. In other instances, however, the gap setting members  370   a ,  370   b ,  370   c  may comprise the same, or substantially the same, height. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the distal gap setting member  370   c  is greater in height than the intermediate gap setting member  370   b , which is greater in height than the proximal gap setting member  370   a . As a result, a minimum forming gap  372  that comprises a size gradient is formed between the cartridge deck  340  and the anvil  250  in the fully closed configuration. The minimum forming gap  372  comprises a first volume at the proximal portion  346  of the staple cartridge  340 ″, a second volume at the intermediate portion  349  of the staple cartridge  340 ″, and a third volume at the distal portion  347  of the staple cartridge  340 ″, wherein the first volume is greater than the second volume, and wherein the second volume is greater than the third volume. In certain instances, however, the distal gap setting member  370   c  can be smaller in height than the intermediate gap setting member  370   b , which can be smaller in height than the proximal gap setting member  370   a . In such instances, the first volume can be smaller than the second volume, and the second volume can be smaller than the first volume. 
     The gap setting members  370   a ,  370   b ,  370   c  are spaced apart. As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the gap setting member  370   a  is positioned proximal to the staple cavities  344  and the gap setting member  370   c  is positioned distal to the staple cavities  344  while the gap setting member  370   b  is positioned between adjacent staple cavities  344 . Each of the gap setting members  370   a ,  370   b ,  370   c  extends across the elongate slot  343  in a direction perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to a longitudinal axis extending along the elongate slot  343 . In other instances, one or more of the gap setting members  370   a ,  370   b ,  370   c  may not extend across the elongate slot  343 . In various instances, the staple cartridge  340 ″ may comprise more or less than three gap setting members, for example. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , staple cartridges  440  and  440 ′ are depicted. The staple cartridges  440  and  440 ′ are similar in many respects to other staple cartridge disclosed herein such as, for example, the staple cartridge  240 . For example, the staple cartridges  440  and  440 ′ comprise a cartridge body  442 , a cartridge deck  445 , staple cavities  444 , a proximal portion  346 , a distal portion  347 , and an elongate slot  343  extending longitudinally from the proximal portion  346  to the distal portion  347 . The cartridge deck  445  includes steps  445 ′,  445 ″ that define stepped deck surfaces  445   a ,  445   b ,  445   c . The staple cavities  444  are arranged in rows  444   a ,  444   b ,  44   c  which are defined in deck surfaces  445   a ,  445   b ,  445   c , respectively. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , the staple cartridge  440  comprises gap setting pins  470  configured to set a minimum forming gap between the staple cartridge  440  and an anvil  250 . In a fully closed configuration, the anvil  250  is configured to rest against the gap setting pins  470 . A predetermined minimum gap is set between the anvil  250  and the cartridge deck  445  by the gap setting pins  470  in the fully closed configuration. 
     The gap setting pins  470  are positioned at a distal portion  347  of the staple cartridge  440 . Said another way, the gap setting pins  470  are positioned distal to the staple cavities  444 . As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the gap setting pins  470  comprise a cylindrical, or at least substantially cylindrical, shape, and are positioned on opposite sides of a plane defined by the elongate slot  343 . The gap setting pins  470  are equidistant from the elongate slot  343  to balance the anvil  250  in the closed configuration and resist any tilting that may occur in the anvil  250  as the anvil  250  is pressed against tissue captured between the anvil  250  and the staple cartridge  440 . The number, height, size, arrangement, and/or shape of the gap setting pins  470  can be selected to set a suitable minimum gap between the anvil  250  and the cartridge deck  445 . 
     The gap setting members  370  and or the gap setting pins  470  can be made from a plastic or a ceramic material. In certain instances, the gap setting members  370  and or the gap setting pins  470  may comprise one or more biocompatible elastomeric polymers. In certain instances, the gap setting members  370  and or the gap setting pins  470  are made, or at least partially made, from a medical grade plastic material. In certain instances, the gap setting members  370  and or the gap setting pins  470  are made, or at least partially made, from one or more resilient materials. In certain instances, the gap setting members  370  and or the gap setting pins  470  are more flexible than the cartridge deck  345  to ensure an atraumatic interaction with the tissue. 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , the staple cartridge  440 ′ comprises a shell  402  configured to receive a cartridge body  442 . Retention features  403  and  405  secure the cartridge body  442  to the shell  402 . To assemble the cartridge body  442  with the shell  402 , the cartridge body  442  is inserted into the shell  402  until the retention features  403  and  405  snap into engagement with corresponding openings  404  and  406  in the shell  402 . Furthermore, the shell  402  includes elevated portions  480  that extend above the cartridge deck  445  to set a minimum gap between the cartridge deck  445  and an anvil  250  in a fully closed configuration. The elevated portions  480  comprise distal flanges  480   a  and intermediate flanges  480   b  that protrude through corresponding openings  481   a ,  481   b  in the cartridge deck  445 . The distal flanges  480   a  and intermediate flanges  480   b  are bent away from the elongate slot  343 . The elevated portions  480  further include proximal flanges  482  that are bent toward the elongated slot  343 . Other elevated portions suitable for maintaining a minimum gap between the cartridge deck  445  and the anvil  250  in a fully closed configuration can be utilized. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 20-21 , a staple retainer  502  is affixed to a cartridge deck  545  of a staple cartridge  540 . The staple retainer  502  extends between a proximal end  546  and a distal end  547  of the staple cartridge  540 . The staple retainer  502  may be configured to mimic the surface of the cartridge deck  545 . The staple cartridge  540  comprises an elongate slot  543  centered among rows of staple cavities  544 . The elongate slot  543  may be configured to receive a cutting member. The staple retainer  502  may be labeled with various information to assist the surgeon in selecting the appropriate cartridge for use with the surgical instrument. Such information can also include descriptions regarding the orientation of the staple cartridge  540  or instructions for attachment or removal of the staple retainer  502 . 
     It is desirable to secure the staple retainer  502  to the staple cartridge  540  to ensure that the staples of the staple cartridge  540  remain within their respective staple cavities  544 . The staple retainer  502  may be secured to the staple cartridge  540  through various means including a biasing member in the form of a spring latch  501 . The spring latch  501  includes two eject arms  506  and a hairpin retainer  507 . The hairpin retainer  507  can be configured to pass through an aperture  508  on the proximal end  546  of the staple retainer  502  that is aligned with the elongate slot  543  of the staple cartridge  540 . Thus, the hairpin retainer  507  passes into the elongate slot  543  when the staple retainer  502  is attached to the staple cartridge  540 . The two eject arms  506  of the spring latch  501  may engage with a pair of wire cleats  505 , configured to secure and retain the eject arms  506 . As illustrated, the spring latch  501  may be located on the proximal end  546  of the staple retainer  502 . However, a spring latch  501  can be located on the distal end  547  of the staple retainer  502 . Other suitable positions for the spring latch  501  are contemplated by the present disclosure. 
     Additional attachment features, including side wings or flanges  510 , are utilized to strengthen the retention connection of the staple retainer  502  to the staple cartridge  540 . Such flanges  510  may contact corresponding indentations on the cartridge body  542  of the staple cartridge  540 . Flanges  510  may engage with the cartridge body  542  in various ways, including but not limited to snap-fit or pressure-fit connections, for example. 
     The staple retainer  502  further comprises a handle portion  520  for facilitating removal of the staple retainer  502  from the staple cartridge  540 . The handle portion  520  extends past the end of the staple cartridge  540  to facilitate grasping the handle portion  520 . As a lifting motion is applied to the handle  520 , the upward forces can overcome the retention forces holding the spring latch  501  in place. Such upward forces are also capable of overcoming any additional retention forces from the side wings or flanges  510 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 22-23 , the elongate slot  543  of the staple cartridge  540  comprises inner sidewalls  550  with channel detents  551  to facilitate the retention of the hairpin retainer  507  of the spring latch  501 . The hairpin retainer  507  has outward-extending curves that fit within the channel detents  551  on the inner sidewalls  550  of the elongate slot  543 . As illustrated in  FIG. 22 , when holding the staple retainer  502  in place, the hairpin retainer  507  is configured to enter the elongate slot  543  to a degree where the staple retainer  502  lies flush against the cartridge deck  545  of the staple cartridge  540 . In this position, a portion of the hairpin retainer  507  extends beyond the channel detents  551  of the sidewalls  550 , while the eject arms  506  rest in the wire cleats  505  of the staple retainer  502 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 23 , when the surgeon begins to lift up on the handle  520  of the staple retainer  502 , the staple retainer  502  presses up against the eject arms  506  of the spring latch  501 . When the eject arms  506  are subjected to such an upward ejection force, they begin to buckle inwardly, disengaging the hairpin retainer  507  from its connection with the channel detents  551  of the elongate slot  543 . The spring latch  501  may remain attached to the staple retainer  502  throughout attachment and detachment because of the retention of the eject arms  506  within the wire cleats  505 . This ensures that the spring latch  501  is removed with the staple retainer  502 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 24-28 , a staple cartridge  640  is similar in many respects to other staple cartridges disclosed herein such as, for example, the staple cartridges  240 ,  440 . For example, the staple cartridge  640  comprises a cartridge body  642 , a cartridge deck  645 , staple cavities  644 , staples  600 , a proximal portion  346 , a distal portion  347 , and an elongate slot  343  extending longitudinally from the proximal portion  346  to the distal portion  347 . The cartridge deck  645  includes steps  645 ′,  645 ″ that define stepped deck surfaces  645   a ,  645   b ,  645   c . The staple cavities  444  are arranged in rows  444   a ,  444   b ,  44   c  which are defined in the stepped deck surfaces  445   a ,  445   b ,  445   c , respectively. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 24 , the staple cartridge  640  further comprises a plurality of staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  which can each be configured to support one or more staples  600  ( FIG. 27 ) within the staple cavities  444  when the staples  600  and the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  are in their predetermined starting positions. Each of the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  comprises cradles, or troughs,  607 , for example, which are configured to support the staples  600 . A staple-firing sled can be moved from a proximal portion  346  to a distal portion  347  of the staple cartridge  640  in order to sequentially lift the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  and the staples  100  from their predetermined starting positions toward an anvil  250  positioned opposite the staple cartridge  640 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 25 , the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  are arranged in different regions of the cartridge body  642 . A proximal region  646  includes the staple drivers  602  which comprise each two pushers  602   a ,  602   b  supporting two staples  600  in the inner and intermediate cavity rows  644   a ,  644   b . In addition, an intermediate region  649  includes the staple drivers  603  which comprise each three pushers  603   a ,  603   b ,  603   c  supporting three staples  600  in the inner, intermediate, and outer cavity rows  644   a ,  644   b ,  644   c . Furthermore, a distal region  647  includes the staple drivers  604  which comprise each four pushers  604   a ,  604   b ,  604   c  supporting four staples  600  in the inner, intermediate, and outer cavity rows  644   a ,  644   b ,  644   c.    
     Like the staple cartridge  440 , the staple cartridge  640  comprises an outer shell that defines a bottom surface of the staple cartridge  640 . During assembly, staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  are inserted into predetermined starting positions within the cartridge body  642 . Then, the cartridge body  642  is assembled with the outer shell of the staple cartridge  640 . To minimize shifting of the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  from their predetermined starting positions, which occur during and/or after the assembly process, the present disclosure provides various retention features that are configured to maintain the assembled staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  at their predetermined starting positions. This is especially useful in staple cartridges such as the staple cartridge  640  where multiple staples from different deck surfaces are configured to be simultaneously driven by the same staple driver. Minor shifting motion of such staple drivers from their predetermined starting positions may compromise the alignment of the staples with the staple driver which can compromise the successful deployment of the staples. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates the staple cartridge  640  with the outer shell being removed exposing the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604 . The cartridge body  642  comprises deformable or crushable retention features  610  that maintain the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  in their predetermined starting positions, as illustrated in  FIG. 25 . The deformable retention features  610  project or protrude from the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  and/or in the cartridge body  642  providing a friction fit between the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  and the cartridge body  642 . In addition, the deformable retention features  610  extend along a predefined direction of motion of the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  within the staple cavities  644 . In various instances, the deformable retention features  610  can be in the form of ribs or columns extending in a direction transverse to a plane defined by the cartridge deck  645 . A deformable retention feature  610  may comprise a dome-shaped or triangular cross-sectional area. Other suitable shapes and sizes of the deformable retention features  610  can be utilized. 
     The deformable retention features  610  may comprise the same material composition as the cartridge body  642  and/or the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604 . Alternatively, the deformable retention features  610  may comprise a different material composition than the cartridge body  642  and/or the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604 . The deformable retention features  610  are sized and positioned such that they are partially deformed to create the friction fit needed to maintain the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  in their predetermined starting positions. When the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  are in their predetermined starting positions, an interference  611  between the deformable retention features  610  and corresponding staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  is about 0.001″ to about 0.002″. That said, any suitable interference between the deformable retention features  610  and corresponding staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  can be implemented. A suitable interference is one that maintains the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  in their predetermined starting positions but can be overcome by a staple deployment force or a firing force transmitted by a sled as the sled is advanced to motivate the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  to deploy the staples  600 . 
     The deformable retention features  610  are slightly plastically deformed between the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  and the cartridge body  642 . Elastic recovery of deformable retention features  610  around the edges of the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  maintain the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  at the predetermined starting position. In certain instances, the plastic deformation of the deformable retention features  610  is selected from a range of about 1% to about 40%. In certain instances, the plastic deformation of the deformable retention features  610  is selected from a range of about 5% to about 35%. In certain instances, the plastic deformation of the deformable retention features  610  is selected from a range of about 10% to about 30%. 
     In certain instances, a suitable interference can be selected from a range of about 0.0015″ to about 0.003″, for example. In certain instances, a suitable interference can be selected from a range of about 0.0013″ to about 0.0017″, for example. In certain instances, a suitable interference can be selected from a range of about 0.0014″ to about 0.0016″, for example. In certain instances, the deformable retention features  610  are molded on the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  and/or in the cartridge body  642 . In certain instances, the deformable retention features  610  are attached to the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  and/or the cartridge body  642 , for example. Any suitable manufacturing techniques can be utilized to prepare staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  and/or cartridge bodies  642  that include the deformable retention features  610 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 24 , the external pushers  602   c ,  603   c ,  604   c ,  604   d  that support staples  600  in the outer row of staple cavities  644   c  comprise clearance tracks, recesses, or slots  605  that are configured to receive the deformable retention features  610 . To assemble the staple cartridge  640 , the outer pan or shell is removed, and the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  are inserted into their predetermined starting positions. The clearance slots  605  are slid against the deformable retention features  610  extending or protruding from side walls  608  of the staple cavities  644   c . This causes deformation of the deformable retention features  610  as the staple drivers  604  are moved toward their predetermined starting positions. When a pusher such as, for example, the pusher  604   c  is at its predetermined starting position, the elastic recovery of deformed portions  610   a ,  610   b  of the deformable retention features  610  that are below a bottom surface  612  of the clearance slots  605  and above a top surface  612  of the clearance slots ensures that the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  remain at their predetermined starting positions in the absence of a firing force. The portions  610   a ,  610   b  partially wrap around the surfaces  606  and  612  of the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  at their predetermined starting positions resisting exposure of the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  to shifting motions that may occur during and/or after assembly of the staple cartridge  640 . 
     In addition to the retention benefits, the clearance slots  605  cooperate with corresponding deformable retention features  610  to define a track that facilitates guiding the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  within the cartridge body  642  to their predetermined starting positions. In certain instances, however, the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604  may lack the clearance slots  605 . In such instances, the deformable retention features  610  can provide an interference  611  against other portions of the staple drivers  602 ,  603 ,  604 . 
     Further to the above, the clearance slots  605  need not be limited to external pushers  602   b ,  603   c ,  604   c ,  604   d . Other pushers such as, for example, pushers  602   a ,  603   a ,  603   b ,  604   a ,  604   b  may comprise clearance slots  605  which can be pressed against corresponding deformable retention features  610  in the cartridge body  642 , for example. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 24 and 26 , the clearance slots  605  extend along the entire height of the pushers  602   c ,  603   c ,  604   c ,  604   d  terminating at top surfaces  612  and bottom surfaces  606 . In other instances, a clearance slot  605  can extend along a portion of the height of a pusher, for example. Furthermore, as illustrated in  FIGS. 27, 28 , the deformable retention features  610  extend along the entire height of corresponding staple cavities  644 . Alternatively, a deformable retention feature  610  may extend along a portion of the height of a staple cavity  644 . In various instances, the clearance slots  605  and corresponding deformable retention features  610  comprise complimenting shapes to facilitate a mating engagement therebetween. 
     In various instances, a cartridge body may include a retention feature sized such that a friction fit is defined between the retention feature and a corresponding clearance slot of a staple driver without visible deformation of the retention feature. The retention feature may gradually increase in size from an initial portion at point of first engagement between the retention feature and the clearance slot to an end portion at a point of last engagement between the retention feature and the clearance slot. The end portion comprises a larger cross-sectional area than the initial portion to provide an appropriate friction fit to maintain the staple driver at a predetermined starting position. The size gradient allows the clearance slot  605  to easily slide against a relatively narrow initial portion of the retention feature. A greater friction is realized between the clearance slot and the retention feature as the size of the retention feature increases on the way toward the predetermined starting position at the end portion. 
     In various instances, the staple drivers comprise the deformable retention features while the cartridge body comprises the corresponding clearance slots. As illustrated in  FIG. 29 , a staple driver such as, for example, the staple driver  604 ′ comprises deformable retention features  610  disposed on side walls of the pushers  604   c ,  604   d  in place of the clearance slots. A cartridge body may include corresponding clearance slots configured to receive the deformable retention features  610  of the staple driver  604 ′. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 30-32 , a staple cartridge  740  is similar in many respects to other staple cartridges disclosed herein such as, for example, the staple cartridges  240 ,  440 ,  640 . For example, the staple cartridge  640  comprises a cartridge body  742 , a cartridge deck  745 , staple cavities  744 , a proximal portion  346 , a distal portion  347 , and an elongate slot  343  extending longitudinally from the proximal portion  346  to the distal portion  347 . The cartridge deck  745  includes steps  745 ′,  745 ″ that define stepped deck surfaces  745   a ,  745   b ,  745   c . The staple cavities  744  are arranged in rows  744   a ,  744   b ,  744   c  which are defined in the stepped deck surfaces  745   a ,  745   b ,  745   c , respectively. 
     Like the staple cartridge  240 , the staple cartridge  740  comprises staples  100  ( FIG. 30 ) that are removably stored in staple cavities  744 . The staples  100  of the staple cartridge  740  are ejected from the staple cavities  744  by a firing member or sled  709  ( FIG. 31 ) when the sled  709  is moved from the proximal portion  746  of the cartridge body  642  toward the distal portion  747 . The sled  709  directly engages a base portion  130  of the staples  100  to sequentially lift the staples  100  from their predetermined starting positions in the staple cavities  744  toward an anvil  250  positioned opposite the staple cartridge  740 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 30 , the cartridge body  742  comprises deformable or crushable retention features  710 , which are similar in many respects to the deformable retention features  610 . The deformable retention features  710  are configured to maintain the staples  100  in their predetermined starting positions in the absence of a firing force. The deformable retention features  710  project or protrude from the staples  100  and/or the cartridge body  742  providing a friction fit between the staples  100  and the cartridge body  742 . In addition, the deformable retention features  710  extend along a predefined direction of motion of the staples within the staple cavities  744 . In various instances, the deformable retention features  710  can be in the form of ribs or columns extending in a direction transverse to a plane defined by the cartridge deck  745 . A deformable retention feature  710  may comprise a dome-shaped or triangular cross-sectional area. Other suitable shapes and sizes of the deformable retention features  610  can be utilized. As illustrated in  FIG. 31 , the deformable retention features  710  protrude from side walls  708  of the staple cavities  744  providing a friction fit between the base portions  130  of the staples  100  and the cartridge body  742  at the predetermined starting positions of the staples  100 . 
     The deformable retention features  710  may comprise the same material composition as the cartridge body  742  and/or base portions  130 . Alternatively, the deformable retention features  710  may comprise a different material composition than the cartridge body  742  and/or the base portions  130 . The deformable retention features  710  are sized and positioned such that they are partially deformed to create the friction fit needed to maintain the staples  100  in their predetermined starting positions. When the staples  100  are at their predetermined starting positions, an interference  711  is defined between the deformable retention features  710  and corresponding base portions  130 , and is measured at about 0.001″ to about 0.002″. That said, any suitable interference between the deformable retention features  710  and corresponding base portions  130  can be implemented. A suitable interference is one that maintains the staples  100  in their predetermined starting positions but can be overcome by a staple deployment force or a firing force transmitted by the sled  709  ( FIG. 31 ) as the sled  709  is advanced against the base portions  130  to deploy the staples  100 . 
     The deformable retention features  710  are slightly plastically deformed between the base portions  130  of the staples  100  and the cartridge body  742  at the predetermined starting positions. Elastic recovery of deformable retention features  710  around the edges of the base portions  130  maintains the staples  100  at the predetermined starting positions. In certain instances, the plastic deformation of the deformable retention features  710  is selected from a range of about 1% to about 40%. In certain instances, the plastic deformation of the deformable retention features  710  is selected from a range of about 5% to about 35%. In certain instances, the plastic deformation of the deformable retention features  710  is selected from a range of about 10% to about 30%. 
     In certain instances, a suitable interference between the deformable retention features  710  and corresponding base portions  130  can be selected from a range of about 0.0015″ to about 0.003″, for example. In certain instances, a suitable interference between the deformable retention features  710  and corresponding base portions  130  can be selected from a range of about 0.0013″ to about 0.0017″, for example. In certain instances, a suitable interference between the deformable retention features  710  and corresponding base portions  130  can be selected from a range of about 0.0014″ to about 0.0016″, for example. 
     In various instances, a surgical stapling and cutting instrument can include a pair of cooperating elongate jaw members, wherein each jaw member can be adapted to be inserted into a patient and positioned relative to tissue that is to be stapled and/or incised. One of the jaw members can support a staple cartridge with at least two laterally spaced rows of staples contained therein. Examples of suitable staple cartridges include but are not limited to the staple cartridges  240  ( FIG. 5 ),  340  ( FIG. 12 ),  440  ( FIG. 18 ),  640  ( FIG. 24 ). In addition, the other jaw member can support an anvil  850  ( FIG. 33 ) with staple-forming pockets  856  ( FIG. 33 ) aligned with the rows of staples in the staple cartridge. 
     Further to the above, the surgical stapling and cutting instrument can further include a firing assembly  800  ( FIG. 35 ) which is slidable relative to the jaw members to sequentially eject the staples from the staple cartridge. During a firing stroke, the firing assembly  800  is configured to activate a plurality of staple drivers carried by the cartridge and associated with the staples in order to push the staples against the staple-forming pockets  856  of the anvil  850  and form laterally spaced rows of deformed staples in the tissue gripped between the jaw members. 
     A spent staple cartridge, which has been fired, can be removed and replaced with an unspent or unfired staple cartridge to allow the surgical stapling and cutting instrument to be reused. A limitation to the repeated use of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument arises from damage sustained by the anvil from interfacing a firing assembly  800  during a firing stroke. Anvils are typically manufactured from materials that can be easily stamped to create staple forming pockets. The material properties that allow anvils to be easily stamped reduce an anvil&#39;s resistance to the forces transmitted by the firing assembly  800  during the firing stroke. 
     The present disclosure provides an anvil  850  that is designed to resist damage caused by repeated firing of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument. As illustrated in  FIG. 33 , the anvil  850  is assembled from a plurality of discrete pieces that are designed to provide a localized reinforcement to portions of the anvil  850  that interface with the firing assembly  800  during a firing stroke. The reinforcement can be in the form of localized, strengthening, hardening, coating, and/or laminating of specific portions of the anvil  850 , as described below in greater detail. 
     Referring to  FIG. 33 , the anvil  850  includes a first forming portion  854 , a second forming portion  855 , and a cover portion  851  interconnecting the first forming portion  854  and the second forming portion  855 . The anvil  850  includes an anvil channel  857 . The firing assembly  800  slidingly travels along the anvil channel  857  during a firing stroke. The anvil channel  857  includes an elongate slot  866  extending between the first forming portion  854  and the second forming portion  855 . The elongate slot  866  inwardly opens along a longitudinal axis of the anvil  850 . 
     Further to the above, the anvil channel  857  includes a first recess  867  defined between the cover portion  851  and the first forming portion  854 . In addition, a second recess  868  of the anvil channel  857  is defined between the cover portion  851  and the second forming portion  855 . The first recess  867  and the second recess  868  are sized to receive a first engagement portion  811  ( FIG. 35 ) and a second engagement portion  812  ( FIG. 35 ), respectively, of an engagement member  810  ( FIG. 35 ) of the firing assembly  800 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 33 , a first reinforcement member  860  is attached to the first inner interface  858  of the first forming portion  854 , and the second reinforcement member  861  is attached to a second inner interface  859  of the second forming portion  855 . In addition, staple-forming pockets  856  are stamped into a first outer interface  858  of the first forming portion  854  and a second outer interface  859  of the second forming portion  855 . During a firing stroke, the first engagement portion  811  and the second engagement portion  812  slidingly engage the first reinforcement member  860  and the second reinforcement member  861 , respectively, as the firing assembly  800  is advanced along the anvil channel  857 . The advancement of the firing assembly  800  causes the plurality of staples to be deployed into the tissue and to be deformed against the staple-forming pockets  856 . 
     The reinforcement members  860 ,  861  protect the inner interfaces  858 ,  859  from deformation that may be caused by the engagement portions  811 ,  812  during a firing stroke. To do so, the reinforcement members  860 ,  861  are more able to resist deformation than the forming portions  854 ,  855 . In certain instances, the reinforcement members  860 ,  861  are harder than the forming portions  854 ,  855 . In certain instances, the reinforcement members  860 ,  861  are made from a material composition that is different from the material composition of the forming portions  854 ,  855 . For example, the reinforcement members  860 ,  861  from titanium while the forming portions  854 ,  855  are made or at least partially made from stainless steel. Other suitable material compositions for the reinforcement members  860 ,  861  and the forming portions  854 ,  855  can be utilized. 
     Further to the above, the reinforcement members  860 ,  861  can be in the form of flat plates that are welded or mechanically bonded to the inner interfaces  858 ,  859 , respectively. The flat plates comprise a thickness selected from a range of about 0.003″ to about 0.007″. In certain instances, the flat plates comprise a thickness selected from a range of about 0.00″ to about 0.006″. In certain instances, the flat plates comprise a thickness of about 0.005″, for example. 
     Due to size limitations, the anvil  850  is assembled in a manner that permits inclusion of the reinforcement members  860 ,  861 . The anvil  850  is manufactured in separate portions  854 ,  855 ,  851  which are assembled after attachment of the reinforcement members  860 ,  861  to the forming portions  854 ,  855 , respectively. In a first step of assembly, the first reinforcement member  860  is attached to the first inner interface  858  of the first forming portion  854 , and the second reinforcement member  861  is attached to the second inner interface  859  of the second forming portion  854 . In a second step of assembly, the cover portion  851  is attached to the first forming portion  854  and the second forming portion  855  at outer edges  852 ,  853 , respectively. 
     Various attachment mechanisms can be utilized in assembly of the anvil  850  including but not limited to various welding and/or mechanical bonding techniques. In certain instances, laser welding is utilized in assembly of the anvil  850 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 33 , spot laser welding  863  is utilized in attachment of the reinforcement members  860 ,  861  to the forming portions  854 ,  855 . Due to size limitations, the spot laser welding  863  is performed prior to attachment of the cover portion  851  to the forming portions  854 ,  855 , which can be achieved by continuous laser welding, for example, along the edges  852 ,  853 . 
     In various instances, the reinforcement members  860 ,  861  and/or the inner interfaces  858 ,  859  can be treated to increase hardness and resistance to deformation. Various suitable treatments can be utilized to increase hardness of the reinforcement members  860 ,  861  and/or the inner interfaces  858 ,  859 . In certain instances, the reinforcement members  860 ,  861  and/or the inner interfaces  858 ,  859  can be plasma coated, for example. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 33 and 34 , the cover portion  851  may experience deflective forces during a firing stroke. In certain instances, reinforcement members can be attached to an inner interface  862  of the cover portion  851  to protect against such deflective forces. Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 34 , an anvil  850 ′ can be equipped with a cover portion  851 ′ designed to resist the deflective forces that are experienced during the firing stroke. The cover portion  851  comprises an atraumatic semi-circular outer interface  869  that facilitates insertion into a treatment site. In addition, the cover portion  851  comprises a flat, or at least substantially flat, inner interface  862 ′ which give the cover portion  851  a generally dome-shaped cross-sectional area that provides sufficient strength to resist the deflective forces that are experienced during the firing stroke. 
     Referring to  FIG. 35 , the firing assembly  800  includes an I-beam  802  extending distally from a laminated firing bar  804 . The I-beam  802  facilitates closure and firing of the surgical stapling and cutting instrument during a firing stroke. In addition to any attachment treatment such as brazing or an adhesive, the I-beam  802  and laminated firing bar  804  are formed of a female vertical attachment aperture  806  distally formed in the laminated firing bar  804  that receives a corresponding male attachment member  807  proximally presented by the I-beam  802 , allowing each portion to be formed of a selected material and process suitable for their disparate functions (e.g., strength, flexibility, friction). 
     The I-beam  802  may be advantageously formed of a material having suitable material properties for forming a pair of top engagement portions or pins  811 ,  812  and a bottom pin or foot  113 , as well as a sharp cutting edge  814 . The laminated firing bar  804  is formed of a plurality of layers or plates comprising different material compositions. As illustrated in  FIG. 35 , a laminated firing bar  804  includes a first outer layer  820 , a second outer layer  822 , and an intermediate layer  821  sandwiched between the outer layers  820 ,  822 . The intermediate layer  821  comprises a thickness T 2  that is greater than a thickness T 1  of the first outer layer  820 , and greater than a thickness T 3  of the second outer layer  822 . Furthermore, the thinner outer layers  820 ,  822  could be stainless steel making them more flexible and less capable of buckling resistance with the intermediate layer  821  being made of titanium and therefore more buckle resistant. The layers  820 ,  821 ,  822  can be made from other suitable materials. This design is particularly useful in resisting fatigue failure with repetitive firing of the surgical stapling and cutting instrument. 
     In certain instances, the ratio of the thickness T 2  of the intermediate layer  821  to the thickness T 1  of the first outer layer  820  is selected from a range of about 95% to about 5%. In certain instances, the ratio of the thickness T 2  of the intermediate layer  821  to the thickness T 1  of the first outer layer  820  is selected from a range of about 80% to about 30%. In certain instances, the ratio of the thickness T 2  of the intermediate layer  821  to the thickness T 1  of the first outer layer  820  is selected from a range of about 60% to about 40%. Other values for the ratio of the thickness T 2  of the intermediate layer  821  to the thickness T 1  of the first outer layer  820  are contemplated by the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 36-38 , various attachment mechanisms are utilized to attach the intermediate layer  821  to the outer layers  820 ,  822 . In certain instances, various welding techniques are utilized in attachment of the layers  820 ,  821 ,  822 . As illustrated in  FIG. 36 , an aperture  824  can be created in a laminated firing bar  804 . The aperture  824  can be created through each of the layers  820 ,  821 ,  822  thus defining a through hole. The aperture  824  can be filled with melted portions of at least one of the outer layers  821 ,  822  to bond the layers  820 ,  821 ,  822  of the laminated firing bar  804 . The aperture  824  is created by any suitable technique. 
     During assembly, the intermediate layer  821  is sandwiched between the outer layers  820 ,  822 . In addition, portions of one or both of the outer layers  820 ,  822  are melted and permitted to flow through the aperture  824  to bridge the aperture  824  creating a bond between the layers  820 ,  821 ,  822  as the melted material is actively cooled, or permitted to cool down, to a temperature below a melting point. In certain instances, the outer layers  820 ,  822  are comprised of stainless steel that is melted to bridge the aperture  824 . 
     In other instances, a filler material  826  can be utilized to bridge the aperture  824  and bond layers  820 ,  821 ,  822  of a laminated firing bar  804 ″, as illustrated in  FIG. 38 . The filler material  826  can be inserted into the aperture  824  either in a melted form or in an unmelted form that is then melted within the aperture  824 . The filler material  826  is then actively cooled, or allowed to cool down, to a temperature below the melting point of the filler material  826  to bond the layers  820 ,  821 ,  822 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 37 , an attachment member  827  can be utilized to join layers or plates of a laminated firing bar  804 ′ comprised of different materials. For example, the laminated firing bar  804 ′ comprises a layer  820  made, or at least partially made, from stainless steel and a layer  821  made, or at least partially made, from titanium. Other suitable materials can be utilized. The attachment member  827  comprises a first portion  827   a  greater in size than the aperture  824 , and a second portion  827   b  sized to be received within the aperture  824 , as illustrated in  FIG. 37 . The attachment member  827  can be made, or at least partially made, from the same material as the layer  820 . The laminated firing bar  804 ′ is assembled by inserting the second portion  827   b  into the aperture  824  such that the first portion  827   a  abuts against the layer  821 . Heat can then be introduced to partially melt at least a portion of the second portion  827   b  and/or a portion of the layer  820 . Upon cooling to a temperature below the melting point, the resulting bond between the layer  820  and the attachment member  827  provides an attachment between the layers  820 ,  821 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 39 and 40 , an end effector  900  of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument includes a shaft portion  901 , an anvil  902  extending distally from the shaft portion  901 , and an elongate channel  911  movably coupled to the shaft portion  901 . A staple cartridge  940  is removably attached to the elongate channel  911 . The staple cartridge  940  is similar in many respects to other staple cartridges disclosed herein such as, for example, the staple cartridge  240 . 
     To operate the surgical stapling and cutting instrument, an unfired staple cartridge  940  is loaded by insertion into the elongate channel  911 . The end effector  900  is then positioned around tissue. A firing bar  906  is then moved, during a firing stroke, to advance a firing assembly  904  distally to transition the end effector  900  to a closed configuration to capture the tissue. In addition the firing assembly  904  also causes staples from the staple cartridge  940  to be deployed into the captured tissue. The firing assembly  904  further includes a distal cutting edge  908  extending distally from a body  905 , and configured to cut the stapled tissue. In certain instances, however, the firing assembly  904  may not include a cutting edge  908 . The firing bar  906  extends proximally from the firing assembly  904  in a direction opposite the cutting edge  908 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 39 , the anvil  902  is fixedly attached to the shaft portion  901 . In certain instances, however, the anvil  902  can be movable relative to the shaft portion  901 . In addition, the elongate channel  911  is rotatable about a channel pivot  912  to transition the staple cartridge  940  and the anvil  902  between an open configuration, as illustrated in  FIG. 40 , and a closed configuration, as illustrated in  FIG. 39 . 
     Further to the above, the firing assembly  904  further includes an anvil camming member  907  and a channel camming member  909  which cooperate to transition the end effector  900  to a closed configuration. As illustrated in  FIG. 39 , the anvil camming member  907  and the channel camming member  909  are configured to slidingly engage the anvil  902  and the elongate channel  911 , respectively, as the firing assembly  904  is advanced distally during a firing stroke. The firing assembly  904  may distally translate a sled that facilitates the deployment of the staples into the captured tissue. 
     Upon completion of the firing stroke, the firing bar  906  is moved proximally to retract the firing assembly  904  to a neutral or dwell position where the anvil camming member  907  and the channel camming member  909  are no longer able to apply camming forces to the anvil  902  and the elongate channel  911 . In other words, at the dwell position, the elongate channel  911  is free to open in order to release the stapled tissue. The end effector  900  can also be pulled away from the stapled tissue in order to free the stapled tissue. Yet, the spacing between the anvil  902  and the staple cartridge  940  at the dwell position may not be sufficiently wide to facilitate an atraumatic release of the stapled tissue by pulling the end effector  904  away from the stapled tissue. The present disclosure provided various mechanisms for positively opening the end effector  900  to increase the spacing between the anvil  902  and the staple cartridge  940  to facilitate an atraumatic release of the stapled tissue from the end effector  900 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 39 and 40 , the firing assembly  904  further comprises an engagement portion  910  which is sized and positioned to engage a camming member  914  during retraction of the firing assembly  904  by the firing bar  906 . The engagement portion  910  is configured to motivate the camming member  914  to positively open the elongate channel  911  as the firing assembly  904  is moved proximally from the dwell position by the firing bar  906 . Positive opening of the elongate channel  911  entails applying an external force to the elongate channel  911  that can gradually open the end effector  900  to a fully open configuration defined by a maximum spacing between the anvil  902  and a staple cartridge  940  attached to the elongate channel  911 . 
     The gradual opening of the elongate channel  911  facilitates a gradual and/or controlled release of the stapled tissue from the end effector  900  which can reduce the tissue trauma. Such gradual opening of the elongate channel  911  is achieved by gradually retracting the firing bar  906  to move the firing assembly  904  proximally so that the engagement portion  910  gradually motivates the camming member  914  to gradually open the elongate channel  911 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 39 and 40 , the engagement portion  910  is configured to engage a first portion  916  of the camming member  914  which causes rotation of the camming member  914  about a pivot  915 . The rotation of the camming member  914  causes a second portion  917  of the camming member  914  to slidingly engage a sloped surface  918  of an end portion  913  of the elongate channel  911 . The end portion  913  is positioned proximal to the channel pivot  912 . Once the engagement portion  910  is in contact with the first portion  916  and the second portion  917  is in contact with the end portion  913  of the elongate channel  911 , any further retraction of the firing assembly  904  by the firing bar  906  results in a positive opening of the elongate channel  911 . 
     Accordingly, the firing assembly  904  is movable proximally from the dwell position to a first proximal position where the engagement portion  910  contacts the first portion  916  of the camming member  914 . The firing assembly  904  is also movable proximally from the first proximal position to a second proximal position, further away from the dwell position than the first proximal position. The movement of the firing assembly  904  toward the second proximal position causes the camming member  914  to rotate about the pivot  915  until the second portion  917  of the camming member  914  is brought into contact with the end portion  18  of the elongate channel  911 . The firing assembly  904  is also movable proximally from the second proximal position to a third proximal position, further away from the dwell position than the second proximal position. The movement of the firing assembly  904  toward the second proximal position causes the camming member  914  to exert a camming force against the end portion  913  to positively open the elongate channel  911  which gradually transitions the end effector  900  to a fully open configuration, as illustrated in  FIG. 40 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 39 , a first angle is defined between the second portion  917  and the end portion  913  in the closed configuration. In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 40 , a second angle is defined between the second portion  917  and the end portion  913  in the open configuration, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle. Furthermore, the end portion  913  is partially wrapped around the channel pivot  912  which cooperates with the second portion  917  to define a maximum open configuration, as illustrated in  FIG. 40 . 
     In certain instances, the firing assembly  904  is movable distally from the dwell position to a first distal position and a second distal position further away from the dwell position than the first distal position. The movement of the firing assembly  904  toward the first distal position causes the end effector  900  to be transitioned to a closed configuration to capture tissue without deploying the staples from the staple cartridge  940 . In addition, the movement of the firing assembly  904  from the first distal position toward the second distal position causes the staples to be deployed from the staple cartridge  940 . A user of the surgical stapling a cutting instrument can capture and release tissue multiple times until an optimal tissue portion is captured by advancing and retracting the firing assembly  904  between the first distal position and the third proximal position. 
     In various instances, the engagement portion  910  is manufactured as one seamless piece with the firing assembly  904 . In other instances, the engagement portion  910  can be coupled to the firing assembly  904  post manufacturing. Various suitable techniques can be employed to attach the engagement portion  910  to the firing assembly  904  including but not limited to welding, adhesives, and other mechanical, thermal, and/or chemical bonding techniques. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 39 , the engagement portion  910  is coupled to the channel camming member  909 , and extends proximally in parallel, or substantially in parallel, with the firing bar  906 . The engagement portion  910  comprises a blunt end-portion  903  oriented to engage the first portion  916  of the camming member  914  as the firing assembly  904  is retracted proximally. 
     Further to the above, the camming member  914  comprises a triangular, or substantially triangular, cross-section. The first portion  916  extends in a first direction and the second portion  917  extends in a second direction defining an obtuse angle with the first direction. In a closed configuration of the end effector  900 , as illustrated in  FIG. 39 , the first portion  916  of the camming member  914  protrudes through a horizontal plane defined by the elongate channel  911 , wherein the first portion  916  and the engagement portion  910  are on the same side of the horizontal plane. In a fully open configuration of the end effector  900 , as illustrated in  FIG. 40 , the engagement portion  910  rotates the first portion  916  causing the second portion  917  to apply a camming force against the end portion  913  of the elongate channel  911  to positively open the elongate channel  911 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 41 and 42 , an end effector  900 ′ is similar in many respects to the end effector  900 . For example, the end effector  900 ′ includes a shaft portion  901 , an anvil  902  extending distally from the shaft portion  901 , and an elongate channel  911 ′ movably coupled to the shaft portion  901 . The end effector  900 ′ comprises a mechanism for positively opening the elongate channel  911 ′ that similar in many respects to the positive opening mechanism of the end effector  900 . The end effector  900 ′ comprises a firing assembly  904 ′ comprising an engagement portion  910 ′ extending proximally in parallel, or at least substantially in parallel, with the firing bar  906 . The engagement portion  910 ′ comprises a sloped end-portion  903 ′ sized and oriented to engage a head piece  921  of a lever arm  920 . The sloped end-portion  903 ′ is configured to slide under the head piece  921  to lift the head piece  921  toward a bottom surface  918 ′ of the end portion  913 ′ of the elongate channel  911 ′. 
     In operation, the firing assembly  904 ′ is retracted proximally by the firing bar  906  from the dwell position to a first proximal position where the sloped end-portion  903 ′ establishes first contact with the head piece  921  of the lever arm  920 . An additional proximal retraction of the firing assembly  904  to a second proximal position, further away from the dwell position than the first proximal position, causes the sloped end-portion  903 ′ to slide under the head piece lifting  921  the head piece  921  toward an initial contact with a bottom surface  918 ′ of the end portion  913 ′ of the elongate channel  911 ′. An additional proximal retraction of the firing assembly  904  to a third proximal position, further away from the dwell position than the second proximal position, causes the sloped end-portion  903 ′ to motivate the head piece  921  to exert an opening force that rotates the end portion  913 ′ about the channel pivot  912 . This causes the elongate channel  911 ′ to open to a maximum open configuration that corresponds the head piece  921  reaching, or at least substantially reaching, the peak of the sloped end-portion  903 ′. 
     The above-described positive opening mechanism protects the end effector  900 ′ from excessive actuation forces that may be applied to the firing bar  906 . Once a maximum open configuration is achieved, as illustrated in  FIG. 42 , an additional retraction of the firing assembly  904 ′ does not result in an additional lifting of the head piece  921  once the head piece  921  reaches the peak of the slope end portion  903 ′. 
     Further to the above, the sloped end-portion  903 ′ permits a gradual lifting of the head piece  921  as the sloped end-portion  903 ′ slidingly moves with respect to head piece  921 . This results in a gradual opening of the elongate channel  911 ′ minimizing the tissue trauma to the stapled tissue captured between the staple cartridge  940  and the anvil  902  as the stapled tissue is released from the end effector  900 ′. The slope of the sloped end-portion  903 ′ can be adjusted to optimize the rate of opening of the end effector  900 ′. A greater slope of the sloped end-portion  903 ′ generally corresponds to a greater rate of opening of the end effector  900 ′. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 41 , the head piece  921  is positioned below a horizontal plane defined by the elongate channel  911 ′ at a default or starting position. As the firing assembly  904 ′ is retracted, the engagement portion  910 ′ lifts the head piece  921  into a sliding engagement with the bottom surface  918 ′ of the end portion  913 ′ of the elongate channel  911 ′. The head piece  921  is lifted in a direction perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to a longitudinal axis  922 , as illustrated in  FIG. 42 . In various instances, the lever arm  920  is spring biased to return the head piece to the default or starting position when the head piece  921  is released from the sloped end-portion  903 ′. 
     In various instances, a disposable loading unit (DLU) for a surgical stapling instrument can include an anvil, a staple cartridge, a staple cartridge channel for operably supporting the staple cartridge, and a connector portion for removably attaching the DLU to the surgical stapling instrument. A spent, or at least partially spent, staple cartridge can be replaced with a new staple cartridge facilitating use of the DLU in multiple firings. The repeated firing of the surgical stapling instrument may subject the DLU to excessive forces. The present disclosure provides DLU connector portions that are designed to withstand such forces. Examples of surgical stapling instruments suitable for use with the DLUs of the present disclosure are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249921 entitled SURGICAL APPARATUS WITH CONDUCTOR STRAIN RELIEF, which issued on Oct. 2, 2018 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,085,749, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 43-45 , DLUs  1010 ,  1030 ,  1050  comprise connector portions  1021 ,  1041 ,  1061 , respectively, for releasable attachment to a surgical stapling instrument. The connector portions  1021 ,  1041 ,  1061  are designed to withstand the forces transmitted during multiple firings of a surgical stapling instrument. The connector portions  1021 ,  1041 ,  1061  comprise hollow bodies  1015 ,  1035 ,  1055 , respectively, extending proximally from the DLUs  1010 ,  1030 ,  1050 , respectively, along a longitudinal axis  1016 . The hollow bodies  1015 ,  1035 ,  1055  are configured to accommodate actuation members that transmit actuation motions to the end effectors of the DLUs  1010 ,  1030 ,  1050 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 43 , the connector portion  1021  comprises pins or connectors  1017 ,  1018 ,  1019 ,  1020  which protrude radially from the hollow body  1015 . The pins or connectors  1017 ,  1018 ,  1019 ,  1020  are configured to establish a bayonet connection with the surgical stapling instrument. The connector  1017  and the connector  1018  extend from the hollow body  1015  in opposite directions. Likewise, the connector  1019  and the connector  1020  extend from the hollow body  1015  in opposite directions. The hollow body  1015  comprises a first body portion  1012  and a second body portion  1014  on opposite sides of a plane that transects the hollow body  1015  and encompasses the longitudinal axis  1016 . The plane is further defined by an articulation link  1013  that is slidably positioned between the first body portion  1012  and a second body portion  1014  and is adapted to engage an articulation mechanism of the surgical stapling instrument. 
     Further to the above, the connectors  1018 ,  1020  are spaced apart by a first distance, and protrude from the first body portion  1012 . In addition, the connectors  1017 ,  1019  are spaced apart by a second distance, and protrude from the second body portion  1014 . The first distance is equal, or substantially equal, to the second distance. As illustrated in  FIG. 43 , the connectors  1017 ,  1019  are positioned distally relative to the connectors  1019 ,  1020 . In certain instances, the first distance is different than the second distance. For example, the first distance can be greater than the second distance. Alternatively, the first distance can be less than the second distance. 
     Further to the above, the connectors  1017 ,  1018 ,  1019 ,  1020  protrude from the hollow body  1015  in directions that are perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis  1016 . As illustrated in  FIG. 43 , the connectors  1017 ,  1018  are aligned with each other defining a first axis  1022  intersecting the longitudinal axis  1016 . In addition, the connectors  1019 ,  1020  are aligned with each other defining a second axis  1023  that also intersects the longitudinal axis  1016 . A first angle is defined between the longitudinal axis  1016  and the first axis  1022 , and a second angle is defined between the longitudinal axis  1016  and the second axis  1023 , wherein the first angle is equal, or substantially equal, to the second angle. In certain instances, the first angle and/or the second angle can be about 90°, for example. 
     Furthermore, the connectors  1017 ,  1018 ,  1019 ,  1020  are symmetrical in shape and size. As illustrated in  FIG. 43 , the connectors  1017 ,  1018 ,  1019 ,  1020  each comprises a rectangular cross-section. However, connectors with other suitable shapes and sizes can be employed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 44 , the connector portion  1041  comprises pins or connectors  1037 ,  1038 ,  1039 ,  1040  which protrude radially from the hollow body  1035 . The connector  1037  and the connector  1038  extend from the hollow body  1035  in opposite directions. Likewise, the connector  1039  and the connector  1040  extend from the hollow body  1035  in opposite directions. 
     Further to the above, the connectors  1037 ,  1038 ,  1039 ,  1040  protrude from the hollow body  1035  in directions that are perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis  1016 . As illustrated in  FIG. 44 , the connectors  1037 ,  1038  are aligned with each other defining a first axis  1042  intersecting the longitudinal axis  1016 . In addition, the connectors  1039 ,  1040  are aligned with each other defining a second axis  1043  that also intersects the longitudinal axis  1016 . The first axis  1042  and the longitudinal axis  1016  define a plane intersected by the second axis  1043  at an angle of about 90°, for example. In certain instances, the angle is selected from a range of about 0° to about 90°, for example. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 44 , the connectors  1037 ,  1038  define a first engagement portion  1032 , and the connectors  1039 ,  1040  define a second engagement portion  1034 . The engagement portions  1032 ,  1034  are spaced apart, wherein the first engagement portion  1032  is distal to the second engagement portion  1034 . In addition, the first engagement portion  1032  can be radially offset with respect to the second engagement portion  1034 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 44 , the first engagement portion  1032  is oriented at a 90° angle with respect to the second engagement portion  1034  which provides a robust connection between the DLU  1030  and the surgical stapling instrument. Other suitable orientations of the first engagement portion  1032  with respect to the second engagement portion  1034  can be implemented. 
     Furthermore, the connectors  1037 ,  1038 ,  1039 ,  1040  are symmetrical in shape and size. As illustrated in  FIG. 44 , the connectors  1037 ,  1038 ,  1039 ,  1040  each comprises a rectangular cross-section. However, connectors with other suitable shapes and sizes can be employed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 45 , the connector portion  1061  comprises coupling flanges  1052  and  1054  disposed radially about an outer wall  1053  of the hollow body  1055 . The outer wall  1053  includes a first portion  1056  and a second portion  1057  that is radially offset from the first portion  1056 . The coupling flange  1052  protrudes from the first portion  1056  while the coupling flange  1054  protrudes from the second portion  1057 . The coupling flanges  1052 ,  1054  are spaced apart from each other and define distal end portions that are different distances away from the end effector of the DLU  1050 . Alternatively, in certain instances, the coupling flanges  1052 ,  1054  are combined into one seamless structure. In certain instances, a distal end portion of the coupling flange  1052  is positioned distally with respect to a distal end portion of the coupling flange  1054 . In other instances, the distal end portion of the coupling flange  1052  is positioned proximally with respect to the distal end portion of the coupling flange  1054 . 
     The coupling flanges  1052 ,  1054  are configured to establish a bayonet connection with corresponding features of a surgical stapling instrument. The coupling flanges  1052 ,  1054  cooperate with the corresponding features to drive the DLU  1050  into a final position where a proper connection is established between the DLU  1050  and the surgical stapling instrument. 
     In various instances, one or more of the connector portions  1010 ,  1030 ,  1050  can be manufactured by attaching a suitable ring around a corresponding hollow body. The ring can be manipulated to include the corresponding connectors. Then, the ring can be secured around the hollow body. The ring can be heat staked in place, overmolded, or fixed in place through other suitable means. In various instances, the ring can be a metal ring to improve the robustness of the connections portions  1010 ,  1030 ,  1050 , for example. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 46 , an intermediate shaft assembly  1100  is releasably attachable to a handle assembly and a DLU of a surgical stapling instrument. Examples of handle assemblies and DLUs that are suitable for use with the intermediate shaft assembly  1100  are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0095585, titled HANDHELD ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL SYSTEM, and filed Sep. 24, 2015, which issued on Mar. 31, 2020 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,603,128, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.  FIG. 46  also depicts portions of proximal portions of a suitable DLU  1110  that are attachable to corresponding distal portions of the intermediate shaft assembly  1100  as described below in greater detail. 
     The intermediate shaft assembly  1100  comprises a clutch assembly  1104  configured to switch between an articulation output and a firing output. The clutch assembly  1104  comprises a shifter  1105  movable between a first position, where a drive input yields the articulation output, and a second position, where the drive input yields the firing output. The drive input is applied to a proximal portion  1106  of a firing rod  1107 . When the intermediate shaft assembly  1100  is coupled to a hand assembly, the proximal portion  1106  of the firing rod  1107  is operably coupled to a drive assembly of the handle assembly that includes a motor configured to generate at least one rotational motion that is converted by the drive assembly into at least one axial motion that provides the drive input to the proximal portion  1106  of the firing rod. 
     Further to the above, a camming slot  1109  defined in an outer housing  1111  of the intermediate shaft assembly  1100  is configured to motivate the shifter  1105  to move between the first position and the second position. The outer housing  1111  is moved between a proximal position and a distal position to transition a jaw assembly of the DLU  1110  between an open configuration and a closed configuration. While the jaw assembly is in in the open configuration, the shifter  1105  is at the first position, where an articulation mechanism  1112  is engaged with the firing rod  1107  such that the drive input yields an articulation output. The articulation mechanism  1112  includes an articulation rod  1114  and an articulation engagement portion  1115  releasably coupled to a corresponding articulation engagement portion  1116  of the DLU  1110 . 
     While the shifter  1105  is in the first position, the articulation rod  1114  is movable with the firing rod  1107  in response to the drive input. The movement of the firing rod  1107  in this stage is not sufficient to yield a firing output. However, the movement of the firing rod  1107  is sufficient to yield an articulation output by motivating the articulation engagement portion  1115  to cause articulation engagement portion  1116  of the DLU  1110  to be advanced distally, which causes articulation of the DLU  1110  about a longitudinal axis  1103  of the intermediate shaft assembly  1100 . 
     Further to the above, as the outer housing is advanced distally to transition the jaw assembly of the DLU  1110  to a closed configuration, the shifter  1105  is transition to the second position which causes rotation of a clutch  1117 . The rotation of the clutch  1117  disengages the firing rod  1107  from the articulation mechanism  1112  such that the drive input yields the firing output. The firing rod  1107  includes a distal portion  1108  releasably couplable to a firing mechanism  1120  of the DLU  1110 . As illustrated in  FIG. 46 , the firing mechanism  1120  comprises an inner housing  1122  and a flexible drive beam  1119  having a proximal engagement section  1121  that includes diametrically opposed inwardly extending fingers that are configured to secure the distal portion  1108  of the firing rod  1107  to the flexible drive beam  1119 . While the shifter  1105  is in the second position, the articulation mechanism  1112  is disengaged from the firing rod  1107 , and advancement of the firing rod  1107  causes the firing mechanism  1120  to deploy a plurality of staples from a staple cartridge of the jaw assembly of the DLU  1110 . 
     EXAMPLES 
     Example 1—A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument including an anvil, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, a plurality of staple cavities, a plurality of staples housed in the cartridge body, and a sled. The cartridge body comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an elongate slot extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion, and a bottom surface. The cartridge body further comprises a cartridge deck on an opposite side of the cartridge body from the bottom surface. The cartridge deck comprises a first deck surface, and a second deck surface laterally offset from the first deck surface in a direction away from the elongate slot, wherein the first deck surface is stepped up from the second deck surface relative to the bottom surface. The plurality of staple cavities comprise a first row of staple cavities defined in the first deck surface, and a second row of staple cavities defined in the second deck surface, wherein the first row of staple cavities is closer to the elongate slot than the second row of staple cavities. The plurality of staples comprise first staples deployable from the first row of staple cavities, and second staples deployable from the second row of staple cavities. Each of the plurality of staples comprises a base comprising an inclined drive surface, a first leg extending from the base, and a second leg extending from the base, wherein the base, the first leg and the second leg define a seamless unitary piece, and wherein the first legs of the first staples and the first legs of the second staples comprise different unformed heights. The sled comprises a first ramp configured to directly engage the inclined drive surface of the first staples to deploy the first staples from the first row of staple cavities, wherein the first ramp is configured to cooperate with the anvil to form the first staples to a first formed height, and a second ramp configured to directly engage the inclined drive surface of the second staples to deploy the second staples from the second row of staple cavities, wherein the second ramp is configured to cooperate with the anvil to form the second staples to a second formed height greater than the first formed height.
 
Example 2—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 1, wherein the inclined drive surface is positioned intermediate the first leg and the second leg.
 
Example 3—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the first leg and the second leg define a leg plane, wherein the inclined drive surface defines a drive plane, and wherein the drive plane is offset from the leg plane.
 
Example 4—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 1, 2, or 3, wherein the base is asymmetrical.
 
Example 5—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the first ramp and the second ramp comprise different heights.
 
Example 6—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the first ramp comprises a first peak surface, wherein the second ramp comprises a second peak surface, and wherein the first peak surface is higher than the second peak surface.
 
Example 7—A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument including an anvil, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, a plurality of staple cavities, a plurality of staples housed in the cartridge body, and a sled. The cartridge body comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an elongate slot extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The cartridge body further comprises a cartridge deck. The cartridge deck comprises a first deck surface defining a first deck height, and a second deck surface defining a second deck height, wherein the second deck height is shorter than the first deck height. The plurality of staple cavities comprise a first row of staple cavities defined in the first deck surface; and a second row of staple cavities defined in the second deck surface, wherein the first row of staple cavities is closer to the elongate slot than the second row of staple cavities. The plurality of staples comprise first staples deployable from the first row of staple cavities, wherein each of the first staples comprise an unformed height, and second staples deployable from the second row of staple cavities, wherein each of the second staples comprise the unformed height. Each of the plurality of staples comprises a base comprising a sloping drive surface, a first leg extending from the base, and a second leg extending from the base, wherein the first leg and the second leg define a first plane, wherein the drive surface extends along a portion of the base in a direction parallel to the first plane, wherein the sloping drive surface is laterally offset from the first plane. The sled comprises a first ramp configured to directly engage the sloping drive surface of the first staples to deploy the first staples from the first row of staple cavities, wherein the first ramp is configured to cooperate with the anvil to form the first staples to a first formed height, and a second ramp configured to directly engage the sloping drive surface of the second staples to deploy the second staples from the second row of staple cavities, wherein the second ramp is configured to cooperate with the anvil to form the second staples to a second formed height greater than the first formed height.
 
Example 8—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 7, wherein the sloping drive surface is positioned intermediate the first leg and the second leg.
 
Example 9—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 7 or 8, wherein the first leg and the second leg define a leg plane, wherein the sloping drive surface defines a drive plane, and wherein the drive plane is offset from the leg plane.
 
Example 10—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 7, 8, or 9, wherein the base is asymmetrical.
 
Example 11—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 7, 8, 9, or 10, wherein the first ramp and the second ramp comprise different heights.
 
Example 12—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11, wherein the first ramp comprises a first peak surface, wherein the second ramp comprises a second peak surface, and wherein the first peak surface is higher than the second peak surface.
 
Example 13—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12, wherein the base, the first leg, and the second leg define a unitary piece.
 
Example 14—A surgical stapling instrument comprising an anvil, a staple cartridge, and a sled. The anvil comprises a first row of pockets, and a second row of pockets, and at least one of the anvil and the staple cartridge is movable relative to the other between an open configuration and a closed configuration to capture tissue. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, wherein the cartridge body comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an elongate slot extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The cartridge body further comprises a cartridge deck, wherein the cartridge deck comprises a first deck surface, and a second deck surface positioned further away from the elongate slot than the first deck surface. The plurality of staple cavities comprise a first row of staple cavities defined in the first deck surface, wherein a first gap is defined between the first row of pockets and the first row of staple cavities in the closed configuration, and a second row of staple cavities defined in the second deck surface, wherein the first row of staple cavities is closer to the elongate slot than the second row of staple cavities, wherein a second gap is defined between the second row of pockets and the second row of staple cavities in the closed configuration, and wherein the second gap is greater than the first gap. The plurality of staples comprise first staples deployable from the first row of staple cavities, wherein the first staples comprise a first unformed height, and second staples deployable from the second row of staple cavities, wherein the second staples comprise a second unformed height greater than the first unformed height. Each of the plurality of staples comprises a leg, and an integral drive surface. The sled comprises a first ramp configured to directly engage the integral drive surface of the first staples to deploy the first staples from the first row of staple cavities. The first ramp is configured to form the first staples against the first row of pockets to a first formed height. The sled further comprises a second ramp configured to directly engage the integral drive surface of the second staples to deploy the second staples from the second row of staple cavities. The second ramp is configured to form the second staples against the second row of staple pockets to a second formed height different than the first formed height.
 
Example 15—The surgical instrument of Example 14, wherein the second formed height is greater than the first formed height.
 
Example 16—The surgical instrument of Examples 14 or 15, wherein the integral drive surface is positioned intermediate the first leg and the second leg.
 
Example 17—The surgical instrument of Examples 14, 15, or 16, wherein the first leg and the second leg define a leg plane, wherein the integral drive surface defines a drive plane, and wherein the drive plane is offset from the leg plane.
 
Example 18—The surgical instrument of Examples 14, 15, 16, or 17, wherein the base is asymmetrical.
 
Example 19—The surgical instrument of Examples 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18, wherein the first ramp and the second ramp comprise different heights.
 
Example 20—The surgical instrument of Examples 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19, wherein the first ramp comprises a first peak surface, wherein the second ramp comprises a second peak surface, and wherein the first peak surface is higher than the second peak surface.
 
Example 21—A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument including an anvil, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an elongate slot extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The cartridge body also comprises a bottom surface, and a cartridge deck on an opposite side of the cartridge body from the bottom surface. The cartridge deck comprises a first deck surface, a second deck surface laterally offset from the first deck surface in a direction away from the elongate slot, wherein the first deck surface is stepped up from the second deck surface relative to the bottom surface. The cartridge deck also comprises a third deck surface laterally offset from the second deck surface in a direction away from the elongate slot, wherein the second deck surface is stepped up from the third deck surface relative to the bottom surface. The staple cartridge also comprises a plurality of staple cavities. The plurality of staple cavities comprise a first row of staple cavities defined in the first deck surface, and a second row of staple cavities defined in the second deck surface, wherein the first row of staple cavities is closer to the elongate slot than the second row of staple cavities. The plurality of staple cavities further comprise a third row of staple cavities defined in the third deck surface, wherein the second row of staple cavities is closer to the elongate slot than the third row of staple cavities. The staple cartridge also comprises a plurality of staples housed in the cartridge body, wherein the plurality of staples comprises first staples deployable from the first row of staple cavities, second staples deployable from the second row of staple cavities, and third staples deployable from the third row of staple cavities. The staple cartridge further comprises tissue retention features defining a perimeter around the plurality of staple cavities, wherein the tissue retention features protrude from at least two of the first deck surface, the second deck surface, and the third deck surface.
 
Example 22—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 21, wherein the tissue retention features protrude from the first deck surface, the second deck surface, and the third deck surface.
 
Example 23—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 21, wherein the cartridge deck is free from the tissue retention features in areas between the plurality of staple cavities.
 
Example 24—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 21 or 22, wherein each of the tissue retention features comprises a base defined in the cartridge deck, and a peak narrower than the base.
 
Example 25—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 21, 22, or 24, wherein the third deck surface comprises more of the retention features than the second deck surface.
 
Example 26—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 21, 22, or 24 wherein the first deck surface comprises more of the retention features than the second deck surface.
 
Example 27—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 21, 22, 24, 25, or 26, wherein the tissue retention members are comprised of an elastomer.
 
Example 28—A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument including an anvil, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an elongate slot extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The cartridge body further comprises a cartridge deck comprising a first deck surface defining a first deck height, and a second deck surface defining a second deck height, wherein the second deck surface is laterally offset from the first deck surface in a direction away from the elongate slot, and wherein the second deck height is shorter than the first deck height. The staple cartridge also comprises a plurality of staple cavities comprising a first row of staple cavities defined in the first deck surface, and a second row of staple cavities defined in the second deck surface, wherein the first row of staple cavities is closer to the elongate slot than the second row of staple cavities. The staple cartridge also comprises a plurality of staples housed in the cartridge body, the plurality of staples comprising first staples deployable from the first row of staple cavities into tissue, and second staples deployable from the second row of staple cavities into the tissue. The staple cartridge further comprises cleats configured to resist movement of the tissue relative to the cartridge deck, wherein the cleats comprise first cleats extending from the first deck surface, wherein each of the first cleats comprises a first cleat height, and second cleats extending from the second deck surface. The second cleats are laterally offset from the first cleats in a direction away from the elongate slot, wherein each of the second cleats comprises a second cleat height, and wherein the first cleat height is different than the second cleat height.
 
Example 29—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 28, wherein the cartridge deck comprises a third deck surface defining a third deck height, wherein the third deck surface is laterally offset from the second deck surface in a direction away from the elongate slot, and wherein the third deck height is shorter than the second deck height.
 
Example 30—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 28 or 29, wherein the cleats comprise third cleats extending from the third deck surface, and wherein each of the third cleats comprises a third cleat height, and wherein the second cleat height is shorter than the third cleat height.
 
Example 31—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 30, wherein the first cleat height is shorter than the second cleat height.
 
Example 32—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 28, 29, 30, or 31, wherein the second deck surface comprises more of the cleats than the first deck surface.
 
Example 33—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 28, 29, 30, 31, or 32, wherein each of the cleats comprises a base defined in the cartridge deck, and a peak narrower than the base.
 
Example 34—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 33, wherein the peaks define a plane substantially parallel to the cartridge deck.
 
Example 35—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, or 34, wherein the cleats are comprised of an elastomer.
 
Example 36—A surgical stapling instrument, comprising an anvil and a staple cartridge. The anvil comprises a first row of pockets, and a second row of pockets, and at least one of the anvil and the staple cartridge is movable relative to the other between an open configuration and a closed configuration to capture tissue. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, a plurality of staple cavities, a plurality of staples, and transverse gap-setting members. The cartridge body comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, an intermediate portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion, and an elongate slot extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The cartridge body further comprises a cartridge deck comprising a first deck surface, and a second deck surface positioned further away from the elongate slot than the first deck surface. The plurality of staple cavities comprises a first row of staple cavities defined in the first deck surface, wherein a first gap is defined between the first row of pockets and the first row of staple cavities in the closed configuration. The plurality of staple cavities further comprises a second row of staple cavities defined in the second deck surface, wherein the first row of staple cavities is closer to the elongate slot than the second row of staple cavities, wherein a second gap is defined between the second row of pockets and the second row of staple cavities in the closed configuration, and wherein the second gap is greater than the first gap. The plurality of staples is housed in the cartridge body, and comprises first staples deployable from the first row of staple cavities into the tissue, and second staples deployable from the second row of staple cavities into the tissue. The transverse gap-setting members comprise a first transverse gap-setting member at the proximal portion, wherein the first transverse gap-setting member comprises a first height. The transverse gap-setting members also comprise a second transverse gap-setting member at the intermediate portion, wherein the second transverse gap-setting member comprises a second height greater than the first height. The transverse gap-setting members further comprise a third transverse gap-setting member at the distal portion, wherein the third transverse gap-setting member comprises a third height greater than the second height.
 
Example 37—The surgical instrument of Example 36, wherein the transverse gap-setting members extend across the elongate slot.
 
Example 38—The surgical instrument of Examples 36 or 37, wherein each of the transverse gap-setting members comprises a base defined in the cartridge deck, and a peak narrower than the base.
 
Example 39—The surgical instrument of Examples 36, 37, or 38, wherein the transverse gap-setting members are comprised of an elastomer.
 
Example 40—The surgical instrument of Examples 36, 37, 38, or 39, wherein the first transverse gap-setting member is positioned proximal to the plurality of staple cavities, and wherein the third transverse gap-setting member is positioned distal to the plurality of staple cavities.
 
Example 41—A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument including an anvil, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, an elongate slot extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion, and a bottom surface. The cartridge body also comprises a cartridge deck on an opposite side of the cartridge body from the bottom surface. The cartridge deck comprises a first deck surface, and a second deck surface laterally offset from the first deck surface in a direction away from the elongate slot, wherein the first deck surface is stepped up from the second deck surface relative to the bottom surface. The cartridge body also comprises staple pockets on opposite sides of the elongate slot, wherein the staple pockets comprise deformable retention features. The staple cartridge also comprises staples deployable from the staple pockets into tissue captured between the cartridge deck and the anvil. The staple cartridge further comprises staple drivers movable from a starting position to deploy the staples into the tissue, wherein the deformable retention features are configured to maintain the staple drivers at the starting positions.
 
Example 42—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 41, wherein the deformable retention features are deformable retention ribs.
 
Example 43—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 41 or 42, wherein the deformable retention ribs comprise interference portions.
 
Example 44—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 41, 42, or 43, wherein the staple drivers comprise clearance slots configured to receive the deformable retention features.
 
Example 45—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 41, 42, 43, or 44, further comprising a sled configured to move the staple drivers from the starting position by applying a deployment force to the staple drivers sufficient to deform the deformable retention features.
 
Example 46—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 41, 42, 43, 44, or 45, wherein the staples are integral with the staple drivers.
 
Example 47—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, or 46, wherein the deformable retention features are configured to maintain the staple drivers at the starting position in absence of the bottom surface.
 
Example 48—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, or 47, wherein the staple pockets comprise side walls, and wherein the deformable retention features protrude from the side walls.
 
Example 49—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 48, wherein the deformable retention features are more flexible than the side walls.
 
Example 50—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 48 or 49, wherein the deformable retention features comprise a different material composition that the side walls.
 
Example 51—A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument including an anvil, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, an elongate slot extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion, and a bottom surface. The cartridge body also comprises a cartridge deck on an opposite side of the cartridge body from the bottom surface. The cartridge deck comprises a first deck surface, and a second deck surface laterally offset from the first deck surface in a direction away from the elongate slot, wherein the first deck surface is further away from the second deck surface relative to the bottom surface. The cartridge body further comprises staple pockets on opposite sides of the elongate slot. The staple cartridge also comprises staples deployable from the staple pockets into tissue captured between the cartridge deck and the anvil. The staple cartridge further comprises staple drivers movable from a starting position to deploy the staples into the tissue, wherein the staple drivers comprise deformable retention features configured to maintain the staple drivers at the starting positions.
 
Example 52—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 51, wherein the deformable retention features are deformable retention ribs.
 
Example 53—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 51 or 52, further comprising a sled configured to move the staple drivers from the starting position by applying a deployment force to the staple drivers sufficient to deform the deformable retention features.
 
Example 54—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 51, 52, or 53, wherein the deformable retention features are integral with the staple drivers.
 
Example 55—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 51, 52, 53, or 54, wherein the staples are integral with the staple drivers.
 
Example 56—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 51, 52, 53, 54, or 55, wherein the deformable retention features are configured to maintain the staple drivers at the starting position in absence of the bottom surface.
 
Example 57—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, or 56, wherein the staple drivers comprise side walls, and wherein the deformable retention features protrude from the side walls.
 
Example 58—The staple cartridge assembly of Example 57, wherein the deformable retention features are more flexible than the side walls.
 
Example 59—The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 57 or 58, wherein the deformable retention features comprise a different material composition that the side walls.
 
Example 60—A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument including an anvil, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an elongate slot extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The cartridge body also comprises a bottom surface, a cartridge deck on an opposite side of the cartridge body from the bottom surface, and staple pockets on opposite sides of the elongate slot. The staple cartridge also comprises staples deployable from the staple pockets into tissue captured between the cartridge deck and the anvil. The staple cartridge further comprises staple drivers movable from a starting position to deploy the staples into the tissue, wherein the staple drivers comprise a quadruple staple driver. The quadruple staple driver comprises pushers configured to simultaneously deploy four of the staples into the tissue, wherein the pushers comprise side walls, and deformable retention features protruding from the side walls, wherein the deformable retention features cooperate to maintain the quadruple staple driver at the starting position.
 
Example 61—A surgical instrument comprising a staple firing member and an end effector. The staple firing member comprises a cutting member and an engagement member. The engagement member comprises a first engagement portion protruding in a first direction and a second engagement portion protruding in a second direction opposite the first direction. The end effector comprises a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples and an anvil, wherein at least one of the staple cartridge and the anvil is movable to capture tissue between the staple cartridge and the anvil. The anvil comprises a first forming portion, comprising a first outer interface comprising first staple forming pockets and a first inner interface and a second forming portion spaced apart from the first forming portion. The second forming portion comprises a second outer interface comprising second staple forming pockets and a second inner interface. The anvil further comprises an anvil channel, wherein the staple firing member is advanced along the anvil channel to cause the plurality of staples to be deployed into the tissue and to be deformed against the first staple forming pockets and the second staple forming pockets. The anvil channel comprises an elongate slot inwardly open along a longitudinal axis of the anvil, wherein the elongate slot extends longitudinally between the first forming portion and the second forming portion. The anvil channel further comprises a first recess extending longitudinally adjacent the first inner interface, wherein the first recess is sized to receive the first engagement portion and a second recess extending longitudinally adjacent the second inner interface, wherein the second recess is sized to receive the second engagement portion. The anvil further comprises a first reinforcement member attached to the first inner interface, wherein the first engagement portion is configured to slidingly engage the first reinforcement member during the advancement of the staple firing member and a second reinforcement member attached to the second inner interface, wherein the elongate slot extends longitudinally between the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member. The second reinforcement member is configured to engage the second reinforcement member during the advancement of the staple firing member.
 
Example 62—The surgical instrument of Example 61, wherein the first reinforcement member has a different material composition than the first forming portion.
 
Example 63—The surgical instrument of Examples 61 or 62, wherein the first reinforcement member is harder than the first forming portion.
 
Example 64—The surgical instrument of Examples 61, 62, or 63, wherein the second reinforcement member has a different material composition than the second forming portion.
 
Example 65—The surgical instrument of Examples 61, 62, 63, or 64, wherein the second reinforcement member is harder than the second forming portion.
 
Example 66—The surgical instrument of Examples 61, 62, 63, 64, or 65, wherein the first reinforcement member is welded to the first inner interface, and wherein the second reinforcement member is welded to the second inner surface.
 
Example 67—The surgical instrument of Examples 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, or 66, wherein the anvil further comprises an anvil cover welded to the first forming portion and the second forming portion.
 
Example 68—A surgical instrument comprising an end effector transitionable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a firing assembly. The end effector comprises a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples and an anvil comprising a plurality of staple forming pockets, wherein at least one of the staple cartridge and the anvil is movable to capture tissue between the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firing assembly is movable to cause the plurality of staples to be deployed into the tissue and to be deformed against the plurality of staple forming pockets. The firing assembly comprises a firing member and a laminated firing bar extending proximally from the firing member. The firing member comprises a cutting edge, a first engagement member configured to movably engage the anvil, and a second engagement member configured to movably engage the staple cartridge, wherein the first engagement member and the second engagement member cooperate to transition the end effector to the closed configuration. The laminated firing bar comprises a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and an intermediate layer sandwiched between the first outer layer and the second outer layer, wherein the intermediate layer is thicker than the first outer layer, and wherein the intermediate layer is thicker than the second outer layer.
 
Example 69—The surgical instrument of Example 68, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a different material composition than at least one of the first outer layer and the second.
 
Example 70—The surgical instrument of Examples 68 or 69, wherein the intermediate layer is at least partially made from titanium.
 
Example 71—The surgical instrument of Examples 68, 69, or 70, wherein at least one of the first outer layer and the second outer layer is at least partially made from stainless steel.
 
Example 72—The surgical instrument of Examples 68, 69, 70, or 71, wherein the laminated firing bar comprises a transverse aperture extending through the first outer layer, the intermediate layer, and the second outer layer, wherein the transverse aperture is at least partially filled with melted portions of at least one of the first outer layer and the second outer layer.
 
Example 73—The surgical instrument of Example 72, wherein the melted portions extend through the intermediate layer.
 
Example 74—The surgical instrument of Examples 68, 69, 70, or 71, wherein the laminated firing bar comprises a transverse aperture extending through the first outer layer, the intermediate layer, and the second outer layer, wherein the transverse aperture is at least partially filled with a filler material configured to weld the intermediate layer to the first outer layer and the second outer layer.
 
Example 75—The surgical instrument of Example 74, wherein at least one of the first outer layer and the second outer layer is at least partially made from the filler material.
 
Example 76—A surgical instrument comprising an end effector transitionable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a firing assembly. The end effector comprises a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples and an anvil comprising a plurality of staple forming pockets, wherein at least one of the staple cartridge and the anvil is movable to capture tissue between the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firing assembly is a firing assembly movable to cause the plurality of staples to be deployed into the tissue and to be deformed against the plurality of staple forming pockets. The firing assembly comprises a firing member and a laminated firing bar extending proximally from the firing member. The firing member comprises a cutting edge, a first engagement member configured to movably engage the anvil, and a second engagement member configured to movable engage the staple cartridge, wherein the first engagement member and the second engagement member cooperate to transition the end effector to the closed configuration. The laminated firing bar comprises a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and an intermediate layer sandwiched between the first outer layer and the second outer layer, wherein the intermediate layer is harder than the first outer layer, and wherein the intermediate layer is harder than the second outer layer.
 
Example 77—The surgical instrument of Example 76, wherein the laminated firing bar comprises a transverse aperture extending through the first outer layer, the intermediate layer, and the second outer layer, wherein the transverse aperture is at least partially filled with melted portions of at least one of the first outer layer and the second outer layer.
 
Example 78—The surgical instrument of Example 77, wherein the melted portions extend through the intermediate layer.
 
Example 79—The surgical instrument of Example 76, wherein the laminated firing bar comprises a transverse aperture extending through the first outer layer, the intermediate layer, and the second outer layer, wherein the transverse aperture is at least partially filled with a filler material configured to weld the intermediate layer to the first outer layer and the second outer layer.
 
Example 80—The surgical instrument of Example 79, wherein at least one of the first outer layer and the second outer layer is at least partially made from the filler material.
 
Example 81—An end effector for use with a surgical instrument, wherein the end effector comprises a shaft portion, an anvil extending distally from the shaft portion, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, an elongate channel, and a firing member. The elongate channel is configured to receive the staple cartridge, wherein the elongate channel is movable relative to the anvil between an open configuration and a closed configuration to capture tissue between the anvil and the staple cartridge. The firing member is configured to cause the plurality of staples to be deployed into the tissue, wherein the firing member is movable distally to positively transition the elongate channel to a closed configuration, and wherein the firing member is movable proximally to positively transition the elongate channel to the open configuration.
 
Example 82—The end effector of Example 81, wherein the anvil is fixedly attached to the shaft portion.
 
Example 83—The end effector of Examples 81 or 82, further comprising a pivot, wherein the elongate channel is rotatable about the pivot.
 
Example 84—The end effector of Example 83, wherein the elongate channel comprises a channel hook movably coupled to the pivot.
 
Example 85—The end effector of Examples 81, 82, 83, or 84, wherein the staple cartridge is removably attached to the elongate channel.
 
Example 86—The end effector of Examples 81, 82, 83, 84, or 85, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a stepped deck.
 
Example 87—The end effector of Examples 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, or 86, wherein the firing member comprises a cutting edge.
 
Example 88—An end effector for use with a surgical instrument, wherein the end effector comprises a shaft portion, an anvil extending distally from the shaft portion, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, an elongate channel, and a firing member. The elongate channel is configured to receive the staple cartridge, wherein the elongate channel is movable relative to the anvil between an open configuration and a closed configuration to capture tissue between the anvil and the staple cartridge. The firing member is movable relative to the elongate channel to cause the plurality of staples to be deployed into the tissue, wherein the firing member is configured to apply a closing force that transitions the elongate channel to the closed configuration, and wherein the firing member is configured to apply an opening force that transitions the elongate channel to the open configuration.
 
Example 89—The end effector of Example 88, wherein the anvil is fixedly attached to the shaft portion.
 
Example 90—The end effector of Examples 88 or 89, further comprising a pivot, wherein the elongate channel is rotatable about the pivot.
 
Example 91—The end effector of Example 90, wherein the elongate channel comprises a channel hook movably coupled to the pivot.
 
Example 92—The end effector of Examples 88, 89, 90, or 91, wherein the staple cartridge is removably attached to the elongate channel.
 
Example 93—The end effector of Examples 88, 89, 90, 91, or 92, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a stepped deck.
 
Example 94—The end effector of Examples 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, or 93, wherein the firing member comprises a cutting edge.
 
Example 95—An end effector for use with a surgical instrument, wherein the end effector comprises a shaft portion, an anvil extending distally from the shaft portion, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, and an elongate channel. The end effector further comprises an opening cam movably engaged with the elongate channel, a firing member, and a firing bar. The elongate channel is configured to receive the staple cartridge, wherein the elongate channel is movable relative to the anvil between an open configuration and a closed configuration to capture tissue between the anvil and the staple cartridge. The firing member is movable relative to the elongate channel to cause the plurality of staples to be deployed into the tissue. The firing bar extends proximally from the firing member, wherein a retraction of the firing bar moves the opening cam to positively open the elongate channel.
 
Example 96—The end effector of Example 95, wherein the anvil is fixedly attached to the shaft portion.
 
Example 97—The end effector of Examples 95 or 96, further comprising a channel pivot, wherein the elongate channel is rotatable about the channel pivot.
 
Example 98—The end effector of Example 97, wherein the opening cam is positioned proximal to the channel pivot.
 
Example 99—The end effector of Examples 95, 96, 97, or 98, further comprising a cam pivot, wherein the opening cam is rotatable about the cam pivot.
 
Example 100—The end effector of Example 99, wherein the cam pivot is positioned proximal to the channel pivot.
 
Example 101—A disposable loading unit for use with a surgical instrument, wherein the disposable loading unit comprises an end effector and a connector portion extending proximally from the end effector. The end effector comprises an anvil, an elongate channel, and a staple cartridge removably coupled to the elongate channel, wherein at least one of the anvil and the elongate channel is movable to capture tissue between the anvil and the staple cartridge. The connector portion comprises a hollow body defining a longitudinal axis therethrough. The hollow body comprises a first body portion on a first side of a plane transecting the hollow body, wherein the plane encompasses the longitudinal axis, a second body portion on a second side of the plane, and a plurality of connectors. The plurality of connectors comprise a first connector protruding from the first body portion, a second connector protruding from the first body portion, a third connector protruding from the second body portion, and a fourth connector protruding from the second body portion, wherein the plurality of connectors cooperate to releasably connect the disposable loading unit to the surgical instrument.
 
Example 102—The disposable loading unit of Example 101, wherein the first connector and the third connector define a first axis transecting the longitudinal axis.
 
Example 103—The disposable loading unit of Example 102, wherein the first axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
 
Example 104—The disposable loading unit of Examples 102 or 103, wherein the second connector and the fourth connector define a second axis transecting the longitudinal axis.
 
Example 105—The disposable loading unit of Example 104, wherein the second axis is parallel to the first axis.
 
Example 106—The disposable loading unit of Example 104, wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
 
Example 107—The disposable loading unit of Example 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, or 106, wherein the first connector is spaced apart from the second connector by a first distance, and wherein the third connector is spaced apart from the fourth connector by a second distance.
 
Example 108—The disposable loading unit of Example 107, wherein the first distance is equal to the second distance.
 
Example 109—A disposable loading unit for use with a surgical instrument, wherein the disposable loading unit comprises an end effector and a connector portion extending proximally from the end effector. The end effector comprises an anvil, an elongate channel, and a staple cartridge removably coupled to the elongate channel, wherein at least one of the anvil and the elongate channel is movable to capture tissue between the anvil and the staple cartridge. The connector portion extends proximally from the end effector. The connector portion comprises a hollow body defining a longitudinal axis therethrough. The hollow body comprises a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion. The first engagement portion comprises a first connector protruding from the hollow body and a second connector protruding from the hollow body in a direction away from the first connector. The second engagement portion comprises a third connector protruding from the hollow body and a fourth connector protruding from the hollow body in a direction away from the third connector, wherein the first engagement portion is radially offset from the second engagement portion, and wherein the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion cooperate to releasably connect the disposable loading unit to the surgical instrument.
 
Example 110—The disposable loading unit of Example 109, wherein the first engagement portion is oriented at a 90° angle with respect to the second engagement portion.
 
Example 111—The disposable loading unit of Examples 109 or 110, wherein the first engagement portion defines a first axis transecting the longitudinal axis.
 
Example 112—The disposable loading unit of Example 111, wherein the first axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
 
Example 113—The disposable loading unit of Examples 111 or 112, wherein the second engagement portion defines a second axis transecting the longitudinal axis.
 
Example 114—The disposable loading unit of Example 113, wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
 
Example 115—The disposable loading unit of Examples 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, or 114, wherein the first engagement portion is spaced apart from the second engagement portion.
 
Example 116—A disposable loading unit for use with a surgical instrument, wherein the disposable loading unit comprises an end effector and a connector portion extending proximally from the end effector. The end effector comprises an anvil, an elongate channel, and a staple cartridge removably coupled to the elongate channel, wherein at least one of the anvil and the elongate channel is movable to capture tissue between the anvil and the staple cartridge. The connector portion comprises a tubular member, wherein the tubular member comprises an outer wall, a first coupling flange, and a second coupling flange. The outer wall comprises a first portion and a second portion radially offset from the first portion. The first coupling flange is radially disposed on the first portion of the outer wall. The second coupling flange is radially disposed on the second portion of the outer wall, wherein the first coupling flange and the second coupling flange cooperate to releasably connect the disposable loading unit to the surgical instrument.
 
Example 117—The disposable loading unit of Example 116, wherein the first coupling flange comprises a first distal portion, wherein the second coupling flange comprises a second distal portion, and wherein the first distal portion is positioned distally with respect to the second distal portion.
 
Example 118—The disposable loading unit of Examples 116 or 117, wherein the first coupling flange comprises a first proximal portion, wherein the second coupling flange comprises a second proximal portion, and wherein the first proximal portion is positioned proximally with respect to the second proximal portion.
 
Example 119—The disposable loading unit of Examples 116, 117, or 118, wherein the first coupling flange is spaced apart from the second coupling flange.
 
     Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are motivated by an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated in any suitable manner. In various instances, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated by a manually-operated trigger, for example. In certain instances, the motors disclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a robotically controlled system. Moreover, any of the end effectors and/or tool assemblies disclosed herein can be utilized with a robotic surgical instrument system. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, for example, discloses several examples of a robotic surgical instrument system in greater detail. 
     The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in connection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments are envisioned which deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks, for example. Moreover, various embodiments are envisioned which utilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For instance, an end effector in accordance with various embodiments can comprise electrodes configured to heat and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an end effector in accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrational energy to seal the tissue. 
     The entire disclosures of:
         U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE, which issued on Apr. 4, 1995;   U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on Feb. 21, 2006;   U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, which issued on Sep. 9, 2008;   U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS, which issued on Dec. 16, 2008;   U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010;   U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which issued on Jul. 13, 2010;   U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12, 2013;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES; now U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,537;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed Feb. 14, 2008;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 15, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,411;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY, filed Dec. 24, 2009; now U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,688;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,461, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE, filed Sep. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,613;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, filed on Jun. 15, 2012; now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552;   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM, filed Jan. 31, 2006; and   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR, filed Apr. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are hereby incorporated by reference herein.       

     Although various devices have been described herein in connection with certain embodiments, modifications and variations to those embodiments may be implemented. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined in whole or in part, with the features, structures or characteristics of one ore more other embodiments without limitation. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoing description and following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations. 
     The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, a device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps including, but not limited to, the disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, and subsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, a reconditioning facility and/or surgical team can disassemble a device and, after cleaning and/or replacing particular parts of the device, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application. 
     The devices disclosed herein may be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument may be obtained and, when necessary, cleaned. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, and/or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam. 
     While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. 
     Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materials do not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.