Patent Publication Number: US-2021186501-A1

Title: Staple cartridge comprising a deployable knife

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various embodiments, to surgical cutting and stapling instruments and staple cartridges therefor that are designed to cut and staple tissue. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a distal end of a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the distal end of the stapling instrument of  FIG. 1  illustrated in a closed, or clamped, configuration; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the distal end of the stapling instrument of  FIG. 1  illustrated in an articulated configuration; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a staple cartridge removed from the stapling instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the distal end of the stapling instrument of  FIG. 1  illustrated with some components removed; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the distal end of the stapling instrument of  FIG. 1  illustrated with additional components removed; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a drive system including a quick jaw closure system, a high-load jaw clamping system, and a staple firing system of the stapling instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the staple firing system of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the distal end of the stapling instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the quick jaw closure system and the high-load jaw clamping system of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an anvil jaw of the stapling instrument of  FIG. 1  in an open position; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates the anvil jaw of  FIG. 11  closed by the quick jaw closure system of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates the high-load jaw clamping system of  FIG. 7  applying a high clamping load to the anvil jaw; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates the high-load jaw clamping system of  FIG. 7  disengaged from the anvil jaw; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates the quick jaw closure system being disengaged from the anvil jaw; 
         FIG. 16  is a detail view arising from  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a detail view arising from  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a staple cartridge comprising driver retention features in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 19  is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a partial elevational view of a sidewall of the staple cartridge of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of  FIG. 18  further comprising a staple driver in an unfired and/or retention position; 
         FIG. 22  is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of  FIGS. 18-21  and an interface between the staple driver and the driver retention feature when the staple driver is in the unfired and/or retention position; 
         FIG. 23  is a partial cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge comprising windows defined therein and a staple driver in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the staple driver of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a staple cartridge comprising driver retention features in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of  FIG. 25 , wherein the staple cartridge comprises staple drivers; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of one of the staple drivers of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a staple driver comprising a retention ledge in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional view of a top mold and a bottom mold for forming a staple cartridge configured to movably receive the staple driver of  FIG. 28  therein; 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the bottom mold of  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 31A  is a partial cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge including a firing member contacting a staple driver as the firing member translates distally during a staple firing stroke in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 31B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple driver of  FIG. 31A  in a fully-fired position; 
         FIG. 32A  is a partial cross-sectional view of the firing member and the staple driver of  FIG. 31A  after the firing member translates distally past the staple driver; 
         FIG. 32B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the firing member of  FIG. 31A  contacting the staple driver as the firing member translates proximally after the staple firing stroke; 
         FIG. 33  is a partial plan view of a staple cartridge comprising staple drivers and a driver retention member in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of the staple drivers of  FIG. 33 , wherein an aperture is defined in the staple drivers, and wherein the aperture is configured to receive the driver retention member when the staple driver is in a raised, or retention, position; 
         FIG. 35  is a partial cross-sectional view of the interaction between the driver retention member and the aperture of the staple driver of  FIG. 34  when the staple driver is in the raised position; 
         FIG. 36A  is a partial elevational view of a staple cartridge comprising a curved deck surface and projections extending from the deck surface in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 36B  is a partial plan view of the projections extending from the curved deck surface of  FIG. 36A ; 
         FIG. 37A  is a partial elevational view of a staple cartridge comprising a curved deck surface in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 37B  is a partial plan view of the projections extending from the curved deck surface of  FIG. 37A ; 
         FIG. 38A  is a partial elevational view of a staple cartridge comprising a curved deck surface in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 38B  is a partial plan view of the projections extending from the curved deck surface of  FIG. 38B ; 
         FIG. 39A  is a partial elevational view of a staple cartridge comprising a curved deck surface in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 39B  is a partial plan view of the projections extending from the curved deck surface of  FIG. 39A ; 
         FIG. 40  is a partial cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge seated in an end effector, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a curved deck surface and projections extending from the curved deck surface in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 41  is a partial cross-sectional view of a staple driver of the staple cartridge of  FIG. 40  in an unfired position and a fully-fired position, wherein a portion of the staple driver extends above the projections and the curved deck surface when the staple driver is in the fully-fired position; 
         FIG. 42  is a partial plan view of a staple cartridge comprising three longitudinal rows of staple cavities, wherein the proximal-most staple cavity is located in a middle row in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 43  is a partial plan view of a staple cartridge comprising three longitudinal rows of staple cavities, wherein the proximal-most staple cavity is not located in a middle row in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 44  is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge comprising projections extending from a curved deck surface, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 45  is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of  FIG. 44 , wherein the projections extend a first distance from the curved deck surface; 
         FIG. 46  is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector in a closed configuration, wherein the end effector comprises the staple cartridge of  FIG. 45  seated in a cartridge jaw; 
         FIG. 47  is a partial cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge comprising a projection-free, curved deck surface, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 48  is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector in a closed configuration, wherein the end effector comprises the staple cartridge of  FIG. 47  seated in a cartridge jaw; 
         FIG. 49  is a partial cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge comprising projections extending varying distances from a curved deck surface, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 50  is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector in a closed configuration, wherein the end effector comprises the staple cartridge of  FIG. 49  seated in a cartridge jaw; 
         FIG. 51  is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector in a closed configuration, wherein the end effector comprises a staple cartridge comprising projections extending varying distances from a curved deck surface, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 52  is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector in a closed configuration, wherein the end effector comprises a staple cartridge comprising projections extending a uniform distance from a curved deck surface, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 53  is a partial cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge comprising variable projections extending from a curved deck surface, in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 54  is a partial cross-sectional view of a staple cavity from a first longitudinal row of staple cavities defined in the curved deck surface of the staple cartridge of  FIG. 53 , wherein the first longitudinal row extends alongside an elongate slot; 
         FIG. 55  is a partial cross-sectional view of a staple cavity from a second longitudinal row of staple cavities defined in the curved deck surface of the staple cartridge of  FIGS. 53 and 54 , wherein the second longitudinal row extends alongside the first longitudinal row; 
         FIG. 56  is a partial cross-sectional view of a staple cavity from a third longitudinal row of staple cavities defined in the curved deck surface of the staple cartridge of  FIGS. 53-55 , wherein the third longitudinal row extends alongside the second longitudinal row; 
         FIG. 57  is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge and an anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 58  is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and the anvil of  FIG. 57  illustrating the staple cartridge in an unseated configuration; 
         FIG. 59  is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and the anvil of  FIG. 57  illustrating the staple cartridge in a seated configuration; 
         FIG. 60  is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and the anvil of  FIG. 57  illustrating the anvil in a clamped configuration; 
         FIG. 61  is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge and an anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 62  is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and the anvil of  FIG. 61  illustrating the staple cartridge in an unseated configuration; 
         FIG. 63  is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and the anvil of  FIG. 61  illustrating the anvil in a clamped configuration; 
         FIG. 64  is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and the anvil of  FIG. 61  illustrating the anvil in an overclamped configuration; 
         FIG. 65  is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge and an anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 66  is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and the anvil of  FIG. 65  illustrating the staple cartridge in an unseated configuration; 
         FIG. 67  is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and the anvil of  FIG. 65  illustrating the staple cartridge in a partially seated configuration; 
         FIG. 68  is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and the anvil of  FIG. 65  illustrating the staple cartridge in a fully seated configuration; 
         FIG. 69  is a plan view of an anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 70  is a detail view of the anvil of  FIG. 69 ; 
         FIG. 71  a partial plan view of a staple cartridge in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 72  is a perspective view of the staple cartridge of  FIG. 71 ; 
         FIG. 73  is a partial elevational view of an end effector of a stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 74  is a partial elevational view of the end effector of  FIG. 73  illustrated in a clamped configuration; 
         FIG. 75  is a partial elevational view of an end effector of a stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 76  is a partial elevational view of the end effector of  FIG. 75  illustrated in a clamped configuration; 
         FIG. 77  is a partial elevational view of an end effector of a stapling instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 78  is a partial elevational view of the end effector of  FIG. 77  illustrated in a partially clamped configuration; 
         FIG. 79  is a partial elevational view of the end effector of  FIG. 77  illustrated in an overclamped configuration; 
         FIG. 80  is an exploded view of an end effector closure system of the stapling instrument of  FIG. 77 ; 
         FIG. 81  is a partial elevational view of an end effector of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 82  is another partial elevational view of the end effector of  FIG. 81 ; 
         FIG. 83  is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment illustrating the end effector in a partially closed configuration; 
         FIG. 84  is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 83  illustrated in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 85  is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 83  illustrated in a partially open configuration; 
         FIG. 86  is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 83  illustrated in a fully open configuration; 
         FIG. 87  is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 88  is an elevational view of a firing assembly including a firing member; 
         FIG. 89  is an elevational view of a firing member of the end effector of  FIG. 88 ; 
         FIG. 90  is another elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 88 ; 
         FIG. 91  is a perspective view of a firing assembly of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 92  is another perspective view of the firing assembly of  FIG. 91 ; 
         FIG. 93  is a cross-sectional elevational view of the firing assembly of  FIG. 91  illustrating a tissue cutting knife of the firing assembly in a deployed configuration; 
         FIG. 94  is a cross-sectional elevational view of the firing assembly of  FIG. 91  in an undeployed configuration; 
         FIG. 95  is a partial elevational view of a staple cartridge comprising the firing assembly of  FIG. 91 ; 
         FIG. 96  is a partial perspective view of the staple cartridge of  FIG. 95 ; 
         FIG. 97  is a partial exploded view of a firing assembly of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 98  is a partial elevational view of the firing assembly of  FIG. 97  and a staple cartridge illustrating the firing assembly in an unfired position; 
         FIG. 99  is a partial elevational view of the firing assembly of  FIG. 97  and the staple cartridge of  FIG. 98  illustrating the firing assembly in a partially fired position; 
         FIG. 100  is a partial elevational view of the firing assembly of  FIG. 97  and the staple cartridge of  FIG. 98  illustrating the firing assembly in a fired position; 
         FIG. 101  is a partial elevational view of the firing assembly of  FIG. 97  and the staple cartridge of  FIG. 98  illustrating the firing assembly at the end of the staple firing stroke; 
         FIG. 102  is a partial elevational view of the firing assembly of  FIG. 97  and the staple cartridge of  FIG. 98  illustrating the firing assembly being retracted after the staple firing stroke; 
         FIG. 103  is a partial elevational view of the firing assembly of  FIG. 97  and the staple cartridge of  FIG. 98  illustrating the firing assembly in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 104  illustrates a staple firing system and a staple cartridge in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 105  illustrates a firing member of the staple firing system of  FIG. 104  being advanced distally during a staple firing stroke; 
         FIG. 106  illustrates the firing member of  FIG. 105  rotating a tissue cutting knife of the staple firing system from an undeployed position to a deployed position; 
         FIG. 107  illustrates the tissue cutting knife of  FIG. 106  in a fully-deployed position; 
         FIG. 108  illustrates the staple firing system of  FIG. 104  being advanced distally during a staple firing stroke; 
         FIG. 109  illustrates the firing member of  FIG. 105  being retracted after the staple firing stroke; 
         FIG. 110  illustrates the tissue cutting knife of  FIG. 106  being rotated toward its undeployed position by the firing member of  FIG. 105  as the firing member is being retracted; 
         FIG. 111  illustrates a knife edge of the tissue cutting knife of  FIG. 106  retracted below the deck of the staple cartridge; 
         FIG. 112  illustrates the firing member of  FIG. 105  decoupled from the tissue cutting knife of  FIG. 106 ; 
         FIG. 113  is an exploded view of the staple firing system and the staple cartridge of  FIG. 104 ; 
         FIG. 114  is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 115  is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 114  illustrated in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 116  is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 114  illustrated in a partially-fired configuration; 
         FIG. 117  is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 114  illustrated in a fired configuration; 
         FIG. 118  is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 114  illustrating a firing system of the surgical instrument in a retraction mode; 
         FIG. 119  is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 114  illustrating a portion of the firing system decoupled from a portion of the staple firing system that is being retracted; 
         FIG. 120  is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 114  illustrating the end effector after it has been re-opened; 
         FIG. 121  is a partial exploded view of an end effector in accordance with at least embodiment illustrated with some components removed; 
         FIG. 122  is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a staple cartridge in an unspent condition; 
         FIG. 123  is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 122  illustrating a staple firing system of the surgical instrument in a pre-firing stroke configuration with a firing bar of the staple firing system being engaged with a sled/knife member of the staple firing system; 
         FIG. 124  is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 122  in a partially-fired configuration with the staple firing system advanced just past a spent cartridge lockout of the stapling instrument; 
         FIG. 125  is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 122  illustrating the staple firing system being retracted; 
         FIG. 126  is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 122  illustrating the firing bar of the staple firing system being decoupled from the sled by the spent cartridge lockout during the retraction of the staple firing system; 
         FIG. 127  is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 122  illustrating the firing bar of the staple firing system in a fully-retracted position with the staple cartridge in a spent condition; 
         FIG. 128  is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 122  illustrating the firing bar of the staple firing system being blocked by spent cartridge lockout because the spent staple cartridge has not been replaced with an unspent staple cartridge; 
         FIG. 129  is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge including a staple firing drive; 
         FIG. 130  is a partial plan view of the staple cartridge of  FIG. 129 ; 
         FIG. 131  is a partial perspective view of the staple firing drive of  FIG. 129  in an unfired state; 
         FIG. 132  is a partial perspective view of the staple firing drive of  FIG. 129  in a partially fired state; 
         FIG. 133  is a partial perspective view of the staple firing drive of  FIG. 129  in a retracted state; 
         FIG. 134  is a partial perspective view of an end effector of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment illustrated with a jaw of the end effector in an open position; 
         FIG. 135  is a partial elevational view of the end effector of  FIG. 134  illustrating a jaw closure lockout in a locked state and a staple firing lockout in a locked state owing to the absence of an unfired staple cartridge seated in the end effector; 
         FIG. 136  is a perspective view of a lockout assembly including the jaw closure lockout and staple firing lockout of  FIG. 135 ; 
         FIG. 137  is a partial elevational view of the end effector of  FIG. 134  illustrating the jaw closure lockout in an unlocked state and the staple firing lockout in an unlocked state owing to the presence of an unfired staple cartridge seated in the end effector; 
         FIG. 138  is a partial elevational view of the end effector of  FIG. 134  illustrating the staple cartridge of  FIG. 137  in a partially fired state; 
         FIG. 139  is a partial exploded view of a staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body and a sled in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 140  is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of  FIG. 139  illustrating the sled in a proximal unfired position; 
         FIG. 141  is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of  FIG. 139  illustrating the sled being advanced distally during a staple firing stroke and activating a spent cartridge lockout in the staple cartridge; 
         FIG. 142  is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of  FIG. 139  illustrating the sled advanced distally during the staple firing stroke and the spent cartridge lockout in an activated state; 
         FIG. 143  is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of  FIG. 139  illustrating the sled being retracted after the staple firing stroke and the spent cartridge lockout in an activated state preventing the sled from being returned back into its proximal unfired position; 
         FIG. 144  is a partial elevational view of an end effector of a surgical instrument comprising an anvil jaw and a staple cartridge jaw in accordance with at least one embodiment illustrated in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 144A  is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 144 ; 
         FIG. 145  illustrates the end effector of  FIG. 144  in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 145A  is a detail view of the end effector of  FIG. 144  illustrated in the closed configuration of  FIG. 145 ; 
         FIG. 146  is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 144  illustrated in the closed configuration of  FIG. 145 ; 
         FIG. 147  is an elevational view of the end effector of  FIG. 144  illustrated with the anvil jaw in an open position relative to the staple cartridge jaw; 
         FIG. 148  is an elevational view of the end effector of  FIG. 144  illustrated with the anvil jaw in a parallel position with respect to the staple cartridge jaw; 
         FIG. 149  is an elevational view of the end effector of  FIG. 144  illustrated with the anvil jaw in an over clamped position with respect to the staple cartridge jaw; 
         FIG. 149A  is a detail view of the end effector of  FIG. 144  in the configuration of  FIG. 149 ; 
         FIG. 149B  is a detail view of the end effector of  FIG. 144  illustrated in a re-opened configuration; 
         FIG. 150  is a chart depicting the displacement and loads experienced by the end effector clamping system and the staple firing system of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 144 ; 
         FIG. 151  is an elevational view of an end effector in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 152  is an elevational view of the end effector of  FIG. 151  being clamped onto patient tissue T; 
         FIG. 153  is a chart depicting the displacement and loads experienced by the end effector clamping system and the staple firing system of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 151 ; 
         FIG. 154  is a perspective view of an articulation joint of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 155  is a perspective view of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 154  illustrated in an articulated configuration; 
         FIG. 156  is a partial perspective view of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 154  illustrated in an articulated configuration with a portion of the articulation joint hidden for the purpose of illustration; 
         FIG. 157  is a perspective view of an articulation joint of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 158  is a partial perspective view of an articulation joint of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 159  is a perspective view of an articulation joint of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 160  is a side elevation view of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 159  illustrating a firing member of the surgical instrument; 
         FIG. 161  is a perspective view of a portion of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 159  illustrating a distal articulation lock; 
         FIG. 162  is a plan view of an articulation joint of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 163  is a perspective view of an articulation joint of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 164  is a perspective view of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 163  illustrated with portions of the articulation joint hidden for clarity; 
         FIG. 165  is a perspective view of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 164  illustrating the articulation joint in an articulated configuration; 
         FIG. 166  is a perspective view of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 163  with portions of the articulation joint hidden for clarity; and 
         FIG. 167  is a plan view of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 163 . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate certain embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on even date herewith and which are each incorporated by reference in their respective entireties: 
     Attorney Docket No. END9199USNP1/190434-1M, entitled METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT; 
     Attorney Docket No. END9203USNP1/190438-1, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A SEATING CAM; 
     Attorney Docket No. END9204USNP1/190443-1, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A RAPID CLOSURE MECHANISM; 
     Attorney Docket No. END9204USNP2/190443-2, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSURE SYSTEM INCLUDING A CLOSURE MEMBER AND AN OPENING MEMBER DRIVEN BY A DRIVE SCREW; 
     Attorney Docket No. END9204USNP3/190443-3, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A NESTED FIRING MEMBER; 
     Attorney Docket No. END9204USNP5/190443-5, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A DETACHABLE TISSUE CUTTING KNIFE; 
     Attorney Docket No. END9205USNP1/190448-1, entitled STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CLAMP LOCKOUT AND A FIRING LOCKOUT; 
     Attorney Docket No. END9205USNP2/190448-2, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A LATCH LOCKOUT; 
     Attorney Docket No. END9200USNP1/190435-1, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A POWERED ARTICULATION SYSTEM; 
     Attorney Docket No. END9201USNP1/190436-1, entitled MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENT; 
     Attorney Docket No. END9202USNP1/190437-1, entitled STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INDEPENDENT JAW CLOSING AND STAPLE FIRING SYSTEMS; 
     Attorney Docket No. END9203USNP2/190438-2, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING DRIVER RETENTION MEMBERS; 
     Attorney Docket No. END9203USNP3/190438-3, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING DRIVER RETENTION MEMBERS; 
     Attorney Docket No. END9203USNP4/190438-4, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING PROJECTIONS EXTENDING FROM A CURVED DECK SURFACE; and 
     Attorney Docket No. END9203USNP5/190438-5, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A CURVED DECK SURFACE. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Mar. 25, 2019 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/363,070, entitled FIRING DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/363,051, entitled FIRING DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/363,045, entitled ARTICULATION DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL SYSTEMS; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/363,062, entitled FIRING DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL SYSTEMS. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Jun. 30, 2019 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,104, entitled METHOD FOR AUTHENTICATING THE COMPATIBILITY OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,108, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN RFID SYSTEM; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,111, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN RFID SYSTEM FOR TRACKING A MOVABLE COMPONENT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,114, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ALIGNED RFID SENSOR; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,105, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING AN INFORMATION DECRYPTION PROTOCOL; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,110, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING AN INFORMATION ENCRYPTION PROTOCOL; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,120, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING A LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR AN INCOMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,125, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING A FRANGIBLE RFID TAG; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,103, entitled PACKAGING FOR A REPLACEABLE COMPONENT OF A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Jun. 30, 2019 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,107, entitled METHOD OF USING MULTIPLE RFID CHIPS WITH A SURGICAL ASSEMBLY; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,109, entitled MECHANISMS FOR PROPER ANVIL ATTACHMENT SURGICAL STAPLING HEAD ASSEMBLY; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,119, entitled MECHANISMS FOR MOTOR CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS OF A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,115, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH BATTERY COMPATIBILITY VERIFICATION FUNCTIONALITY; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,117, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEM WITH RFID TAGS FOR UPDATING MOTOR ASSEMBLY PARAMETERS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,121, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH MULTIPLE RFID TAGS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,122, entitled RFID IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,106, entitled RFID IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,112, entitled SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR DISPLAY AND COMMUNICATION; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,116, entitled SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR COMPATIBILITY DETECTION; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,118, entitled SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR INSTRUMENT OPERATIONAL SETTING CONTROL. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed on Dec. 4, 2018, the disclosure of each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,385, entitled METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION, PROCESSING, STORAGE AND DISPLAY; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,395, entitled METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,403, entitled METHOD OF CLOUD BASED DATA ANALYTICS FOR USE WITH THE HUB; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,407, entitled METHOD OF ROBOTIC HUB COMMUNICATION, DETECTION, AND CONTROL; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,416, entitled METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION, PROCESSING, DISPLAY, AND CLOUD ANALYTICS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,423, entitled METHOD OF COMPRESSING TISSUE WITHIN A STAPLING DEVICE AND SIMULTANEOUSLY DISPLAYING THE LOCATION OF THE TISSUE WITHIN THE JAWS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,427, entitled METHOD OF USING REINFORCED FLEXIBLE CIRCUITS WITH MULTIPLE SENSORS TO OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE OF RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,433, entitled METHOD OF SENSING PARTICULATE FROM SMOKE EVACUATED FROM A PATIENT, ADJUSTING THE PUMP SPEED BASED ON THE SENSED INFORMATION, AND COMMUNICATING THE FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS OF THE SYSTEM TO THE HUB; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,447, entitled METHOD FOR SMOKE EVACUATION FOR SURGICAL HUB; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,453, entitled METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SMART ENERGY DEVICES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,458, entitled METHOD FOR SMART ENERGY DEVICE INFRASTRUCTURE; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,465, entitled METHOD FOR ADAPTIVE CONTROL SCHEMES FOR SURGICAL NETWORK CONTROL AND INTERACTION; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,478, entitled METHOD FOR SITUATIONAL AWARENESS FOR SURGICAL NETWORK OR SURGICAL NETWORK CONNECTED DEVICE CAPABLE OF ADJUSTING FUNCTION BASED ON A SENSED SITUATION OR USAGE; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,490, entitled METHOD FOR FACILITY DATA COLLECTION AND INTERPRETATION; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,491, entitled METHOD FOR CIRCULAR STAPLER CONTROL ALGORITHM ADJUSTMENT BASED ON SITUATIONAL AWARENESS. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Jun. 26, 2019 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,273, entitled METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN AUTHENTICATION LOCKOUT IN A SURGICAL STAPLER WITH A REPLACEABLE CARTRIDGE; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,283, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING ASSEMBLY WITH CARTRIDGE BASED RETAINER CONFIGURED TO UNLOCK A FIRING LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,289, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING ASSEMBLY WITH CARTRIDGE BASED RETAINER CONFIGURED TO UNLOCK A CLOSURE LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,302 entitled UNIVERSAL CARTRIDGE BASED KEY FEATURE THAT UNLOCKS MULTIPLE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS IN DIFFERENT SURGICAL STAPLERS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,310, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINERS WITH FRANGIBLE RETENTION FEATURES AND METHODS OF USING SAME; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,330, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINER WITH FRANGIBLE AUTHENTICATION KEY; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,335, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINER WITH RETRACTABLE AUTHENTICATION KEY; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,343, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINER SYSTEM WITH AUTHENTICATION KEYS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,355, entitled INSERTABLE DEACTIVATOR ELEMENT FOR SURGICAL STAPLER LOCKOUTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,369, entitled DUAL CAM CARTRIDGE BASED FEATURE FOR UNLOCKING A SURGICAL STAPLER LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,391, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH CAM SURFACES CONFIGURED TO ENGAGE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY PORTIONS OF A LOCKOUT OF A SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,413, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH MOVABLE AUTHENTICATION KEY ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,423, entitled DEACTIVATOR ELEMENT FOR DEFEATING SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE LOCKOUTS; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,429 entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH INTEGRAL AUTHENTICATION KEYS. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Design Patent Applications that were filed on Jun. 25, 2019 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties: 
     U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/696,066, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINER WITH FIRING SYSTEM AUTHENTICATION KEY; 
     U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/696,067, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINER WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AUTHENTICATION KEY; and 
     U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/696,072, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Feb. 21, 2019 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,658, entitled METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER THAT HAS SEPARATE ROTARY CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,670, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A LOCKOUT KEY CONFIGURED TO LIFT A FIRING MEMBER; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,675, entitled SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH ARRANGEMENTS FOR MAINTAINING A FIRING MEMBER THEREOF IN A LOCKED CONFIGURATION UNLESS A COMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE HAS BEEN INSTALLED THEREIN; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,685, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING CO-OPERATING LOCKOUT FEATURES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,693, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT AND AN EXTERIOR ACCESS ORIFICE TO PERMIT ARTIFICIAL UNLOCKING OF THE LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,704, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH FEATURES FOR BLOCKING ADVANCEMENT OF A CAMMING ASSEMBLY OF AN INCOMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE INSTALLED THEREIN; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,707, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A DEACTIVATABLE LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,741, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,762, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH CARTRIDGE COMPATIBLE CLOSURE AND FIRING LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,660, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH FIRING MEMBER DRIVEN CAMMING ASSEMBLY THAT HAS AN ONBOARD TISSUE CUTTING FEATURE; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,666, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,672, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH ASYMMETRIC CLOSURE FEATURES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,678, entitled ROTARY DRIVEN FIRING MEMBERS WITH DIFFERENT ANVIL AND FRAME ENGAGEMENT FEATURES; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,682, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH SEPARATE ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS AND FIRING MEMBER THAT ENGAGES BOTH JAWS WHILE FIRING. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Provisional Patent Applications, filed on Mar. 28, 2018, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety: 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,302, entitled INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH ENCRYPTED COMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,294, entitled DATA STRIPPING METHOD TO INTERROGATE PATIENT RECORDS AND CREATE ANONYMIZED RECORD; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,300, entitled SURGICAL HUB SITUATIONAL AWARENESS; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,309, entitled SURGICAL HUB SPATIAL AWARENESS TO DETERMINE DEVICES IN OPERATING THEATER; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,310, entitled COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED INTERACTIVE SURGICAL SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,291, entitled USE OF LASER LIGHT AND RED-GREEN-BLUE COLORATION TO DETERMINE PROPERTIES OF BACK SCATTERED LIGHT; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,296, entitled ADAPTIVE CONTROL PROGRAM UPDATES FOR SURGICAL DEVICES; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,333, entitled CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR CUSTOMIZATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO A USER; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,327, entitled CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS FOR SECURITY AND AUTHENTICATION TRENDS AND REACTIVE MEASURES; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,315, entitled DATA HANDLING AND PRIORITIZATION IN A CLOUD ANALYTICS NETWORK; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,313, entitled CLOUD INTERFACE FOR COUPLED SURGICAL DEVICES; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,320, entitled DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,307, entitled AUTOMATIC TOOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS; and 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,323, entitled SENSING ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORMS. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Provisional Patent Application, filed on Mar. 30, 2018, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety: 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/650,887, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH OPTIMIZED SENSING CAPABILITIES. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent application, filed on Dec. 4, 2018, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,423, entitled METHOD OF COMPRESSING TISSUE WITHIN A STAPLING DEVICE AND SIMULTANEOUSLY DISPLAYING THE LOCATION OF THE TISSUE WITHIN THE JAWS. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Aug. 20, 2018 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,101, entitled METHOD FOR FABRICATING SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,183, entitled REINFORCED DEFORMABLE ANVIL TIP FOR SURGICAL STAPLER ANVIL; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,150, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS WITH STAPLE DIRECTING PROTRUSIONS AND TISSUE STABILITY FEATURES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,098, entitled FABRICATING TECHNIQUES FOR SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,140, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS WITH TISSUE STOP FEATURES CONFIGURED TO AVOID TISSUE PINCH; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,081, entitled METHOD FOR OPERATING A POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,094, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH PROGRESSIVE JAW CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,097, entitled POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS TO CONVERT LINEAR DRIVE MOTIONS TO ROTARY DRIVE MOTIONS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,104, entitled POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLUTCHING AND LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR LINKING AN ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM TO A FIRING DRIVE SYSTEM; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,119, entitled ARTICULATABLE MOTOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH DEDICATED ARTICULATION MOTOR ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,160, entitled SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR MOTOR POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and 
     U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/660,252, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Aug. 3, 2017 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/668,324, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEM SHAFT INTERCONNECTION; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/668,301, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEM BAILOUT; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/668,319, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION BAILOUT. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Jun. 28, 2017 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,693, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN OFFSET ARTICULATION JOINT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,729, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM RATIO; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,785, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM RATIO; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,808, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING FIRING MEMBER SUPPORTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,837, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM LOCKABLE TO A FRAME; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,941, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM LOCKABLE BY A CLOSURE SYSTEM; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/636,029, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHAFT INCLUDING A HOUSING ARRANGEMENT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,958, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SELECTIVELY ACTUATABLE ROTATABLE COUPLERS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,981, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING SHORTENED STAPLE CARTRIDGE NOSES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/636,009, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHAFT INCLUDING A CLOSURE TUBE PROFILE; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,663, entitled METHOD FOR ARTICULATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,530, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR WITH AXIALLY SHORTENED ARTICULATION JOINT CONFIGURATIONS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,549, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OPEN AND CLOSABLE JAWS AND AXIALLY MOVABLE FIRING MEMBER THAT IS INITIALLY PARKED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE JAWS PRIOR TO FIRING; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,559, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS CONSTRAINED TO PIVOT ABOUT AN AXIS UPON CONTACT WITH A CLOSURE MEMBER THAT IS PARKED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE PIVOT AXIS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,578, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH IMPROVED JAW APERTURE ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,594, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING DEVICES WITH PIVOTABLE ANVIL WITH A TISSUE LOCATING ARRANGEMENT IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO AN ANVIL PIVOT AXIS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,612, entitled JAW RETAINER ARRANGEMENT FOR RETAINING A PIVOTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT JAW IN PIVOTABLE RETAINING ENGAGEMENT WITH A SECOND SURGICAL INSTRUMENT JAW; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,621, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,631, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,521, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENT; 
     U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/609,083, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT; 
     U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/609,087, entitled SURGICAL FORMING ANVIL; 
     U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/609,093, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE; 
     U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/609,121, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT; 
     U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/609,125, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT; 
     U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/609,128, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT; and 
     U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/609,129, entitled DISPLAY SCREEN PORTION OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Jun. 27, 2017 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,024, entitled SURGICAL ANVIL MANUFACTURING METHODS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,035, entitled SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,046, entitled SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,054, entitled SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,068, entitled SURGICAL FIRING MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,076, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,090, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,099, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ANVILS; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,117, entitled ARTICULATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS. 
     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; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,230, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,221, entitled LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,209, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,198, entitled LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,240, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,939, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN; 
     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; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,943, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,950, entitled SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,945, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,946, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,951, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,953, entitled METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,954, entitled FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,955, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,948, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,956, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES; 
     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; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,947, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,896, entitled METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,898, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,899, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,901, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,902, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,904, entitled STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,905, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,907, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,908, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,909, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,920, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,913, entitled ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS; 
     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; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,893, entitled BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS; 
     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; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,927, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,917, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,900, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,931, entitled NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,915, entitled FIRING MEMBER PIN ANGLE; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,897, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,922, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,924, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS; 
     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; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,910, entitled ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,906, entitled FIRING MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,188, entitled STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,192, entitled STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,206, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,226, entitled DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,222, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,236, entitled CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; 
     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; 
     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; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,890, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS; 
     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; 
     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; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,894, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,895, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,916, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,918, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,919, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,921, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,923, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; 
     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; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,926, entitled AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; 
     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; 
     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; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,932, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,933, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK; 
     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; 
     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; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,936, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES. 
     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; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,807, entitled STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,834, entitled STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,788, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,818, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS. 
     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; 
     U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,227, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER; 
     U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,259, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE; and 
     U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,264, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE. 
     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 entirety: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325, entitled METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,321, entitled MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,326, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,263, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,262, entitled ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER; 
     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; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,258, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,300, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,210, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,324, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,339, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,253, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,304, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,331, entitled ANVIL MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,336, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,312, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,309, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,349, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL. 
     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 entirety: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,488, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,525, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS. 
     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 entirety: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT; 
     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; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATION SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS. 
     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 entirety: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,254, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,259, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,275, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS. 
     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 entirety: 
     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 entirety: 
     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. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256154; 
     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. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256071; 
     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. 9,985,148; 
     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 STAPLE/FASTENER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256160; 
     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 entirety: 
     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 entirety: 
     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. 9,897,000; 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 entirety: 
     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 entirety: 
     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. 9,629,623; 
     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 entirety: 
     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. Pat. No. 9,804,618; 
     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 entirety: 
     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 entirety: 
     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 STAPLE/FASTENER, 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 STAPLE/FASTENER, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,867,612; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586, entitled DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FORA 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 entirety: 
     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. 
     Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. 
     Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment”, or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment”, or “in an embodiment”, or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the 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 or more other embodiments without limitation. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. 
     The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term “proximal” referring to the portion closest to the clinician and the term “distal” referring 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 person of ordinary skill in the art 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, those of ordinary skill in the art 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 elongated 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. 
     A surgical stapling instrument  1000  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-17 . The stapling instrument  1000  comprises a shaft  1100 , an end effector  1200 , and an articulation joint  1300  rotatably connecting the end effector  1200  to the shaft  1100 . The articulation joint  1300  comprises an articulatable portion  1310  rotatably connected to a distal end  1110  of the shaft  1100  about a first articulation pivot  1320 . The articulatable portion  1310  is also rotatably connected to a proximal end  1210  of the end effector about a second articulation pivot  1330 . As a result, the articulatable portion  1310  is rotatable relative to a frame  1120  of the shaft  1100  about a first articulation axis AA 1  and the end effector  1200  is rotatable relative to the articulatable portion  1310  about a second articulation axis AA 2 . The stapling instrument  1000  further comprises an articulation drive system  1500  configured to articulate the end effector  1200  about the articulation joint  1300 . 
     Further to the above, the articulation drive system  1500  comprises first articulation drive cables  1520  attached to the first articulatable portion  1310  and second articulation drive cables  1530  attached to the proximal end  1210  of the end effector  1200 . The first articulation drive cables  1520  are operably coupled to one or more electric motors such that, when one of the first articulation drive cables  1520  is pulled proximally, the articulatable portion  1310  articulates in a first direction about the first articulation pivot  1320  and, when the other articulation drive cable  1520  is pulled proximally, the articulatable portion  1310  articulates in a second, or opposite, direction about the first articulation pivot  1320 . Similarly, the second articulation drive cables  1530  are operably coupled to one or more electric motors such that, when one of the second articulation drive cables  1530  is pulled proximally, the end effector  1200  articulates in a first direction about the second articulation pivot  1330  and, when the other articulation drive cable  1520  is pulled proximally, the end effector  1200  articulates in a second, or opposite, direction about the second articulation pivot  1330 . 
     The end effector  1200  comprises a first jaw  1220  and a second jaw  1230  which is rotatable relative to the first jaw  1220  about an axis of rotation, or closure axis, CA defined by a pivot  1240 . The first jaw  1220  comprises a channel configured to receive a staple cartridge  1400 , or any other suitable staple cartridge. The staple cartridge  1400  comprises a cartridge body  1422  ( FIG. 4 ) including staple cavities  1423  ( FIG. 4 ) defined therein, staples removably stored in the staple cavities  1423 , and staple drivers configured to support the staples and push the staples out of the cartridge body  1422  during a staple firing stroke. The second jaw  1230  comprises an anvil including staple forming pockets configured to deform the staples when the staples are ejected from the staple cartridge  1400  during the staple firing stroke. The staple cartridge  1400  comprises a tissue support surface  1421  and the second jaw  1230  comprises a tissue compression surface  1231  configured to compress the patient tissue between the jaws  1220  and  1230  when the second jaw  1230  is moved into its closed, or clamped, position. As described in greater detail below, the stapling instrument  1000  comprises a closure drive system  1600  configured to move the second jaw  1230  between an open, unclamped, position, and a closed, clamped, position. 
     Referring primarily to  FIGS. 7-9 , the closure drive system  1600  comprises a rotatable drive shaft  1610  which is driven by an electric motor operably coupled to the drive shaft  1610  by a flexible drive shaft  1910 . The flexible drive shaft  1910  extends through the shaft  1100  and the articulation joint  1300  such that a distal end of the flexible drive shaft  1910  is coupled to the closure drive shaft  1610  at a location which is distal with respect to the articulation joint  1300 , although the closure drive shaft  1610  can be coupled to the flexible drive shaft  1910  at any suitable location. The distal end of the flexible drive shaft  1910  comprises a hex-shaped recess which is configured to receive a hex-shaped lug extending proximally from the closure drive shaft  1610  such that the flexible drive shaft  1910  and the closure drive shaft  1610  rotate together; however, any suitable coupling between the shafts  1610  and  1910  could be used. 
     Further to the above, the closure drive system  1600  comprises a quick-closure system and a high-force closure system. Both the quick-closure system and the high-force closure system are configured to close the second jaw  1230 , but in different ways. Referring primarily to  FIG. 7 , the closure drive system  1600  comprises a quick-closure member  1630  and high-force closure member  1620 . The high-force closure member  1620  comprises a threaded aperture defined therein which is threadably engaged with the threads of the closure drive shaft  1610 . When the drive shaft  1610  is turned in a first direction, the drive shaft  1610  drives the high-force closure member  1620  proximally. The quick-closure member  1630  is not threadably engaged with the drive shaft  1610  and, when the drive shaft  1610  is turned in the first direction, the quick-closure member  1630  is pushed proximally by the high-force closure member  1620  via a spring  1640  positioned intermediate the high-force closure member  1620  and the quick-closure member  1630 . At the outset of the closing process, the quick-closure member  1630  is in direct contact with the second jaw  1230 , but the high-force closure member  1620  is not in direct contact with the second jaw. The quick-closure member  1630  comprises a proximal end  1632  and drive arms  1634  extending distally therefrom. Each of the drive arms  1634  comprises a drive pin  1639  extending inwardly into a drive recess  1239  defined in the second jaw  1230  such that, when the quick-closure member  1630  is pushed proximally by the high-force closure member  1620 , the quick-closure member  1630  rotates the second jaw  1230  into a closed position. As a result of this arrangement, the initial closing motion of the second jaw  1230  is caused by the quick-closure member  1630 . 
     Notably, further to the above, the spring  1640  compresses between the high-force closure member  1620  and the quick-closure member  1630  when the high-force as the closure member  1620  is driven proximally. The amount of relative motion between the high-closure member  1620  and the quick-closure member  1630  is a function of the spring constant of the spring  1640  and, in addition, the clamping load, or resistance, being applied to the tissue by the second jaw  1230 . As a result, the closed position of the second jaw  1230  at this stage of the closure stroke may vary depending on the thickness and/or density, for example, of the tissue positioned intermediate the second jaw  1230  and the staple cartridge  1400 . If thicker tissue is positioned between the second jaw  1230  and the staple cartridge  1400 , for instance, the tissue compression surface  1231  of the second jaw  1230  may not be parallel to the tissue support surface  1421  of the staple cartridge  1400 . If thinner tissue is positioned between the second jaw  1230  and the staple cartridge  1400 , the tissue compression surface  1231  of the second jaw  1230  may be parallel to, or past parallel with respect to, the tissue support surface  1421  of the staple cartridge  1400 . This variability is not concerning at this stage as the quick-closure system of the closure system  1600  is designed to give a rough approximation of the position of the second jaw  1230  on the patient tissue before the tissue is fully clamped by the high-load closure system and before the staples are fired by the staple firing system  1700 . 
     If the clinician desires to re-open the second jaw  1230 , further to the above, the clinician controls the electric motor to operate the electric motor in an opposite direction to rotate the closure drive shaft  1610  in an opposite direction. In such instances, the closure drive shaft  1610  drives the high-force closure member  1620  distally which relaxes, or lowers, the force within the spring  1640  to allow the second jaw  1230  to open, at least slightly. Moreover, in such instances, the high-force closure member  1620  can push the quick-closure member  1630  distally to push the second jaw  1230  into an open, or unclamped, position. More specifically, each of the drive arms  1634  of the quick-closure member  1630  comprises an inwardly extending tab  1635  which is contacted by the high-force closure member  1620  when the high-force closure member  1620  is retracted distally such that the high-force closure member  1620  directly, or positively, pushes the quick-closure member  1630  distally during an opening stroke. The clinician can open and close the second jaw  1230  as many times as desired in order to properly position the jaws of the stapling instrument  1000  on the patient tissue. Compared to the high-force closure system, which is discussed in greater detail below, the quick-closure system moves the second jaw  1230  quickly without having to apply large compressive, or clamping, loads to the patient tissue. 
     As outlined above, the closure drive shaft  1610  is rotated to drive the high-force closure member  1620  proximally to push the quick-closure member  1630  proximally and quickly close the second jaw  1230 . At this point, the high-force closure member  1620  is not in direct contact with the second jaw  1230 . Continued rotation of the closure drive shaft  1610 , however, brings the high-force closure member  1620  into contact with the second jaw  1230 . More specifically, the high-force closure member  1620  comprises cams  1625  defined thereon which are brought into contact with cam surfaces  1235  defined on the bottom of the second jaw  1230  and drive the second jaw  1230  into its closed position. Owing to the direct contact between the cams  1625  and the second jaw  1230 , the second jaw  1230  is positively positioned in its closed position. In such instances, as a result, the staple forming pockets defined in the second jaw  1230  are properly aligned with the staples in the staple cartridge  1400 . Also, as a result, a high clamping force is applied to the tissue clamped between the second jaw  1230  and the staple cartridge  1400 . At such point, the staple firing system  1700  can be operated to fire the staples from the staple cartridge  1400 . If, however, the clinician desires to re-open the second jaw  1230  instead, the closure drive shaft  1610  can be operated in the reverse direction to drive the high-force closure member  1620  distally to disengage the cams  1625  from the second jaw  1230  and, to fully open the second jaw  1230 , drive the quick-closure member  1240  distally as described above. The entire disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 9,585,658, entitled STAPLING SYSTEMS, which issued on Mar. 7, 2017, is incorporated by reference herein. 
     The staple firing system  1700  of the stapling instrument  1000  comprises a firing drive shaft  1710 . The proximal end of the firing drive shaft  1710  comprises a hex-shaped lug extending proximally that is operably engaged with a flexible rotatable firing drive shaft extending through the closure drive shaft  1610 ; however, any suitable coupling between the shafts  1610  and  1710  could be used. The flexible drive shaft is operably coupled to an electric motor which is operable independently of the closure motor such that the firing drive shaft  1710  is operable independently of the closure drive shaft  1610 . The staple firing system  1700  further comprises a firing member  1720  which includes a threaded nut  1730  threadably engaged with a threaded portion of the firing drive shaft  1710 . When the firing drive shaft  1710  is rotated in a first direction, the firing member  1720  is driven distally to perform the staple firing stroke. The firing member  1720  further comprises ramps  1740  which are configured to engage the drivers in the staple cartridge  1400  and eject the staples from the staple cartridge  1400  during the staple firing stroke. The firing member  1720  also comprises a tissue cutting knife  1750  which cuts the stapled tissue during the staple firing stroke. When the firing drive shaft  1710  is rotated in a second, or opposite, direction, the firing member  1720  is driven proximally. 
     As described above, referring primarily to  FIGS. 4 and 9 , the first jaw  1220  comprises a channel  1222  configured to receive the staple cartridge  1400 . The first jaw  1220  is pinned to the proximal end  1210  of the end effector  1200  by two pins  1214  such that there is no relative movement, or at least substantial relative movement, between the first jaw  1220  and the proximal end  1210 . The first jaw  1220  comprises a proximal end  1224  configured to receive a proximal end  1424  of the staple cartridge  1400  and a distal end  1226  configured to receive a distal end  1426  of the staple cartridge  1400 . In this embodiment, the distal end  1426  of the staple cartridge  1400  hangs over the distal end  1226  of the first jaw  1220  which provides a datum for properly positioning the distal end  1426  of the staple cartridge  1400  relative to the channel  1222 . The staple cartridge  1400  comprises a longitudinal slot  1428  defined in the cartridge body  1422  which is configured to receive a portion of the firing member  1420  therein. The first jaw  1220  further comprises a longitudinal slot  1229  defined therein which is aligned with the longitudinal slot  1428  when the staple cartridge  1400  is seated in the channel  1222 . The longitudinal slot  1228  is an internal slot defined in the bottom portion of the channel  1222  which is configured to receive a bottom cam  1729  of the firing member  1720  during the staple firing stroke. The first jaw  1220  further comprises a cap  1223  attached to the channel  1222  by welds, for example, which enclose the internal longitudinal slot  1228  of the channel  1222 . 
     As described above, the second jaw  1230  is rotatably mounted to the first jaw  1220  about a pivot  1240 . Referring primarily to  FIG. 9 , the second jaw  1230  comprises outwardly-extending pins  1237  which are closely received in slots  1227  defined in the first jaw  1220 . The pins  1237  are captured in the slots  1227  by retaining members  1225  press-fit onto the pins  1237  such that the pins  1237  can pivot within the slots  1227  but not translate within the slots  1227 . The second jaw  1230  further comprises an anvil body  1232 , a proximal end  1234 , and a distal end  1236 . Similar to the first jaw  1220 , the second jaw  1230  comprises an internal slot  1238  defined therein which is configured to receive a top cam  1728  of the firing member  1720  during the staple firing stroke. The second jaw  1230  further comprises a cap  1233  attached to the anvil body  1232  by welds, for example, which enclose the internal longitudinal slot  1238  of the anvil body  1232 . During the staple firing stroke, the top cam  1728  of the firing member  1720  engages the second jaw  1230  and the bottom cam  1729  engages the first jaw  1220 . As a result, the cams  1728  and  1729  co-operate to hold the second jaw  1230  in position relative to the first jaw  1220 . 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 8 , the stapling instrument  1000  further comprises a sensor system  1800  configured to assess the position of the firing member  1720 . The sensor system  1800  comprises a cable  1810  extending through the shaft  1100  which sheaths at least two conductors, or wires,  1820 . The wires  1820  form a circuit with a sensor  1830 , such as an RFID antenna, for example, which is in signal communication with a controller of the stapling instrument. The firing member  1720  comprises a detectable member, such as an RFID tag, for example, which is detectable by the sensor system  1800  when the firing member  1720  is in its proximal, unfired position. When the firing member  1720  is advanced distally during the staple firing stroke, the RFID tag is no longer detectable by the sensor system  1800  and the controller can determine that the staple firing stroke is in process or at least that the staple cartridge  1400  has been at least partially fired. The end effector  1200  further comprises a sensor support  1840  which supports the sensor  1830 . 
     A surgical instrument  32000  is illustrated in  FIGS. 73 and 74 . Similar to the above, the surgical instrument  32000  comprises an end effector  32200  and a closure system  32600 . The surgical instrument  32000  also comprises an end effector articulation system and a staple firing system, but these systems are not described herein for the sake of brevity. The end effector  32200  comprises a first jaw configured to receive a staple cartridge and, in addition, a second jaw  32230  comprising an anvil rotatably coupled to the first jaw about a pivot  32240 . The second jaw  32230  is movable from an open, or unclamped, position ( FIG. 73 ) to a closed, or clamped, position ( FIG. 74 ) by the closure system  32600 . The closure system  32600  comprises a rotatable drive shaft  32610  including a distal end rotatably supported within the first jaw by a bearing. The closure system  32600  further comprises a closure member, or nut,  32620  threadably engaged with a threaded portion of the rotatable drive shaft  32610 . When the drive shaft  32610  is rotated in a first direction, the closure member  32620  is driven proximally to close the end effector  32200  and, when the drive shaft  32610  is rotated in a second, or opposite, direction, the closure member  32620  is driven distally to open the end effector  32200 . The closure system  32600  further comprises a closure link  32630  which is pivotally mounted to the closure member  32620  about a pivot  32622  and pivotally mounted to the second jaw  32230  about a pivot  32632 . When the closure member  32620  is driven proximally, the closure link  32630  drives the proximal end  32234  of the second jaw  32230  upwardly to rotate the second jaw  32230  into its closed position, as illustrated in  FIG. 74 . Notably, the closure link  32630  is driven into an upright position in which the pivot  32632  is in-line with the pivot  32622  and, as a result, the closure link  32630  is locked in-phase providing a large amount of clamping force to the tissue captured between the second jaw  32230  and the first jaw. In this position, the tissue compression surface  32231  of the second jaw  32230  is parallel to the tissue support surface of the staple cartridge; however, this system can be arranged to overclamp the tissue by orienting the compression surface  32231  toward the staple cartridge when the second jaw  32230  is driven closed by the closure drive system  32600 . In any event, the link  32630  rotates quickly at the outset of the closure stroke as compared to the end of the closure stroke for a given speed of the closure drive shaft  32610 . This is due to the initial orientation of the closure link  32630  being relatively flat, or substantially in-line with the motion of the closure member  32620 , and the final orientation of the closure link  32630  being orthogonal, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the motion of the closure member  32620 . As a result, the initial motion of the second jaw  32230  toward the first jaw is fast as compared to the end of the closure stroke for a given speed of the closure drive shaft  32610 . When the closure member  32620  is driven distally, the closure member  32620  pulls the proximal end  32234  downwardly via the link  32640  to open the second jaw  32230 . 
     A surgical instrument  33000  is illustrated in  FIGS. 75 and 76 . The surgical instrument  33000  comprises an end effector  33200  and a closure system  33600 . The surgical instrument  33000  also comprises an end effector articulation system and a staple firing system, but these systems are not described herein for the sake of brevity. The end effector  33200  comprises a first jaw configured to receive a staple cartridge and, in addition, a second jaw  33230  comprising an anvil rotatably coupled to the first jaw about a pivot  33240 . The second jaw  33230  is movable from an open, or unclamped, position ( FIG. 75 ) to a closed, or clamped, position (FIG.  76 ) by the closure system  33600 . The closure system  33600  comprises a rotatable drive shaft  33610  including a distal end rotatably supported by the first jaw by a bearing. The closure system  33600  further comprises a closure member, or nut,  33620  threadably engaged with a threaded portion of the rotatable drive shaft  33610 . When the drive shaft  33610  is rotated in a first direction, the closure member  33620  is driven proximally to close the end effector  33200  and, when the drive shaft  33610  is rotated in a second, or opposite, direction, the closure member  33620  is driven distally to allow the end effector  32200  to be opened. The proximal end  33234  of the second jaw  33230  comprises a distal cam surface  33233  and a proximal cam surface  33235  which are sequentially engaged by the closure member  33620  during the closing stroke. Notably, the distal cam surface  33233  comprises a linear, or an at least substantially linear, angled surface. When the closure member  33620  contacts the distal cam surface  33233 , the closure member  33620  rotates the second jaw  33230  downwardly at a first rate. Similarly, the proximal cam surface  33235  comprises a linear, or an at least substantially linear, angled surface. When the closure member  33620  contacts the proximal cam surface  33235 , the closure member  33620  rotates the second jaw  33230  downwardly at a second rate which is faster than the first rate. As a result, the initial clamping motion of the second jaw  33230  is fast while the final clamping motion of the second jaw  33230  is slower. Moreover, the shallower cam angle of the proximal cam surface  33235  allows the second jaw  33230  to apply a large clamping force to the tissue during the final clamping motion of the second jaw  33230 . When the closure member  33620  is driven distally, the closure member  33620  is disengaged from the proximal cam surface  33235  and the distal cam surface  33233  such that the second jaw  33230  can be opened. In at least one embodiment, the second jaw  33230  is opened by a spring, for example, and/or by the staple firing system when the firing member is retracted. 
     A surgical instrument  34000  is illustrated in  FIGS. 77-80 . The surgical instrument  34000  comprises an end effector  34200  and a closure system  34600 . The surgical instrument  34000  also comprises an end effector articulation system and a staple firing system, but these systems are not described herein for the sake of brevity. The end effector  34200  comprises a first jaw  34220  configured to receive a staple cartridge and, in addition, a second jaw  34230  comprising an anvil rotatably coupled to the first jaw  34220  about a pivot  34240 . The second jaw  34230  is movable from an open, or unclamped, position ( FIG. 77 ) to a closed, or clamped, position ( FIG. 78 ) to an overclamped position ( FIG. 79 ) by the closure system  34600 . The closure system  34600  comprises a rotatable drive shaft  42610  ( FIG. 80 ) including a distal end rotatably supported by a bearing in the first jaw. The closure system  34600  further comprises a closure member, or nut,  34620  threadably engaged with a threaded portion of the rotatable drive shaft  34610  and a pivotable cam  34630  rotatably mounted to the closure member  34620  about a pin  34622 . When the drive shaft  34610  is rotated in a first direction, the closure member  34620  is driven proximally such that a cam surface  34633  defined on the cam  34630  and a cam surface  34625  defined on the closure member  34620  sequentially engage the second jaw  34230  to close the end effector  34200 . The second jaw  34230  comprises a first cam surface  34233  and a second cam surface  34235  defined thereon which are engaged by the cam surface  34633  and the cam surface  34625 , respectively. At the outset of the closure stroke, referring to  FIG. 78 , the cam  34630  engages the first cam surface  34233  on the second jaw  34230  to quickly pivot the second jaw  34230  into a closed, or clamped, position. At this point, however, the cam surface  34625  defined on the closure member  34620  is not yet in contact with the second cam surface  34235  defined on the second jaw  34230 . Further rotation of the closure drive shaft  34610  in the same direction, however, drives the closure member  34620  proximally to place the cam surface  34625  into contact with the cam surface  34235  on the second jaw  34230 . Concurrently, the cam  34630  is cammed downwardly out of contact with the second jaw  34230 . More specifically, referring primarily to  FIG. 80 , the cam  34630  comprises pins  34632  extending laterally therefrom which travel in slots  34222  defined in the first jaw  34220  and, owing to the contour of the slots  34222 , the cam  34630  is pulled downwardly out of contact with the second jaw  34230  as the closure member  34620  comes into contact with the second jaw  34230 . At such point, further rotation of the closure drive shaft  34610  in the same direction causes the closure member  34620  to drive the second jaw  34230  into its overclamped orientation as illustrated in  FIG. 79 . In this condition, the closure member  34620  is wedged between the first jaw  34220  and the second jaw  34230  and the position of the second jaw  34230  is positively set by the closure member  34620 . 
     When the closure drive shaft  34610  is rotated in a second, or opposite, direction, the closure member  34620  is driven distally to disengage the closure member  34620  from the second jaw  34230 . Moreover, in such instances, the pivotable cam  34630  is pivoted upwardly back into position owing to the interaction between the pins  34632  and the sidewalls of the slots  34222  in order to reset the cam  34630 . The closure system  34600  further comprises opening links  34640  which are pivotally mounted to the closure member  34620  about pivot pins  34624  and pivotally mounted to the second jaw  34230  about a pivot  34632 . When the closure member  34620  is driven distally, the opening links  34640  drive the proximal end  34234  of the second jaw  34230  downwardly to rotate the second jaw  34230  into its open position ( FIG. 77 ). Notably, the opening links  34640  each comprise a slot  34644  defined therein which permit the pivot pins  34624  to slide within the links  34640  and permit the relative movement between the opening links  34640  and the closure member  34620  during the closure stroke, discussed above. 
     A surgical instrument  35000  is illustrated in  FIGS. 81 and 82 . The surgical instrument  35000  comprises an end effector  35200 , a closure system  35600 , a staple firing system  34700 , and an end effector articulation system. Similar to the end effector  34200 , the end effector  35200  comprises a first jaw  34220  and a second jaw  34230 . The first jaw  34220  is configured to receive a staple cartridge  34400 , or any other suitable staple cartridge. The second jaw  34230  is pivotable relative to the first jaw  34220  about a pivot  34240  between an open position and a closed position by the closure system  35600 . The closure system  35600  comprises a rotatable drive shaft  35610  and a closure member, or nut,  35620  threadably engaged with a threaded portion of the drive shaft  35610 . When the drive shaft  35610  is rotated in a first direction, the closure member  35620  is driven proximally into contact with the second jaw  34230  to close the second jaw  34230 . The closure system  35600  further comprises an opening link  35460  rotatably mounted to the closure member  35620  about a pin  35622  extending into a slot  35642  defined in the opening link  35460 . The opening link  35460  is also pivotably mounted to the second jaw  35230  about a pin  25232  such that, when the drive shaft  35610  is rotated in an opposite direction and the closure member  35620  is driven distally, the closure member  35630  pulls the second jaw  35230  into an open position by pulling on the opening link  35460 . Notably, the closure member  35630  applies an opening force to the second jaw  34230  at a different location than which it applies the closing force. Once the second jaw  35230  has been closed, or at least suitably closed, a rotatable drive shaft  34710  of the staple firing system  34700  that is driven to perform a staple firing stroke in accordance with a manner described elsewhere herein. 
     A surgical instrument  36000  is illustrated in  FIGS. 83-86 . The surgical instrument  36000  comprises an end effector  36200 , a closure system  36600 , a staple firing system  36700 , and an end effector articulation system. The end effector  36200  comprises a first jaw  36220  and a second jaw  36230 . The first jaw  36220  is configured to receive a staple cartridge while the second jaw  36230  is pivotable relative to the first jaw  36220  about a pivot  36240  between an open position and a closed position by the closure system  36600 . The closure system  36600  comprises a rotatable drive shaft  36610  and a closure member, or nut,  36620  threadably engaged with a threaded portion of the drive shaft  36610 . When the drive shaft  36610  is rotated in a first direction, the closure member  36620  is driven proximally into contact with a cam surface  36235  defined on the second jaw  36230  to close the second jaw  36230 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 83 and 84 . The surgical instrument  36000  further comprises an opening member  36630  configured to bias the second jaw  36230  into an open position. The opening member  36630  is pushed against the second jaw  36320  by an opening spring  36640  positioned intermediate the opening member  36630  and the frame of the end effector  36200 . As a result, the proximal motion of the closure member  36620  opposes, and overcomes, the opening force being applied to the second jaw  36320  by the opening member  36630  as the closure member  36620  closes the second jaw  36230 . When the closure member  36620  is driven distally, however, the opening force being applied to the second jaw  36320  by the opening member  36630  can push the second jaw  36230  open. In some instances, however, the opening force being applied by the opening member  36630  may not be sufficient to open, or at least sufficiently open, the second jaw  36230 , as illustrated in  FIG. 85 . Such instances can arise when the spring constant of the opening spring  36640  is low. In any event, referring to  FIG. 86 , the continued distal movement of the closure member  36320  brings the closure member  36320  into contact with the opening member  36630  and drives the opening member  36630  to positively open the second jaw  36230 . As a result, the retraction of the closure member  36620  can unstick the second jaw  36230  when the opening spring  36640  isn&#39;t strong enough to push the second jaw  36230  open. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 83-86 , the staple firing system  36700  comprises a rotatable drive shaft. The staple firing system  36700  comprises an I-beam portion  36720 , a threaded portion  36730 , and a sled portion  36740 . The threaded portion  36730  is threadably coupled to the firing drive shaft and the I-beam portion  36720  is fixedly mounted to the threaded portion  36730 . As a result, the I-beam portion  36720  moves with the threaded portion  36730  when the threaded portion  36730  is driven proximally and distally by the firing drive shaft. Moreover, the I-beam portion  36720  and the threaded portion  36730  co-operate to hold the first jaw  36220  and the second jaw  36230  in position relative to one another during the staple firing stroke. More specifically, the threaded portion  36730  comprises a first cam  36739  which engages the first jaw  36220  and the I-beam portion  36720  comprises a second cam  36729  which engages the second jaw  36230  during the staple firing stroke. The first jaw  36220  comprises an internal slot  36229  defined therein configured to receive the first cam  36739  and, similarly, the second jaw  36230  comprises an internal slot  36239  defined therein configured to receive the second cam  36729 . The staple firing system  36700  further comprises a sled  36740  which is pushed distally by the threaded portion  36730 . The sled  36740  is configured to engage the staple drivers contained within a staple cartridge and drive the staples out of the staple cartridge during the staple firing stroke. The I-beam portion  36720  comprises a knife edge  36750  which is configured to cut the tissue being stapled. Notably, the knife edge  36750  is positioned proximally behind the sled  36740  such that the knife edge  36750  does not cut unstapled tissue. In any event, the sled  36740  is not attached to the threaded portion  36730  and, as a result, the sled  36740  does not return proximally with the I-beam portion  36720  and the threaded portion  36370  when the threaded portion  36370  is driven proximally after the staple firing stroke. Instead, the sled  36740  is left behind wherever the staple firing stroke ends. 
     A staple firing system  37700  of a stapling instrument  37000  is illustrated in  FIGS. 87-90 . Similar to the staple firing system  36700 , the staple firing system  37700  comprises an I-beam portion  37720 , a threaded portion  37730 , and a sled portion  37740 . The threaded portion  37730  is threadably coupled to the firing drive shaft via a threaded aperture  37732  and the I-beam portion  37720  is fixedly mounted to the threaded portion  37730 . Referring primarily to  FIG. 89 , the I-beam portion  37720  and the threaded portion  37730  comprise interlocking tabs  37724  and  37734 , respectively, which secure the I-beam portion  33720  to the threaded portion  37730 . In at least one instance, the interlocking tabs  37724  and  37734  are press-fit into an interlocking relationship. As a result, the I-beam portion  37720  moves with the threaded portion  37730  when the threaded portion  37730  is driven proximally and distally by the firing drive shaft. 
     Similar to the above, the I-beam portion  37720  and the threaded portion  37730  co-operate to hold the first jaw  36220  and the second jaw  36230  in position relative to one another during the staple firing stroke. More specifically, the threaded portion  37730  comprises a first cam  37739  which engages the first jaw  36220  and the I-beam portion  37720  comprises a second cam  37729  which engages the second jaw  36230  during the staple firing stroke. The first jaw  36220  comprises an internal slot  36229  defined therein configured to receive the first cam  37739  and, similarly, the second jaw  36230  comprises an internal slot  36239  defined therein configured to receive the second cam  37729 . When the assembly comprising the I-beam portion  37720  and the threaded portion  37730  is in its proximal, unfired position ( FIG. 87 ), the first cam  37739  is at least partially positioned in the first internal slot  36229  and the second cam  37729  is positioned in an enlarged chamber  36237  defined in the second jaw  36230  that leads into the second internal slot  36239 . The enlarged chamber  36237  permits the second jaw  36230  to be opened and closed without interference from the I-beam portion  37720 . Moreover, the I-beam portion  37720  comprises a notch, or recess,  37722  defined therein which is configured to receive a pivot pin  36242  connecting the second jaw  36230  to the first jaw  36220  when the I-beam portion  37720  is in its proximal-most position. The notch  37722  permits the I-beam portion  37720  to be in a very proximal position which can, as described above, provide clearance for the pivotable second jaw  36230  and also allow the end effector  37200  to be shorter thereby allowing the end effector  37200  to be inserted into smaller spaces. In fact, the sidewall of the notch  37722  can be in contact with the pivot pin  36242  when the I-beam portion  37720  is in its proximal unfired position. 
     Further to the above, referring primarily to  FIG. 88 , the staple firing system  37700  further comprises a sled  37740  which is mounted to the threaded portion  37730  such that the sled  37740  travels distally and proximally with the threaded portion  37730  during the staple firing stroke and the retraction stroke, respectively. In use, referring primarily to  FIG. 87 , a replaceable staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge  37400 , for example is positioned over the sled  37740  when the staple cartridge  37400  is seated in the first jaw  36220 . The staple cartridge  37400  comprises a cartridge body  37420  ( FIG. 87 ), staples  37410  ( FIG. 88 ) removably stored in the cartridge body  37420 , and staple drivers  37430  positioned within the cartridge body  37420  which support and drive the staples  37410  toward the anvil portion of the second jaw  36230  during the staple firing stroke. The sled  37740  comprises ramps  37742  defined thereon which engage the staple drivers  37430  to lift the staples  37410  toward the second jaw  36230 . Notably, the staple cartridge  37400  further comprises a sled portion  37440  which is stored within the cartridge body  37420  and pushed distally by the I-beam portion  37720  during the staple firing stroke. The sled portion  37440  comprises ramps  37442  which align with the ramps  37742  on the sled  37740  at the outset of the staple firing stroke and co-operate with the ramps  37742  to fully drive the staple drivers  37430  and fully form, or fire, the staples  37410  during the staple firing stroke. As will be described in greater detail below in connection with different embodiments, the sled portion  37440  comprises a tissue cutting knife  37452  that rotates between an undeployed position in which the knife edge of the tissue cutting knife  37452  is positioned below the deck, or top surface, of the cartridge body  37420 —as illustrated in  FIG. 87 , and a deployed position in which the knife edge extends above the deck. The tissue cutting knife is rotated about a pivot  37452  by the firing assembly when the firing assembly contacts, or picks up, the sled portion  37440  at the outset of the staple firing stroke. Notably, the sled portion  37440  in the staple cartridge  37400  is not retracted with the sled  37740  during the retraction stroke. Instead, the sled portion  37440  is left behind at the end of the staple firing stroke. The entire disclosures of U.S. Pat. No. 10,105,142, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER WITH PLURALITY OF CUTTING ELEMENTS, which issued on Oct. 23, 2018, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,788,835, entitled DEVICES AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING EJECTION OF SURGICAL FASTENERS FROM CARTRIDGES, which issued on Oct. 17, 2017, are incorporated by reference herein. 
     As described above in connection with  FIGS. 83 and 84 , and now in connection with  FIGS. 144,144A, 145, and 145A , the closure member  36620  of the closure drive  36600  is driven proximally into contact with a cam surface  36235  defined on the second jaw  36230  to close the second jaw  36230 . As also described above, and referring to  FIG. 146 , a firing assembly including the I-beam portion  37720  and the threaded portion  37730  is driven distally during the staple firing stroke such that the cam  37739  travels within the longitudinal slot  36229  defined in the first jaw  36220  and the cam  37729  travels within the longitudinal slot  36239 . In various instances, the second jaw  36230  is closed by the closure system  36600  and then the staple firing system  37700  is actuated. In such instances, the end effector closing operation and the staple firing operation are performed sequentially. In other instances, both the end effector closing system and the staple firing system are operated at the same time. In at least one such instance, the end effector closing system is used to close the second jaw  36230  and then the staple firing system is used to fire the staples from the staple cartridge  37400 . During the staple firing stroke, however, the end effector closing system is also actuated to decrease and/or maintain the distance, or tissue gap, between the second jaw  36230  and the staple cartridge  37400  during the staple firing stroke. In at least one instance, the end effector jaw closure system  37600  is used to move the second jaw  36320  into an overclamped position, i.e., an orientation in which the second jaw  36320  is tipped toward, or past parallel with respect to, the staple cartridge  36400  during the staple firing stroke.  FIGS. 147-149  illustrate the progression of the second jaw  36230  from an open position ( FIG. 147 ), a parallel clamped position ( FIG. 148 ), and an overclamped position ( FIG. 149 ). In  FIG. 148 , the tissue gap between the bottom, or tissue compression surface, of the second jaw  36230  and the top surface, or deck, of the staple cartridge  36400  is the same, or at least substantially the same, between the proximal end and the distal end of the end effector  37200 . In this instance, the tissue gap distance is approximately 6 mm, for example, but any suitable tissue gap distance could be used. In  FIG. 149 , it can be seen that the distal end  36234  of the second jaw  36230  is closer to the distal end  37424  than the parallel position of  FIG. 148  indicating an overclamped position. In this instance, the second jaw  36230  is overclamped by approximately 3 degrees, for example, but any suitable amount of overclamping could be used. Placing the second jaw  36230  in an overclamped position can allow the second jaw  36230  to resist opening forces created by the staple deformation and/or compensate for internal deflection of the second jaw  36230  during the staple firing stroke. 
     The above-provided discussion is graphically depicted in the graph  37900  of  FIG. 150 . The graph  37900  comprises a bottom portion  37980  which depicts the motion of the closure drive  36600  and the staple firing drive  37700  and a top portion  37990  which depicts the force loads experienced by the closure drive  36600  and the staple firing drive  37700 . With regard to the top portion  37990  of the graph  37900 , the force load within the closure drive  36600  is depicted by trace  36690  and the force load within the firing drive  37700  is depicted by trace  37790 . In fact, the trace  36690  splits into a first portion  36690 ′ to depict the scenario when the closure drive  36600  is not actuated during the staple firing stroke and a second portion  36690 ″ to depict the scenario when the closure drive  36600  is actuated during the staple firing stroke. These two different operational scenarios of the closure drive  36600  are reflected in two different operational scenarios within the trace  37790  of the staple firing drive  37700 . More specifically, the trace  37790  splits into a first portion  37790 ′ which corresponds to the first portion  36690 ′ of the closure drive and a second portion  37790 ″ which corresponds to the second portion  37790 ″. The first portion  37790 ′ depicts that the staple firing load is higher when the closure drive  36600  is not actuated during the staple firing stroke and the second portion  37790 ″ depicts that the staple firing load is lower when the closure drive  36600  is actuated during the staple firing stroke. To this end, operating the closure drive  36600  during the staple firing stroke is also reflected in the bottom portion  37980  of the graph  37900 . The motion of the second jaw  36230  is depicted by the motion trace  36680  which, similar to the above, splits into a first portion  36680 ′ which corresponds to the force traces  36690 ′ and  37790 ′, discussed above, and a second portion  36680 ″ which corresponds to the force traces  36690 ″ and  37790 ″, also discussed above. When the closure drive  36600  is not operated during the staple firing stroke, the second jaw  36230  is maintained in a parallel, or an at least substantially parallel, orientation as depicted by the motion trace  36680 ′. When the closure drive  36600  is operated during the staple firing stroke, the second jaw  36230  is moved into an overclamped orientation as depicted by the motion trace  36680 ″. Notably, these two operational possibilities are not reflected in the motion trace  37780  of the staple firing drive  37700 . Stated another way, the motion of the staple firing drive  37700  can be independent of the operation of the closure drive  36600 . 
     In various instances, further to the above, the staple firing drive  37700  can be used to close the second jaw  36230 . In at least one such instance, the staple firing drive  37700  can be used to advance the firing assembly distally such that the cams  37729  and  37739  co-operate to pull the second jaw  36230  toward its closed position at the same time that the closure drive  36600  is being operated to close the second jaw  36230 . In at least one other instance, the staple firing drive  37700  can be used to advance the firing assembly distally to close the second jaw  36230  without the assistance of the closure drive  36600 . Given that the closure drive  36600  and the staple firing drive  37700  can be operated sequentially and/or at the same time, the closure drive  36600  and the staple firing drive  37700  are each operated by a separate electric motor. In at least one instance, the stapling instrument  37000  is attached to a robotic surgical instrument comprising a first electric motor for driving the closure drive  36600  and a second electric motor for driving the staple firing drive  37700 . In at least one other instance, the stapling instrument  37000  comprises a handheld stapling instrument including a handle comprising a first electric motor operably engaged with the closure drive  36600  and a second electric motor operably engaged with the staple firing drive  37700 . 
     An end effector  49200  of a surgical instrument  49000  is illustrated in  FIGS. 151 and 152 . The end effector  49200  comprises a first jaw  49220  and a second jaw  49230  pivotably attached to the first jaw  49220 . The surgical instrument  49000  further comprises an articulation joint about which the end effector  49200  can be rotated. Various articulation joints are described elsewhere herein. The various configurations, or closure states, of the end effector  49200  are depicted at the top of  FIG. 153 . The second jaw  49230  is movable between an open position by a closure drive  49600  in which there is an approximately 30 degree angle, or jaw aperture, for example, between the jaws  49220  and  49230 , a partially closed position, a parallel position, and an overclamped position in which there is approximately −1 to −3 degree angle, for example, between the jaws  49220  and  49230 . The fully-open position of the second jaw  49220  establishes an operating condition  49610 , the closing of the second jaw  49220  establishes an operating condition  49620 , the parallel position of the second jaw  49230  establishes an operating condition  49630 , and the overclamped position of the second jaw  49220  establishes an operating condition  49640 . The closure drive  49600  comprises an electric motor which is controlled by a control system of the surgical instrument  49000 . The closure drive  49600  comprises a closure member which, similar to the above, is retracted proximally by the closure motor to close the second jaw  49230 . The distance in which the closure member is retracted is depicted by the trace  49680  and the motion of the closure member corresponds to the closure states of the end effector  49200  depicted at the top of  FIG. 153 . Notably, the closure system  49600  enters into a wait period, or dwell, once the second jaw  49230  has reached its parallel position during the operating condition  49630 . Similarly, the closure system  49600  enters into a wait period, or dwell, in operating condition  49650 . The second jaw  49230  is then opened during operating condition  49660 . 
     The surgical instrument  49000  further comprises a staple firing system  49700  and an articulation drive system  49800 . The staple firing system  49700  and the articulation drive system  49800  are operated by the same electric motor which is shifted between a first operating state to drive the articulation drive system  49800  and a second operating state to drive the staple firing system  49700 . In various instances, the electric motor comprises a transmission which is electronically shifted and/or mechanically shifted to place the electric motor in its first operating state and its second operating state. During the operating conditions  49610  and  49620 , the electric motor is in its first operating state and, as a result, the end effector  49200  is articulatable while it is open and/or while it is being closed. Once the end effector  49200  is closed in operating condition  49630 , however, the electric motor is shifted into its second operating state. In such instances, the end effector  49200  is locked into its articulated position, whatever that may be, and then the electric motor is powered down. By locking the end effector  49200  into position before powering down the electric motor, sudden jerking movements of the end effector  49200  can be prevented. Stated another way, if the end effector  49200  is experiencing resistance to its articulation from the tissue T, for example, and the electric motor is powered down before the end effector  49200  is locked in position, the end effector  49200  may unexpectedly articulate, or de-articulate. The full-powered condition of the articulation system  49800  is depicted by condition  49810  in  FIG. 153  and the ramp-down condition of the articulation system  49800  is depicted by condition  49820 . 
     Once the electric motor is shifted into its second condition, the staple firing drive  49700  is actuatable to perform a staple firing stroke. The staple firing drive  49700  comprises a firing member which is advanced distally during the staple firing stroke and then retracted proximally after the staple firing stroke. The motion of the firing member is depicted by the motion trace  49780  in  FIG. 153 . Moreover,  FIG. 153  depicts that the electric motor is powered up during operating condition  49710  before the staple firing system  49700  is unlocked and then powered to perform the staple firing stroke during operating condition  49730 . The force load experienced by the firing member is depicted by the force trace  49790  which shows that the firing member experiences a high load during the staple firing stroke and then a much lower load as the firing member is being retracted during operating condition  49730 . After the firing member has been retracted, the staple firing system  49700  is locked and the electric motor is then powered down during the operating condition  49740 . Similar to the above, locking the firing drive before de-powering the electric motor reduces the possibility of sudden jerks within the staple firing system  49700 . At such point, the electric motor is switched back into its first operating state, the electric motor is re-powered, and the articulation drive system  49800  is unlocked during an operating state  49830 . Notably, the operating state  49830  in which the end effector  49200  can be articulated and the operating state  49660  in which the end effector  49200  can be opened overlap. 
     Further to the above, the surgical instrument  49000  comprises one or more position sensors to determine the position of the closure member of the closure system  49600  and/or the position of the second jaw  49230 . The surgical instrument  49000  further comprises one or more position sensors to determine the position of the firing member of the staple firing system  49700 . The surgical instrument  49000  comprises an electric circuit configured to assess the current drawn by the electric motor of the closure drive system  49600  to evaluate the force load experienced by the closure member of the closure drive system  49600 . The surgical instrument  49000  further comprises an electric circuit configured to assess the current drawn by the second electric motor used to drive the staple firing system  49700  to assess the firing load experienced by the firing member of the staple firing system  49700 . All of these sensors and circuits are in communication with the control system of the surgical instrument  49000 . With this information, the control system can determine when certain operational states have been reached. For instance, when the control system determines that the second jaw  49230  has reached its parallel position, the control system can stop the closure motor as part of the operational state  49630 . At such point, the control system can monitor the force load within the closure drive system  49600  until the force load falls below a threshold and, at that point, determine that the operational state  49630  is over and signal to the user of the surgical instrument  49000  that an optimal condition for performing the staple firing stroke has been reached. 
     As discussed above, the electric motor used to drive the articulation drive system  49800  and the firing drive system  49700  is shiftable between a first operating state and a second operating state. In at least one embodiment, the closure drive  49600  can be used to shift this electric motor between its first and second operating states. The entire disclosures of International Patent Publication WO2015/153642, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION, which published on Oct. 8, 2015, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,726, entitled ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, which issued on May 31, 2016, are incorporated by reference herein. 
     A staple firing system  38700  is illustrated in  FIGS. 91-96 . The staple firing system  38700  comprises a rotatable drive shaft and a firing member threadably engaged with the drive shaft. The staple firing system  38700  further comprises a drive portion  38730  and a sled portion  38740 . The sled portion  38740  comprises at least one push surface  38741  defined on the proximal side thereof which is contacted by the firing member when the firing member is advanced distally during a staple firing stroke. The sled portion  38740  also becomes attached to the firing member by lock arms  38734  when the firing member is moved distally into contact with the sled portion  38740 . At least initially, the sled portion  38740  moves relative to the drive portion  38370 . At such point, as described in greater detail below, the sled portion  38740  and the drive portion  38370  are advanced distally together such that ramps  38742  defined on the sled portion  38740  fire the staples from the staple cartridge during the staple firing stroke. The staple firing system  38700  further comprises a tissue cutting knife  38750  rotatably mounted to the drive portion  38730  about a pivot pin  38752 . 
     The tissue cutting knife  38750  is rotatable between an undeployed position ( FIG. 94 ) and a deployed position ( FIG. 93 ) at the outset of the staple firing stroke. The sled portion  38740  is movable distally relative to the drive portion  38730 , at least initially, until a cam surface  38746  defined in the sled portion  38740  contacts the tissue cutting knife  38750 , as illustrated in  FIG. 93 , and rotates the tissue cutting knife  38750  upwardly into its deployed position. The cam surface  38746  is curved, or arcuate, to facilitate the rotation of the tissue cutting knife  38750  about the pivot pin  38752 , although any suitable configuration could be used. When the tissue cutting knife  38750  contacts a shoulder  38748  defined on the sled portion  38740 , the tissue cutting knife  38750  stops rotating and, instead, the distal motion of the sled portion  38740  is transferred to the drive portion  38730  through the tissue cutting knife  38750 . At such point, the drive portion  38730  and the sled portion  38740  translate distally together to perform the staple firing stroke with the tissue cutting knife  38750  in its deployed position. In fact, the sled portion  38740  holds the tissue cutting knife  38750  in its deployed position during the staple firing stroke. Notably, a knife edge  38751  of the tissue cutting knife  38750  extends above the sled portion  38740  when the tissue cutting knife  38750  is in its deployed position ( FIG. 93 ) and does not extend above the sled portion  38740  when the tissue cutting knife  38750  is in its undeployed position ( FIG. 94 ). 
     At the end of the staple firing stroke, or after the staple firing stroke has been stopped, further to the above, the rotatable drive shaft is rotated in the opposite direction and the firing member of the staple firing system  38700  is driven in the opposite direction. When the firing member is retracted, the firing member pulls the sled portion  38740  proximally owing to the lock arms  38734  attaching the sled portion  38740  to the firing member. That said, the initial retraction motion of the firing member and the sled portion  38740  does not translate the drive portion  38730  proximally. Instead, the initial retraction motion of the sled portion  38740  rotates the tissue cutting knife  38750  back down into its undeployed position, as illustrated in  FIG. 94 . Thereafter, referring to  FIGS. 95 and 96 , the proximal movement of sled portion  38740  stops owing to the detachment of the sled portion  38740  from the firing member. More specifically, the proximal-extending stop arms  38744  of the sled portion  38740  engage the cartridge body  38420  and prevent the sled portion  38740  from being retracted with the firing member. At such point, the lock arms  38734  of the sled portion  38740  decouple from the firing member leaving the sled portion  38740  and the drive portion  38730  in their fired positions. Such an arrangement prevents the spent staple cartridge  38400  from being used again. As a result, the spent staple cartridge  38400  must be replaced with an unspent staple cartridge in order to use the surgical instrument once again. That said, other spent cartridge lockout systems could be used which could permit the return of the sled portion  38740  after the staple firing stroke so long as a spent staple cartridge could not be re-fired. 
     A staple firing system  39700  is illustrated in  FIGS. 97-103 . The staple firing system  39700  comprises a firing bar  39720  which is translatable distally through a staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge  39400 , for example, to perform a staple firing stroke. The firing bar  39720  comprises a first cam  39278  which engages a first jaw and a second cam  39279  which engages a second jaw during the staple firing stroke to hold the first and second jaws together. The staple firing system  39700  further comprises a sled  39740  which is pushed distally by the firing bar  39720  during the staple firing stroke. The sled  39740  comprises a proximal push surface  39741  which is contacted by a distal push surface  39271  on the firing bar  39720 . The sled  39740  further comprises a central body  39743  and ramps  39742  extending from the central body  39743 . 
     Further to the above, the staple firing system  39700  further comprises a tissue cutting knife  39750  and a knife retractor  39730 . The tissue cutting knife  39750  comprises a base  39754  positioned within a recess  39744  defined in the sled  39740  and a knife body  39753  including a knife edge  39751 . The knife retractor  39730  comprises lock arms  39732  which engage shoulders  39722  defined in the firing bar  39720  and a cross-bar  39733  connecting the distal ends of the lock arms  39732 . Referring to  FIG. 98 , the sled  39740 , the tissue cutting knife  39750 , and the knife retractor  39730  are stored in a cartridge body  39420  of the staple cartridge  39400  such that, when the staple cartridge  39400  is inserted into the first jaw, the lock arms  39732  of the knife retractor  39730  attach to the firing bar  39720  and the knife body  39753  of the tissue cutting knife  39750  abuts a distal push surface  39723  ( FIG. 97 ) defined on the firing bar  39720 . At this point, the knife edge  39731  extends above the top surface, or deck, of the cartridge body  39420 , but is covered by rails  39425  extending upwardly from the cartridge body  39420  such that the knife edge  39731  is not exposed when the staple firing system  39700  is in its unfired condition. 
     When the staple firing system  39700  is advanced distally to perform the staple firing stroke, referring to  FIG. 99 , the firing bar  39720  contacts and pushes the sled  39740  and the tissue cutting knife  39750  distally. Notably, referring to  FIG. 100 , the sled  39740  passes over a projection  39222  extending from the first jaw at the outset of the staple firing stroke. The projection  39222  comprises a proximal-facing ramp that permits the sled  39740  to pass thereover. Throughout the staple firing stroke, the knife retractor  39730  extends in front of the tissue cutting knife  39750 . After the staple firing stroke has been completed, or is otherwise stopped, referring to  FIG. 101 , the firing bar  39720  is retracted to its unfired position. In such instances, the knife retractor  39730  contacts the tissue cutting knife  39750  to pull the tissue cutting knife  39750  and the sled  39740  proximally. Notably, the base  39754  of the tissue cutting knife  39750  initially slides within the sled recess  39744  when the tissue cutting knife  39750  is pulled proximally, i.e., until the knife base  39754  contacts the proximal end of the sled recess  39744 . At such point, the tissue cutting knife  39750  and the sled  39740  move proximally together until the sled  39740  reaches the projection  39222  extending from the first jaw, as illustrated in  FIG. 102 . The projection  39222  stops the proximal movement of the sled  39740  and, as a result, the continued proximal retraction of the firing bar  39720  rotates the tissue cutting knife  39750  proximally until the tissue cutting knife  39750  is completely retracted below the deck of the cartridge body  39420 . At such point, the spent staple cartridge  39400  can be safely removed from the first jaw and replaced with another staple cartridge. 
     A stapling instrument  40000  comprising a staple cartridge  40400  and a staple firing system  40700  is illustrated in  FIGS. 104-113 . Referring primarily to  FIG. 104 , the staple firing system  40700  comprises a firing bar  40720 , a sled  40740  movable distally by the firing bar  40720  during a staple firing stroke, and a tissue cutting knife  40750  rotatably mounted to the sled  40740  about a pivot  40752 . That said, the sled  40740  and the tissue cutting knife  40750  are positioned in the staple cartridge  40400  and are presented in front of the firing bar  40720  when the staple cartridge  40400  is seated in the stapling instrument  40000 . When the firing bar  40720  is advanced distally to perform a staple firing stroke, as illustrated in  FIG. 105 , the firing bar  40720  contacts the tissue cutting knife  40750 . As the firing bar  40720  is moved further distally, referring to  FIGS. 106 and 107 , the firing bar  40720  rotates the tissue cutting knife  40750  from an undeployed position ( FIGS. 104 and 105 ) to a deployed position in which the knife edge  40751  of the tissue cutting knife  40750  is exposed above the top, or deck, of a cartridge body  40420  of the staple cartridge  40400 . The tissue cutting knife  40750  comprises an arcuate cam surface  40754  defined on the proximal side thereof which is contacted by an arcuate cam recess  40724  defined in the firing bar  40720  which rotates the tissue cutting knife  40750  into its deployed position. When the tissue cutting knife  40750  is in its deployed position, as illustrated in  FIG. 107 , a lock tab  40753  extending from the tissue cutting knife  40750  is received in a lock recess, or catch,  40723  defined in the firing bar  40720  which stops the rotation of the tissue cutting knife  40750  in its deployed position. Moreover, a stop tab  40755  extending from the tissue cutting knife  40750  is seated on a top surface  40745  of the sled  40740  when the tissue cutting knife  40750  is in its deployed position. In any event, at such point, referring to  FIG. 108 , the firing bar  40720  can push the tissue cutting knife  40740  and the sled  40750  through the staple firing stroke. Referring to  FIG. 113 , a center portion  40743  of the sled  40740  and a bottom portion of the tissue cutting knife  40750  travel within a longitudinal slot  40423  defined in the cartridge body  40420  of the staple cartridge  40400 . 
     After the staple firing stroke, or after the staple firing stroke has been stopped, referring to  FIGS. 109-112 , the firing bar  40720  can be retracted into its unfired position. In such instances, the firing bar  40720  pulls proximally on the lock tab  40753  of the tissue cutting knife  40750  which causes the tissue cutting knife  40750  to rotate toward its undeployed position. The cartridge body  40420  of the staple cartridge  40400  comprises angled ridges  40425  extending into the longitudinal slot  40423  which are configured to guide the tissue cutting knife  40750  back into its retracted position when the firing bar  40720  is retracted proximally. The tissue cutting knife  40750  comprises pins  40752  extending from the lateral sides thereof which engage the ridges  40425  when the tissue cutting knife  40750  is rotated backwards into the longitudinal slot  40423 . Moreover, in various embodiments, the engagement between the pins  40752  and the ridges  40425  can prevent the tissue cutting knife  40750  from being retracted proximally altogether. In such instances, referring to  FIG. 112 , the firing bar  40720  becomes decoupled from the tissue cutting knife  40750  and, as a result, the firing bar  40720  does not retract the tissue cutting knife  40750  and the sled  40740 . Instead, the tissue cutting knife  40750  and the sled  40740  remain in their fired position, but with the tissue cutting knife  40750  in its undeployed position which permits the spent staple cartridge  40400  to be safely removed from the stapling instrument  40000 . 
     A stapling instrument  41000  comprising an end effector  41200  and a staple firing system  41700  is illustrated in  FIGS. 114-120 . Referring primarily to  FIG. 114 , the end effector  41200  comprises a first jaw  41220  and, in addition, a second jaw  41230  rotatably mounted to the first jaw  41220 . The second jaw  41230  is rotatable between an open, unclamped position ( FIG. 114 ) and a closed, clamped position ( FIG. 115 ) by a closure system of the stapling instrument  41000 . The first jaw  41220  comprises a longitudinal slot defined therein which is configured to receive a portion of the staple firing system  41700 . Similarly, the second jaw  41230  comprises a longitudinal slot  41239  defined therein which is configured to receive a portion of the staple firing system  41700 . The first jaw  41220  is configured to receive a staple cartridge  41400  therein which comprises a cartridge body  41420 , staples removably stored in staple cavities defined in the cartridge body  41420 , and staple drivers movably positioned in the cartridge body  41420  which are configured to eject the staples out of the cartridge body  41420  during a staple firing stroke. 
     The staple firing system  41700  comprises a rotatable drive shaft  41710  and a firing nut  41720  threadably engaged with a threaded portion of the drive shaft  41710 . Similar to the above, the firing nut  41720  is advanced distally when the drive shaft  41710  is rotated in a first direction and retracted proximally when the drive shaft  41710  is rotated in a second, or opposite, direction. The staple firing system  41700  further comprises a clamping member  41730 , a sled  41740  movable distally during the staple firing stroke to push the staple drivers and the staples toward staple forming pockets defined in the second jaw  41230 , and a tissue cutting knife  41750  rotatably mounted to the sled  41740 . Referring primarily to  FIG. 114 , the clamping member  41730  is retained in the second jaw, or anvil,  41230 . More specifically, lateral cams  41739  extending from the clamping member  41730  are contained in the longitudinal slot  41239  defined in the second jaw  41230  such that the clamping member  41730  moves with the second jaw  41230 . Thus, when the second jaw  41230  is in an open position, as illustrated in  FIG. 114 , the clamping member  41730  is in an elevated position and, when the second jaw  41230  is in a closed position as illustrated in  FIG. 115 , the clamping member  41730  is in a lowered position. When the clamping member  41730  is in its elevated position, the clamping member  41730  is not engaged with the firing nut  41720 . When the clamping member  41730  is in its lowered position, however, the clamping member  41730  is engaged with the firing nut  41720 . When the clamping member  41730  is in its lowered position, the firing nut  41720  and the clamping member  41730  can be advanced distally to perform a staple firing stroke. The entire disclosures of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249928, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUS, which published on Sep. 1, 2016, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018/0168650, entitled CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DISPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which published on Jun. 21, 2018, are incorporated by reference herein. 
     Further to the above, the clamping member  41730  comprises a recess  41732  defined therein which is configured to receive a top portion  41722  of the firing nut  41720  when the clamping member  41730  is lowered onto the firing nut  41720 , as illustrated in  FIG. 115 . Moreover, the clamping member  41730  further comprises a hook  41734  which is received in a recess  41754  defined in the tissue cutting knife  41750  when the clamping member  41730  is lowered onto the firing nut  41720 . When the firing nut  41720  is advanced distally, referring to  FIGS. 116 and 117 , the firing nut  41720  pushes the clamping member  41730  distally which abuts the sled  41740  to push the sled  41740  through the staple firing stroke. The clamping member  41730  also abuts the tissue cutting knife  41750  to support the tissue cutting knife  41750  during the staple firing stroke and prevent the tissue cutting knife  41750  from rotating backward, or proximally, when the tissue cutting knife  41750  is cutting the tissue. When the drive shaft  41710  is rotated in the opposite direction, referring to  FIG. 118 , the firing nut  41720  is driven proximally which pushes the clamping member  41730  proximally. In such instances, the hook  41734  of the clamping member  41730  contacts the proximal end of the tissue cutting knife  41750  which rotates the tissue cutting knife  41750  backwardly so that the clamping member  41730  can decouple from the tissue cutting knife  41750 . At such point, referring to  FIG. 119 , the firing nut  41720  and the clamping member  41730  are returned back to their proximal, unfired positions while the sled  41740  and the tissue cutting knife  41750  remain behind in their fired positions. Notably, the knife edge  41751  of the tissue cutting knife  41750  is extending above the deck, or top, of the cartridge body  41420  when the tissue cutting knife  41750  is left behind; however, in other embodiments, the knife edge  41751  is recessed entirely below the deck of the cartridge body  41420  when the tissue cutting knife  41750  is rotated backwardly. In any event, referring to  FIG. 120 , the second jaw  41230  can be re-opened once the firing nut  41720  and the clamping member  41730  have been returned to their proximal, unfired position. 
     As discussed above, the sled  41740  and the tissue cutting knife  41750  are left behind in their fired positions after the staple firing stroke, or after the staple firing stroke is stopped. In some instances, the tissue cutting knife  41750  may not decouple from the clamping member  41730 .  FIG. 121  illustrates an embodiment which can assist in holding the sled  41740  and the tissue cutting knife  41750  in their fired positions.  FIG. 121  illustrates a staple cartridge  42400  and a jaw  42220  configured to receive the staple cartridge  42400 . The jaw  42220  comprises a bottom support  42225  and two lateral up-standing walls  42223 . The staple cartridge  42400  comprises a cartridge body  42420  that is positioned between the lateral walls  42223  and, in addition, a sled  42440  translatable within the cartridge body  42420 . The cartridge body  42420  comprises staple cavities defined therein with staples removably stored in the staple cavities. The cartridge body  42420  further comprises a longitudinal slot  42426  defined therein which is configured to receive a central portion  42446  of the sled  42440 . The cartridge body  42420  further comprises projections  42429  which extend inwardly from the sidewalls of the longitudinal slot  42426  which can inhibit or prevent the proximal movement of the sled  42440 . More specifically, each projection  42429  comprises a proximal-facing ramp which permits the sled  42440  to pass thereby during the staple firing stroke and a distal-facing shoulder which stops the proximal movement of the sled  42440 . The projections  42429  are arranged longitudinally within the longitudinal slot  42426  such that a projection  42429  can stop the proximal movement of the sled  42440  regardless of where the staple firing stroke is stopped. 
     Further to the above, referring again to  FIG. 121 , the cartridge body  42420  also comprises longitudinal slots  42427  defined therein which are configured to receive the lateral staple-deploying ramps  42447  of the sled  42440 . Similar to the above, the cartridge body  42420  further comprises projections  42426  which extend inwardly from the sidewalls of the longitudinal slots  42427  which can inhibit or prevent the proximal movement of the sled  42440 . More specifically, each projection  42428  comprises a proximal-facing ramp which permits the sled  42440  to pass thereby during the staple firing stroke and a distal-facing shoulder which stops the proximal movement of the sled  42440 . The sled  42240  comprises hooks  42248  extending from the rails  42447  which can abut the distal-facing shoulders of the projections  42428  when the sled  42240  is moved proximally. The projections  42428  are arranged longitudinally within the longitudinal slots  42427  such that a projection  42428  can stop the proximal movement of the sled  42440  regardless of where the staple firing stroke is stopped. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the jaw  42220  comprises projections  42224  extending upwardly from the bottom support  42225  which are configured to interact with a bottom portion  42445  of the sled  42440 . Each projection  42224  comprises a proximal-facing ramp which permits the sled  42440  to pass thereby during the staple firing stroke and a distal-facing shoulder which stops the proximal movement of the sled  42440 . 
     A surgical stapling instrument  43000  is illustrated in  FIGS. 122-128 . The surgical instrument  43000  comprises an end effector  43200  including a first jaw  43220  and a second jaw  43230 , a replaceable staple cartridge  43400  positioned in the first jaw  43220 , and a staple firing drive  43700 . The staple cartridge  43400  comprises a cartridge body  43420  and a sled  43440  positioned within the cartridge body  43420  which is slideable from a proximal position ( FIG. 122 ) toward a distal position during a staple firing stroke. The sled  43440  comprises ramps configured to engage staple drivers within the cartridge body  43420  to eject the staples from the staple cartridge  43400 . The sled  43440  also comprises a tissue cutting knife  43450  fixedly attached thereto. When the sled  43440  is in its proximal unfired position, referring to  FIG. 122 , the knife edge of the tissue cutting knife  43450  is positioned between lateral knife guards  43425  extending upwardly from the deck, or top, of the cartridge body  43420 . When the sled  43440  is advanced distally during the staple firing stroke, the knife edge of the tissue cutting knife  43450  is exposed to the patient tissue captured between the jaws  43220  and  43230 . As described in greater detail below, the sled  43440  is movable distally by a firing bar  43720  of the staple firing system  43700 . The entire disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 8,540,133, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE, which issued on Sep. 24, 2013 is incorporated by reference herein. 
     When the second jaw  43230  is in an open position, an unspent staple cartridge  43400  is insertable into the first jaw  43220 . When the unspent staple cartridge  43400  is fully seated in the first jaw  43220 , the sled  43440  of the unspent staple cartridge  43400  compresses a spent cartridge lockout  43290  mounted to the bottom of the first jaw  43220 . The spent cartridge lockout  43290  comprises a folding spring, for example, with one side mounted to the first jaw  43220  and the other side extending upwardly which is contacted by the sled  43220 . Once the spent cartridge lockout  43290  has been depressed, or defeated, by the sled  43220 , the firing bar  43720  can be advanced distally to couple the firing bar  43720  with the sled  43440 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 123 and 124 . More specifically, the firing bar  43720  comprises a latch  43730  rotatably mounted thereto which becomes latched to the sled  43440  when the firing bar  43720  is advanced distally and the spent cartridge lockout  43290  has been pushed downwardly out of the way by the sled  43440 . The latch  43730  comprises a distal latch end  43731  which engages a latch recess  43441  defined in the sled  43440  and, once coupled, the firing bar  43720  is pushed distally to push the sled  43440  through the staple firing stroke. Notably, the firing bar  43720  comprises a first cam  43728  configured to engage the first jaw  43220  and a second cam  43729  configured to engage the second jaw  43230  during the staple firing stroke to hold the jaws  43220  and  43230  in position relative to one another. Also notably, the spent cartridge lockout  43290  is configured to resiliently return to its locked condition after the sled  43440  has been pushed distally off of the spent cartridge lockout  43290 —but it does not impede the current staple firing stroke in such instances because the spent cartridge lockout  43290  has already been bypassed by the unspent staple cartridge  43400 . 
     After the staple firing stroke has been completed, or after the staple firing stroke has been stopped, the firing bar  43720  is retracted back into its proximal unfired position. As the firing bar  43720  is being retracted, referring to  FIG. 125 , the latch  43730  pulls the sled  43440  proximally with the firing bar  43720 . As the firing bar  43720  nears its proximal unfired position, the latch  43730  is decoupled from the sled  43740 . More specifically, referring to  FIG. 126 , the latch  43730  contacts the spent cartridge lockout  43290  which lifts the distal latch end  43731  of the latch  43730  out of the latch recess  43441  defined in the sled  43440 . At such point, the sled  43440  is no longer retracted with the firing bar  43720 . In fact, the sled  43440  is not fully retracted in such circumstances. Instead, referring to  FIG. 127 , the sled  43440  is left in a partially advanced, or fired, position, in which the sled  43440  is not sitting on the spent cartridge lockout  43290  (but is in a position in which the knife edge of the tissue cutting knife  43750  is protected by the knife guards  43425 ). As a result, the spent cartridge lockout  43290  remains in its locked position until the spent staple cartridge  43400  is removed from the first jaw  43220  and replaced with an unspent staple cartridge  43400 , or another suitable unspent staple cartridge. In the event that the firing bar  43720  were to be advanced distally once again before the spent staple cartridge  43400  is replaced, referring to  FIG. 128 , the latch  43730  would contact the staple cartridge lockout  43290  and the distal progression of the firing bar  43720  would be stopped. As a result, the spent cartridge lockout  43290  prevents a staple firing stroke of the staple firing system  43700  if an unspent staple cartridge  43400  is not seated in the first jaw  43220 . 
     In addition to or in lieu of the above, any suitable spent cartridge lockout could be used with any of the embodiments disclosed herein. For instance, an electronic spent cartridge lockout could be used. In at least one such embodiment, a stapling instrument comprises an electric motor configured to drive the staple firing system  43700 , a controller including a microprocessor configured to control the electric motor, and a sensor in communication with the controller configured to detect the presence of an unspent staple cartridge in the first jaw  43220 . The sensor could be configured to detect the presence of the sled  43440  in its proximal unfired position, for example. Notably, the spent cartridge lockout  43290  of the stapling instrument  43000  also serves as a missing cartridge lockout. If a staple cartridge is missing from first jaw  43220  altogether, the staple firing stroke of the staple firing system  43700  would be prevented by the spent cartridge lockout  43290  in the same, or similar, way. 
     Portions of a stapling instrument  44000  are illustrated in  FIGS. 129-133 . The stapling instrument  44000  comprises a staple cartridge  44400  and a staple firing drive  44700 . The staple cartridge  44400  comprises a cartridge body  44420  including staple cavities  44424  and a longitudinal slot  44426  defined therein, staples removably stored in the staple cavities  44424 , and a tissue cutting knife  44450  stored in the proximal end of the cartridge body  44420 . The tissue cutting knife  44450  comprises a portion slidably positioned in the longitudinal slot  44426  and a knife edge  44451  that extends above the cartridge body  44420 . When the tissue cutting knife  44450  is in a proximal unfired position, referring to  FIGS. 129 and 130 , the knife edge  44451  is positioned between knife guards  44425  extending upwardly from the cartridge body  44420  such that the knife edge  44451  is not exposed. When the staple cartridge  44400  is loaded into the stapling instrument  44000 , the tissue cutting knife  44450  is positioned in front of a firing member  44720  of the staple firing drive  44700 . At such point, a gap is present between the firing member  44720  and the tissue cutting knife  44450  and the firing member  44720  is not connected to the tissue cutting knife  44450 . When the firing member  44720  is advanced distally, however, the firing member  44720  connects to the tissue cutting knife  44450 . More specifically, the tissue cutting knife  44450  comprises proximally-extending latch arms  44452  which are biased inwardly into lock recesses  44722  defined on opposite sides of the firing member  44720  by the sidewalls of the longitudinal slot  44426  when the firing member  44720  contacts the tissue cutting knife  44450  and initially advances the tissue cutting knife  44450  distally. At such point, referring to  FIG. 131 , the tissue cutting knife  44450  is attached to the firing member  44720  and the tissue cutting knife  44450  and the firing member  44720  are advanced distally together through a staple firing stroke as illustrated in  FIG. 132 . Advancing the tissue cutting knife  44450  distally moves the knife edge  44451  out from between the knife guards  44425  and exposes the tissue cutting knife  44450  to the tissue. Moreover, the firing member  44720  comprises an integral sled  44740  which is configured to engage staple drivers in the staple cartridge  44400  and eject the staples from the staple cavities  44424  during the staple firing stroke. 
     After the staple firing stroke has been completed, or after the staple firing stroke has been stopped, the firing member  44720  is retracted back into is proximal unfired position. In such instances, the firing member  44720  pulls the tissue cutting knife  44450  proximally. When the tissue cutting knife  44450  is returned to its proximal unfired position, the knife edge  44451  is positioned between the knife guards  44425 . Moreover, referring to  FIG. 133 , the tissue cutting knife  44450  releases from the firing member  44720  when the tissue cutting knife  44450  is returned to its proximal position. More specifically, referring to  FIG. 130 , the latch arms  44452  resiliently spring outwardly owing to the clearances provided by recesses  44422  defined in the cartridge body  44420  when the tissue cutting knife  44450  reaches its proximal position. Once the tissue cutting knife  44450  is detached from the firing member  44720 , the firing member  44720  is moved proximally into its unfired position. In various instances, the proximal movement of the tissue cutting knife  44450  is stopped when the tissue cutting knife  44450  abuts a proximal shoulder or wall in the cartridge body  44420 . In such instances, the firing member  44720  can pull away from the latch arms  44452  if the latch arms  44452  are still partially engaged with the lock recesses  44722  defined in the firing member  44720 . 
     A surgical instrument  45000  is illustrated in  FIGS. 134-138 . Referring primarily to  FIG. 134 , the surgical instrument  45000  comprises an end effector  45200  including a first jaw  45220  and a second jaw, or anvil,  45230  rotatable relative to the first jaw  45220  about a pivot pin  45240  between an open, unclamped position and a closed, clamped position. The surgical instrument  45000  further comprises a jaw closure system  45600  configured to close the second jaw  45230 . More specifically, the jaw closure system  45600  comprises a closure member  45620  movable proximally to cam the second jaw  45230  downwardly toward its closed position. The surgical instrument  45000  further comprises a staple firing system  45700  including a rotatable drive shaft  45710  and a firing member  45720  threadably engaged with the drive shaft  45710  which is movable distally during a staple firing stroke. The first jaw  45220  is configured to receive a replaceable staple cartridge  45400  therein which comprises a cartridge body  45420 , staples removably stored in the cartridge body  45420 , and staple drivers configured to support and drive the staples out of the cartridge body  45420  during the staple firing stroke. The staple cartridge  45400  further comprises a sled  45440  movable from a proximal unfired position to a distal fired position by the firing member  45720  to push the staple drivers upwardly within the cartridge body  45420  toward the top, or deck, of the cartridge body  45420  during the staple firing stroke. 
     Further to the above, the surgical instrument  45000  further comprises a lockout assembly  45900  configured to prevent the second jaw  45230  from being fully closed and prevent the firing member  45720  from being advanced distally through a staple firing stroke if the staple cartridge  45400  is missing from the first jaw  45220  or the staple cartridge  45400  positioned in the first jaw  45220  has been previously fired. Referring primarily to  FIGS. 135 and 136 , the lockout assembly  45900  comprises a frame  45910 , an anvil closure lockout  45920 , and a staple firing lockout  45930 . The frame  45910  is fixedly mounted to the first jaw  45220  and is positioned underneath the pivot pin  45240 , but could be positioned in any suitable location. The anvil closure lockout  45920  is rotatably mounted to the frame  45910  about a pivot  45922  and is rotatable between a locked position ( FIG. 135 ) and an unlocked position ( FIGS. 137 and 138 ) about the pivot  45922 . The anvil closure lockout  45920  comprises a proximal end  45924  and a distal end  45926 . The proximal end  45924  of the anvil closure lockout  45920  comprises a latch releasably engaged with a latch shoulder  45624  defined on the closure member  45620  when the anvil closure lockout  45920  is in its locked position ( FIG. 135 ). In such instances, the anvil closure lockout  45920  prevents the closure member  45620  from moving proximally to close the second jaw  45230 . When a staple cartridge  45400  is inserted into the first jaw  45220 , however, the proximal end of the cartridge body  45420  contacts the distal end  45926  of the anvil closure lockout  45920  and rotates the anvil closure lockout  45920  into its unlocked position, as illustrated in  FIG. 137 . In such instances, the proximal end  45924  of the anvil closure lockout  45920  is disengaged from the closure member  45620  and the closure member  45620  can be moved proximally to close the second jaw  45230 . In fact, the anvil closure lockout  45920  remains unlocked so long as the staple cartridge  45400  is seated in the first jaw  45220  and, as a result, the second jaw  45230  can be opened and closed by a clinician, as many times as desirable, so long as the staple cartridge  45400  is seated in the first jaw  45220 . Once the staple cartridge  45400  is removed, however, the anvil closure lockout  45920  automatically re-locks. More specifically, the lockout assembly  45900  comprises a biasing spring  45940  positioned intermediate the anvil closure lockout  45920  and the staple firing lockout  45930  which is compressed when the anvil closure lockout  45920  is rotated into its unlocked position and, when the staple cartridge  45400  is removed, the biasing spring  45940  resiliently returns the anvil closure lockout  45920  back into its locked position. 
     The stapling firing lockout  45930  is rotatably mounted to the frame  45910  about a pivot  45932  and is rotatable between a locked position ( FIG. 135 ) and an unlocked position ( FIG. 137 ) about the pivot  45932 . The staple firing lockout  45930  comprises a proximal end  45934  and a distal end  45936 . The distal end  45936  of the staple firing lockout  45930  comprises a latch releasably engaged with the firing member  45720  when the staple firing lockout  45930  is in its locked position ( FIG. 135 ). In such instances, the staple firing lockout  45930  prevents the firing member  45720  from moving distally to perform the staple firing stroke. When an unspent staple cartridge  45400  is inserted into the first jaw  45220 , however, the sled  45440  of the staple cartridge  45400  contacts the distal end  45936  of the staple firing lockout  45930  and rotates the staple firing lockout  45930  into its unlocked position, as illustrated in  FIG. 137 . In such instances, the distal end  45936  of the staple firing lockout  45930  is disengaged from the firing member  45720  and the firing member  45720  can be moved distally to perform the staple firing stroke. Once the sled  45440  is advanced distally, however, the staple firing lockout  45930  automatically re-locks. More specifically, the biasing spring  45940  positioned intermediate the anvil closure lockout  45920  and the staple firing lockout  45930  is compressed when the staple firing lockout  45930  is rotated into its unlocked position and, when the sled  45440  is advanced distally, the biasing spring  45940  resiliently returns the staple firing lockout  45930  back into its locked position. As a result, the staple firing lockout  45930  is rotated back into its locked position when the sled  45440  is advanced distally through its staple firing stroke by the firing member  45720 . This is immaterial, at this point, because the firing member  45720  has already been advanced distally and the staple firing lockout  45930  can no longer stop the staple firing stroke. Notably, though, the sled  45440  is not returned proximally by the firing member  45720  after the staple firing stroke and, when the firing member  45720  is returned back to its proximal unfired position, the staple firing lockout  45930  is biased in front of the firing member  45720  by the biasing spring  45940  such that a subsequent firing stroke of the firing member  45720  isn&#39;t possible until the spent staple cartridge  45400  is replaced with an unspent staple cartridge  45400 . The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,108, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN RFID SYSTEM, filed on Jun. 30, 2019, is incorporated by reference herein. 
     A staple cartridge  46400  is illustrated in  FIGS. 139-143 . The staple cartridge  46400  comprises a cartridge body  46420 , staples removably stored in the cartridge body  46420 , staple drivers configured to support and drive the staples out of the cartridge body  46420 , and a sled  46440  configured to push the staple drivers upwardly toward the top, or deck, of the cartridge body  46420  during a staple firing stroke. The sled  46440  comprises ramps, or rails,  46442  configured to engage the staple drivers which are slideably positioned in longitudinal slots  46422  defined in the cartridge body  46420 . The sled  46440  further comprises a central portion  46446  which is slideably positioned in a central longitudinal slot  46426  defined in the cartridge body  46420 . The sled  46440  is moveable from a proximal unfired position to a distal fired position during the staple firing stroke in which the sled  46440  is pushed distally by a staple firing system. After the staple firing stroke, or after the staple firing stroke has been stopped, the staple firing system is operated in reverse to reset the staple firing system. In such instances, the staple firing system pulls the sled  46440  proximally toward its proximal unfired position; however, the sled  46440  is stopped before it reaches its proximal unfired position, as described in greater detail below. At such point the staple firing system detaches from the sled  46440  such that the sled  46440  remains behind in a partially fired position. 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 139 , further to the above, the staple cartridge  46400  further comprises a spent cartridge lock  46490  rotatably mounted to the cartridge body  46420  about a pin  46425 . Referring primarily to  FIG. 140 , the spent cartridge lock  46490  comprises a trippable portion  46497  extending into an aperture  46447  defined in the sled  46440  when the spent cartridge lock  46490  is in its unlocked position ( FIG. 140 ). When the sled  46440  is advanced distally, as illustrated in  FIG. 141 , an end wall of the aperture  46447  defined in the sled  46440  contacts the trippable portion  46497  of the spent cartridge lock  46490  and rotates the spent cartridge lock  46490  into a locked position ( FIG. 142 ). In the locked position of the spent cartridge lock  46490 , referring to  FIG. 142 , a lock portion  46495  of the spent cartridge lock  46490  is positioned in a lock aperture  46427  defined in the cartridge body  46420 . When the sled  46440  is retracted after the staple firing stroke, further to the above, the proximal motion of the sled  46440  is blocked by the lock portion  46495  which prevents the sled  46440  from being returned to its proximal unfired position. Instead, the sled  46440  remains in a retracted, but spent, position. In co-operation with a staple firing lockout in the surgical instrument, the staple firing system is prevented from advancing the sled  46440  out of its retracted spent position. The entire disclosures of U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,649, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,921, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM, U.S. Pat. No. 6,959,852, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH MULTISTROKE FIRING INCORPORATING AN ANTI-BACKUP MECHANISM, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,057, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING A FIRING MECHANISM HAVING A LINKED TRANSMISSION, are incorporated by reference herein. In such embodiments, the firing bar of the staple firing system must engage the sled  46440  at the outset of the staple firing stroke in order to pass over a staple firing lockout defined in the first jaw  46220  and, if the firing bar does not engage the sled  46440  at the outset of the staple firing stroke, the firing bar abuts the staple firing lockout and the firing bar is blocked from performing the staple firing stroke. As a result of this arrangement, a spent cartridge cannot be accidentally re-used. In order to re-use the stapling instrument, the spent staple cartridge  46400  must be removed and replaced with an unspent staple cartridge  46400 , or any other suitable unspent staple cartridge. 
     Referring to  FIG. 57 , an end effector of a stapling instrument comprises a staple cartridge  30220  and an anvil  30230 . The anvil  30230  is movable relative to the staple cartridge  30220  between an open, unclamped, position and a closed, clamped, position. The staple cartridge  30220  comprises a cartridge body  30222  including a proximal end  30224 , a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal end  30224  and the distal end. The cartridge body  30222  further comprises a longitudinal slot  30228  extending from the proximal end  30224  toward the distal end and, in addition, staple cavities  30223  arranged in longitudinal rows on opposite sides of the longitudinal slot  30228 . A staple, or any other suitable fastener, is removably stored in each staple cavity  30223 . 
     Further to the above, the stapling instrument comprises a cartridge jaw configured to receive the staple cartridge  30220 . The cartridge jaw and/or the staple cartridge  30220  comprise features configured to releasably retain the staple cartridge  30220  in the cartridge jaw. In various instances, the staple cartridge  30220  comprises snap-fit features at the proximal end  30224  and at the distal end of the staple cartridge body  30222  which releasably hold the staple cartridge  30220  in the cartridge jaw, for example. In various instances, referring to  FIG. 58 , the proximal end of the staple cartridge  30220  may not be fully seated, or not snapped into place, within the cartridge jaw when the staple cartridge  30220  is inserted into the cartridge jaw. In such instances, the proximal end  30224  of the cartridge body  30222  may be higher than the distal end resulting in a tilted deck between the proximal end  30224  and the distal end. A clinician can correct this condition by pushing down on the proximal end  30224  of the cartridge body  30222  to fully seat the proximal end  30234 —if they notice it. If not, the stapling instrument has a self-correcting feature which fully seats the staple cartridge  30220  in the cartridge jaw, as discussed in greater detail below. 
     The cartridge body  30222  comprises projections  30225  extending upwardly from the proximal end  30224  of the cartridge body  30222 . A first projection  30225  extends upwardly from a first side of the longitudinal slot  30228  and a second projection  30225  extends upwardly from a second side of the longitudinal slot  30228 . Each projection  30225  includes an alignment post  30227  extending therefrom which is configured to be received within an alignment slot  30237  defined in the anvil  30230  when the anvil  30230  is moved into its clamped position. If the staple cartridge  30220  is not properly seated in the cartridge jaw when the anvil  30230  is moved into is clamped position, as illustrated in  FIG. 58 , the anvil  30230  will contact the alignment posts  30227  and push downwardly onto the staple cartridge  30220  until the staple cartridge  30220  is seated in the cartridge jaw. On the other hand, if the staple cartridge  30220  is properly seated in the cartridge jaw, the alignment slots  30237  can receive the alignment posts  30227  without pushing down on the staple cartridge  30220 . Advantageously, this arrangement assures that tissue support surface  30221  of the staple cartridge  30220  and the tissue support surface  30231  of the anvil  30230  are properly aligned when the anvil  30230  is in its clamped position. Moreover, this arrangement assures that the staples stored within the staple cartridge  30220  are properly aligned with the staple forming pockets defined in the anvil  30230  when the anvil  30230  is in its clamped position. 
     Further to the above, referring to  FIGS. 59 and 60 , the staple cartridge  30220  can further comprise one or more crush ribs  30229  extending from each of the projections  30225 . The crush ribs  30229  are sized and configured such that the anvil  30230  contacts the staple cartridge  30220  whether or not the staple cartridge  30220  is properly, or improperly, seated in the cartridge jaw. When the anvil  30230  is moved into its clamped position, the anvil  30230  contacts the crush ribs  30229  and permanently deforms them. In such instances, as a result, a snug interface is created between the staple cartridge  30220  and the anvil  30230 . Such an arrangement can account for the various manufacturing tolerances of the staple cartridge  30220  and the anvil  30230 , among others. Moreover, the crush ribs  30229  and the alignment posts  30227  can work co-operatively align the anvil  30230  with the staple cartridge  30220 . For instance, the alignment posts can provide a gross alignment between the anvil  30230  and the staple cartridge  30220  while the crush ribs  30229  can provide a fine alignment between the anvil  30230  and the staple cartridge  30220 . 
     Further to the above, the staple cartridge  30220  and/or the staple firing drive of the stapling instrument comprises a tissue cutting knife translatable from the proximal end  30224  of the cartridge body  30222  toward the distal end  30226  during a staple firing stroke to eject the staples from the cartridge body  30222 . During the staple firing stroke, a knife edge of the tissue cutting knife extends above the top surface  30221  of the cartridge body  30222  to cut the tissue clamped between the staple cartridge  30220  and the anvil  30230 . In various instances, absent more, the knife edge would be exposed above the top surface  30221  when the staple cartridge  30220  is not positioned in the cartridge jaw if the tissue cutting knife is part of the staple cartridge  30220  and/or when the staple cartridge  30220  is positioned in the cartridge jaw and the anvil is in an open, or unclamped, position. With this in mind, the projections  30225  are sized and configured to extend above and cover the knife edge when the tissue cutting member is in its proximal, unfired position. Moreover, the projections  30225  are sized and configured to extend longitudinally with respect to the knife edge when the tissue cutting member is in its proximal, unfired position. When the tissue cutting member is moved distally during the staple firing stroke, the knife edge moves distally out from between the projections  30225  and becomes exposed. 
     A staple cartridge  31220  and an anvil  31230  are depicted in  FIGS. 61-64  which are similar to the staple cartridge  30220  and the anvil  30230  in many respects. The staple cartridge  31220  comprises a cartridge body  31222  comprising a proximal end  31224  which, similar to the above, will be pushed into its fully seated position by the anvil  31230  when the anvil  31230  is moved into its clamped position. The cartridge body  31222  comprises projections  31225  extending upwardly from the proximal end  31224  of the cartridge body  31222 . Similar to the above, the projections  31225  flank the longitudinal slot  30228  and each comprise an alignment post  31227  extending therefrom. The alignment posts  31227  are configured to be received within alignment slots  31237  defined in the anvil  31230  when the anvil  31230  is moved into is clamped position. The alignment posts  31227  further comprises crush ribs  31229  extending therefrom which are crushed by the anvil  31230  when the anvil  31230  is overclamped ( FIG. 64 ) past a parallel position ( FIG. 63 ) to seat the staple cartridge  31220  if it has not yet been seated. 
     A staple cartridge  32220  and an anvil  32230  are depicted in  FIGS. 65-68  which are similar to the staple cartridges  30220 ,  31220  and the anvils  30230 ,  31230  in many respects. The staple cartridge  32220  comprises a cartridge body  32222  comprising a proximal end  32224  which, similar to the above, will be pushed into its fully seated position by the anvil  32230  when the anvil  32230  is moved into its clamped position. The cartridge body  32222  comprises cams  32227  extending upwardly from the proximal end  32224  of the cartridge body  32222 . Similar to the above, the cams  32227  flank the longitudinal slot  30228  and each comprise an arcuate profile. The cams  32227  are configured to be engaged by corresponding cams  32237  extending from the anvil  32230  when the anvil  32230  is moved into is clamped position to seat the staple cartridge  32220  if the staple cartridge  32220  has not yet been seated. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 71 and 72 , a staple cartridge  48400  comprises a cartridge body including staple cavities  48425  defined therein. Referring to  FIGS. 69 and 70 , an anvil  48230  is rotatably mounted to a jaw supporting the staple cartridge  48400  about pivot pins  48240 . The anvil  48230  comprises staple forming pockets  48235  defined therein which are aligned with the staple cavities  48245  when the anvil  48230  is closed. More specifically, each staple forming pocket  48235  is aligned with a corresponding staple cavity  48245  such that the staple ejected from the staple cavity  48245  is deformed by its corresponding forming pocket  48235 . In at least one instance, each forming pocket  48235  comprises two forming cups, each of which being configured to deform a leg of the staple. 
     A staple cartridge  10000  is illustrated in  FIG. 18 . The staple cartridge  10000  further comprises a deck surface  10010  and a base  10015 . A sidewall  10020  extends between the deck surface  10010  and the base  10015 . The staple cartridge  10000  further comprises an elongate slot  10006  extending from a proximal end  10002  toward a distal end  10004 . A longitudinal axis is defined along the staple cartridge  10000  by the elongate slot  10006 . The staple cartridge  10000  comprises staple cavities defined therein. The staple cavities are arranged in three longitudinal rows. A first row of staple cavities  10100  extends alongside the elongate slot  10006 . A second row of staple cavities  10200  extends alongside the first row of staple cavities  10100  on the same side of the elongate slot  10006 . A third row of staple cavities  10300  extends alongside the second row of staple cavities  10200 . 
     Staple drivers  10500  are movably positioned within the staple cavities  10100 ,  10200 ,  10300 . More specifically, the staple drivers  10500  are configured to move from an unfired position to a fired position during a staple firing stroke. Each staple driver  10500  comprises a first staple-supporting portion  10510 , a second staple-supporting portion  10520 , and a third staple-supporting portion  10530 . The first staple-supporting portion  10510  supports a staple in a staple cavity  10100  from the first longitudinal row, the second staple-supporting portion  10520  supports a staple in a staple cavity  10200  from the second longitudinal row, and the third staple-supporting portion  10530  supports a staple in a staple cavity  10300  from the third longitudinal row. A base  10550  connects the three staple-supporting portions  10510 ,  10520 ,  10530  to one another. 
     In various instances, staple cartridges comprise a component, such as a tray, for example, positioned below and/or underneath the base of the staple cartridge to prevent elements, such as, for example, the staple drivers and/or the staples, from disassociating from the staple cartridge during storage and/or handling. In instances where such an additional component is undesirable, staple cartridges can comprise one or more driver retention features as discussed in greater detail herein. In addition to maintaining the staple drivers within the staple cartridge, driver retention features can also serve to maintain the staple drivers in their unfired position prior to the staple firing stroke. Holding the staple drivers in their unfired position prior to the staple firing stroke can facilitate a uniform and/or successful staple firing stroke. In such instances, the driver retention features discussed herein prevent the staple drivers from unwanted movement in any direction within the staple cavities. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18-22 , the staple cartridge  10000  comprises a plurality of locking arms  10022  that are configured to serve as a driver retention feature. The plurality of locking arms  10022  are defined within the exterior sidewall  10020  of the staple cartridge  10000 . The locking arms  10022  are longitudinally spaced apart from one another along a length of the staple cartridge  10000 . Each locking arm  10022  comprises a resilient engagement portion that is configured to interface with a staple driver to maintain the staple driver in its unfired position. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 19 , each locking arm  10022  comprises a projection that extends into a staple cavity  10300  from the third longitudinal row; however, the locking arms  10022  could extend into any suitable staple cavity. A staple driver  10500  is shown in its unfired position in  FIGS. 21 and 22 . The staple driver  10500  comprises an indent and/or notch  10535  defined in the third staple-supporting portion  10530 . When the staple driver  10500  is in its unfired position, the notch  10535  interfaces with and/or receives the projection from the locking arm  10022  of the staple cartridge  10000 . The interface between the staple driver  10500  and the locking arm  10022  provides a driver retention capability to the staple cartridge  10000 . Additional driver retention features are described in greater detail herein. 
     A staple cartridge  10000 ′, similar in many respects to the staple cartridge  10000 , is illustrated in  FIG. 23 . The staple cartridge  10000 ′ comprises windows  10025  that are defined in the sidewall  10020 , wherein the windows  10025  are longitudinally spaced apart from one another. The windows  10025  are positioned at the same height along the staple cartridge  10000  as one another. A staple driver  10500 ′, similarly in many respects to the staple driver  10500  is configured to be movably received within the staple cartridge  10000 ′. The staple driver  10500 ′, shown in  FIG. 24 , comprises a driver retention member and/or projection  10535 ′ resiliently extending from a sidewall of the third staple-supporting portion  10530 ′ toward the sidewall  10020  of the staple cartridge  10000 ′. Stated another way, the portion  10530 ′ of the staple driver  10500 ′ extending into a staple cavity  10300  from the third longitudinal row comprises a driver retention member and/or projection  10535 ′ extending from the third staple-supporting portion  10530 ′ toward the sidewall  10020  of the staple cartridge  10000 ′. 
     The driver retention member  10535 ′ is resiliently connected to the base  10550 ′ of the staple driver  10500 ′. When the staple driver  10500 ′ is in its unfired position, as shown in  FIG. 23 , the driver retention member  10535 ′ extends through the window  10025  defined in the staple cartridge  10000 ′. The projection of the driver retention member  10535  through the window  10025  prevents the staple driver  10500 ′ from freely moving in any direction within the staple cavities  10100 ,  10200 ,  10300 . Stated another way, an external force must be applied to the staple driver  10500 ′ and/or the staple cartridge  10000 ′ in order to bias the projection  10535 ′ out of the window  10025 . The driver retention member  10535 ′ comprises a tapered and/or ramped upper surface configured to facilitate the disengagement of the driver retention member  10535 ′ from the window  10025  during the staple firing stroke. As an upward force, such as the force applied by an advancing firing member, is applied to the staple driver  10500 ′, the driver retention member  10535 ′ is biased away from the sidewall  10020  of the staple cartridge  10000 ′. The driver retention member  10535 ′ then disengages from the window  10025 , and the staple driver  10500 ′ is free to translate from the unfired position toward the fired position. 
     In various instances, the windows  10025  are positioned at different heights along the sidewall  10020  of the staple cartridge  10000 ′. Such a window arrangement facilitates the ability for the staple drivers to be held at different heights in the staple cartridge  10000 ′. 
     A staple cartridge  11000  is depicted in  FIGS. 25 and 26  that is similar in many respects to the staple cartridge  10000 . The staple cartridge  11000  comprises a deck surface  11010  and a base  11015 . The staple cartridge  11000  further comprises an elongate slot  11006  extending from a proximal end  11002  toward a distal end  11004 . A longitudinal axis is defined along the staple cartridge  11000  by the elongate slot  11006 . The staple cartridge  11000  comprises staple cavities defined therein. The staple cavities are arranged in three longitudinal rows. A first row of staple cavities  11100  extends alongside the elongate slot  11006 . A second row of staple cavities  11200  extends alongside the first row of staple cavities  11100  on the same side of the elongate slot  11006 . A third row of staple cavities  11300  extends alongside the second row of staple cavities  11200 . 
     Staple drivers  11500  are movably positioned in the staple cavities  11100 ,  11200 ,  11300 . Each staple driver  11500  is configured to move from an unfired position and a fired position during the staple firing stroke. As shown in  FIG. 27 , the staple driver  11500  comprises a first staple-supporting portion  11510 , a second staple-supporting portion  11520 , and a third staple-supporting portion  11530 . The first staple-supporting portion  11510  supports a staple in a staple cavity  11100  from the first longitudinal row, the second staple-supporting portion  11520  supports a staple in a staple cavity  11200  from the second longitudinal row, and the third staple-supporting portion  11530  supports a staple in a staple cavity  11300  from the third longitudinal row. A base  11550  connects the three staple-supporting portions  11510 ,  11520 ,  11530  to one another. 
     The staple cartridge  11000  comprises an exterior wall  11020  that serves as a sidewall to the staple cavities within the third longitudinal row  11300 . The exterior wall  11020  comprises a resilient engagement portion comprising projections  11025  defined thereon. The staple cartridge  11000  further comprises an interior wall  11030  that serves as a sidewall to the staple cavities within the first longitudinal row  11100 . The interior wall  11030  comprises a resilient engagement portion comprising projections  11035  defined thereon. The projections  11025 ,  11035  of the staple cartridge  11000  are configured to engage each staple driver  11500  as the staple drivers  11500  move within the staple cavities. As shown in  FIGS. 26 and 27 , a detent and/or notch  11515  is defined in the first staple-supporting portion  11510  and the third staple-supporting portion  11530 . In various embodiments, the detent and/or notch  11515  can be defined on any suitable portion of the staple driver  11500 , such as the second staple-supporting portion  11520 , for example. 
     A staple driver  11500  is shown being inserted into the base  11015  on the right side of the elongate slot  11006  of the staple cartridge  11000  shown in  FIG. 26 . An insertion path of the staple driver  11500  is blocked by the resilient engagement portions  11025 ,  11035  of the staple cartridge  11000 . Stated another way, the resilient engagement portions  11025 ,  11035  prevent the staple driver  11500  from being inserted into the staple cartridge  11000  without application of an external force. As an upward force is applied to the staple driver  11500 , the first staple-supporting portion  11510  contacts the interior wall  11030  of the staple cartridge  11000 . The contact between the first staple-supporting portion  11510  and the interior wall  11030  causes at least a portion of the interior wall  11030  to bias away from the staple driver  11500  and toward the elongate slot  11006 . Similarly, the third staple-supporting portion  11530  contacts the exterior wall  11020  of the staple cartridge  11000  as the staple driver  11500  is loaded into the staple cartridge  11000 . The contact between the third staple-supporting portion  11530  and the exterior wall  11020  causes at least a portion of the exterior wall  11020  bias away from the staple driver  11500  and away from the elongate slot  11006 . When the interior wall  11030  and the exterior wall  11020  are biased away from the staple cavity, the insertion path of the staple driver  11500  is cleared, and the staple driver  11500  is able to be loaded into the staple cartridge  11000  and held in the unfired position. 
     A staple driver  11500  is shown being held in the unfired position on the left side of the elongate slot  11006  of the staple cartridge  11000  shown in  FIG. 26 . Notably, the resilient engagement portions of the interior wall  11030  and the exterior wall  11020  are in an unbiased and/or natural configuration. The staple driver  11500  is held in the unfired position, as the projections  11025 ,  11035  defined on the resilient engagement portions are received by the detents and/or notches  11515  defined in the first staple-supporting portion  11510  and the third staple-supporting portion  11530  of the staple driver  11500 . Stated another way, the interface between the projections  11025 ,  11035  of the staple cartridge  11000  and the notch and/or detent  11515  of the staple driver  11500  prevents the staple driver  11500  from moving in either direction out of the unfired position. 
     As discussed in greater detail herein, driver retention features can be integrally formed within the staple cartridge. Staple cartridges, such as the staple cartridge  11900 , can be manufactured through an injection molding process. As shown in  FIG. 29 , a top mold  11800  and a bottom mold  11700  are positioned in a manner that allows for the injection molding of the staple cartridge  11900  comprising a driver retention feature. Similar to the staple cartridge  11000 , the staple cartridge  11900  comprises three longitudinal rows of staple cavities extending along each side of an elongate slot. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 29 and 30 , the bottom mold  11700  comprises a central projection  11750  extending from a base, wherein the central projection  11750  is configured to define the elongate slot in the staple cartridge  11900 . The bottom mold  11700  further comprises three projections extending from the base along each side of the central projection  11750 . A first projection  11710  extends from the base alongside the central projection  11750  a first distance and is configured to define the staple cavities within a first longitudinal row. A second projection  11720  extends from the base alongside the first projection  11710  to a second distance and is configured to define the staple cavities within a second longitudinal row. A third projection  11730  extends from the base alongside the second projection  11720  to a third distance and is configured to define the staple cavities within a third longitudinal row. The third distance is shorter than the first distance and the second distance. 
     The top mold  11800  comprises a central projection  11850  extending from a base, wherein the central projection  11850  is configured to be aligned with the central projection  11750  of the bottom mold  11700  in order to define the elongate slot in the staple cartridge  19000 . The top mold  11800  further comprises three projections extending from the base along each side of the central projection  11850 . A first projection  11810  extends a first distance from the base alongside the central projection  11850 . The first projection  11810  is aligned with and/or cooperates with the first projection  11710  of the bottom mold  11700  to define the first longitudinal row of staple cavities. A second projection  11820  extends a second distance from the base alongside the first projection  11810 . The second projection  11820  is aligned with and/or cooperates with the second projection  11720  of the bottom mold  11700  to define the second longitudinal row of staple cavities. A third projection  11830  extends a third distance from the base alongside the second projection  11820 . The third projection  11830  is aligned with and/or cooperates with the third projection  11730  of the bottom mold  11700  to define the third row of staple cavities and the driver retention feature. The third distance is greater than the first distance and the second distance. Stated another way, the first and second projections  11710 ,  11720  of the bottom mold  11700  define a majority of the first and second longitudinal rows of staple cavities as the first and second projections  11710 ,  11720  are taller than the third projection  11730  of the bottom mold  11700 . Conversely, the third projection  11830  of the top mold  11800  defines a majority of the third longitudinal row of staple cavities as the third projection  11830  is taller than the first and second projections  11820 ,  11830  of the top mold  11800 . 
     The third projection  11730  extends a shorter distance from the base of the bottom mold  11700  in order to form a driver retention feature within the staple cartridge  11900 . While the ends of the first projections  11710 ,  11810  and the second projections  11720 ,  11820  comprise a rectangular profile, the ends of the third projections  11730 ,  11830  comprise a tapered and/or ramped profile. The tapered and/or ramped profile of the third projection  11730  of the bottom mold  11700  complements the tapered and/or ramped profile of the third projection  11830  of the top mold  11800 . The tapered profiles allow for the definition of a resilient engagement portion comprising locking projections  11925  on an exterior wall of the staple cartridge  11900 , wherein the locking projections  11925  extend into the staple cavities. In the depicted embodiment, the locking projections  11925  extend into the staple cavities from the third longitudinal row. The locking projections  11925  are positioned in such a manner to interface with the staple drivers to maintain the staple driver in their unfired position. The locking projections  11925  are configured to prevent unwanted movement of the staple drivers within the staple cavities, such as movement of the staple drivers from their unfired position toward the fired position and/or disassociation from the staple cartridge  19000 . 
       FIG. 28  illustrates a staple driver  11600  for use with the staple cartridge  11900 . The staple driver  11600  comprises a first staple-supporting portion  11610  configured to be positioned in a staple cavity from the first longitudinal row, a second staple-supporting portion  11620  configured to be positioned in a staple cavity from the second longitudinal row, and a third staple-supporting portion  11630  configured to be positioned in a staple cavity from the third longitudinal row. The third staple-supporting portion  11630  comprises a ledge  11634 . In various instances, a bottom section  11636  of the third staple-supporting portion  11630  is removed in order to form the ledge  11634 . The ledge  11634  comprises a flat surface that directly abuts a flat surface formed on each locking projection  11925  of the staple cartridge  11900  when the staple driver  11600  is in the unfired position. Such an interface prevents the staple drivers  11600  from disassociating from the staple cartridge  11900  through the base of the staple cartridge  11900 . Each locking projection  11925  further comprises a ramped surface to facilitate translation of the staple drivers  11600  from their unfired position toward their fired position upon being contacted by a firing member during the staple firing stroke. In the depicted embodiment, a smaller force is required to move the staple drivers  11600  from their unfired position toward their fired position than the force required to move the staple drivers  11600  from their unfired position toward the base of the staple cartridge  11900 . 
       FIGS. 31A-32B  illustrate various elements of a staple cartridge  12000  during a staple firing stroke. The staple cartridge  12000  comprises a cartridge body  12005  including a deck surface  12010 . Staple cavities  12020  are defined within the cartridge body  12005 . Staples are removably positioned within the staple cavities  12020 . Staple drivers  12200  are positioned within the staple cavities  12020  to support the staples, which are configured drive the staples toward an anvil positioned opposite the staple cartridge  12000  during a staple firing stroke. Each of the staple drivers  12200  are configured to support a staple on a staple-supporting surface  12230  defined thereon. Each staple driver  12200  comprises a proximal end  12202  and a distal end  12204 . The proximal end  12202  of each staple driver  12200  comprises a tapered engagement surface, or ramp,  12210 .  FIGS. 31A-32B  depict a relationship between a firing member  12100  and a staple driver  12200  of the staple cartridge  12000  as the firing member  12100  moves from a proximal position to a distal position during the staple firing stroke. The firing member  12100  is proximal to the staple driver  12200  when the firing member  12100  is in the proximal position, and the firing member  12100  is distal to the staple driver  12200  when the firing member  12100  is in the distal position. 
     The staple drivers  12200  are configured to translate upwardly within the staple cavities  12020  during the staple firing stroke. As discussed in greater detail herein, the staple drivers  12200  are in an unfired position, or configuration, prior to being contacted by the firing member  12100  during the staple firing stroke.  FIG. 31A  illustrates the firing member  12100  advancing from its proximal position toward its distal position. A distal end  12104  of the firing member  12100  contacts the tapered engagement surface  12210  of the staple driver  12200  as a result of the distal movement of the firing member  12100 . The contact between the tapered engagement surface  12210  and the distal end  12104  of the firing member  12100  causes the staple driver  12200  to begin driving upward in a first direction  1 . The firing member  12100  comprises a ramped surface  12210  configured to facilitate the upward translation of the staple driver  12200  as the firing member  12100  advances distally through the staple cartridge  12000 . 
     The staple drivers  12200  ultimately reach a fully-fired position as the staple drivers  12200  are driven upwardly by the firing member  12100 . The staple driver  12200  is shown in the fully-fired position in  FIG. 31B . In the fully-fired position, at least a portion of the staple driver  12200  extends above, or is over-driven relative to, the deck surface  12010  of the staple cartridge  12000 . As shown in  FIG. 31B , the firing member  12100  is capable of translating proximally and distally with little to no contact with the staple driver  12200  when the staple driver  12200  is in the fully-fired position. As such, the staple driver  12200  does not prevent the firing member  12100  from translating along a firing path and/or a retraction path when the staple driver  12200  is maintained in its fully-fired position. 
     Once a staple driver  12200  reaches its fully-fired position, the firing member  12100  continues to translate distally until the firing member  12100  is past the staple driver  12200 . As the firing member  12100  translates distally past the staple driver  12200 , the staple driver  12200  may, in some instances, fall downwards in a second direction  2  from its fully-fired position to a position somewhere between its unfired position and its fully-fired position, i.e., a raised position. The staple driver  12200  is shown in the raised position in  FIG. 32A . When the staple driver  12200  is in the raised and/or retention position, the staple driver  12200  is positioned higher than the staple driver  12200  in its unfired position but lower than the staple driver  12200  in its fully-fired position. In various instances, for example, the staple driver  12200  does not extend above the deck surface  12010  of the staple cartridge  12000  when the staple driver  12200  is in the raised position. 
     In many embodiments, the firing member  12100  is retracted proximally from its distal position after the staple firing stroke has been completed or is otherwise stopped. However, if one or more staple drivers  12200  have fallen downwardly toward the unfired position, the firing member  12100  is blocked from being retracted past the fallen staple drivers  12200 . As discussed in greater detail herein, the firing member  12100  is not prevented from being retracted proximally when the staple drivers  12200  are in their raised position and/or their fully-fired position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 32B , a proximal end  12102  of the firing member  12100  comprises as angled engagement surface or ramp  12120 . As the firing member  12100  is retracted proximally, the angled engagement surface  12120  of the firing member  12100  contacts the distal end  12204  of the staple driver  12200 . The contact made between the angled engagement surface  12120  of the firing member  12100  and the distal end  12204  of the staple driver  12200  causes the staple driver  12200  to once again drive upward in the first direction  1 . The staple driver  12200  is driven to the fully-fired position or to any suitable position that allows the firing member  12100  to retract proximally past the staple driver  12200 . In the depicted embodiment, a portion of the staple driver  12200  moves above the deck surface  12010  of the staple cartridge  12000  to allow the firing member  12100  to retract. The staple driver  12200  may fall back toward the unfired position once the firing member  12100  is retracted past the staple driver  12200 . Various manners to keep the staple driver in the fully-fired position and/or the raised position are discussed in greater detail herein. 
     A staple cartridge  13000  is depicted in  FIG. 33 . The staple cartridge  13000  comprises an elongate slot  13006  extending from a proximal end  13002  toward a distal end  13004 . The elongate slot  13006  defines a longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge  13000 . Staple cavities are defined in the staple cartridge  13000 , and the staple cavities are arranged in longitudinal rows. A first longitudinal row of staple cavities  13100  extends alongside the elongate slot  13006 . A second longitudinal row of staple cavities  13200  extends alongside the first longitudinal row of staple cavities  13100  on the same side of the elongate slot  13006 . A third longitudinal row of staple cavities  13300  extends alongside the second longitudinal row of staple cavities  13200 . The staple cavities  13100  within the first longitudinal row are laterally aligned with the staple cavities  13300  within the third longitudinal row. The staple cavities  13200  within the second longitudinal row are laterally offset from the staple cavities  13100 ,  13300  within the first and third longitudinal rows, respectively. 
     As discussed in greater detail herein, the staple cartridge  13000  comprises projections  13400  extending upward and/or toward an anvil from a deck surface  13010 . The projections  13400  surround at least a portion of the staple cavities  13100 ,  13200 ,  13300  and serve to, for example, prevent tissue from moving relative to the deck surface  13010  and/or support the staples as they are being ejected during a staple firing stroke. 
     Staple drivers  13500  are movably positioned within the staple cavities and are configured to support and drive the staples toward an anvil positioned opposite the staple cartridge  13000  during a staple firing stroke. As shown in  FIG. 34 , each staple driver  13500  comprises a first staple-supporting portion  13510 , a second staple-supporting portion  13520 , and a third staple-supporting portion  13530 . The first staple-supporting portion  13510  is positioned within a staple cavity  13100  to support and drive a staple within the first longitudinal row, the second staple-supporting portion  13520  is positioned within a staple cavity  13200  to support and drive a staple within the second longitudinal row, and the third staple-supporting portion  13530  is positioned within a staple cavity  13300  to support and drive a staple within the third longitudinal row. The three staple-supporting portions  13510 ,  13520 ,  13530  are connected together through a base  13550  of the staple driver  13500 . While the depicted staple drivers  13500  comprise three staple-supporting portions, a staple driver can comprise any suitable number of staple-supporting portions such as one staple-supporting portion or two staple-supporting portions, for example. 
     Staple drivers  13500  are configured to translate within the staple cavity during the staple firing stroke. As discussed in greater detail herein, the staple drivers  13500  are in an unfired position prior to being contacted by the firing member during the staple firing stroke. The staple drivers  13500  ultimately reach a fully-fired position as the staple drivers  13500  are driven upwardly by the firing member. Once a staple driver  13500  reaches its fully-fired position, the firing member continues to translate distally until the firing member is no longer in contact with the staple driver  13500 . As the firing member translates distally past the staple driver  13500 , the staple driver  13500  may fall to a raised position in between the unfired position and the fully-fired position. 
     To maintain the staple drivers at least in their raised position after the firing member is no longer in contact with the staple drivers, the staple cartridge  13000  comprises driver retention members  13050  that extend into and/or over the staple cavities to engage the staple driver  13500  and hold the staple drivers  13500  in their raised position and/or fully-fired position. Each driver retention member  13050  extends into an individual staple cavity  13200  within the second longitudinal row of staple cavities from the cartridge body  13008 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 35 , the driver retention member  13050  is positioned in between the projections  13400  surrounding a portion of the staple cavity  13200 . An aperture  13525  is defined in a portion of the staple driver  13500  which is configured to receive the driver retention member  13050 . As the depicted driver retention member  13050  extends into the staple cavity  13200  from the second longitudinal row, the aperture  13525  is defined in the second staple-supporting portion  13520 . 
     The aperture  13525  can be located on any suitable portion of the staple driver  13500 . In various instances, a staple driver  13500  can have more than one aperture  13525  defined therein. The aperture  13525  can be formed within the staple driver  13500  in any suitable manner. In various instances, the aperture  13525  is created by an injection molded pin. 
     In various instances, the second staple-supporting portion  13520  comprises additional material than the first and third staple-supporting portions  13510 ,  13530  to account for the aperture  13525  defined therein. For example, referring to  FIG. 34 , the first staple-supporting portion  13510  comprises a first end  13512  and a second end  13514 . The first end  13512  is configured to support a first leg of a staple, and the second end  13514  is configured to support a second leg of the staple. The first end  13512  and the second end  13514  are connected to one another by a middle portion  13516 . The middle portion  13516  is positioned a first distance below the first end  13512  and the second end  13514 . The middle portion  13516  does not contact the staple when the staple is supported by first staple-supporting portion  13510 . The second staple-supporting portion  13520  comprises a first end  13522  and a second end  13524 . The first end  13522  is configured to support a first leg of a staple, and the second end  13524  is configured to support a second leg of the staple. The first end  13522  and the second end  13524  are connected to one another by a middle portion  13526 . The middle portion  13526  is positioned a second distance below the first end  13522  and the second end  13524 . The second distance is less than the first distance. In other words, the middle portion  13526  of the second staple-supporting portion  13520  is larger to accommodate for the aperture  13525  defined therein. 
     The driver retention member  13050  comprises a flexible tab  13252  and a projection  13255  extending from the tab  13252 . As the firing member drives the staple driver  13500  from the unfired position toward the fully-fired position, the staple driver  13500  causes the tab  13252  of the driver retention member  13050  to resiliently bend out of the drive path of the staple driver  13500 . Stated another way, the upward force applied to the staple driver  13500  by the firing member is strong enough to bias the driver retention member  13050  out of the drive path of the staple driver  13500  to allow the staple driver  13500  to reach the fully-fired position. The projection  13255  is configured to be received by the aperture  13525  of the staple driver  13500  when the staple driver  13500  is at and/or near its fully-fired position. In the depicted embodiment, the aperture  13525  is positioned above the projection  13255  of the driver retention member  13050  when the staple driver  13500  is in the fully-fired position. As the firing member translates distally past the staple driver  13500 , the staple driver  13500  may begin to fall back toward the unfired position. In such instances, the tab  13252  of the driver retention member  13050  springs back into the drive path of the staple driver  13500  such that the projection  13255  of the driver retention member  13050  is caught by and/or otherwise is engaged with the aperture  13525  of the staple driver  13500 . The driver retention member  13050  maintains the staple driver  13500  in its raised position when the projection  13255  is received by the aperture  13525 . As described in greater detail with respect to  FIGS. 31A-32B , the staple driver  13500  does not prevent the firing member from retracting proximally past the staple driver  13500  when the staple driver  13500  is locked in this position. The projection  13255  and the aperture  13525  can be configured and/or arranged to hold the staple driver  13500  in its fully-fired position or, alternatively, the projection  13255  and the aperture  13525  can be configured and/or arranged to hold the staple driver  13500  in its raised position between the unfired position and its fully-fired position. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 36A and 36B , a staple cartridge  14000  comprising a deck surface  14010  and an elongate slot  14006  extending from a proximal end  14002  toward a distal end  14004  is depicted. The deck surface  14010  of the staple cartridge  14000  is rounded and/or curved. Stated another way, the deck surface  14010  varies laterally with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the elongate slot  14006 . The highest point of the illustrated deck surface  14010  is adjacent to the elongate slot  14006 . The staple cartridge  14000  further comprises staple cavities arranged in three longitudinal rows. A first longitudinal row of staple cavities  14100  extends alongside the elongate slot  14006 . A second longitudinal row of staple cavities  14200  extends alongside the first longitudinal row of staple cavities  14100 , and a third longitudinal row of staple cavities  14300  extends alongside the second longitudinal row of staple cavities  14200 . The staple cartridge  14000  further comprises projections that extend above the deck surface  14010 . The projections depicted on the staple cartridge  14000  are in the form of pocket extenders. A pocket extender supports the legs of the staple above the deck of the staple cartridge. Embodiments are envisioned in which the projections are not pocket extenders. A first projection  14150  surrounds a portion of each of the staple cavities  14100  within the first longitudinal row, a second projection  14250  surrounds a portion of each of the staple cavities  14200  within the second longitudinal row, and a third projection  14350  surrounds a portion of each of the staple cavities  14300  within the third longitudinal row. The projections are connected to one another. For example, the first projections  14150  connect to the second projections  14250  and/or the second projections  14250  connect to the third projections  14350 . In other instances, the projections are separate and distinct from one another and are not connected to one another except by the deck surface  14010 . 
     The projections  14150 ,  14250 ,  14350  comprise a square or substantially square geometry. Stated another way, the projections  14150 ,  14250 ,  14350  surround portions of the staple cavities in a manner that mimics the geometry of a square. Among other things, the curves and/or edges of the projections  14150 ,  14250 ,  14350  are not severe. In the depicted embodiment, the first projection  14150  surrounds a staple cavity  14100  from within the first longitudinal row in its entirety. The second projection  14250  surrounds approximately three-quarters of a staple cavity  14200  from within the second longitudinal row. The third projection  14350  is comprised of two projections that surround a proximal end  14302  and a distal end  14304  of a staple cavity  14300  from within the third longitudinal row, wherein the two projections are not connected. Overall, the third projection  14350  encompasses approximately half of the staple cavity  14300 . In various instances, the first projection  14150  surrounds a staple cavity to a greater amount than the second projection  14250  and the third projection  14350 . As shown in the depicted embodiment, the degree to which the projections  14150 ,  14250 ,  14350  encompass a particular staple cavity varies based on the lateral position of the staple cavity with respect to the elongate slot  14006 . While the depicted projections within a particular longitudinal row of staple cavities are all the same, it is envisioned that the projections within the same longitudinal row can vary based on the position of a particular staple cavity with respect to the proximal end  14002  and/or the distal end  14004  of the staple cartridge  14000 . 
     The projections  14150 ,  14250 ,  14350  shown in  FIGS. 36A and 36B  extend from the deck surface  14010  to different heights. More specifically, the height of each projection  14150 ,  14250 ,  14350  varies based on the location of the projection  14150 ,  14250 ,  14350  and/or the staple cavity  14100 ,  14200 ,  14300  with respect to the elongate slot  14006 . In various instances, each projection  14150 ,  14250 ,  14350  comprises a distinct height; however, any suitable height is envisioned to achieve a particular tissue effect. In the depicted embodiment, the height of the first projection  14150  is greater than the height of the second projection  14250 , and the height of the second projection  14250  is less than the height of the third projection  14350 . 
     A staple cartridge  14500  comprising a deck surface  14510  and an elongate slot  14506  extending from a proximal end  14502  toward a distal end  14504  is depicted in  FIGS. 37A and 37B . The height of the deck surface  14510  of the staple cartridge  14500  is rounded and/or curved. Stated another way, the deck surface  14510  varies laterally with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the elongate slot  14506 . The highest point of the illustrated deck surface  14510  is adjacent to the elongate slot  14506 . The staple cartridge  14500  further comprises staple cavities arranged in three longitudinal rows. A first longitudinal row of staple cavities  14600  extends alongside the elongate slot  14506 . A second longitudinal row of staple cavities  14700  extends alongside the first longitudinal row of staple cavities  14600 , and a third longitudinal row of staple cavities  14800  extends alongside the second longitudinal row of staple cavities  14700 . The staple cartridge  14500  further comprises projections that extend above the deck surface  14510 . The projections depicted on the staple cartridge  14500  are in the form of pocket extenders. A pocket extender supports the legs of the staple above the deck of the staple cartridge. Embodiments are envisioned in which the projections are not pocket extenders. A first projection  14650  surrounds a first portion of each of the staple cavities  14600  within the first longitudinal row, a second projection  14750  surrounds a second portion of each of the staple cavities  14700  within the second longitudinal row, and a third projection  14850  surrounds a third portion of each of the staple cavities  14800  within the third longitudinal row. In various instances, the projections are connected to one another. However, in the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 37A and 37B , the projections are separate and distinct from one another. 
     The projections  14650 ,  14750 ,  14850  each comprise an elongate, or diamond-like geometry. The projections  14650 ,  14750 ,  14850  surround portions of the staple cavities in a manner that closely conforms to the borders of the staple cavities, which are also elongate and diamond-like in shape. Among other things, the curves and/or edges of the projections  14650 ,  14750 ,  14850  form acute and/or obtuse angles. In the depicted embodiment, the first projection  14650  surrounds approximately three-quarters of a staple cavity  14600  from within the first longitudinal row. The second projection  14750  is comprised of two projections that surround a proximal end  14702  and a distal end  14704  of a staple cavity  14700  from within the second longitudinal row, wherein the two projections are not connected. Overall, the second projection  14750  encompasses approximately half of the staple cavity  14700 . Similarly, the third projection  14850  is comprised of two projections that surround a proximal end  14802  and a distal end  14804  of a staple cavity  14800  from within the third longitudinal row, wherein the two projections are not connected. Overall, the third projection  14850  encompasses approximately half of the staple cavity  14800 . In various instances, the first projection  14650  surrounds a staple cavity to a greater degree than the second projection  14750  and the third projection  14850 . In various instances, the second projections  14750  and the third projections  14850  surround staple cavities to the same and/or similar degree. As shown in the depicted embodiment, the degree to which the projections  14650 ,  14750 ,  14850  encompass a particular staple cavity can vary based on the lateral position of the staple cavity with respect to the elongate slot  14506 . While the depicted projections within a particular longitudinal row of staple cavities are all the same, it is envisioned that the projections within the same longitudinal row can vary based on the position of a particular staple cavity with respect to the proximal end  14502  and/or the distal end  14504  of the staple cartridge  14500 . 
     The projections  14650 ,  14750 ,  14850  shown in  FIGS. 37A and 37B  extend from the deck surface  14510  to the same and/or similar heights. More specifically, the height of each projection  14650 ,  14750 ,  14850  is substantially the same regardless of the location of the projection  14650 ,  14750 ,  14850  and/or the staple cavity  14600 ,  14700 ,  14800  with respect to the elongate slot  14506 ; however, any suitable height is envisioned to achieve a particular tissue effect. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 38A and 38B , a staple cartridge  15000  comprising a deck surface  15010  and an elongate slot  15006  extending from a proximal end  15002  toward a distal end  15004  is depicted. The deck surface  15010  of the staple cartridge  15000  is rounded and/or curved. Stated another way, the height of the deck surface  15010  varies laterally with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the elongate slot  15006 . The highest point of the illustrated deck surface  15010  is adjacent to the elongate slot  15006 . The staple cartridge  15000  further comprises staple cavities arranged in three longitudinal rows. A first longitudinal row of staple cavities  15100  extends alongside the elongate slot  15006 . A second longitudinal row of staple cavities  15200  extends alongside the first longitudinal row of staple cavities  15100 , and a third longitudinal row of staple cavities  15300  extends alongside the second longitudinal row of staple cavities  15200 . The staple cartridge  15000  further comprises projections that extend above the deck surface  15010 . The projections depicted on the staple cartridge  15000  are in the form of pocket extenders. A pocket extender supports the legs of the staple above the deck of the staple cartridge. Embodiments are envisioned in which the projections are not pocket extenders. A first projection  15150  surrounds a first portion of each of the staple cavities  15100  within the first longitudinal row, a second projection  15250  surrounds a second portion of each of the staple cavities  15200  within the second longitudinal row, and a third projection  15350  surrounds a third portion of each of the staple cavities  15300  within the third longitudinal row. In the depicted embodiment, the projections are connected to one another. More specifically, a first projection  15150  is connected to a second projection  15250 , and a second projection  15250  is connected to a third projection  15350 . 
     The projections  15150 ,  15250 ,  15350  comprise an elongate, or diamond-like geometry. Stated another way, the projections  15150 ,  15250 ,  15350  surround portions of the staple cavities in a manner that closely conforms to the borders of the staple cavities. In the depicted embodiment, the first projection  15150  surrounds a staple cavity  15100  from within the first longitudinal row in its entirety. The second projection  15250  surrounds a staple cavity  15200  from within the second longitudinal row in its entirety. The third projection  15350  surrounds a staple cavity  15300  from within the third longitudinal row in its entirety. As shown in the depicted embodiment, the degree to which the projections  15150 ,  15250 ,  15350  encompass a particular staple cavity is the same regardless of the lateral position of the staple cavity with respect to the elongate slot  15006 . 
     The projections  15150 ,  15250 ,  15350  shown in  FIGS. 38A and 38B  extend from the deck surface  15010  to different heights. Not only can the projections  15150 ,  15250 ,  15350  vary based on the location of the staple cavity  15100 ,  15200 ,  15300  with respect to the elongate slot  15006 , but the height of the projection can vary across each individual staple cavity. Stated another way, the height of a particular projection is not uniform across the entire projection. In the depicted embodiment, the height of the projection increases as the projection is spaced further away from the lateral slot  15006  to account for the curved nature of the deck surface  15010 . More specifically, portions of a projection located closer to the elongate slot  15006  are shorter than portions of a projection located further from the elongate slot  15006 . 
     A staple cartridge  15500  comprising a deck surface  15510  and an elongate slot  15506  extending from a proximal end  15502  toward a distal end  15504  is depicted in  FIGS. 39A and 39B . The deck surface  15510  of the staple cartridge  15500  is rounded and/or curved. Stated another way, the height of the deck surface  15510  varies laterally with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the elongate slot  15506 . The highest point of the illustrated deck surface  15510  is adjacent to the elongate slot  15506 . The staple cartridge  15500  further comprises staple cavities arranged in three longitudinal rows. A first longitudinal row of staple cavities  15600  extends alongside the elongate slot  15506 . A second longitudinal row of staple cavities  15700  extends alongside the first longitudinal row of staple cavities  15600 , and a third longitudinal row of staple cavities  15800  extends alongside the second longitudinal row of staple cavities  15700 . The staple cartridge  15500  further comprises projections  15900  that extend above the deck surface  15510 . The projections  15900  depicted on the staple cartridge  15000  are in the form of pocket extenders. A pocket extender supports the legs of the staple above the deck of the staple cartridge. Embodiments are envisioned in which the projections are not pocket extenders. The projections  15900  span across the three longitudinal rows of staple cavities. For example, a projection  15900  encompasses a proximal end  15602  of a staple cavity  15600  from the first longitudinal row, a distal end  15704  of a staple cavity  15700  from the second longitudinal row, and a proximal end  15802  of a staple cavity  15800  from the third longitudinal row. Another projection  15900  encompasses a distal end  15604  of a staple cavity  15600  from the first longitudinal row, a proximal end  15702  of a staple cavity  15700  from the second longitudinal row, and a distal end  15804  of a staple cavity  15800  from the third longitudinal row. 
     The projections  15900  comprise a diamond-like geometry. The projections  15900  surround portions of the staple cavities in a manner that closely conforms to the borders of the staple cavities. The height of each projection  15900  varies as the projection  15900  extends laterally away from the elongate slot  15506 . As shown in  FIGS. 39A and 39B , an overall height of the staple cartridge  15500  including the projections  15900  is the same across each projection  15900 . In order to achieve a level surface across the projection  15900  with the curved deck surface  15506 , the height of the projection  15900  must vary as the projection  15900  extends away from the elongate slot  15606 . For example, in the depicted embodiment, the portion of the projection  15900  spaced furthest away from the elongate slot  15506  extends a larger distance away from the deck surface  15510  than the portion of the projection  15900  spaced closest to the elongate slot  15506 . 
       FIG. 40  illustrates an end effector  16000  for use with a surgical stapling instrument. The end effector  16000  comprises an anvil  16010  and a staple cartridge jaw  16020 . At least one of the anvil  16010  and the staple cartridge jaw  16020  are movable with respect to one another between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The end effector  16000  shown in  FIG. 40  is in the closed configuration. The anvil  16010  comprises a planar tissue-supporting surface  16014 , wherein the tissue-supporting surface  16014  comprises a plurality of staple forming pockets  16012  defined therein. 
     A staple cartridge  16100  is configured to be replaceably seated in the staple cartridge jaw  16020 . The staple cartridge  16100  comprises an elongate slot  16106  that extends from a proximal end toward a distal end. A longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge  16100  is defined along the elongate slot  16106 . The staple cartridge  16100  further comprises a deck surface  16108  that is rounded and/or curved. In various instances, the staple cartridge  16100  comprises a sloped deck surface. A tissue gap is defined between the deck surface  16108  and the tissue-supporting surface  16014  of the anvil  16010 . The tissue gap varies laterally with respect to the elongate slot  16106 . In the depicted embodiment, the tissue gap is the smallest at a point adjacent to the elongate slot  16106 . The tissue gap becomes larger at points spaced laterally away from the elongate slot  16106 . 
     The staple cartridge  16100  comprises staple cavities defined therein. A first longitudinal row of staple cavities  16100  extends alongside the elongate slot  16106 . A second longitudinal row of staple cavities  16200  extends alongside the first longitudinal row of staple cavities  16100  on the same side of the elongate slot  16106 . A third longitudinal row of staple cavities  16300  extends alongside the second longitudinal row of staple cavities  16200 . As the longitudinal rows of staple cavities are spaced apart laterally, the tissue gap varies between the longitudinal rows. The tissue gap is the smallest between a staple cavity  16110  within the first longitudinal row and the tissue-supporting surface  16014  of the anvil  16010 , while the tissue gap is the largest between a staple cavity  16130  within the third longitudinal row and the tissue-supporting surface  16014  of the anvil  16010 . 
     The staple cartridge  16100  comprises projections  16400  extending upward and/or toward the anvil  16010  from the curved deck surface  16108 . The projections  16400  surround at least a portion of the staple cavities  16110 ,  16120 ,  16130  and serve to, for example, prevent tissue supported between the deck surface  16108  and the tissue-supporting surface  16014  of the anvil  16010  from moving out of a desired position and/or provide stability to a staple driver and/or a staple during a staple firing stroke. The degree to which the projections  16400  surround a particular staple cavity can vary based on the position of the staple cavity in the staple cartridge  16100 . The projections  16400  can vary based on the location of the particular staple cavity with respect to the elongate slot  16106 . For example, projections  16400  surrounding the staple cavities  16110  within the first longitudinal row can all be the same. However, the projections  16400  surrounding the staple cavities  16110  within the first longitudinal row can be different from the projections  16400  surrounding the staple cavities  16120 ,  16130  within the second and third longitudinal rows. The projections  16400  can also vary based on the location of the particular staple cavity with respect to the proximal end and/or the distal end of the staple cartridge  16100 . The projections  16400  can vary in height, length, and/or geometry, for example. Manners in which the projections  16400  can vary are discussed in greater detail herein. 
     In the depicted embodiment, a first projection  16400   a  surrounds a first portion of a staple cavity  16110  within the first longitudinal row of staple cavities. The first projection  16400   a  extends a first distance above the deck surface  16108 . A second projection  16400   b  surrounds a second portion of a staple cavity  16120  within the second longitudinal row of staple cavities. The second projections  16400   b  extends a second distance above the deck surface  16108 . A third projection  16400   c  surrounds a third portion of a staple cavity  16130  within the third longitudinal row of staple cavities. The third projection  16400   c  extends a third distance above the deck surface  16108 . In various instances, the first distance is different than the second distance and the third distance. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 40 and 41 , the third distance is greater than the first distance, and the first distance is greater than the second distance; however, the projections  16400  can extend from the deck surface  16108  to any distance to achieve a desired tissue-gripping effect. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 41 , the staple cartridge  16100  further comprises a staple driver  16500 . The staple driver  16500  comprises a first staple-supporting portion  16510 , a second staple supporting portion  16520 , and a third staple-supporting portion  16530 . The first staple-supporting portion  16510  extends within a staple cavity  16110  from the first longitudinal row of staple cavities. The second staple-supporting portion  16520  extends within a staple cavity  16120  from the second longitudinal row of staple cavities. The third staple-supporting portion  16530  extends within a staple cavity  16130  from the third longitudinal row of staple cavities. The staple-supporting portions  16510 ,  16520 ,  16530  are connected together through a base  16550 . The staple-supporting portions  16510 ,  16520 ,  16530  all extend a distance away from the base  16550  of the staple driver  16500 . A top surface of each staple-supporting portion  16510 ,  16520 ,  16530  is aligned with the top surfaces of the other staple-supporting portions  16510 ,  16520 ,  16530  of the staple drivers  16500  in the staple cartridge  16100 . 
     The staple-supporting portions  16510 ,  16520 ,  16530  are configured to translate within the respective staple cavities  16110 ,  16120 ,  16130  during a staple firing stroke. As discussed in greater detail herein, the staple driver  16500  is moved between an unfired position and a fully-fired position during the staple firing stroke. The staple driver  16500  is shown in the unfired position near a base  16107  of the staple cartridge  16100  in  FIG. 41 . In the depicted embodiment, the base  16550  of the staple driver  16500  aligns with and/or is flush with the base  16107  of the staple cartridge  16100  when the staple driver  16500  is in its unfired position. 
     The staple driver  16500  is also shown in the fully-fired position near the deck surface  16108  of the staple cartridge  16100  in  FIG. 41 . In the fully-fired position, a portion of the staple driver  16500  is “overdriven” and extends above the deck surface  16108  of the staple cartridge  16100 . As discussed in greater detail herein, the staple cartridge  16100  comprises projections  16400  extending from the deck surface  16108  toward the anvil  16010 . The projections  16400  surrounding at least a portion of each staple cavity serve to, for example, further compress tissue while also providing support for the overdriven staple drivers  16500 . As discussed above, all of the projections  16400  extend from the deck surface  16108  to the different heights. The projections  16400  serve to guide the legs of a staple during formation and/or provide additional stability to the staple driver  16500  during the staple firing stroke. The first projection  16400   a  reduces the tissue gap between the first staple cavity  16110  and the tissue-supporting surface  16014  of the anvil  16010  by the height of the first projection  16400   a . Likewise, the second projection  16400   b  reduces the tissue gap between the second staple cavity  16120  and the tissue-supporting surface  16014  of the anvil  16010  by the height of the second projection  16400   b . The third projection  16400   c  reduces the tissue gap between the third staple cavity  16130  and the tissue-supporting surface  16014  of the anvil  16010  by the height of the third projection  16400   c.    
     In the fully-fired position, the first staple-supporting surface  16510  of the staple driver  16500  extends a first distance OD 1  above the projection  16400   a , the second staple-supporting surface  16520  extends a second distance OD 2  above the projection  16400   b , and the third staple-supporting surface extends a third distance OD 3  above the projection  16400   c . Due to the curved nature of the deck surface  16108  and the varied heights of the projections  16400 , the first distance OD 1  is different than the second distance OD 2  and the third distance OD 3 . In the depicted embodiment, the third distance OD 3  is larger than the second distance OD 2 , and the second distance OD 2  is larger than the first distance OD 1 . 
     A staple is removably positioned within each staple cavity. In at least one instance, the staples are deformed to the same, or at least substantially the same, height. Uniform staple formation is achieved as the overdrive distances OD 1 , OD 2 , OD 3  of the staple driver  16500  account for the variation in tissue gap along the deck surface  16108 . As shown in  FIG. 41 , the distance between the first staple-supporting portion  16510  of the staple driver  19150  and a corresponding staple forming pocket  16012  of the anvil  16010  is the same as the distance between the second staple-supporting portion  16520  and a corresponding staple forming pocket  16012  when the staple driver  16500  is in the fully-fired position. Likewise, the distances between the first and second staple-supporting surfaces  16510 ,  16520  and the corresponding staple forming pockets  16012  are the same as the distance between the third staple-supporting surface  16530  and a corresponding staple forming pocket  16012  when the staple driver  16500  is in the fully-fired position. Thus, the staples positioned within all three longitudinal rows of staple cavities are configured to be formed and/or bent to the same height. 
     As outlined above, a surgical end effector comprises an anvil and a staple cartridge jaw. In some embodiments, the staple cartridge jaw is movable relative to the anvil while in other embodiments, the anvil is movable relative to the staple cartridge jaw. When the anvil is in an open position, the staple cartridge jaw is positioned on one side of the tissue that is to be stapled, and the anvil jaw is positioned on the opposite side. In such instances, the end effector is moved relative to the tissue until the tissue is suitably positioned between the staple cartridge jaw and the anvil. To avoid the target tissue from being positioned proximal to the proximal-most staple cavities, the anvil may comprise downwardly extending projections commonly referred to as “tissue stops” which serve to block the target tissue from being positioned too far proximal between the anvil and the staple cartridge. The tissue stops extend downward past the deck surface of the staple cartridge to prevent the tissue from being positioned too far proximal between the anvil and the staple cartridge. Stated another way, the tissue stops make sure that the tissue positioned between the jaws of the end effector is not accurately cut by a cutting member without being stapled. The tissue stops are sized and configured such that tissue does not become accidentally pinched between the tissue stops and the lateral sides of the staple cartridge jaw. Tissue stops are discussed in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,140, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS WITH TISSUE STOP FEATURES CONFIGURED TO AVOID TISSUE PINCH, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. In various instances, a staple cartridge comprises a tissue stop that works in cooperation with the tissue stops of the anvil. 
       FIG. 42  illustrates a staple cartridge  17000  comprising an elongate slot  17006  extending from a proximal end  17002  toward a distal end  17004 . A longitudinal axis is defined by the elongate slot  17006 . The staple cartridge  17000  comprises three longitudinal rows of staple cavities defined on each side of the elongate slot  17006 . A first longitudinal row of staple cavities  17100  extends alongside the elongate slot  17006 . A second longitudinal row of staple cavities  17200  extends alongside the first longitudinal row of staple cavities  17100 . A third longitudinal row of staple cavities  17300  extends alongside the second longitudinal row of staple cavities  17200 . The staple cavities  17100  within the first longitudinal row are aligned with the staple cavities  17300  within the third longitudinal row, whereas the staple cavities  17200  within the second longitudinal row are offset from the staple cavities  17100 ,  17300  within the first and third longitudinal rows. The proximal-most staple cavity  17100 ,  17300  within the first and third longitudinal rows, respectively, are proximal to the proximal-most staple cavity  17200  within the second longitudinal row. The staple cartridge  17000  further comprises a pair of tissue stops, or walls,  17600  that extend in between the proximal-most staple cavities  17100 ,  17300  from the first and third longitudinal rows. A dashed line extends laterally though the staple cartridge  17000  to represent the location of the tissue stops of an opposing anvil. As shown in  FIG. 42 , a proximal half of both proximal-most staple cavities  17100 ,  17300  from the first and third longitudinal rows is proximal to the dashed line and, owing to the tissue stops  17600 , tissue is prevented from moving proximal respect to these staple cavities. Due to the of proximal-most staple cavities being located in the first longitudinal row, a tight seal is formed by a staple line as a cutting member cuts through the tissue positioned between the jaws of the end effector. 
       FIG. 43  illustrates a staple cartridge  17000 ′ comprising an elongate slot  17006  extending from a proximal end  17002  toward a distal end  17004 . A longitudinal axis is defined by the elongate slot  17006 . The staple cartridge  17000  comprises three longitudinal rows of staple cavities defined on each side of the elongate slot  17006 . A first longitudinal row of staple cavities  17100  extends alongside the elongate slot  17006 . A second longitudinal row of staple cavities  17200  extends alongside the first longitudinal row of staple cavities  17100 . A third longitudinal row of staple cavities  17300  extends alongside the second longitudinal row of staple cavities  17200 . The staple cavities  17100  within the first longitudinal row are aligned with the staple cavities  17300  within the third longitudinal row, whereas the staple cavities  17200  within the second longitudinal row are offset from the staple cavities  17100 ,  17300  within the first and third longitudinal rows. The proximal-most staple cavity  17100 ,  17300  within the first and third longitudinal rows, respectively, are distal to the proximal-most staple cavity  17200  within the second longitudinal row. A dashed line extends laterally through the staple cartridge  17000 ′ to represent the location of the tissue stops of an opposing anvil. Notably, the tissue stops that interact with the staple cartridge  17000 ′ are positioned distal to the tissue stops that interact with the staple cartridge  17000 . Such a difference in the tissue stop location is due, at least in part, to the location of the proximal-most staple cavity  17100  within the first longitudinal row with respect to the proximal-most staple cavities from other longitudinal rows. 
     A staple cartridge  19000  is depicted in  FIG. 44 . The staple cartridge  19000  is configured to be seated in a channel of a cartridge jaw of a surgical end effector. The end effector comprises an anvil jaw  19050 , which opposes the cartridge jaw when the end effector is in a closed configuration. At least one of the anvil jaw  19050  and the cartridge jaw are movable with respect to one another between an open configuration and the closed configuration. The anvil  19050  comprises a plurality of staple forming pockets defined therein which are configured to deform the staples ejected from the staple cartridge  19000 . 
     The staple cartridge  19000  comprises a cartridge body  19008  including an elongate slot  19006  extending from a proximal end  19002  toward a distal end  19004  of the cartridge body  19008 . The cartridge body  19008  further comprises a deck surface  19010 . Staple cavities  19100 ,  19200 ,  19300  are defined within the cartridge body  19008 . The staple cavities  19100 ,  19200 ,  19300  are arranged in three rows, wherein the three rows extend along the same side of the elongate slot  19006 . The first row of staple cavities  19100  extends adjacent to and/or alongside the elongate slot  19006 . The third row of staple cavities  19300  is positioned furthest away from the elongate slot  19006 , and the second row of staple cavities  19200  extends in between the first row of staple cavities  19100  and the third row of staple cavities  19300 . 
     A longitudinal axis is defined along the elongate slot  19006  of the staple cartridge  19000 . As shown in  FIG. 44 , none of the staple cavities  19100 ,  19200 ,  19300  within the three rows are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis. In other words, the axes defined by the staple cavities  19100 ,  19200 ,  19300  are not parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongate slot  19006 . Each staple cavity  19100  within the first row defines an axis that is substantially parallel to the axis defined by each staple cavity  19300  within the third row. Each staple cavity  19200  within the second row is oriented substantially perpendicular to the staple cavities  19100 ,  19300  within the first and third rows. 
     The deck surface  19010  of the staple cartridge  19000  is rounded and/or curved. Stated another way, the height of the deck surface  19010  varies laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongate slot  19006 . The tallest point of the illustrated deck surface  19010  is adjacent to the elongate slot  19006  which extends down the central portion of the cartridge body  19008 . A portion of the staple cartridge  19000  in  FIG. 44  is shown without staple cavities to more clearly illustrate the rounded nature and/or curvature of the deck surface  19010 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 45 and 46 , the staple cartridge  19000  is shown in greater detail. The staple cartridge  19000  comprises projections  19400  that extend above the deck surface  19010 . Among other things, the projections  19400  are configured to grip the tissue clamped between the jaws of the end effector and/or prevent the tissue from sliding relative to the staple cartridge  19000 . The projections  19400  depicted on the staple cartridge  19000  are in the form of pocket extenders. The depicted pocket extenders provide support to the staples and/or the staple drivers as the staples are driven out of the staple cartridge  19000  toward the anvil  19050 . A first projection  19400   a  surrounds a first end  19102  of the staple cavity  19100  and a second projection  19400   b  surrounds a second end  19104  of the staple cavity  19100 . While the projections  19400  are shown as surrounding only a portion of each staple cavity, it is envisioned that the projections  19400  can surround any desired amount of a staple cavity, such as the entire staple cavity, for example. 
     The projections  19400  shown in  FIGS. 45, 46, and 52  are uniform in height. In other words, all of the projections  19400  extend the same distance from the deck surface  19010  of the staple cartridge  19000 .  FIGS. 46 and 52  illustrate an end effector in the closed configuration. In the closed configuration, a tissue gap is defined between the deck surface  19010  of the staple cartridge  19000  and the tissue-compression surface  19056  of the anvil  19050 . Due to the curved nature of the deck surface  19010 , the tissue gap varies laterally across the cartridge deck  19010  with respect to the elongate slot  19006 . 
     The anvil  19050  further comprises a plurality of staple forming pockets  19060  defined in the tissue-compression surface  19056 . Each staple forming pocket  19060  corresponds to an individual staple cavity  19100 ,  19200 ,  19300  of the staple cartridge  19000 . As shown in  FIG. 46 , each staple forming pocket  19060  comprises a first pocket  19062  and a second pocket  19064 . The first pocket  19062  is aligned with a first end  19152  of a staple driver, and the second pocket  19064  is aligned with the second end  19154  of the staple driver. The first leg of the staple is configured to contact the first pocket  19062  as the staple is being formed while the second leg of the staple is configured to contact the second pocket  19064  is configured to contact the second leg of the staple as the staple is being formed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 46 , a first tissue gap g tissue1  is defined between the deck surface  19010  of the staple cartridge  19000  and the tissue-supporting surface  19056  of the anvil  19050 . The first tissue gap g tissue1  is measured at a point adjacent to the elongate slot  19006 . A second tissue gap g tissue2  is defined between the deck surface  19010  of the staple cartridge  19000  and the tissue-supporting surface  19056  of the anvil  19050 . The second tissue gap g tissue2  is measured at a point spaced laterally away from the elongate slot  19006 . The second tissue gap g tissue2  is larger than the first tissue gap g tissue1 . The presence of a smaller tissue gap adjacent to the elongate slot  19006  causes the tissue alongside the elongate slot  19006  to be compressed to a greater degree than tissue spaced laterally away from the elongate slot  19006 . This is especially the case when the tissue clamped between the jaws of the end effector is substantially uniform in thickness. Such a greater compression causes bodily fluids to disperse away from the elongate slot  19006  which, among other things, promotes a uniform cut line and/or a secure staple line. 
     A staple driver  19150  from a first row of staple cavities  19100  is shown in  FIGS. 46 and 52  in a fully-fired position. In the fully-fired position, a portion of the staple driver  19150  is “overdriven” and extends above the deck surface  19010  of the staple cartridge  19000 . As discussed in greater detail herein, the staple cartridge  19000  comprises projections  19400  extending from the deck surface  19010  toward the anvil  19050  that surround at least a portion of the staple cavities. The projections  19400  serve to, for example, further compress tissue while also providing support for the overdriven staple drivers  19150  and/or the staples driven by the staple drivers  19150 . As discussed above, all of the projections  19400  extend from the deck surface  19010  to the same ultimate height h 1 . As shown in  FIG. 52 , the first projection  19400   a  reduces the tissue gap g 1  by the height h 1  over the first projection  19400   a  at the point where the first staple leg of the staple is being formed. Likewise, the second projection  19400   b  reduces the tissue gap g 2  by the height h 1  over the second projection  19400   b  at the point where the second staple leg of the staple is being formed. 
     In the fully-fired position of the staple driver  19150 , the first end  19152  of the staple driver  19150  extends a first distance OD 1  above the projection  19400   a  while the second end  19154  of the staple driver  19150  extends a second distance OD 2  above the projection  19400   b . Due to the curved nature of the deck surface  19010 , the uniform height h 1  of the projections  19400 , and the orientation of the staple cavity  19100  with respect to the longitudinal axis, the first distance OD 1  is different than the second distance OD 2 . In the depicted embodiment, the second distance OD 2  is larger than the first distance OD 1 . 
     The legs of the staple within the staple cavity  19100  are configured to be formed to the same height, or at least substantially the same height, as one another. Uniform staple leg formation is achieved as the overdrive distances OD 1 , OD 2  of the staple driver  19150  account for the variation in tissue gap along the staple cavity  19100 . As shown in  FIG. 46 , the distance between the first end  19152  of the staple driver  19150  and the first pocket  19062  of the forming pocket  19060  is the same as the distance between the second end  19154  of the staple driver  19150  and the second pocket  19064  of the forming pocket  19060 . Thus, the legs of the staple are formed and/or bent to the same degree. 
     Unlike the projections  19400  that extend above the deck surface  19010  of the staple cartridge  19000 , the staple cartridge  19000 ′ shown in  FIGS. 47 and 48  comprises a smooth deck surface  19010 . Stated another way, nothing projects and/or extends above the deck surface  19010 . Staple drivers  19150 ,  19250 ,  19350  are movably positioned within the staple cavities  19100 ,  19200 ,  19300 . Each staple driver, such as staple driver  19150 , comprises a cradle  19156  configured to support a base of a staple. The cradle  19156  comprises a first end  19152  and a second end  19154 . The first end  19152  is configured to support the staple near where the base of the staple meets a first leg of the staple. The second end  19154  is configured to support the staple near where the base of the staple meets a second leg of the staple. 
       FIG. 48  illustrates an end effector comprising the staple cartridge  19000 ′ seated in the staple cartridge jaw. The end effector is in the closed configuration. In the closed configuration, a tissue gap is defined between the deck surface  19010  of the staple cartridge  19000 ′ and the tissue-compression surface  19056  of the anvil  19050 . Due to the curved nature of the deck surface  19010 , the tissue gap varies laterally across the cartridge deck  19010  with respect to the elongate slot  19006 . In the depicted embodiment, the tissue gap is smallest at the point adjacent to the elongate slot  19006 . The tissue gap becomes larger at points spaced laterally away from the elongate slot  19006 . 
     More specifically, a first tissue gap g tissue1  is defined between the deck surface  19010  of the staple cartridge  19000 ′ and the tissue-supporting surface  19056  of the anvil  19050 . The first tissue gap g tissue1  is measured at a point adjacent to the elongate slot  19006 . A second tissue gap g tissue2  is defined between the deck surface  19010  of the staple cartridge  19000 ′ and the tissue-supporting surface  19056  of the anvil  19050 . The second tissue gap g tissue2  is measured at a point spaced laterally apart from the elongate slot  19006 . The second tissue gap g tissue2  is larger than the first tissue gap g tissue1 . The presence of a smaller tissue gap adjacent to the elongate slot  19006  results in the tissue alongside the elongate slot  19006  being compressed to a greater degree than the tissue spaced laterally away from the elongate slot  19006 . This is especially true when the tissue clamped between the jaws of the end effector is substantially uniform in thickness. Such a greater compression causes bodily fluids to disperse away from the elongate slot  19006  which, among other things, promotes a uniform cut line and/or a secure staple line. 
     A staple driver  19150  from a first row of staple cavities  19100  is shown in  FIG. 48  in a fully-fired position. In the fully-fired position, a portion of the staple driver  19150  is “overdriven” and extends above the deck surface  19010  of the staple cartridge  19000 ′. The first end  19152  of the staple driver  19150  extends a first distance OD 1  above the deck surface  19006  while the second end  19154  of the staple driver  19150  extends a second distance OD 2  above the deck surface. Due to the curved nature of the deck surface  19010  and the orientation of the staple cavity  19100  with respect to the longitudinal axis, the first distance OD 1  is different than the second distance OD 2 . In the depicted embodiment, the second distance OD 2  is larger than the first distance OD 1 . Notably, the overdrive distances of the staple cartridge  19000 ′ comprising a smooth and/or projection-free deck surface  19010  are greater than the overdrive distances of the staple cartridge  19000  comprising projections extending from the deck surface. 
     The legs of the staple within the staple cavity  19100  are configured to be formed to the same height, or at least substantially the same height, as one another. Uniform staple leg formation is achieved as the overdrive distances OD 1 , OD 2  of the staple driver  19150  account for the variation in tissue gap along the staple cavity  19100 . As shown in  FIG. 48 , the distance between the first end  19152  of the staple driver  19150  and the first pocket  19062  of the staple-forming pocket  19060  is the same as the distance between the second end  19154  of the staple driver  19150  and the second pocket  19064  of the staple-forming pocket  19060 . Thus, the legs of the staple are formed and/or bent to the same degree. 
       FIGS. 49 and 50  depict a staple cartridge  19000 ″ that is similar in many aspects to the staple cartridge  19000 . For example, both staple cartridges  19000 ,  19000 ″ comprise a curved and/or rounded deck surface  19010  profile with projections  19400  that extend above the deck surface. Moreover, the projections  19400  on the staple cartridge  19000 ″ are also in the form of pocket extenders. A first projection  19400   a  surrounds a first end  19102  of the staple cavity  19100  and a second projection  19400   b  surrounds a second end  19104  of the staple cavity  19100 . While the projections  19400  are shown as surrounding only a portion of each staple cavity, it is envisioned that the projections  19400  can surround any suitable amount of a staple cavity, such as the entire staple cavity, for example. 
     The projections  19400  shown in  FIGS. 49 and 50  extend from the deck surface  19010  to different heights. More specifically, the height of each projection  19400  varies based on the location of the projection  19400  with respect to the elongate slot  19006 . In various instances, the height of the projection  19400  decreases as the projection  19400  is positioned further away from the elongate slot  19006 . As shown in  FIG. 49 , a first projection  19400   a  surrounding a first end  19102  of a staple cavity  19100  extends from the deck surface  19010  to a first height h 1 . A second projection  19400   a  surrounding a second end  19104  of the same staple cavity  19100  extends from the deck surface  19010  to a second height h 2 . The first height h 1  is different than the second height h 2 . In the depicted embodiment, the second height h 2  is shorter than the first height h 1 . Having a projection with a greater height closer to the knife slot  19006  can, among other things, facilitate the flow of fluids away from the cut line. 
       FIG. 50  illustrates an end effector comprising the staple cartridge  19000 ″ seated in the staple cartridge jaw. The end effector is in the closed configuration. In the closed configuration, a tissue gap is defined between the deck surface  19010  of the staple cartridge  19000 ″ and the tissue-supporting surface  19056  of the anvil  19050 . Due to the curved nature of the deck surface  19010 , the tissue gap varies laterally across the cartridge deck  19010  with respect to the elongate slot  19006 . As shown in  FIG. 50 , a first tissue gap g tissue1  is defined between the deck surface  19010  of the staple cartridge  19000 ″ and the tissue-compression surface  19056  of the anvil  19050 . The first tissue gap g tissue1  is measured at a point adjacent to the elongate slot  19006 . A second tissue gap g tissue2  is defined between the deck surface  19010  of the staple cartridge  19000 ″ and the tissue-compression surface  19056  of the anvil  19050 . The second tissue gap g tissue2  is measured at a point spaced laterally away from the elongate slot  19006 . The second tissue gap g tissue2  is larger than the first tissue gap g tissue1 . The presence of a smaller tissue gap adjacent to the elongate slot  19006  causes the tissue alongside the elongate slot  19006  to be compressed to a greater degree than tissue spaced laterally away from the elongate slot  19006 . This is especially the case when the tissue clamped between the jaws of the end effector is substantially uniform in thickness. Such a greater compression causes bodily fluids to disperse away from the elongate slot  19006  which, among other things, promotes a uniform cut line and/or a secure staple line. 
     A staple driver  19150  from a first row of staple cavities  19100  is shown in  FIG. 50  in a fully-fired position. In the fully-fired position, a portion of the staple driver  19150  is “overdriven” and extends above the deck surface  19010  of the staple cartridge  19000 ″. As discussed in greater detail above, the staple cartridge  19000 ″ comprises projections  19400  extending from the deck surface  19010  toward the anvil  19050  that surround at least a portion of the staple cavities. The projections  19400  serve to, for example, further compress tissue while also providing support for the overdriven staple drivers  19150  and/or the staples driven by the staple drivers  19150 . The projections  19400  extend from the deck surface  19010  of the staple cartridge  19000 ″ to different ultimate heights. 
     In the fully-driven position of a staple driver  19150 , the first end  19152  of the staple driver  19150  extends a first distance OD 1  above the projection  19400   a  while the second end  19154  of the staple driver  19150  extends a second distance OD 2  above the projection  19400   b . Notably, the overdrive distances of the staple cartridge  19000 ″ are less than the overdrive distances of the staple cartridge  19000 ′ comprising a smooth deck surface  19010 . Due to the curved nature of the deck surface  19010  and the orientation of the staple cavity  19100  with respect to the longitudinal axis, the first distance OD 1  is different than the second distance OD 2 . In the depicted embodiment, the second distance OD 2  is larger than the first distance OD 1 . 
     The legs of the staple within the staple cavity  19100  are configured to be formed to the same height, or at least substantially the same height, as one another. Uniform staple leg formation is achieved as the overdrive distances OD 1 , OD 2  of the staple driver  19150  account for the variation in the tissue gap along the staple cavity  19100 . As shown in  FIG. 50 , the distance between the first end  19152  of the staple driver  19150  and the first pocket  19062  of the forming pocket  19060  is the same as the distance between the second end  19154  of the staple driver  19150  and the second pocket  19064  of the forming pocket  19060 . Thus, the legs of the staple are evenly formed. 
       FIG. 51  illustrates a portion of an end effector comprising a staple cartridge with projections  19400  having different heights. A first projection  19400   a  extends from a first side  19102  of a staple cavity  19100  to a first height h 1 . A second projection  19400   b  extends from a second side  19104  of the staple cavity  19100  to a second height h 2 . The second height h 2  is different than the first height h 1 . In the depicted embodiment, the second height h 2  is taller than the first height h 1 ; however, any suitable arrangement is envisioned. While the second projection  19400   b  is taller than the first projection  19400   a , a top surface  19402   a  of the first projection  19400   a  and a top surface  19402   b  of the second projection  19400   b  are the same distance from a tissue-supporting surface  19056  of the anvil  19050  when the end effector is in the closed configuration. Stated another way, a tissue gap comprises a uniform gap distance “g” across the staple cavity  19100 . 
     As discussed above in greater detail, projections  19400  can provide support to the staple and/or the staple driver as the staple driver and the staple are driven toward the anvil. The greater height h 2  of the second projection  19400   b  minimizes the overdrive of the second end  19154  of the staple driver  19150 . Minimizing the portion of the staple driver  19150  that is exposed above the deck surface  19010  makes the staple driver  19150  less susceptible to becoming dislodged and/or misaligned during the staple firing stroke. The projections  19400  serve to, for example, enhance stability of the staple driver, maintain alignment of the staple driver as the staple firing stroke is performed, and/or prevent the staple driver from becoming dislodged. 
       FIGS. 53-56  illustrate the variability of tissue gripping features and/or projections across an individual staple cavity. As described in greater detail herein, the staple cavity is defined within a cartridge body. The cartridge body comprises a deck surface with a curved and/or rounded profile. Various parameters of the tissue gripping features and/or projections can be varied along the deck surface of a staple cartridge to achieve a desired tissue effect. Such parameters include, for example, the angle at which the projection extends from the deck surface, the height to which the projection extends, the length of the staple cavity that the projection surrounds, and/or the radius the projection curves around an end of the staple cavity.  FIG. 53  illustrates a portion of a staple cartridge  18000  comprising a plurality of tissue gripping features. The staple cartridge  18000  comprises an elongate slot  18006  extending from a proximal end  18002  toward a distal end  18004 . Similarly to the staple cartridge  19000 , the staple cartridge  18000  comprises a rounded and/or curved deck surface  18010 . Stated another way, the height of the deck surface  18010  varies laterally with respect to the elongate slot  18006 . The tallest point of the illustrated deck surface  18010  is adjacent to the elongate slot  18006 . 
     Staple cavities  18100 ,  18200 ,  18300  are defined within a cartridge body  18008 . The staple cavities  18100 ,  18200 ,  18300  are arranged in three rows, wherein the three rows extend along the same side of the elongate slot  18006 . The first row of staple cavities  18100  extends adjacent to and/or alongside the elongate slot  18006 . The third row of staple cavities  18300  is positioned furthest away from the elongate slot  18006 , and the second row of staple cavities  18200  extends in between the first row of staple cavities  18100  and the third row of staple cavities  18300 . 
     A longitudinal axis is defined by the elongate slot  18006 . As shown in  FIG. 53 , none of the staple cavities  18100 ,  18200 ,  18300  are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis. In other words, the axes defined by the staple cavities  18100 ,  18200 ,  18300  are not parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongate slot  18006 . Each staple cavity  18100  within the first row defines a first cavity axis. Each staple cavity  18200  within the second row defines a second cavity axis. Each staple cavity  18300  within the third row defines a third cavity axis. As depicted in  FIG. 53 , the first cavity axis is oriented in a different direction than the second cavity axis. The first cavity axis is substantially parallel to the third cavity axis. 
     The staple cartridge  18000  comprises various projections  18400  extending from the deck surface  18010 . The projections  18400  surround a portion of each staple cavity to varying degrees. Similar to the above, the projections  18400  can vary in size and/or geometry based on the position and/or orientation on the cartridge body  18008 . In various instances, and as depicted in  FIG. 53 , all of the projections  18400  surrounding the staple cavities within a particular row are the same. In other instances, the projections  18400  surrounding the staple cavities within a particular row vary from one another. For example, the size and/or geometry of the projections  18400  may vary based on the longitudinal position of the individual staple cavity with respect to other staple cavities. The height of each projection can be different across the staple cartridge, and even between the projections surrounding an individual staple cavity. 
     Further to the above, a staple cavity  18100  comprises a proximal end  18102  and a distal end  18104 , wherein the distal end  18104  is closer to the elongate slot  18006  than the proximal end  18102 . A first projection  18110  is aligned with the distal end  18104  and extends away from the deck surface  18010  to a first height h 1 . A second projection  18120  is aligned with the proximal end  18102  and extends away from the deck surface  18010  to a second height h 2 . In the depicted embodiment, the first height h 1  is shorter than the second height h 2 . In various instances, the projections positioned closer to the elongate slot  18006  have a shorter height than projections positioned further away laterally from the elongate slot  18006 . For example, the projection  18310  of the staple cavity  18300  within the third row extends a height h 3 , which is taller than either heights h 1 , h 2  of the projections  18110 ,  18120  from the staple cavity  18100  of the first row. 
     The angle that the projections extend away from the deck surface can also be different. For example, the first projection  18110  of the staple cavity  18100  extends away from the deck surface  18010  at a first angle a 1 , while the second projection  18120  extends away from the deck surface  18010  at a second angle a 2 . In the depicted embodiment, the first angle a 1  is perpendicular to the deck surface  18010 , and the first angle a 1  is not perpendicular to the deck surface  18010 . The second projection  18120  extends at a more sloped angle with respect to the deck surface  18010 , while the first projection  18110  extends at a steeper and/or harsher angle with respect to the deck surface  18010 . In various instances, the projections positioned closer to the elongate slot  18006  extend away from the deck surface of the staple cartridge at sharper angles than projections positioned further away laterally from the elongate slot  18006 . For example, the projection  18310  of the staple cavity  18300  within the third row extends from the deck surface at an angle a 3 , which is smaller than either angle a 1 , a 2  of the projections  18110 ,  18120  from the staple cavity  18100  of the first row. Other arrangements are possible. 
     An overall length of the staple cavity that each projection covers can also be a varied parameter. In various instances, the projection can surround the entire length of the staple cavity. In other instances, the projection can only surround a fraction of the length of the staple cavity. For example, the first projection  18110  of the staple cavity  18100  surrounds a small portion of the staple cavity  18100 , such as 10%, for example. The first projection  18110  covers a first length l 1  of the staple cavity  18100 . The second projection  18120 , however, surrounds a larger portion of the staple cavity  18100 , such as 30%, for example. The second projection  18120  covers a second length l 2  of the staple cavity  18100 . Thus, the second length l 2  is larger than the first length l 1 . In various instances, the projections positioned closer to the elongate slot  18006  surround a smaller portion of the staple cavity than projections positioned further away laterally from the elongate slot  18006 . For example, the projection  18310  of the staple cavity  18300  within the third row surrounds a third length l 3 , which happens to be the entire length of the staple cavity  18300 . The third length l 3  is larger than either length l 1 , l 2  covered by the projections  18110 ,  18120  from the staple cavity  18100  of the first row. Other arrangements are possible. 
     The radius that a projection curves around an end of a staple cavity can be varied across the staple cartridge. In various instances, the projection can form a sharp curve around an end of the staple cavity. In other instances, the projection can form a blunt curve around the end of the staple cavity. For example, the first projection  18110  of the staple cavity  18100  forms a curve with a first radius r 1  around the distal end  18104  of the staple cavity  18100 . The second projection  18120  of the staple cavity  18100  forms a curve with a second radius r 2  around the proximal end  18102  of the staple cavity  18100 . The first radius r 1  is smaller than the second radius r 2 , resulting in the formation of a sharper curve by the first projection  18110  surrounding the distal end  18104  of the staple cavity  18100  than the curve formed by the second projection  18120  surrounding the proximal end  18102  of the staple cavity  18100 . In various instances, the projections positioned laterally closer to the elongate slot surround an end of a staple cavity with a sharper curve than the projections positioned further away laterally from the elongate slot  18006 . For example, the projection  18310  of the staple cavity  18300  within the third row forms a curve with a third radius r 3  around the edges of the staple cavity  18300 . The third radius r 3  is less than either radii r 1 , r 2  formed by the projections  18110 ,  18120  from the staple cavity  18100  of the first row. Thus, the third radius r 3  is duller and/or less severe than either radii r 1 , r 2 . Other arrangements are possible. 
     Other parameters, such as the geometry of the top surface of the projections  19400 , can be different to achieve a desired tissue effect. In various instances, the projections  19400  comprise rounded outer edges to prevent and/or minimize trauma to the tissue supported between the jaws of the end effector. In other instances, the projections  19400  comprise sharp outer edges to facilitate the grip between the projections  19400  and the tissue supported between the jaws of the end effector. 
       FIG. 54  illustrates projections surrounding portions of a staple cavity  18100  from the first longitudinal row of staple cavities defined in the staple cartridge  18000 . As discussed in greater detail above, the first longitudinal row extends alongside and/or adjacent to the elongate slot  18006 . A first projection  18400   a  extends across a first length l 1b  of a proximal end  18102  of the staple cavity  18100 , while a second projection  18400   b  extends across a second length l 1a  of the distal end  18104  of the staple cavity  18100 . The first length l 1b  is longer than the second length l 1a . As a result, the first projection  18400   a  surrounds a larger portion of the staple cavity  18100  than the second projection  18400   b . The projections  18400   a ,  18400   b  extend from the deck surface  18010  at a first angle a 1 . In the depicted embodiment, the projections  18400   a ,  18400   b  extend from the deck surface  18010  at the same angle; however, it is envisioned that the projections  18400   a ,  18400   b  can extend from the deck surface  18010  at any suitable angle to control the flow of tissue. The first projection  18400   a  comprises a tissue-supporting edge that comprises a first radius of curvature r 1b , and the second projection  18400   b  comprises a tissue-supporting edge that comprises a second radius of curvature r 1a . In various instances, the first radius of curvature r 1b  is different than the second radius of curvature r 1a , but they could be the same in other embodiments. In the depicted embodiment, the first radius of curvature r 1b  is larger than the second radius of curvature r 1a . Stated another way, a sharper edge is formed by the second projection  18400   b . As the second projection  18400   b  is positioned closest to the elongate slot  18006 , and thus, the cut line, a sharper edge may provide a stronger grip on the tissue positioned between the jaws of the end effector and prevent the tissue from moving out of a desired position, for example. As shown in  FIG. 53 , due to the orientation of the staple cavity  18100 , a proximal end  18102  of the staple cavity  18100  is further away from the elongate slot  18006  of the staple cartridge  18000  than the distal end  18104  of the staple cavity  18100 . For example, a portion of the projection  18400   b  surrounding the proximal end  18102  of the staple cavity  18100  extends a first height h 1b  above the deck surface  18010 . A portion of the projection  18400   a  surrounding the distal end  18104  of the staple cavity  18100  extends a second height h 1a  above the deck surface  18010 . The first height h 1b  is different than the second height h 1a , but could be the same in other embodiments. In the depicted embodiment, the portion of the projection  18400   b  surrounding the proximal end  18102  of the staple cavity  18100  extends further above the deck surface  18010  than the portion of the projection  18400   a  surrounding the distal end  18104  of the staple cavity  18100 . The difference in height allows for the top surfaces of the projection  18400  to be substantially level across the staple cavity  18100 , as the deck surface  18010  is curved. 
       FIG. 55  illustrates projections surrounding portions of a staple cavity  18200  from the second longitudinal row of staple cavities defined in the staple cartridge  18000 . As discussed in greater detail above, the second longitudinal row extends alongside and/or adjacent to the first longitudinal row of staple cavities  18100 . The second longitudinal row is spaced further laterally from the elongate slot  18006  than the first longitudinal row. A first projection  18400   a  extends across a length l 2  of a proximal end  18202  of the staple cavity  18200 , and a second projection  18400   b  extends across a length l 2  of the distal end  18204  of the staple cavity  18200 . In the depicted embodiment, the first length l 2  and the second length l 2  are the same; however, any suitable length is envisioned to achieve the desired result. As a result, the first projection  18400   a  surrounds the same dimension of the staple cavity  18200  as the second projection  18400   b . The projections  18400   a ,  18400   b  extend from the deck surface  18010  at a second angle a 2 . In the depicted embodiment, the projections  18400   a ,  18400   b  extend from the deck surface  18010  at the same angle; however, it is envisioned that the projections  18400   a ,  18400   b  can extend from the deck surface  18010  at any suitable angle to control the flow of tissue. The second angle a 2  with which the projections of the second staple cavity  18200  extend from the deck surface  18010  is larger than the first angle a 1  with which the projections of the first staple cavity  18100  extend from the deck surface  18010 . Stated another way, the angle with which the projections extend from the deck surface  18010  become larger and/or less harsh as the staple cavity is positioned laterally away from the elongate slot  18006 . The first projection  18400   a  and the second projection  18400   b  comprise a tissue-supporting edge that comprises a second radius of curvature r 2 . In the depicted embodiment, the radii of curvature r 2  is the same for both projections  18400   a ,  18400   b , but they could be different in other embodiments. In various instances, the radii of curvature r 2  of the projections from the second staple cavity  18200  are larger than the radii of curvature r 1a , r 1b  of the projections from the first staple cavity  18100 . Stated another way, a sharper edge is formed by the projections from the first staple cavity  18100 . As the first staple cavity  18100  is positioned closest to the elongate slot  18006 , and thus, the cut line, a sharper edge may provide a stronger grip on the tissue positioned between the jaws of the end effector and prevent the tissue from moving out of a desired position, for example. As shown in  FIG. 53  the orientation of the staple cavity  18200  is opposite that of the staple cavity  18100 . More specifically, a distal end  18204  of the staple cavity  18200  is further away from the elongate slot  18006  of the staple cartridge  18000  than the proximal end  18202  of the staple cavity  18200 . For example, a portion of the projection  18400   a  surrounding the proximal end  18202  of the staple cavity  18200  extends a first height h 2a  above the deck surface  18010 . A portion of the projection  18400   b  surrounding the distal end  18204  of the staple cavity  18200  extends a second height h 2b  above the deck surface  18010 . The first height h 2a  is different than the second height h 2b , but could be the same in other embodiments. In the depicted embodiment, the portion of the projection  18400   b  surrounding the distal end  18204  of the staple cavity  18200  extends further above the deck surface  18010  than the portion of the projection  18400   a  surrounding the proximal end  18202  of the staple cavity  18200 . The difference in height allows for the top surfaces of the projection  18400  to be substantially level across the staple cavity  18200 , as the deck surface  18010  is curved. 
       FIG. 56  illustrates a projection  18400  surrounding a staple cavity  18300  from the third longitudinal row of staple cavities defined in the staple cartridge  18000 . As discussed in greater detail above, the third longitudinal row is laterally spaced the furthest from the elongate slot  18006 . The projection  18400  extends across a third length l 3  of the staple cavity  18300 . The third length l 3  is greater than any of the lengths l 1 , l 2  of the projections  18400  surrounding portions of the staple cavities from the first longitudinal row  18100  and the second longitudinal row  18200 . In the depicted embodiment, the third length l 3  is the entire circumference, and thus, the entire length of the staple cavity  18300 . The projection  18400  extends from the deck surface  18010  at a third angle a 3 . The third angle a 3  with which the projection of the third staple cavity  18300  extends from the deck surface  18010  is larger than the first angle a 1  and the second angle a 2  with which the projections of the first staple cavity  18100  extend from the deck surface  18010 , respectively. Stated another way, the angle with which the projection extends from the deck surface  18010  become larger and/or less harsh as the staple cavity is positioned laterally away from the elongate slot  18006 . The projection  18400  comprises a tissue-supporting edge that comprises a third radius of curvature r 3 . In various instances, the radii of curvature r 3  of the projection from the third staple cavity  18300  is larger than the radii of curvature r 1a , r 1b , r 2  of the projections from the first staple cavity  18100  and the second staple cavity  18200 . As a result, a sharper edge is formed by the projections from the first staple cavity  18100 . As the first staple cavity  18100  is positioned closest to the elongate slot  18006 , and thus, the cut line, a sharper edge may provide a stronger grip on the tissue positioned between the jaws of the end effector. Such a stronger grip may prevent the tissue from moving out of a desired position, for example. As shown in  FIG. 53 , due to the orientation of the staple cavity  18300 , a proximal end  18302  of the staple cavity  18300  is further away from the elongate slot  18006  of the staple cartridge  18000  than the distal end  18304  of the staple cavity  18300 . The height of the projection  18400  across the staple cavity  18300  is non-uniform. A portion of the projection  18400  surrounding the proximal end  18302  of the staple cavity  18300  extends a first height h 3b  above the deck surface  18010 . A portion of the projection  18400  surrounding the distal end  18304  of the staple cavity  18300  extends a second height h 3a  above the deck surface  18010 . The first height h 3b  is different than the second height h 3a , but they could be the same in other embodiments. In the depicted embodiment, the portion of the projection  18400  surrounding the proximal end  18302  of the staple cavity  18300  extends further above the deck surface  18010  than the portion of the projection  18400  surrounding the distal end  18304  of the staple cavity  18300 . The difference in height allows for the top surface of the projection  18400  to be substantially level across the staple cavity  18300 , as the deck surface  18010  is curved. 
     The entire disclosures of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0297222, entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGE INCLUDING EXTENSIONS HAVING DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS, which published on Oct. 25, 2015, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0074198, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE, which published on Mar. 29, 2012, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0256379, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING CARTRIDGE WITH LAYER RETENTION FEATURES, which published on Oct. 3, 2013, are incorporated by reference herein. 
     Notably, the above-described arrangements with could also be adapted for use with embodiments in which the staple cartridge jaw is rotated relative to the anvil. 
     A surgical instrument  50000  comprising a powered articulation system  50100  is illustrated in  FIGS. 154-156 . The surgical instrument  50000  further comprises a housing, a shaft  50200  extending from the housing, and an end effector extending from the shaft  50200 . In at least one embodiment, the end effector comprises a staple cartridge. The shaft  50200  defines a longitudinal shaft axis SA and comprises a longitudinal shaft portion  50210 , a first articulatable shaft portion  50220  extending from the longitudinal shaft portion  50210 , and a second articulatable shaft portion  50240  extending from the first articulatable shaft portion  50220 . The end effector extends from the second articulatable shaft portion  50240 . The first articulatable shaft portion  50220  is rotatably connected to the longitudinal shaft portion  50210  by a first articulation joint  50230  defining a first articulation axis AA 1  that is orthogonal to the longitudinal shaft axis SA. In at least one embodiment, the first articulatable shaft portion  50220  is rotatably connected to the longitudinal shaft portion  50210  by a pin or pins, for example. The second articulatable shaft portion  50240  is rotatably connected to the first articulatable shaft portion  50220  by a second articulation joint  50250  defining a second articulation axis AA 2  that is orthogonal to the first articulation axis AA 1  and the shaft axis SA. In at least one embodiment, the second articulatable shaft portion  50240  is rotatably connected to the first articulatable shaft portion  50220  by a pin or pins, for example. 
     Further to the above, the first articulatable shaft portion  50220  comprises a first hypoid drive gear  50222  defined thereon. The first drive gear  50222  is centered about the first articulation axis AA 1  and comprises a first set of radial teeth  50224 . At least a portion of the first set of radial teeth  50224  are positioned distal to the first articulation axis AA 1 . However, other embodiments are envisioned where the entire first set of radial teeth  50224  are positioned distal to the first articulation axis AA 1 . In any event, the surgical instrument  50000  further comprises a first rotary drive shaft  50300  including a first bevel gear  50310  at its distal end. The first bevel gear  50310  is engaged with the first set of radial teeth  50224  of the first drive gear  50222  such that when the first rotary drive shaft  50300  is rotated, the first drive gear  50222  and the first articulatable shaft portion  50220  are rotated about the first articulation axis AA 1 . The first rotary drive shaft  50300  is parallel to the longitudinal shaft axis SA and orthogonal to the first articulation axis AA 1 . 
     Further to the above, the second articulatable shaft portion  50240  comprises a second hypoid drive gear  50242  defined thereon. The second drive gear  50242  is centered about the second articulation axis AA 2  and comprises a second set of radial teeth  50244  (see  FIG. 154 ). At least a portion of the second set of radial teeth  50244  are positioned distal to the second articulation axis AA 2 . However, other embodiments are envisioned where the entire second set of radial teeth  50244  are positioned distal to the second articulation axis AA 2 . In any event, the surgical instrument  50000  further comprises a second rotary drive shaft  50400  including a second bevel gear  50410  at its distal end. The second bevel gear  50410  is engaged with the second set of radial teeth  50244  of the second drive gear  50242  such that when the second rotary drive shaft  50400  is rotated, the second drive gear  50242  and the second articulatable shaft portion  50240  are rotated about the second articulation axis AA 2 . When the first articulatable shaft portion  50220  has not been rotated about the first articulation axis AA 1 , the second rotary drive shaft  50400  is parallel to the longitudinal shaft axis SA and orthogonal to the first articulation axis AA 1  and the second articulation axis AA 2 . 
     Further to the above, the first rotary drive shaft  50300  and the second rotary drive shaft  50400  are operable independently of one another. The first rotary drive shaft  50300  is driven by a first electric motor and the second rotary drive shaft  50400  is driven by a second electric motor. The first and second electric motors are positioned in the housing of the surgical instrument  50000 , but could be positioned in any suitable location. Because the first rotary drive shaft  50300  and the second rotary drive shaft  50400  are operable independently of one another, the end effector is articulatable relative to the shaft  50200  about multiple axes (i.e., the first articulation axis AA 1  and the second articulation axis AA 2 ) simultaneously or independently. Further, the arrangement between the first and second rotary drive shafts  50300 ,  50400  and the first and second drive gears  50222 ,  50242  does not allow the powered articulation system  50100  to be back driven. In other words, when the first and second rotary drive shafts  50300 ,  50400  are rotated a specified amount, the first and second articulation joints  50230 ,  50250  will remain locked in position regardless of the external forces applied to first or second articulatable shaft portions  50220 ,  50240 . 
       FIG. 157  illustrates another powered articulation system  50100 ′ that is similar to the powered articulation system  50100  depicted in  FIGS. 154-156  in many respects. The powered articulation system  50100 ′ comprises a first worm gear  50310 ′ at the distal end of the first rotary drive shaft  50300 . In at least one embodiment, the powered articulation system  50100 ′ further comprises a universal joint to couple the first worm gear  50310 ′ and the first rotary drive shaft  50300 , for example. In any event, the first worm gear  50310 ′ is engaged with the first set of radial teeth  50224  on the first hypoid drive gear  50222 . Thus, rotation of the first rotary drive shaft  50300  will result in rotation of the first articulatable shaft portion  50220  about the first articulation axis AA 1 . The powered articulation system  50100 ′ further comprises a second worm gear  50410 ′ that is rotatable by the second rotary drive shaft  50400 . The second worm gear  50410 ′ is angled transverse to the longitudinal shaft axis SA. In at least one instance, the angle is approximately 45 degrees, for example. In at least one embodiment, a universal joint is utilized to couple the second worm gear  50410 ′ and the second rotary drive shaft  50400 , for example. In any event, the second set of radial teeth  50244  of the second hypoid drive gear  50242  are engaged with the second worm gear  50410 ′, and, thus, rotation of the second rotary drive shaft  50400  will result in the rotation of the second articulatable shaft portion  50240  about the second articulation axis AA 2 . 
     Further to the above, the first worm gear  50310 ′ engages more of the first set of radial teeth  50224  of the first hypoid drive gear  50222  than the first bevel gear  50310  depicted in  FIGS. 154-156 . Further, the second worm gear  50410 ′ engages more of the second set of radial teeth  50244  of the second hypoid drive gear  50242  than the second bevel gear  50410  depicted in  FIGS. 154-156 . The additional thread engagement of the first worm gear  50310 ′ and the second worm gear  50410 ′ with their respective hypoid drive gears  50222 ,  50242  aids in preventing the hypoid drive gears  50222 ,  50242  from being back driven when external forces are applied to the end effector. 
       FIG. 158  illustrates another powered articulation system  50100 ″ that is similar to the powered articulation systems  50100  and  50100 ′ depicted in  FIGS. 154-157  in many respects. The powered articulation system  50100 ″ comprises a second worm gear  50410 ″ that is rotatable by the second rotary drive shaft  50400 . The second worm gear  50410 ″ is perpendicular to the longitudinal shaft axis SA. In at least one embodiment, a universal joint is utilized to couple the second worm gear  50410 ″ and the second rotary drive shaft  50400 , for example. In any event, the second set of radial teeth  50244  of the second hypoid drive gear  50242  are engaged with the second worm gear  50410 ″, and, thus, rotation of the second rotary drive shaft  50400  will result in the rotation of the second articulatable shaft portion  50240  about the second articulation axis AA 2 . 
     Further to the above, the second worm gear  50410 ″ engages more of the second set of radial teeth  50244  of the second hypoid drive gear  50242  than the second bevel gear  50410  depicted in  FIGS. 154-156  and the second worm gear  50410 ′ depicted in  FIG. 157 . The additional thread engagement of the second worm gear  50410 ″ with the hypoid drive gear  50242  aids in preventing the hypoid drive gear  50242  from being back driven when external forces are applied to the end effector. 
     A surgical instrument  51000  comprising a powered articulation system  51100  is illustrated in  FIGS. 159-161 . The surgical instrument  51000  further comprises a housing, a shaft  51200  extending from the housing, and an end effector  51300  extending from the shaft  51200 . In at least one embodiment, the end effector  51300  comprises a staple cartridge. The shaft  51200  defines a longitudinal shaft axis SA and comprises a distal shaft portion  51210  at its distal end. The surgical instrument further comprises a first articulation joint  51400  and a second articulation joint  51500  configured to rotatably connect the end effector  51300  to the shaft  51200  such that the end effector  51300  is rotatable relative to the shaft  51200  about two axes. More specifically, an articulatable shaft portion  51600  is rotatably connected to the distal shaft portion  51210  to define the first articulation joint  51400  and the end effector  51300  is rotatably connected to the articulatable shaft portion  51600  to define the second articulation joint  51500 . The articulatable shaft portion  51600  is rotatable relative to the shaft  51200  about a first articulation axis AA 1  that is orthogonal to the shaft axis SA. The end effector  51300  is rotatable relative to the articulatable shaft portion  51600  about a second articulation axis AA 2  that is orthogonal to the first articulation axis AA 1  and the shaft axis SA. In at least one embodiment, the articulatable shaft portion  51600  is rotatably connected to the distal shaft portion  51210  by a pin and the articulatable shaft portion  51600  is rotatably connected to the end effector  51300  by a pin, for example. 
     Further to the above, the surgical instrument  51000  further comprises a first cable actuator  51700  and a second cable actuator  51800 . A first pair of articulation cables  51710  extends from the first cable actuator  51700  on either side of the first cable actuator  51700 . The first pair of articulation cables  51710  extend beyond the first articulation axis AA 1  and are operably engaged with the articulatable shaft portion  51600 . The first pair of articulation cables  51710  are configured to translate together when the first cable actuator  51700  is translated proximally and distally. 
     Further to the above, the second cable actuator  51800  comprises a driving portion  51820  and a fixed portion on opposite sides of the shaft  51200 . The surgical instrument  51000  further comprises a second articulation cable  51810  comprising a first end  51812  that is attached to the driving portion  51820  of the cable actuator  51800  and a second end that is attached to the fixed portion of the second cable actuator  51800  to form a continuous loop. More specifically, the second articulation cable  51810  defines a loop which extends from the driving portion  51820  of the second cable actuator  51800 , through the first articulation joint  51400 , beyond the second articulation axis AA 2 , around the distal end of the articulatable shaft portion  51600 , back through the first articulation joint  51400  and into the fixed portion of the second cable actuator  51800 . The fixed portion of the second cable actuator  51800  acts as a spring or plunger when the driving portion  51820  of the second cable actuator  51800  is translated such that movement of the driving portion  51820  is resisted, but not prevented. To articulate the end effector  51300 , the second articulation cable  51810  is pushed or pulled through the continuous loop discussed above. Other embodiments are envisioned where the second cable actuator  51800  comprises a push actuator and a pull actuator on either side of the shaft  51200 . In such an embodiment, the push and pull actuators are actuated in opposite directions to push or pull the second articulation cable  51810  through the continuous loop. 
     The first and second cable actuators  51700 ,  51800  are configured to be independently translated relative to the shaft  51200  in response to actuations within the housing. In at least one embodiment, the housing comprises a motor configured to output rotary motions and the first and second cable actuators  51700 ,  51800  are operably responsive to the rotary motions. However, other embodiments are envisioned with two motors in the housing which generate separate rotary motions for translating the first and second cable actuators  51700 ,  51800 . 
     In use, further to the above, the articulatable shaft portion  51600  and the end effector  51300  extending therefrom are rotated about the first articulation axis AA 1  when the first pair of articulation cables  51710  are actuated by the first cable actuator  51700 . More specifically, actuation of the first cable actuator  51700  in a proximal direction will rotate the articulatable shaft portion  51600  and the end effector  51300  about the first articulation axis AA 1  in a clockwise CW direction and actuation of the first cable actuator  51700  in a distal direction will rotate the articulatable shaft portion  51600  and the end effector  51300  about the first articulation axis AA 1  in a counter-clockwise CCW direction. The end effector  51300  is rotated about the second articulation axis AA 2  when the second articulation cable  51810  is actuated by the driving portion  51820  of the second cable actuator  51800 . More specifically, the end effector  51300  comprises a boss portion  51310  operably engaged with the second articulation cable  51810 . When the second articulation cable  51810  is actuated the boss portion  51310  is rotated about the second articulation axis AA 2  which results in rotation of the end effector  51300  about the second articulation axis AA 2 . 
     Further to the above, the boss portion  51310  of the end effector  51300  further comprises a set of radial teeth  51312  defined on the proximal end thereof. The surgical instrument  51000  further comprises a distal articulation lock member  51314  configured to engage the set of radial teeth  51312  to prevent articulation of the end effector  51300  about the second articulation axis AA 2  when the distal articulation lock  51314  is engaged with the set of radial teeth  51312 . The distal articulation lock member  51314  is translatable via an electric motor  51316 , but could comprises any suitable motivator. The distal articulation lock member and the electric motor are positioned distally with respect to the first articulation axis AA 1 . In use, the end effector  51300  cannot be rotated about the second articulation axis AA 2  when the distal articulation lock member  51314  is engaged with the radial teeth  51312 , and the end effector  51300  can be rotated about the second articulation axis AA 2  when the distal articulation lock member  51314  is not engaged with the set of radial teeth  51312 . 
     Further to the above, the articulatable shaft portion  51600  comprises a second set of radial teeth on the proximal end of the articulatable shaft portion  51600 . At least a portion of the second set of radial teeth are positioned proximal to the first articulation axis AA 1 . The surgical instrument  51000  further comprises a proximal articulation lock member configured to selectively engage the second set of radial teeth on the articulatable shaft portion  51600  to prevent rotation of the articulatable shaft portion  51600  and end effector  51300  about the first articulation axis AA 1 . The proximal articulation lock member is translatable via an electric motor. The proximal articulation lock member and the electric motor are positioned proximally with respect to the first articulation axis AA 1 . 
     Further to the above, the surgical instrument  51000  further comprises a flexible firing actuator  51900  extending from the housing, through the shaft  51200 , through the first and second articulation joints  51400 ,  51500  and into the end effector  51300 . The flexible firing actuator  51900  is configured to perform an end effector function in response to an actuation from the housing of the surgical instrument  51000 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 159 and 160 , the first pair of articulation cables  51710  and the second articulation cable  51810  are positioned on the outer perimeter of the surgical instrument  51000  leaving space along the shaft axis SA of the surgical instrument for the flexible firing actuator  51900  to extend through. Such an arrangement allows the flexible firing actuator  51900  to be employed with an end effector that is rotatable about two different axis (i.e., the first and second articulation axis AA 1  and AA 2 ) for example. 
     A surgical instrument  52000  comprising a powered articulation system  52100  is illustrated in  FIG. 162 . The surgical instrument  52000  further comprises a housing, a shaft  52200  defining a shaft axis SA and extending from the housing, an articulatable shaft portion  52300  extending from the shaft  52200 , and an end effector  52400  extending from the articulatable shaft portion  52300 . A first articulation joint  52500  is between the shaft  52200  and the articulatable shaft portion  52300  and a second articulation joint  52600  is between the articulatable shaft portion  52300  and the end effector  52400 . The first articulation joint  52500  defines a first articulation axis AA 1  that is orthogonal to the shaft axis SA. The second articulation joint  52600  defines a second articulation axis AA 2  that is orthogonal to the first articulation axis AA 1  and the shaft axis SA. 
     The surgical instrument  52000  further comprises a first pair of articulation cables  52210  extending from the shaft  52200  and operably engaged with the articulatable shaft portion  52300 . The articulatable shaft portion  52300  comprises a rotary disc  52310  defined on its proximal end and one of the first pair of articulation cables  52210  is attached to one side of the rotary disc  52310  and the other of the first pair of articulation cables  52210  is attached to the other side the rotary disc  52310 . The first pair of articulations cables  52210  are configured to rotate the articulatable shaft portion  52300  about the first articulation axis AA 1  when actuated. In other words, one of the first pair of articulation cables  52210  is driven distally and/or the other of the first pair of articulation cables  52210  is driven proximally to rotate the rotary disc  52310  and therefore rotate the articulatable shaft portion  52300  about the first articulation axis AA 1 . The first pair of articulation cables  52210  are operably responsive to an electric motor positioned within the housing, for example. 
     Further to the above, the articulatable shaft portion  52300  comprises a set of radial teeth  52320  defined on the proximal end of the rotary disc  52310 . At least a portion of the set of radial teeth  52320  are positioned proximal to the first articulation axis AA 1 . The surgical instrument  52000  further comprises a proximal articulation lock member  52330  configured to selectively engage the set of radial teeth  52320  on the articulatable shaft portion  52300  to prevent rotation of the articulatable shaft portion  52300  about the first articulation axis AA 1  when the proximal articulation lock member  52330  is engaged with the set of radial teeth  52320 . The proximal articulation lock member  52330  is translatable via an electric motor  52340 , or any suitable motivator. The proximal articulation lock member  52330  and the electric motor  52340  are positioned proximally with respect to the first articulation axis AA 1 . When the first pair of articulation cables  52210  are actuated to rotate the articulatable shaft portion  52300  about the first articulation axis AA 1 , the proximal articulation lock member  52330  is automatically disengaged with the set of radial teeth  52320  to permit articulation of the articulatable shaft portion  52300  about the first articulation axis AA 1 . 
     The surgical instrument  52000  further comprises a second pair of articulation cables  52410  extending from the shaft  52200  and operably engaged with the end effector  52400 . More specifically, one of the second pair of articulation cables  52410  is attached to the end effector  52400  on one side of the second articulation axis AA 2  and the other one of the second pair of articulation cables  52410  is attached to the end effector  52400  on the other side of the second articulation axis AA 2 . The second pair of articulations cables  52410  are configured to rotate the end effector  52400  about the second articulation axis AA 2  when actuated. In other words, one of the second pair of articulation cables  52410  is driven distally and/or the other of the second pair of articulation cables  52410  is driven proximally to rotate the end effector  52400  relative to the articulatable shaft portion  52300  about the second articulation axis AA 2 . The second pair of articulation cables  52410  are operably responsive to an electric motor positioned within the housing. 
     Further to the above, the end effector  52400  comprises a set of radial teeth  52420  defined on the proximal end of the end effector  52400 . At least a portion of the set of radial teeth  52420  are positioned proximal to the second articulation axis AA 2 . The surgical instrument  52000  further comprises a distal articulation lock member  52430  configured to engage the set of radial teeth  52420  on the end effector  52400  to prevent rotation of the end effector  52400  about the second articulation axis AA 2  when the distal articulation lock member  52430  is engaged with the set of radial teeth  52420 . The distal articulation lock member  52430  is translatable via an electric motor  52440 , or any suitable motivator. When the second pair of articulation cables  52410  are actuated to rotate the end effector  52400  about the second articulation axis AA 2 , the distal articulation lock member  52430  is automatically disengaged with the set of radial teeth  52420  to permit articulation. 
     A surgical instrument  53000  comprising a powered articulation system  53100  is illustrated in  FIGS. 163-167 . The surgical instrument  53000  comprises a housing, a shaft  53200  defining a shaft axis SA and extending from the housing, an articulatable shaft portion  53300  extending from the shaft  52200 , and an end effector  53400  extending from the articulatable shaft portion  53300 . A first articulation joint  53500  is between the shaft  53200  and the articulatable shaft portion  53300  and a second articulation joint  53600  is between the articulatable shaft portion  53300  and the end effector  53400 . The first articulation joint  53500  defines a first articulation axis AA 1  that is orthogonal to the shaft axis SA. The second articulation joint  53600  defines a second articulation axis AA 2  that is orthogonal to the first articulation axis AA 1  and the shaft axis SA. 
     The powered articulation system  53100  comprises a first set of articulation cables comprising a right articulation cable  53210  and a left articulation cable  53212 . The right articulation cable  53210  is operably engaged with a first outer articulation gear  53310   a  that is rotatably mounted to the distal end of the shaft  53200  and rotatable about the first articulation axis AA 1 . The left articulation cable  53212  is operably engaged with a second outer articulation gear  53310   b  that is mounted to the distal end of the shaft  53200  and rotatable about the first articulation axis AA 1 . When the right and left articulation cables  53210 ,  53212  are actuated, the first and second outer articulation gears  53310   a ,  53310   b  are rotated. 
     Further to the above, the first outer articulation gear  53310   a  comprises a first gear slot  53312  and the second outer articulation gears  53310   a  comprises a second gear slot  53314 . A first pin  53900  extends through a first opening in the proximal end of a first slider member  53700 , through a first slot  53240   a  defined in the shaft  53200  and through the first gear slot  53312  of the first outer articulation gear  53310   a . A second pin  53910  extends through a second opening  53810  in the proximal end of a second slider member  53800 , through a second slot  53240   b  defined in the shaft  53200  and through the second gear slot  53314  of the second outer articulation gear  53310   b . The distal ends of the first slider member  53700  and the second slider member  53800  are slidably fixed to either side of the end effector  53400  within a groove  53410  defined in the top surface of the end effector  53400 . More specifically, the first slider member  53700  is attached to the groove  53410  by a first pin  53420  and the second slider member  53800  is attached to the groove  53410  by a second pin  53430 . The first slider member  53700  is fixed to the end effector  53400  on one side of the second articulation axis AA 2  and the second slider member  53800  is fixed to the end effector  53400  on the other side of the second articulation axis AA 2  Other embodiments are envisioned with different pin and groove arrangements between the slider members  53700 ,  53800  and the end effector  53400  to accommodate predetermined ranges of articulation for the end effector  53400  about the second articulation axis AA 2 . 
     In use, when the right and left articulation cables  53210 ,  53212  are actuated in opposite directions, the first outer articulation gear  53310   a  will rotate in a first direction and the second outer articulation gear  53310   b  will rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction. Further, when the first outer articulation gear  53310   a  and the second outer articulation gear  53310   b  are rotated in opposite directions, the first slider member  53700  and the second slider member  53800  translate in opposite directions and the end effector  53400  is rotated about the second articulation axis AA 2 , as discussed in greater detail below. 
     Further to the above, when the first outer gear  53310   a  engaged with the right articulation cable  53210  is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction CCW, the first gear slot  53312  of the first outer gear  53310   a  applies a camming force to the first pin  53900  forcing the first pin  53900  to move radially outward within the first gear slot  53312 . As discussed above, the first pin  53900  is positioned through the first slot  53240   a  in the shaft  53200  and is therefore limited to proximal and distal translation within the first slot  53240   a . Thus, when the first outer gear  53310   a  is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction CCW, the first pin  53900  translates proximally within the first slot  53240   a  of the shaft  53200  and the first slider member  53700  translates proximally as illustrated in  FIG. 165 . When the second outer gear  53310   b  engaged with the left articulation cable  53212  is rotated in the clockwise direction CW, the second gear slot  53314  of the second outer gear  53310   b  applies a camming force to the second pin  53910  forcing the second pin  53910  to move radially outward within the second gear slot  53312  of the second outer gear  53310   b . As discussed above, the second pin  53910  is positioned through the second slot  53240   b  in the shaft  53200  and is therefore limited to proximal and distal translation within the second slot  53240   b . Thus, when the second outer gear  53310   b  is rotate in the clockwise direction CW, the second pin  53910  translates distally within the second slot  53240   b  and the second slider member  53800  is translated distally as illustrated in  FIG. 165 . Similarly, when the first outer gear  53310   a  engaged with the right articulation cable  53210  is rotated in the clockwise direction CW and the second outer gear  53310   b  engaged with the left articulation cable  53212  is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction CCW, the first slider member  53700  is translated distally and the second slider member  53800  is translated proximally. 
     As discussed above, the distal ends of the first and second slider members  53700 ,  53800  are attached to the end effector  53400  on either side of the second articulation axis AA 2 . Thus, when the first slider member  53700  and the second slider member  53800  are translated in opposite directions by the right articulation cable  53210  and the left articulation cable  53212 , respectively, the end effector  53400  is rotated about the second articulation axis AA 2 . Other embodiments are envisioned where only one half of the powered articulation system  53100  is utilized to rotate the end effector about the second articulation axis AA 2 . In one such arrangement, only the right articulation cable  53210 , the first outer articulation gear  53310   a , the first pin  53900 , and the first slider  53700  are utilized to rotate the end effector  53400  about the second articulation axis AA 2 , for example. 
     Further to the above, a first inner articulation gear  53320   a  and a second inner articulation gear  53320   b  (see  FIG. 166 ) are mounted to the proximal end of the articulatable shaft portion  53300  and rotatably mounted to the distal end of the shaft  53200  such that the first and second inner articulation gears  53320   a ,  53320   b  are rotatable about the first articulation axis AA 1 . A second right articulation cable  53214  and a second left articulation cable  53216  are operably engaged with the first inner articulation gear  53320   a  and the second inner articulation gear  53320   b , respectively. In use, when the second set of articulation cables  53214 ,  53216  are actuated, the first inner articulation gear  53320   a  and the second inner articulation gear  53320   b  are rotated about the first articulation axis AA 1 . Thus, when the second set of articulation cables are actuated, the articulatable shaft portion  53300  and the end effector  53400  extending therefrom are rotated about the first articulation axis AA 1 . 
     Further to the above, the surgical instrument  53000  comprises a first articulation lock member  53950  and a second articulation lock member  53960  positioned within the shaft  53200  of the surgical instrument  53000 . The first articulation lock member  53950  and the second articulation lock member  53960  are configured to operably engage radial sets of teeth on the articulation gears  53310   a ,  53310   b ,  53320   a ,  53320   b  to prevent rotation of the articulatable shaft portion  53300  about the first articulation axis AA 1  and to prevent rotation of the end effector  53400  about the second articulation axis AA 2 . The surgical instrument  53000  further comprises a first lock actuator  53955  configured to actuate the first articulation lock member  53950  and a second lock actuator  53965  configured to actuate the second articulation lock member  53960 . In at least one embodiment, the first lock actuator  53955  and the second lock actuator  53965  comprise solenoids, electric motors, or any suitable motivator, and/or combinations thereof. Other embodiments are envisioned where the first and second lock actuators  53955 ,  53965  are actuatable due to rotary motions produced in the housing of the surgical instrument  53000 . In at least one embodiment, the first and second articulation lock members  53950 ,  53960  are configured to automatically disengage the articulation gears  53310   a ,  53310   b ,  53320   a ,  53320   b  when the first and second sets of articulation cables are actuated. 
     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. Any of the systems disclosed herein can be used with a handled surgical instrument. Moreover, any of the systems 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 and is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     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. 
     Various embodiments described herein are described in the context of linear end effectors and/or linear fastener cartridges. Such embodiments, and the teachings thereof, can be applied to non-linear end effectors and/or non-linear fastener cartridges, such as, for example, circular and/or contoured end effectors. For example, various end effectors, including non-linear end effectors, are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, filed Feb. 28, 2011, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0226837, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Additionally, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,461, filed Sep. 29, 2012, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0074198, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, filed Feb. 15, 2008, entitled END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443, is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12, 2013, is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     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. 12/235,972, entitled MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,050,083. 
     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.