Patent Publication Number: US-2022211370-A1

Title: Surgical stapling instrument having a two-position lockout mechanism

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/801,788 entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Having a Two-Position Lockout Mechanism” filed on Feb. 26, 2020 which claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/811,457 entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Having a Two-Position Lockout Mechanism” filed on Feb. 27, 2019, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present application relates generally to surgical occlusion instruments and, more particularly, to surgical staplers. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Surgical staplers are used to approximate or clamp tissue and to staple the clamped tissue together. As such, surgical staplers have mechanisms to ensure that tissue is properly positioned and captured and to drive staples through the tissue. As a result, this has produced, for example, multiple triggers and handles in conjunction with complex mechanisms to provide proper stapling of the clamped tissue. With these complex mechanisms, surgical staplers can have increased manufacturing burdens, as well as potential sources for device failure and confusion for the user. Thus, reliable stapling of clamped tissue without complex mechanisms is desired. 
     Surgical staplers can further include cutting blades that transect tissue being stapled. These staplers can have mechanisms to restrict motion of the cutting blades when no staples are present in the device. Further improvements of mechanisms to restrict motion of the cutting blade of a surgical stapler are desirable to enhance user tactile experience and patient safety in certain stapler configurations. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In certain embodiments, a surgical stapling device is provided herein. The surgical stapling device comprises an elongate shaft, a firing beam, and a jaw assembly. The elongate shaft has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The firing beam has a proximal end and a distal end. At least a portion of the firing beam is longitudinally slidable within the elongate shaft. The firing member is at the distal end of the firing beam. The jaw assembly is at the distal end of the elongate shaft. The jaw assembly comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, an empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism, and a fired reload lockout mechanism. The first jaw defines an anvil. The second jaw defines a reload support configured to receive a reload cartridge having a plurality of staples deployable therefrom. The first jaw is pivotably coupled to the second jaw. The firing member is longitudinally slidable within the jaw assembly to move the jaw assembly in an open close stroke to pivot the first jaw relative to the second jaw from an open configuration to a closed configuration and in a firing stroke distal the open close stroke to fire staples from the reload cartridge. The empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism restricts distal movement of the firing member in the open close stroke when no reload cartridge is present in the reload support. The fired reload lockout mechanism prevents distal movement of the firing member from the open close stroke to the firing stroke. 
     In certain embodiments, a surgical stapler is provided herein. The surgical stapler comprises an elongate shaft, a firing beam, a firing member, and a jaw assembly. The elongate shaft has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The firing beam has a proximal end and a distal end. At least a portion of the firing beam is longitudinally slidable within the elongate shaft. The firing beam comprising a first notch formed therein and a second notch formed therein. The firing member is at the distal end of the firing beam. The jaw assembly is at the distal end of the elongate shaft. The jaw assembly comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, and a lockout lever. The first jaw defines an anvil. The second jaw defines a reload support configured to receive a reload cartridge having a plurality of staples deployable therefrom. The lockout lever is pivotably coupled to the second jaw. The lockout lever has a proximal end, a distal end, and a pivot between the proximal end and the distal end. The lockout lever is pivotable between a first position in which the proximal end of the lockout lever is at a first height corresponding to the first notch, a second position in which the proximal end of the lockout lever is at a second height corresponding to a position of the second notch, and an unlocked position in which the proximal end of the lockout lever is at a third height spaced apart from the first notch and the second notch. 
     In certain embodiments, a surgical stapler is provided herein. The surgical stapler comprises an elongate shaft, a firing beam, a firing member, and a jaw assembly. The elongate shaft has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The firing beam has a proximal end and a distal end. At least a portion of the firing beam is longitudinally slidable within the elongate shaft. The firing beam comprises a first notch formed therein and a second notch formed therein. The firing member is at the distal end of the firing beam. The jaw assembly is at the distal end of the elongate shaft. The jaw assembly comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a first lockout lever, and a second lockout lever. The first jaw defines an anvil. The second jaw defines a reload support configured to receive a reload cartridge having a plurality of staples deployable therefrom. The first lockout lever is pivotably coupled to the second jaw. The first lockout lever has a proximal end, a distal end, and a pivot between the proximal end and the distal end. The second lockout lever is pivotably coupled to the second jaw. The second lockout lever has a proximal end, a distal end, and a pivot between the proximal end and the distal end. The first lockout lever is pivotable between a first position in which the proximal end of the first lockout lever is at a first height spaced apart from the first notch and a second position in which the proximal end of the lockout lever is at a second height corresponding to a position of the first notch. The second lockout lever is pivotable between a first position in which the proximal end of the second lockout lever is at a first height spaced apart from the second notch and a second position in which the proximal end of the lockout lever is at a second height corresponding to a position of the second notch. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of surgical stapling device with the jaws in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a reload shaft for the surgical stapling device of  FIG. 1  with the jaws in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of handle assembly having an articulation mechanism for a surgical stapling device; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of surgical stapling system having an embodiment of powered handle; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view the powered handle of the surgical stapling system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a reload lockout mechanism of the shaft assembly; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the reload lockout mechanism of the shaft assembly; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the reload lockout mechanism of the shaft assembly in a locked configuration; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the reload lockout mechanism of the shaft assembly in an unlocked configuration; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a reload cartridge for use in certain embodiments of surgical stapling device; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a firing beam and firing member for use in certain embodiments of elongate shaft assembly of a surgical stapling device; 
         FIG. 12  is a partially exploded perspective view of a proximal end of a jaw assembly of certain embodiments of elongate shaft assembly of a surgical stapling device; 
         FIG. 13  is a cut away side view of a proximal end of a jaw assembly of certain embodiments of elongate shaft assembly of a surgical stapling device; 
         FIG. 14  is a cut away side view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly of  FIG. 13  with an unfired reload partially inserted; 
         FIG. 15  is a cut away side view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly of  FIG. 13  with an unfired reload partially inserted; 
         FIG. 16  is a cut away side view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly of  FIG. 13  with an unfired reload partially inserted; 
         FIG. 17  is a cut away side view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly of  FIG. 13  with an unfired reload inserted; 
         FIG. 18  is a cut away side view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly of  FIG. 13  with an at least partially fired reload inserted; 
         FIG. 19  is a cut away side view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly of  FIG. 13  with no reload inserted; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a firing beam and firing member for use in certain embodiments of elongate shaft assembly of a surgical stapling device; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective partially exploded view of a proximal end of a jaw assembly for use in certain embodiments of elongate shaft assembly of a surgical stapling device; 
         FIG. 22  is a cut away side view from a first side of a proximal end of the jaw assembly of  FIG. 21  with an unfired reload cartridge inserted; 
         FIG. 23  is a cut away side view from a second side of a proximal end of the jaw assembly of  FIG. 21  with an unfired reload cartridge inserted; 
         FIG. 24  is a cut away side view from a second side of a proximal end of the jaw assembly of  FIG. 21  with a fired reload cartridge inserted; 
         FIG. 25  is a cut away side view from a first side of a proximal end of the jaw assembly of  FIG. 21  with no reload cartridge inserted; 
         FIG. 26  is a cut away side view from a first side of a proximal end of the jaw assembly of  FIG. 21  with no reload cartridge inserted and the firing beam longitudinally advanced; and 
         FIG. 27  is a cut away side view from a second side of a proximal end of the jaw assembly of  FIG. 21  with no reload cartridge inserted. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-5 , embodiments of surgical stapling device are illustrated. The embodiment of stapling device illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  includes a mechanical handle assembly  40 , and the embodiment of stapling device illustrated in  FIGS. 4-5  includes an electrically powered handle assembly  40 ′. The illustrated embodiment of surgical stapler  10  comprises an elongate shaft  20 , a jaw assembly  30 , and a handle assembly  40 ,  40 ′. Various aspects of the elongate shaft  20  and jaw assembly  30  described herein can be used interchangeably with either the mechanical handle assembly  40  or the powered handle assembly  40 ′.  FIG. 1  illustrates the surgical stapler  10  with the jaw assembly  30  in an open configuration.  FIG. 2  illustrates a removable reload shaft assembly comprising the elongate shaft  20  and jaw assembly  30  of the surgical stapler  10  with the jaw assembly  30  in a closed configuration. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the illustrated embodiment of surgical stapler  10  can be sized and configured for use in laparoscopic surgical procedures. For example, the elongate shaft  20  and jaw assembly  30  can be sized and configured to be introduced into a surgical field through an access port or trocar cannula. In some embodiments, the elongate shaft  20  and jaw assembly  30  can be sized and configured to be inserted through a trocar cannula having a relatively small working channel diameter, such as, for example, less than 8 mm. In other embodiments, elongate shaft  20  and jaw assembly  30  can be sized and configured to be inserted through a trocar cannula having a larger working channel diameter, such as, for example, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, or 15 mm. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that certain aspects of the surgical staplers described herein can be incorporated into a surgical stapling device for use in open surgical procedures. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , as illustrated, the elongate shaft  20  comprises a generally tubular member. The elongate shaft  20  extends from a proximal end  22  to a distal end  24 . The elongate shaft  20  defines a central longitudinal axis, L. of the surgical stapler  10  extending between the proximal end  22  and the distal end  24 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in the illustrated embodiment, the jaw assembly  30  is coupled to the elongate shaft  20  at the distal end  24  of the elongate shaft  20 . The jaw assembly  30  comprises a first jaw  34  pivotally coupled to a second jaw  32 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2 , the jaw assembly is fixed in an orientation longitudinally aligned with the central longitudinal axis L. In other embodiments, elongate shafts can include jaw assemblies articulably coupled to the elongate shaft such that the jaw assembly can be selectively positioned at an articulated position with respect to the central longitudinal axis L. The handle assembly of  FIG. 3  includes an articulation knob  190  and articulation mechanism configured to provide continuously selectable articulation of a jaw assembly of an elongate shaft assembly through an articulation range. In an initial configuration, the second jaw  32  includes a plurality of staples  36  disposed therein. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in the illustrated embodiment, the jaw assembly  30  can be actuated from an open configuration ( FIG. 1 ) to a closed configuration ( FIG. 2 ) to a stapling configuration by an actuation member or beam that is longitudinally slidable within the elongate shaft. In an initial position, the beam can be positioned at the distal end  24  of the elongate shaft  20 . With the beam in the initial position, the first jaw  34  is pivoted away from the second jaw  32  such that the jaw assembly  30  is in the open configuration. The actuation beam engages the first jaw  34  upon translation of the actuation member or beam distally along the longitudinal axis L. Translation of the actuation beam distally from the initial position a first distance can actuate the jaw assembly from the open configuration to the closed configuration. With the jaw assembly  30  in the closed configuration, the actuation beam can be returned proximally the first distance to return the jaw assembly  30  to the open configuration. A distal end of the actuation beam can advance a staple slider configured to deploy staples from the second jaw  32  such that further translation of the actuation beam distally past the first distance deploys the plurality of staples  36  from the second jaw  32 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , in the illustrated embodiment, the handle assembly is coupled to the elongate shaft  20  at the proximal end  22  of the elongate shaft  20 . As illustrated, the handle assembly  40  has a pistol grip configuration with a housing defining a stationary handle  42  and a movable handle  44  or trigger pivotably coupled to the stationary handle  42 . It is contemplated that in other embodiments, surgical stapler devices including aspects described herein can have handle assemblies with other configurations such as, for example, scissors-grip configurations, or in-line configurations. The handle assembly  40  houses an actuation mechanism configured to selectively advance an actuation shaft responsive to movement of the movable handle  44  to actuate the actuation beam within the elongate a shaft a first distance in an open-close stroke to close the jaw assembly from an initial open position, a second distance beyond the first distance in a firing stroke to fire staples, and to return the actuation beam the second distance and the first distance to an initial position. In certain embodiments, a sliding selector  72  on the handle assembly can allow a user to select whether the handle assembly operates to actuate a jaw assembly in an open-close stroke or a firing stroke. Various embodiments of handle assemblies and associated actuation mechanisms are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,668,732, entitled “Surgical Stapler Handle Assembly Having Actuation Mechanism With Longitudinally Rotatable Shaft” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/485,620, filed Apr. 12, 2017, entitled “Surgical Stapler Having Articulation Mechanism,” both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the surgical stapler  10  can include the plurality of staples  36  positioned in a disposable reload cartridge  50  while the handle assembly  40  and elongate shaft  20  is configured to be reused with multiple staple reload cartridges. Advantageously, the grasping and firing lockout mechanisms described herein can limit functionality of the handle assembly to alert a user and enhance patient safety if no reload cartridge is present in the jaw assembly or if a partially or fully fired reload cartridge is present in the jaw assembly. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the elongate shaft  20  and jaw assembly  30  define a reusable shaft assembly that is removably couplable to the handle assembly  40 . Various aspects of the lockout mechanisms described herein can be used by the shaft assembly and one or more disposable cartridge thereof to limit functionality of the handle assembly after partial or complete firing of the staples from the jaw assembly. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , the handle assembly  40  includes a coupler  46  at the distal end thereof. The coupler  46  is adapted to engage the elongate shaft  20  of the surgical stapler  10  The coupler  46  can have a bayonet connection having an outer connector that can removably couple the handle assembly  40  to the elongate shaft  20 , and an inner connector that can removably couple the actuation shaft of the handle assembly  42  to the actuation member of the elongate shaft  20 . Accordingly, the surgical stapler  10  can be configured such that the handle assembly  40  can be reused with multiple shaft assemblies and reload cartridges during a surgical procedure. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the handle assembly and some portion of the elongate shaft can be reusable while a remainder of the elongate shaft and the jaw assembly define a disposable cartridge. In certain other embodiments, the handle assembly and the elongate shaft can be reusable while the jaw assembly defines a disposable cartridge. In still other embodiments, a jaw insert housing a plurality of staples can define a disposable cartridge while the remainder of the surgical stapler is reusable. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4-5 , an embodiment of surgical stapling system with a powered handle assembly is illustrated. The illustrated embodiment of surgical stapler  10 ′ comprises an elongate shaft  20 , a jaw assembly  30 , and a handle assembly  40 ′.  FIG. 4  illustrates the surgical stapler  10 ′ with the jaw assembly  30  in an open configuration with an embodiment of powered handle having powered staple firing and manual jaw assembly articulation.  FIG. 5  illustrates the powered handle  40 ′ of the surgical stapler system  10 ′ with the elongate shaft removed. In the illustrated embodiments, the shaft  20  and jaw assembly  30  can be freely rotated about a longitudinal axis defined by the shaft  20  by rotation of a rotation knob on the handle  40 ′. In other embodiments, the stapling system can be configured to allow rotation of the jaw assembly about the longitudinal axis within a predefined range or a rotationally fixed jaw assembly. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , an embodiment of powered handle for a surgical stapling system is illustrated. The powered handle can be used with various shaft reloads and cartridges such that the shaft configuration, jaw assembly configuration, and staple configuration can be selected for a particular procedure. The motor is controlled by an embedded control system that dictates functionality of the handle during different stages of use. Articulation of the jaw assembly can be manually controlled by an articulation knob  190 ′ that the operator rotates. In the illustrated embodiment, the articulation knob  190 ′ is positioned on the proximal end of the powered handle and is rotatable about an axis generally corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the stapling system. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 5 , the powered handle  40 ′ comprises a pistol-grip configuration with a stationary handle  42 ′ and a movable handle  44 ′ or trigger pivotably coupled thereto. A power supply  130  or battery can be positioned on a lower surface of the stationary handle. The powered handle  40 ′ can further comprise a user control such as a fire or fire/reverse button  150  to allow a user to selectively control a stapling sequence such that a user can selectively actuate the handle assembly to operate a jaw assembly in an open-close stroke and a firing stroke. The powered handle  40 ′ can further comprise a redundant, manual override return system  170  to allow a user to manually return the stapling system to an open configuration in the event of a powered system failure, control system failure, power supply failure, “lockjaw,” or other mechanical binding. 
     Various embodiments of powered handle assemblies and associated actuation mechanisms are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/486,227, filed Apr. 12, 2017, entitled “Reload Shaft Assembly for Surgical Stapler” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/486,008, filed Apr. 12, 2017, entitled “Surgical Stapler Having a Powered Handle,” both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9 , in certain embodiments, the jaw assembly can comprise a binary reload lockout mechanism  80 . The reload lockout mechanism  80  can prevent advancement of the firing member if no reload is positioned within the jaw assembly or if an empty reload is positioned within the jaw assembly. The reload lockout mechanism  80  includes a lockout lever  82  pivotally coupled to the reload support. An axis defined by the pivot extends generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft. With the firing member  240  fully retracted such that the jaw assembly is in an open configuration, a tail  247  extending proximally from the firing member  240  maintains the lockout lever  82  pivoted to the unlocked position. In the illustrated embodiment, a proximal portion of the lockout lever  82  proximal the pivot is forked or bifurcated to receive the firing member  240  therein such that the tail  247  can act on a surface of the lockout lever  82  proximal the pivot. If no reload is inserted, an attempt to advance the firing member  240  will allow the lockout lever to pivot about a pivot point  84  from the unlocked position to the locked position as the tail  247  of the firing member is advanced distally along the lockout lever. ( FIG. 8 ). With the lockout lever  82  in the locked position, a proximal, locking end  86  of the lockout lever interferes with a lock recess  60  on the drive member  26 , preventing further distal movement of the drive member. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9 , if an unfired reload is inserted into the reload support ( FIG. 9 ), a tail  54  extending proximally from a slider  55  engages a distal end of the lockout lever  82 . The slider  55  is longitudinally distally slidable within the reload from a proximal position to a distal position to deploy a plurality of staples from the reload. As illustrated, the tail  54  acts on a lower surface of a distal portion of the lockout lever  82  distal the pivot point. This engagement of the slider tail  54  with the distal end of the lockout lever  82  pivots the proximal end of the lookout lever  82  away from the drive member  26  even once the tail  247  of the firing member  240  is no longer acting on the proximal portion of the lockout lever. Accordingly, the drive member  26  and firing member  240  can be distally advanced to fire the staples from the reload. Upon completion of a firing stroke, the slider  55  remains at a distal end of the reload. Thus if the jaw assembly is returned to the open configuration, withdrawing the firing member, the fired reload should be removed and a new unfired reload should be inserted to unlock the reload lockout. 
     While the binary lockout lever reload lockout mechanism described with respect to  FIGS. 6-9  advantageously prevents firing of the jaw assembly when either no reload cartridge is present or a partially or fully fired reload is present, in certain conditions, it can allow a user to operate the handle assembly to actuate the jaw assembly in an open-close operation and an initial portion of the firing stroke, which can close the jaw assembly, and advance the firing member  240  to a pre-fired position in the jaw assembly. Safety of the binary lockout mechanism can be enhanced by positioning the lock recess  60  of the drive member in a location corresponding to a position on the firing member  240  within the open-close stroke of the jaw assembly such that with the lockout mechanism in a latched state the blade of the firing member  240  is recessed or through inclusion of a stop or guard member to shield the blade of the firing member. But, further improvements and advantages can be achieved with a separate empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism and fired reload lockout mechanism. As further described below, in certain embodiments, these separate mechanisms can be engaged by a two-position lockout lever, with two lockout positions and one unlocked position ( FIGS. 12-19 ) or a lockout lever assembly having two independently-operable lockout levers ( FIGS. 21-27 ). 
     With reference to  FIG. 10 , a reload cartridge  250  for use with an elongate shaft of a surgical stapler device having separate empty jaw assembly and fired reload lockout mechanisms is illustrated. As further described below, if no reload cartridge  250  is present in the jaw assembly and a user attempts to grasp the jaw assembly in an open-close stroke, a two-position lockout lever will move to a first, locked position. As illustrated, the reload cartridge includes a first lockout actuator sized and positioned to position a two-position lockout lever in a second position to defeat the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism when a reload is positioned in the reload support of the jaw assembly. In certain embodiments, the first lockout actuator can comprise a ramped boss  252  extending laterally inwardly from a side wall of a body of the cartridge. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 10 , in the illustrated embodiment the reload cartridge  250  includes a second lockout actuator sized and configured to position a two-position lockout lever in an unlocked position to defeat the fired reload lockout mechanism when an unfired reload is positioned in the jaw assembly. Thus, in addition to the two lockout positions, the two-position lockout lever is pivotable to an unlocked position. In certain embodiments, the second lockout actuator comprises a tail  254  extending proximally from a slider  255  of the reload cartridge  250 . When the reload cartridge  250  is in an unfired state, the slider  255  is in a proximal position such that the slider tail  254  extends proximally to engage the lockout lever. As the firing member is advanced distally in a firing stroke, it abuts the slider within the reload cartridge and advances the slider distally. Advancement of the slider  255  longitudinally distally within the reload from the proximal position to a distal position deploys a plurality of staples from the reload. Thus, once the reload cartridge  250  is in a partially fired (or fully fired) state, the proximally-extending slider tail  254  is not in position to defeat the fired reload lockout mechanism. 
     With reference to  FIG. 11 , a firing beam  226  for use with an elongate shaft assembly of a surgical stapler device having separate empty jaw assembly and fired reload lockout mechanisms is illustrated. The firing beam  226  extends from a proximal end to a distal end  230 . A firing member  240  having a generally I-beam configuration is disposed at the distal end  230  of the firing beam  226 . Upper and lower horizontal flanges  242 ,  244  of the I-beam firing member  240  ride in channels in the first and second jaws of the jaw assembly to approximate the jaws, then maintain spacing of the jaws during staple firing. A cutting blade  245  is positioned on the vertical portion of the I-beam profile to transect tissue between rows of staples. The I-beam firing member  240  can be attached to the distal end of the firing beam  226  by an interlock fit, welding, another joining technique, or some combination thereof. A proximal edge of the I-beam firing member  240  can have a proximally-extending projection or tail  247  that can rest on a proximal portion of a lockout lever with the firing beam  226  in a fully retracted position corresponding to an open jaw assembly. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 11 , the firing beam can include a first lockout notch  222  for use in conjunction with the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism and a second lockout notch  224  for use in conjunction with the fired reload lockout mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the first lockout notch  222  extends a first height from an adjacent lower edge  220  of the firing beam  226 . As further described below, the first height is selected to correspond to a height of the proximal end of the lockout lever when the empty jaw assembly lockout has been actuated by an attempt to approximate a jaw assembly without a reload cartridge present. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 11 , in the illustrated embodiment, the second lockout notch  224  is positioned on the firing beam proximal of the first lockout notch  222 . The second lockout notch  224  extends a second height from the adjacent lower edge  220  of the firing beam  226 . As further described below, the second height is selected to correspond to a height of the proximal end of the lockout lever when the fired reload lockout mechanism has been actuated by an attempt to fire a previously fired or partially fired reload. 
     The illustrated embodiment of firing beam  226  has a first lockout notch  222  and a second lockout notch  224  that are substantially contiguous such that the adjacent lower edge  220  of the firing beam is relieved over a longitudinal span corresponding to the first lockout notch  222  and the second lockout notch  224 . It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the first lockout notch and the second lockout notch can be spaced from one another by an unrelieved segment of the lower edge of the firing beam. As further described herein, the heights and longitudinal positions of the first lockout notch and the second lockout notch can be configured to achieve desired operational characteristics of a stapler handle assembly. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , a portion of the jaw assembly  270  is illustrated in partially exploded ( FIG. 12 ) and cut away side views ( FIG. 13 ), with various components hidden for illustration of the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism and the fired reload lockout mechanism. In certain embodiments, the lockout mechanisms comprise a two-position lockout lever  280 , a biasing spring  290 , a first lockout notch  222 , and a second lockout notch  224 . The two-position lockout lever  280  has a distal end  282  configured to engage a first lockout actuator and a second lockout actuator on a reload cartridge, a pivot  284  proximal the distal end, and a proximal end  286  configured to engage either the first lockout notch, the second lockout notch, or neither. The biasing spring  290  has at least one lower spring arm  292  biasing the end of the lockout lever  280  distal the pivot  284  in a downward direction towards the reload support of the second jaw  274 . In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing spring has two lower spring arms  292  with a gap therebetween allowing passage of the firing member  240  and the firing beam  226 . The biasing spring  290  can have at least one upper spring arm  294  that biases the first jaw  272  towards an open configuration. The biasing spring  290  can be configured to sit astride the firing beam  226  and can have a central saddle member from which the at least one lower spring arm  292  and the at least one upper spring arm  294  extend. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 14-19 , operation of the two lockout mechanisms is illustrated. In these partial cut away side views of a proximal end of certain embodiments of jaw assembly, certain elements of the jaw assembly (such as biasing spring) are not illustrated, and certain components (such as firing member  240 ) are illustrated as transparent elements to enhance visibility of the operation of the lockout mechanisms.  FIGS. 14-17  illustrate functioning of the lockout mechanisms as a full, unfired staple reload  250  cartridge is positioned in the reload support of the second jaw  274 .  FIG. 18  illustrates operation of the fired reload lockout mechanism.  FIG. 19  illustrates operation of the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism. 
     With reference to  FIG. 14 , a cut away view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly is illustrated. The jaw assembly is in an open configuration such that the first jaw  272  is biased to an open position relative to the second jaw  274 . The firing member  240  and firing beam  226  are in a fully proximally retracted position such that a proximal surface of the lockout lever  280  rests on a proximally extending tail  247  of the firing member  240 . Thus, the distal end  282  of the lockout lever  280  is raised slightly away from the reload support such that a lockout actuator can be positioned between the reload support and the lockout lever  280 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 14 , the slight raise of the distal end  282  of the lockout lever  280  can accept a ramped proximal surface of the first lockout actuator or ramped boss  252  formed on the reload cartridge body. The distal end  282  of the lockout lever  280  has a lateral extension  283  ( FIG. 12 ) positioned to engage the first lockout actuator and a medial surface  281  ( FIG. 12 ) positioned to engage the second lockout actuator as the reload cartridge  250  is slid proximally upon insertion to the reload support of the jaw assembly. 
     With reference to  FIG. 15 , a cut away view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly is illustrated with the reload  250  cartridge partially inserted. As illustrated, the lateral extension  283  of the distal end  282  of the lockout lever  280  has engaged a ramped proximal surface  283  of the ramped boss  252 . As the reload  250  cartridge is further slid proximally, the lateral extension  283  travels up the ramped surface to a first height relative to the reload support, pivoting the lockout lever  280  into the second position and defeating the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism. Operation of the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism is further described below with reference to  FIG. 19 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second lockout actuator or slider tail  254  of an unfired reload  250  cartridge is positioned just distal of the first lockout actuator at a height positioned to engage with the medial surface  281  of the distal end  282  of the lockout lever  280  once the distal end  282  of the lockout lever  280  has been raised to the first height from the reload support by the first lockout actuator. Accordingly, when viewed in a cut away side view, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the first lockout actuator and second lockout actuator define a progressive ramped profile arranged to elevate the distal end  282  of the lockout lever  280  to two predefined positions as a reload  250  cartridge is inserted into the reload support. 
     With reference to  FIG. 16 , a cut away view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly is illustrated with the reload  250  cartridge almost fully inserted. As illustrated, the medial surface  281  on the distal end  282  of the lockout lever  280  has engaged a ramped proximal surface of the second lockout actuator or slider tail  254 . In the illustrated embodiment, the proximally extending tail  254  of the slider of the reload  250  has a lead-in ramped surface that, with the reload cartridge in an unfired state, engages the distal end  282  of the lockout lever  280 . In certain embodiments, the lockout lever  280  and slider tail  254  can be configured to provide a smooth, relatively low friction reload insertion and reduce the possibility of binding or inadvertent advancement of the slider during insertion of the cartridge. For example, in certain embodiments, the medial surface  281  of the distal end  282  of the lockout lever  280  can have a radiused distal tip such that the lockout lever  280  will be pivoted by interaction with the slider tail despite potential slight angular misalignments between the reload  250  cartridge and the reload support. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the ramped proximal surface of the slider tail  254  can extend from a first height relative to the reload support at a proximal end that is smaller than a height of the first lockout actuator relative to the reload support. Accordingly, as an unfired reload  250  cartridge is positioned in the reload support, the distal end  282  of the lockout lever  280  can transition from the first lockout actuator to the second lockout actuator smoothly at a wide range of angular alignments between the reload cartridge and reload support. 
     With reference to  FIG. 17 , a cut away view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly is illustrated with the reload  250  cartridge fully inserted. As illustrated, the medial surface  281  on the distal end  282  of the lockout lever  280  has been advanced along the ramped proximal surface of the second lockout actuator and onto the second lockout actuator or slider tail  254 . This advancement along the ramped surface of the slider tail  254  pivots the lockout lever  280  about the pivot  284  such that the distal end  282  of the lockout lever  280  is at a second height with respect to the reload support. With the distal end of the lockout lever  280  at the second height, the lockout lever is in an unlocked position, corresponding to an unlocked state of the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism and an unlocked state of the fired reload lockout mechanism. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 17 , with the lockout lever  280  in the unlocked position, the proximal end  286  of the lockout lever  280  is positioned at a height below a lower edge of the firing beam. Accordingly, the firing member  240  and firing beam  226  can be distally advanced through an open-close stroke and a firing stroke responsive to user input from an operatively coupled mechanical or powered handle assembly ( FIGS. 1-5 ). Accordingly, when an unfired reload cartridge is inserted to the reload support of the jaw assembly, both the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism and the fired reload lockout mechanism are defeated to allow a user to operate a stapler handle assembly to grasp tissue with the jaw assembly and fire staples from the jaw assembly by distal translation of the firing beam and firing member within the jaw assembly. 
     With reference to  FIG. 18 , once a reload  250  cartridge has been at least partially fired, the slider within the reload  250  is advanced distally from a proximal, unfired position. Upon completion of a firing stroke, the slider remains at a distal location within the reload cartridge while the firing beam  226  and firing member  240  can be retracted proximally responsive to operation of a handle assembly in a return or retraction stroke. Thus, once a reload  250  cartridge has been partially or fully fired the second lockout actuator or slider tail is not in position to engage the distal end  282  of the lockout lever  280 . In certain embodiments, the first lockout actuator or ramped boss  252 , however, is stationary relative to a body of the cartridge. Thus, with a partially or fully fired reload  250  positioned in the reload support, the distal end  282  of the lockout lever  280  is engaged by the first lockout actuator to position the distal end  282  of the lockout lever  280  at the first height relative to the reload support. With the distal end  282  of the lockout lever  280  at the first height, corresponding to the second position of the lockout lever, the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism is defeated, but the fired reload lockout mechanism is locked. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 18 , with the lockout lever  280  in the second position, the proximal end  286  of the lockout lever  280  is at a height corresponding to the second lockout notch  224  on the firing beam  226 . Moreover, in certain embodiments, the biasing spring  290  ( FIG. 12 ) exerts a force on an upper surface of the distal end  282  of the lockout lever  280 , tending to maintain the proximal end  286  of the lockout lever  280  at the height corresponding to the second lockout notch  224  on the firing beam  226 . Accordingly, if a user attempts to actuate the jaw assembly with a fired reload cartridge present in the jaw assembly, the firing beam  226  can be distally advanced until the proximal end  286  of the lockout lever  280  seats within the second lockout notch  224  of the firing beam  226 , indicating engagement of the fired reload lockout mechanism and preventing further distal motion of the firing beam and the firing member. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 18 , in certain embodiments the fired reload lockout mechanism can be configured to permit operation of the jaw assembly of the stapling device in at least a portion of an open-close stroke. For example, in certain embodiments, the position of the second lockout notch  224  and the length of the lockout lever  280  can be sized and configured such that the firing beam  226  is arrested upon engagement of the fired reload mechanism at a position corresponding to a fully closed or almost fully closed configuration of the jaw assembly. With the jaw assembly in such a configuration, the firing member  240  has advanced to a distal position that approximates the first jaw and the second jaw, but maintains the cutting edge  245  in a substantially recessed location. Advantageously, with the fired reload lockout configured to permit an open-close stroke, after firing staples from a reload cartridge, a user can operate the jaw assembly in one or more open-close strokes to assess tissue thicknesses and consistency at various locations for application of a potential second reload. Likewise, as insertion of a stapling device through a surgical access port such as a trocar can typically require the jaw assembly to be in a closed configuration, a user could withdraw and reinsert the jaw assembly through one or more surgical access ports to evaluate tissue thicknesses and consistency at various locations in a surgical site. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 18 , in certain embodiments, the fired reload lockout mechanism can be further configured to prevent operation of the stapling device in a firing stroke. Mechanical and powered stapler handle assemblies configured for use with an elongate shaft and jaw assembly as described herein, such as those discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 1-5 , typically include firing mode selector mechanisms or firing safety switches to allow a user to affirmatively select operation of a firing stroke of the jaw assembly only once the jaw assembly has been positioned in a closed configuration. Thus, in certain embodiments, the position of the second lockout notch  224  and the length of the lockout lever  280  can be sized and configured such that the firing beam is arrested upon engagement of the fired reload lockout mechanism at a position corresponding to a position proximal to a fully closed configuration of the jaw assembly. Thus, in these embodiments, once the fired reload lockout mechanism has been engaged, although a user would be able to select operation of the firing stroke on the handle assembly, the handle assembly would not engage the firing beam in a firing stroke. Advantageously, operation of the fired reload lockout mechanism to prevent actuation of the firing stroke on the handle assembly would serve as an indication to the user that a lockout had been engaged. 
     With reference to  FIG. 19 , a cut away view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly is illustrated with no reload cartridge inserted and the firing member and firing beam slightly longitudinally advanced. With no reload present, once the tail  247  of the firing member  240  advances off of the proximal end  286  of the lockout lever  280 , the biasing spring  290  ( FIG. 12 ) exerts force on the upper surface of the distal end  282  of the lockout lever  280  towards the reload support. Thus, upon initial advancement of the firing beam  226  responsive to a user actuating a handle assembly to advance the jaw assembly in an open-close stroke, the lockout lever  280  is pivoted into a first position corresponding to a locked configuration of the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism. As the firing beam  226  is advanced distally, the proximal end  286  of the lockout lever  280  seats in the first lockout notch  222  on the firing beam  226  and engages the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism, preventing further distal translation of the firing beam  226  and firing member  240 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 19 , in certain embodiments the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism can be configured to arrest motion of the firing beam at a position corresponding to a substantially open configuration of the jaw assembly. For example, the position of the first lockout notch  222  on the firing beam  226 , the length of the lockout lever  280 , and the length of the tail  247  of the firing member  240  can be sized and configured such that the empty reload lockout mechanism is locked early in an open-close stroke of the jaw assembly. Advantageously, with the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism configured to lock during an initial portion of the open-close stroke, a user would be unable to actuate a handle assembly to close the jaw assembly sufficiently to be inserted through a surgical access port if no reload cartridge were present in the jaw assembly. Thus, with an empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism so configured, a user would have a tactile indication that no reload cartridge is present in the jaw assembly before inadvertently introducing an empty jaw assembly to a surgical site. Moreover, such an empty jaw assembly lockout desirably maintains the cutting edge  245  of the firing member  240  in a substantially retracted, shielded position relative to the jaw assembly with no reload present in the jaw assembly. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 20-27 , in certain embodiments, an elongate shaft and jaw assembly for use in a surgical stapling device can have independently-operable empty jaw assembly and fired reload lockout mechanisms. In the illustrated embodiment, rather than including a two-position lockout lever having surfaces actuatable by first and second lockout actuators, as described with reference to  FIGS. 10-19 , the jaw assembly can include a first lockout lever and a second lockout lever independently actuatable by corresponding first and second lockout actuators. 
     With reference to  FIG. 20 , an embodiment of firing beam  326  for use with the lockout mechanisms of  FIGS. 21-27  is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the firing beam  326  comprises a first lockout notch  322  and a second lockout notch  324 . The first lockout notch  322  has a first height relative to a lower edge  320  of the firing beam  326  and the second lockout notch  324  has a second height relative to the lower edge  320  of the firing beam  326 . In certain embodiments, the second height is greater than the first height. The first lockout notch can be spaced from the second lockout notch by a tab  328  reinforcing the first lockout notch. Other aspects of a firing member  340  and firing beam  326  are substantially as described above with respect to the firing member and firing beam for use with the two-position lockout lever. 
     With reference to  FIG. 21 , in certain embodiments, a partially exploded view of a first jaw  372  and a second jaw  374  of a jaw assembly  370  is illustrated, with various components hidden for illustration of the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism and the fired reload lockout mechanism. In certain embodiments, the lockout mechanisms comprise a first, empty jaw assembly lockout lever  380 , a second, fired reload lockout lever  480 , a biasing spring  390 , a first lockout notch  322 , and a second lockout notch  324 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first lockout lever  380  and the second lockout lever  480  are each pivotably coupled to the second jaw  374  of the jaw assembly, and the first lockout lever  380  and the second lockout lever  480  are independently pivotable. In the illustrated embodiment, the first lockout lever  380  and the second lockout lever  480  are positioned on opposite sides of the firing member  340  and firing beam  326  and each pivot about a pivot axis that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the jaw assembly  370 . In certain embodiments, the first lockout lever  380  and the second lockout lever  480  pivot about the same pivot axis. In other embodiments, the pivot axis of the first lockout lever  380  can be longitudinally offset from the pivot axis of the second lockout lever  480 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 21 , in the illustrated embodiment, the first lockout lever  380  has a proximal end  386 , a distal end  382 , and a pivot  384  positioned between the proximal end  386  and the distal end  382 . The biasing spring  390  has a lower spring arm  392  that is positioned on an upper surface of the distal end  382  of the first lockout lever  380 . The biasing spring  390  biases the distal end  382  of the first lockout lever  380  downwardly, towards the reload support of the second jaw  374 . The biasing spring can further comprise at least one upper spring arm  394  that biases the first jaw  372  pivotally away from the second jaw  374  to position the jaw assembly in an open configuration. Thus the biasing spring  390  exerts a spring force on the distal end  382  of the first lockout lever  380  that tends to pivot the proximal end  386  of the first lockout lever  380  upwards, away from the reload support. As illustrated, with the firing member  340  and firing beam  326  in a fully retracted position, corresponding to an open jaw assembly, a proximally extending tail  347  on the firing member  340  engages the proximal end  386  of the first lockout lever  380 , overcoming the force exerted by the biasing spring  390  and positioning the distal end  382  of the first lockout lever  380  in a raised position with respect to the reload support such that a reload cartridge can be inserted to the reload support. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 21 , the second lockout lever  480  has a proximal end  486 , a distal end  482 , and a pivot  484  positioned between the proximal end  486  and the distal end  482 . In certain embodiments, a biasing member  490  is positioned on a lower surface of the distal end  482  of the second lockout lever  480 . The biasing member  490  is configured to maintain the distal end  482  of the second locked lever  480  in a raised position when no reload cartridge is present in the jaw assembly. As illustrated, in certain embodiments, the biasing member  490  comprises a compressible puck positioned on the lower surface of the distal end  482  of the second lockout lever  480  to maintain the distal end  482  of the second lockout lever  480  in a raised position relative to the reload support. In other embodiments, other biasing members such as coil springs can be positioned on the lower surface of the distal end of the second lockout lever. In still other embodiments, the biasing member can be positioned on the reload support under the distal end of the second lockout lever. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , cut away views of the proximal end of the jaw assembly are illustrated with a reload  350  cartridge inserted and the firing member  340  and firing beam slightly longitudinally advanced towards a jaw assembly closed configuration.  FIG. 22  illustrates a first side of the proximal end of the jaw assembly including the first lockout lever  380 .  FIG. 23  illustrates a second side of the proximal end of the jaw assembly including the second lockout lever  480 . With an unfired reload  350  cartridge positioned in the jaw assembly, the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism has been defeated and is in an unlocked configuration, and the fired reload lockout mechanism has been defeated and is in an unlocked configuration. 
     With reference to  FIG. 22 , as a reload cartridge  350  is inserted into the reload support of the second jaw  374  of the jaw assembly, a first lockout actuator  352  on a proximal end of the reload  350  is advanced proximally between the reload support and the distal end  382  of the first lockout lever  380 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first lockout actuator  352  comprises a protruding surface on the reload cartridge. For example, in some embodiments, the reload cartridge can comprise a cartridge body partially surrounded by a metal jacket. The metal jacket can comprise a folded or raised surface that contacts a lower surface on the distal end  382  of the first lockout lever  380  to maintain a height of the distal end  382  of the first lockout lever  380  relative to the reload support when a reload  350  cartridge is present in the jaw assembly. With the distal end  382  of the first lockout lever  380  maintained at the height of the first lockout actuator  352 , the proximal end  386  of the first lockout lever  380  is positioned at a height below a lower edge of the firing beam  326 , away from the first lockout notch  322  and the second lockout notch. Accordingly, with a reload  350  cartridge in the reload support, the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism has been defeated. In certain embodiments, the lockout mechanisms can be configured to allow translation of the firing beam  326  and firing member  340  with the empty jaw lockout mechanism defeated to allow some portion of the open close stroke of the jaw assembly with a reload cartridge present in the jaw assembly regardless of whether the reload has been fired. 
     With reference to  FIG. 23 , as a reload  350  cartridge is inserted, a proximally extending tail  354  on the slider  355  is positioned between the reload support and a lower surface of the distal end  482  of the second lockout lever  480 . The biasing member  490  or compressible puck maintains the height of the distal end  482  of the second lockout lever  480  to receive the tail  354  of the slider  355  under the distal end  482  of the second lockout lever  480 . In certain embodiments, the reload  350  cartridge further comprises a cartridge biasing spring  492  biasing an upper surface of the distal end  482  of the second lockout lever  480  downward towards the reload support. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 23 , with the distal end  482  of the second lockout lever  480  at the height of the tail  354  of the slider  355 , the proximal end  486  of the second lockout lever  480  is positioned at a height below a lower edge of the firing beam  326 , away from the first lockout notch and the second lockout notch. Accordingly, with a reload  350  cartridge in the reload support, the fired reload lockout mechanism has been defeated. Thus, when an unfired reload  350  has been positioned in the reload support of the jaw assembly, both the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism and the fired reload lockout mechanism have been defeated and a user can operate an operatively coupled handle assembly to advance the firing beam and firing member in a firing stroke to deploy staples from the reload  350  cartridge. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 24 , a cut away view of the proximal end of the jaw assembly is illustrated with a partially or fully fired reload cartridge inserted and the firing member and firing beam slightly longitudinally advanced corresponding to a jaw assembly closed configuration. With a partially or fully fired cartridge positioned in the jaw assembly, the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism has been defeated and is in an unlocked configuration, and the fired reload lockout mechanism is in a locked configuration. 
     With a fired reload cartridge inserted, the position of the first lockout lever on the first side of the jaw assembly is the same as described above with respect to an unfired reload cartridge ( FIG. 22 ). Thus, once a reload cartridge has been at least partially fired, or if a previously-used reload cartridge has been reinserted into the reload support of the jaw assembly, the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism is defeated. 
     With reference to  FIG. 24 , with a fired reload  350  cartridge inserted, a cartridge biasing spring exerts force on the distal end  482  of the second lockout lever  480  in a downward direction towards the reload support. The cartridge biasing spring  492  is configured to exert force sufficient to overcome the bias of the biasing member  490  between the reload support and the second lockout lever  480 . In certain embodiments, the cartridge biasing spring  492  is coupled to the reload cartridge  350  at the proximal end thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, with no slider tail positioned in a proximal position, the cartridge biasing spring  492  exerts force sufficient to compress the compressible puck on the lower surface of the distal end  482  of the second lockout lever  480  such that the distal end  482  of the second lockout lever  480  is pivoted to a relatively low height relative to the reload support. With the distal end  482  of the second lockout lever  480  at this relatively low height, the proximal end  486  of the second lockout lever  480  is positioned at a height corresponding to the second lockout notch  324  of the firing beam  326  such that the fired reload lockout mechanism is in a locked configuration. As illustrated, once the firing beam is advanced by a user attempting to actuate the jaw assembly in an open-close stroke, the fired reload lockout mechanism engages as the proximal end  486  of the second lockout lever  480  seats within the second lockout notch  324  on the firing beam  326  to arrest further longitudinally distal motion of the firing beam  326 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 24 , in the illustrated embodiment, the fired reload lockout mechanism is configured to allow a range of operation of the jaw assembly in the open-close stroke responsive to user input at the handle assembly. For example the position of the proximal end of the second lockout lever and second lockout notch can be selected to provide engagement of the fired reload lockout mechanism at a position of the firing beam corresponding to a closed or almost closed configuration of the jaw assembly. Thus, advantageously after firing staples from a reload cartridge, a user can grasp tissue with the jaw assembly to assess tissue thickness and consistency without removing the stapling device from the surgical site. Moreover, the fired reload lockout mechanism can be configured to prevent a user from selecting a firing operation at a handle assembly of the stapling device by engaging before completion of the open-close stroke of the jaw assembly. Thus, a user can be prevented from inadvertently advancing the firing member and firing beam into a position corresponding to the firing stroke of the jaw assembly, in which a cutting blade of the firing beam may be accessible to tissue. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 25, 26 and 27 , cut away views of the proximal end of the jaw assembly are illustrated with no reload cartridge inserted and the firing member and firing beam longitudinally fully retracted ( FIGS. 25, 27 ) or substantially fully retracted ( FIG. 26 ), corresponding to a jaw assembly open configuration.  FIG. 25  illustrates a first side of the proximal end of the jaw assembly including the first lockout lever  380 .  FIG. 26  illustrates the first side of the proximal end of the jaw assembly with the firing member slightly advanced illustrating operation of the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism.  FIG. 27  illustrates a second side of the proximal end of the jaw assembly including the second lockout lever  480 . In the illustrated embodiment, with no reload cartridge positioned in the jaw assembly, the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism is in a locked configuration, and the fired reload lockout mechanism is in an unlocked configuration. 
     With reference to  FIG. 25 , with no reload cartridge inserted and the jaw assembly in the open configuration, the position of the first lockout lever  380  is initially maintained with the distal end  382  of the first lockout lever  380  raised from the reload support to receive a reload cartridge. With the jaw assembly in the open configuration, the firing beam  326  is in a fully retracted position, and a tail  347  on the firing member  340  rests on the proximal end  386  of the first lockout lever  380  to position the distal end  382  of the first lockout lever  380  to receive the reload cartridge. However, if a user attempts to actuate the jaw assembly in an open-close stroke ( FIG. 26 ), the tail  347  on the firing member  340  will be longitudinally advanced off of the proximal end  386  of the first lockout lever  380 . The biasing spring  390  can exert a force on an upper surface of the distal end  382  of the first lockout lever  380  to pivot the first lockout lever  380  such that the proximal end  386  of the first lockout member is positioned at a height from the reload support corresponding to a height of the first lockout notch  322  on the firing beam  326 . With reference to  FIG. 26 , if a user continues to attempt to actuate the jaw assembly in an open-close stroke, the proximal end  386  of the first lockout lever  380  will seat in the first lockout notch  322  on the firing beam  326  upon initial distal movement of the firing beam. Thus, the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism is in a locked configuration. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 25-26 , the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism can be configured to restrict further distal movement of the firing beam during an initial portion of the open-close stroke of the jaw assembly. For example, the size of the tail  347  on the firing member  340 , the position of the proximal end  386  of the first lockout lever  380  and the first lockout notch  322  can be configured to arrest the firing beam  326  upon initial distal movement of the firing beam  326 . Accordingly, the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism would engage with the jaw assembly in a partially or substantially open configuration. Desirably, this engagement of the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism would indicate to a user that the jaw assembly was empty before the jaw assembly would be introduced to a surgical site. 
     With reference to  FIG. 27 , with no reload cartridge inserted in the jaw assembly, the biasing member  490  or compressible puck maintains the distal end  482  of the second lockout lever  480  in a raised position relative to the reload support. With the distal end  482  of the second lockout lever  480  at this raised height, the proximal end  486  of the second lockout lever  480  is positioned adjacent the reload support such that the proximal end  486  of the second reload lever  480  is at a relatively low height adjacent to the reload support and spaced away from the first lockout notch and the second lockout notch of the firing beam  326 . Thus, the fired reload lockout mechanism is in an unlocked configuration. As illustrated, once the firing beam is advanced by a user attempting to actuate the jaw assembly in an open-close stroke, the fired reload lockout mechanism remains in the unlocked configuration, and the proximal end of the second lockout lever remains adjacent the reload support. 
     Although this application discloses certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Further, the various features of these inventions can be used alone, or in combination with other features of these inventions other than as expressly described above. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.