Patent Publication Number: US-11376098-B2

Title: Surgical instrument system comprising an RFID system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a non-provisional application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/868,457, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH MULTIPLE RFID TAGS, filed on Jun. 28, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     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. In various embodiments, RFID technology can be used to identify the components of a surgical instrument, such as staple cartridges, for example. Examples of surgical systems which use RFID technology can be found in the disclosures of U.S. Pat. No. 7,959,050, entitled ELECTRICALLY SELF-POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUAL RELEASE, which issued on Jun. 14, 2011, and U.S. Patent Application No. 2015/0053743, entitled ERROR DETECTION ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLIES, which published on Feb. 26, 2015, and both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     
       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 surgical instrument comprising a handle, a shaft, and an articulatable end effector; 
         FIG. 2  is an elevational view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the end effector and the shaft of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a detail view of an articulation joint which rotatable connects the shaft and the end effector of  FIG. 1  which illustrates the end effector in a neutral, or centered, position; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of an articulation control of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1  in a neutral, or centered, position; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the end effector, elongate shaft, and articulation joint of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the end effector, elongate shaft, and articulation joint of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the end effector, elongate shaft, and articulation joint of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  depicts the end effector of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1  articulated about the articulation joint; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the articulation control of  FIG. 6  actuated to move the end effector as shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a surgical instrument comprising a handle, a shaft, and an articulatable end effector; 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a firing member and a pinion gear positioned within the handle of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the firing member and the pinion gear of  FIG. 14  and a gear reducer assembly operably engaged with the pinion gear; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the handle of  FIG. 12  with portions thereof removed to illustrate the firing member and the pinion gear of  FIG. 14 , the gear reducer assembly of  FIG. 15 , and an electric motor configured to drive the firing member distally and/or proximally depending on the direction in which the electric motor is turned; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a surgical instrument comprising a handle, a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation joint connecting the end effector to the shaft illustrated with portions of the handle removed for the purposes of illustration; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional detail view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 17  illustrated with the end effector in an open configuration, the articulation joint in an unlocked configuration, and an articulation lock actuator of the surgical instrument handle illustrated in an unlocked configuration; 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional detail view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 17  illustrating the end effector in an articulated, open configuration, the articulation joint in an unlocked configuration, and an articulation driver engaged with a firing member of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 17 , wherein the movement of the firing member can motivate the articulation driver and articulate the end effector; 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional detail view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 17  illustrating the end effector in a closed configuration, the articulation joint in an unlocked configuration, and an end effector closing drive being actuated to close the end effector and move the articulation lock actuator into a locked configuration; 
         FIG. 22A  is a cross-sectional detail view of the handle of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 17  illustrated in the configuration described with regard to  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional detail view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 17  illustrating the end effector in a closed configuration and the articulation joint in a locked configuration, wherein the actuated closing drive prevents the articulation lock actuator from being moved into its unlocked configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 20-22 ; 
         FIG. 24A  is a plan view of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 17  illustrated in a locked configuration; 
         FIG. 24B  is a plan view of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 17  illustrated in an unlocked configuration; 
         FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional detail view of the handle of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 17  illustrating the articulation driver disconnected from the firing member by closure drive; 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional detail view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 17  illustrating the firing member in an at least partially fired position and the articulation driver disconnected from the firing member by the closure drive; 
         FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional detail view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 17  illustrating end effector in a closed configuration, the articulation joint and the articulation joint actuator in a locked configuration, and the firing member in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional detail view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 17  illustrating the end effector in an open configuration, the end effector closing drive in a retracted position, and the articulation joint in a locked configuration; 
         FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional detail view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 17  illustrating the end effector in an open configuration and the articulation joint and the articulation joint actuator in an unlocked configuration wherein the articulation driver can be reconnected to the firing drive and utilized to articulate the end effector once again; 
         FIG. 30  is an exploded view of a shaft and an end effector of a surgical instrument including an alternative articulation lock arrangement; 
         FIG. 31  is a cross-sectional elevational view of the end effector and the shaft of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 30  illustrating the end effector in an unlocked configuration; 
         FIG. 32  is a cross-sectional elevational view of the end effector and the shaft of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 30  illustrating the end effector in a locked configuration; 
         FIG. 33  is an assembly view of one form of surgical system including a surgical instrument and a plurality of interchangeable shaft assemblies; 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a surgical instrument handle coupled to an interchangeable shaft assembly; 
         FIG. 35  is an exploded perspective view of the surgical instrument handle of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a side elevational view of the handle of  FIG. 35  with a portion of the handle housing removed; 
         FIG. 37  is an exploded perspective view of an interchangeable shaft assembly; 
         FIG. 38  is a side elevational assembly view of a portion of the handle and interchangeable shaft assembly of  FIG. 34  illustrating the alignment of those components prior to being coupled together and with portions thereof omitted for clarity; 
         FIG. 39  is a perspective view of a portion of an interchangeable shaft assembly prior to attachment to a handle of a surgical instrument; 
         FIG. 40  is a side view of a portion of an interchangeable shaft assembly coupled to a handle with the lock yoke in a locked or engaged position with a portion of the frame attachment module of the handle; 
         FIG. 41  is another side view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and handle of  FIG. 40  with the lock yoke in the disengaged or unlocked position; 
         FIG. 42  is a top view of a portion of an interchangeable shaft assembly and handle prior to being coupled together; 
         FIG. 43  is another top view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and handle of  FIG. 42  coupled together; 
         FIG. 44  is a side elevational view of an interchangeable shaft assembly aligned with a surgical instrument handle prior to being coupled together; 
         FIG. 45  is a front perspective view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and surgical instrument handle of  FIG. 44  with portions thereof removed for clarity; 
         FIG. 46  is a side view of a portion of an interchangeable shaft assembly aligned with a portion of a surgical instrument handle prior to being coupled together and with portions thereof omitted for clarity; 
         FIG. 47  is another side elevational view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and handle of  FIG. 46  wherein the shaft assembly is in partial coupling engagement with the handle; 
         FIG. 48  is another side elevational view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and handle of  FIGS. 46 and 47  after being coupled together; 
         FIG. 49  is another side elevational view of a portion of an interchangeable shaft assembly aligned with a portion of handle prior to commencing the coupling process; 
         FIG. 50  illustrates one embodiment of a logic diagram for a method of compensating for the effect of splay in flexible knife bands on transection length; 
         FIG. 51  is a schematic of a system for powering down an electrical connector of a surgical instrument handle when a shaft assembly is not coupled thereto; 
         FIG. 52  is a schematic illustrating a system for controlling the speed of a motor and/or the speed of a driveable member of a surgical instrument disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 53  is a schematic illustrating another system for controlling the speed of a motor and/or the speed of a driveable member of a surgical instrument disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 54  is a schematic illustrating a control system for controlling various operations of the various surgical instruments described herein according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 54A  is a partial view of the schematic of  FIG. 54 ; 
         FIG. 54B  is a partial view of the schematic of  FIG. 54 ; 
         FIG. 55  is a schematic illustrating a switching circuit for a control system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 56  is a schematic illustrating a switching circuit for a control system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 57  is a schematic illustrating a control system for controlling various operations of the various surgical instruments described herein according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 57A  is a partial view of the schematic of  FIG. 57 ; 
         FIG. 57B  is a partial view of the schematic of  FIG. 57 ; 
         FIG. 58  is a schematic illustrating a control system for controlling various operations of the various surgical instruments described herein according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 59  is a schematic illustrating various sub-operations of the Transection Operation of  FIG. 58  according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 60  is a schematic illustrating various sub-operations of the Fire Out Near Hard Stop Operation of  FIG. 59  according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 61  is an elevation view of a surgical instrument comprising a handle, a shaft, and an articulatable end effector in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 62  is a top view of a staple cartridge in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 63  depicts the structure of a serial number that can be generated for a staple cartridge, such as the staple cartridge of  FIG. 62 , in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 64  is an elevation view of the staple cartridge of  FIG. 62 ; 
         FIG. 65  is a plan view of the staple cartridge of  FIG. 62 ; 
         FIG. 66  is a cross-sectional plan view of a jaw configured to receive the staple cartridge of  FIG. 62 ; 
         FIG. 67  is a perspective view of an RFID tag in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 68  is a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge body of the staple cartridge of  FIG. 62 ; 
         FIG. 69  is a cross-sectional view of a sled of the staple cartridge of  FIG. 62 ; 
         FIG. 70  is a perspective view of a removable cover of the staple cartridge of  FIG. 62 ; 
         FIG. 71  is a cross-sectional view of a sled in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 72  is an elevation view of an end effector including the sled of  FIG. 70  in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 72A  is an elevation view of the end effector of  FIG. 72  illustrating the sled of  FIG. 70  being advanced distally during a staple firing stroke; 
         FIG. 72B  is an elevation view of the end effector of  FIG. 72  illustrating the sled of  FIG. 70  at the end of the staple firing stroke; 
         FIG. 73A  is a detail view of an RFID tag embedded in the sled of  FIG. 70 ; 
         FIG. 73B  is a detail view of the RFID tag being cut at the end of the staple firing stroke; 
         FIG. 74  illustrates two staple cartridges; 
         FIG. 75  illustrates an end effector, wherein one of the staple cartridges of  FIG. 74  is compatible with the end effector and the other staple cartridge is incompatible with the end effector; 
         FIG. 76  illustrates an algorithm for a control system in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 77  illustrates a flex circuit including RFID scanners in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 78  is a perspective view of a surgical staple cartridge packaging, wherein the packaging comprises an identifying characteristic of the surgical staple cartridge contained therein; 
         FIG. 79  is a partial cross-sectional view of an RFID system integrated with the packaging of  FIG. 78  when the packaging is in a sealed configuration; 
         FIG. 80  is a partial cross-sectional view of the RFID system of  FIG. 79  when the packaging is in an unsealed configuration; 
         FIG. 81  is a perspective view of a retainer for use with a surgical staple cartridge, wherein the retainer comprises an integrated RFID tag; 
         FIG. 82  is a perspective view of the retainer of  FIG. 81  being removed from a surgical staple cartridge; 
         FIG. 83  is a detailed view of the RFID tag of  FIGS. 81 and 82  as the retainer is removed from the surgical staple cartridge; 
         FIG. 84  is a partial perspective view of a surgical staple cartridge comprising an RFID system comprising an extended antenna, wherein a portion of the extended antenna traverses a cutting path of a tissue cutting member; 
         FIG. 85  is an RFID system comprising an RFID tag, a first RFID scanner integrated into a first flex circuit layer, and a second RFID scanner integrated into a second flex circuit layer; 
         FIG. 86  is a representation of the communication pathways of the RFID system of  FIG. 85  prior to a staple firing stroke; 
         FIG. 87  is a representation of the communication pathways of the RFID system of  FIG. 85  during and after a staple firing stroke; 
         FIG. 88  is a partial perspective view of a staple firing lockout system in an unlocked configuration; 
         FIG. 88A  is a perspective view of a blocking bolt assembly of the staple firing lockout system of  FIG. 88  in an unlocked configuration; 
         FIG. 89  is a partial perspective view of the staple firing lockout system of  FIG. 88  in a locked configuration; 
         FIG. 89A  is a perspective view of the blocking bolt assembly of  FIG. 88A  in the locked configuration; 
         FIG. 90  is a motor control circuit diagram of a surgical instrument comprising the cartridge lockout assembly of  FIGS. 88-89A ; 
         FIG. 91  is a schematic representation of a manufacturing process configured to use an encryption protocol to facilitate the assembly and packaging of a staple cartridge; and 
         FIG. 92  is a flowchart representative of a decryption protocol for the authentication of a staple cartridge for use with a surgical system. 
     
    
    
     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 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, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,229,437;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,111, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN RFID SYSTEM FOR TRACKING A MOVABLE COMPONENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0405437;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,114, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ALIGNED RFID SENSOR, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0405438;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,105, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING AN INFORMATION DECRYPTION PROTOCOL, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0405302;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,110, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING AN INFORMATION ENCRYPTION PROTOCOL, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0405297;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,120, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING A LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR AN INCOMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0405303;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,125, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING A FRANGIBLE RFID TAG, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0405441; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,103, entitled PACKAGING FOR A REPLACEABLE COMPONENT OF A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0405296.       

     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, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,241,235;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,109, entitled MECHANISMS FOR PROPER ANVIL ATTACHMENT SURGICAL STAPLING HEAD ASSEMBLY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0405312;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,119, entitled MECHANISMS FOR MOTOR CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS OF A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0405314;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,115, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH BATTERY COMPATIBILITY VERIFICATION FUNCTIONALITY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0405313;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,117, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEM WITH RFID TAGS FOR UPDATING MOTOR ASSEMBLY PARAMETERS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0405439;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,121, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH MULTIPLE RFID TAGS, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,224,497;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,122, entitled RFID IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0410177;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,106, entitled RFID IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0405316;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,112, entitled SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR DISPLAY AND COMMUNICATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0405409;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,116, entitled SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR COMPATIBILITY DETECTION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0410180; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,118, entitled SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR INSTRUMENT OPERATIONAL SETTING CONTROL, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0405410.       

     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on May 1, 2018 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/665,129, entitled SURGICAL SUTURING SYSTEMS;   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/665,139, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING CONTROL SYSTEMS;   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/665,177, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING HANDLE ARRANGEMENTS;   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/665,128, entitled MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/665,192, entitled SURGICAL DISSECTORS; and   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/665,134, entitled SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER.       

     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Aug. 24, 2018 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,129, entitled SURGICAL SUTURING INSTRUMENT CONFIGURED TO MANIPULATE TISSUE USING MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL POWER;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,155, entitled SURGICAL SUTURING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CAPTURE WIDTH WHICH IS LARGER THAN TROCAR DIAMETER;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,168, entitled SURGICAL SUTURING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A NON-CIRCULAR NEEDLE;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,180, entitled ELECTRICAL POWER OUTPUT CONTROL BASED ON MECHANICAL FORCES;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,193, entitled REACTIVE ALGORITHM FOR SURGICAL SYSTEM;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,099, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ADAPTIVE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,112, entitled CONTROL SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR A MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,119, entitled ADAPTIVE CONTROL PROGRAMS FOR A SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING MORE THAN ONE TYPE OF CARTRIDGE;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,097, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING BATTERY ARRANGEMENTS;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,109, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING HANDLE ARRANGEMENTS;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,114, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING FEEDBACK MECHANISMS;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,117, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING LOCKOUT MECHANISMS;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,095, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A LOCKABLE END EFFECTOR SOCKET;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,121, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,151, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATION AND ROTATION COMPENSATION;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,154, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A BIASED SHIFTING MECHANISM;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,226, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION DRIVE THAT PROVIDES FOR HIGH ARTICULATION ANGLES;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,062, entitled SURGICAL DISSECTORS AND MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,098, entitled SURGICAL DISSECTORS CONFIGURED TO APPLY MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENERGY;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,237, entitled SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER CONFIGURED TO STORE CLIPS IN A STORED STATE;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,245, entitled SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING AN EMPTY CLIP CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,249, entitled SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING AN AUTOMATIC CLIP FEEDING SYSTEM;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,253, entitled SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING ADAPTIVE FIRING CONTROL; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,257, entitled SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING ADAPTIVE CONTROL IN RESPONSE TO A STRAIN GAUGE CIRCUIT.       

     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Oct. 26, 2018 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/172,130, entitled CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING INTERCHANGEABLE CLIP RELOADS;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/172,066, entitled CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING A MOVABLE CLIP MAGAZINE;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/172,078, entitled CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING A ROTATABLE CLIP MAGAZINE;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/172,087, entitled CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING CLIP ADVANCING SYSTEMS;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/172,094, entitled CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING A CLIP CRIMPING SYSTEM;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/172,128, entitled CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING A RECIPROCATING CLIP ADVANCING MEMBER;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/172,168, entitled CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING A MOTOR CONTROLLER;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/172,164, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A SURGICAL TOOL AND A SURGICAL HUB; and   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/172,303, entitled METHOD FOR OPERATING A POWERED ARTICULATING MULTI-CLIP APPLIER.       

     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.       

     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. 
       FIGS. 1-3  illustrate an exemplary surgical instrument  100  which includes a handle  103 , a shaft  104  and an articulating end effector  102  pivotally connected to the shaft  104  at articulation joint  110 . An articulation control  112  is provided to effect rotation of the end effector  102  about articulation joint  110 . The end effector  102  comprises an endocutter for clamping, severing and stapling tissue; however, it will be appreciated that various embodiments may include end effectors configured to act as other surgical devices including, for example, graspers, cutters, staplers, clip appliers, access devices, drug/gene therapy delivery devices, ultrasound, RF, and/or laser energy devices, etc. The handle  103  of the instrument  100  includes a closure trigger  114  and a firing trigger  116  for actuating the end effector  102 . It will be appreciated that instruments having end effectors directed to different surgical tasks may have different numbers or types of triggers or other suitable controls for operating an end effector. The end effector  102  is connected to the handle  103  by a shaft  104 . A clinician may articulate the end effector  102  relative to the shaft  104  by utilizing the articulation control  112 , as described in greater detail further below. 
     It should be appreciated that spatial terms such as vertical, horizontal, right, left etc., are given herein with reference to the figures assuming that the longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument  100  is co-axial to the central axis of the shaft  104 , with the triggers  114 ,  116  extending downwardly at an acute angle from the bottom of the handle  103 . In actual practice, however, the surgical instrument  100  may be oriented at various angles and as such these spatial terms are used relative to the surgical instrument  100  itself. Further, proximal is used to denote a perspective of a clinician who is behind the handle  103  who places the end effector  102  distal, or away from him or herself. As used herein, the phrase, “substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis” where the “longitudinal axis” is the axis of the shaft, refers to a direction that is nearly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. It will be appreciated, however, that directions that deviate some from perpendicular to the longitudinal axis are also substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. 
     Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to instruments having an articulation joint driven by bending cables or bands.  FIGS. 4 and 5  show a cross-sectional top view of the elongate shaft  104  and the end effector  102  including a band  205  that is mechanically coupled to a boss  206  extending from the end effector  102 . The band  205  may include band portions  202  and  204  extending proximally from the boss  206  along the elongate shaft  104  and through the articulation control  112 . The band  205  and band portions  202 ,  204  can have a fixed length. The band  205  may be mechanically coupled to the boss  206  as shown using any suitable fastening method including, for example, glue, welding, etc. In various embodiments, each band portion  202 ,  204  may be provided as a separate band, with each separate band having one end mechanically coupled to the boss  206  and another end extending through the shaft  104  and articulation controller  112 . The separate bands may be mechanically coupled to the boss  206  as described above. 
     Further to the above, band portions  202 ,  204  may extend from the boss  206 , through the articulation joint  110  and along the shaft  104  to the articulation control  112 , shown in  FIG. 6 . The articulation control  112  can include an articulation slide  208 , a frame  212  and an enclosure  218 . Band portions  202 ,  204  may pass through the articulation slide  208  by way of slot  210  or other aperture, although it will be appreciated that the band portions  202 ,  204  may be coupled to the slide  208  by any suitable means. The articulation slide  208  may be one piece, as shown in  FIG. 6 , or may include two pieces with an interface between the two pieces defining the slot  210 . In one non-limiting embodiment, the articulation slide  208  may include multiple slots, for example, with each slot configured to receive one of the band portions  202 ,  204 . Enclosure  218  may cover the various components of the articulation control  112  to prevent debris from entering the articulation control  112 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 6 , the band portions  202 ,  204  may be anchored to the frame  212  at connection points  214 ,  216 , respectively, which are proximally located from the slot  210 . It will be appreciated that band portions  202 ,  204  may be anchored anywhere in the instrument  10  located proximally from the slot  210 , including the handle  103 . The non-limiting embodiment of  FIG. 6  shows that the band portions  202 ,  204  can comprise a bent configuration between the connection points  214 ,  216  and the slot  210  located near the longitudinal axis of the shaft  104 . Other embodiments are envisioned in which the band portions  202 ,  204  are straight. 
       FIGS. 7-9  show views of the end effector  102  and elongate shaft  104  of the instrument  100  including the articulation joint  110  shown in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 7  shows an exploded view of the end effector  102  and elongate shaft  104  including various internal components. In at least one embodiment, an end effector frame  150  and shaft frame  154  are configured to be joined at articulation joint  110 . Boss  206  may be integral to the end effector frame  150  with band  205  interfacing the boss  206  as shown. The shaft frame  154  may include a distally directed tang  302  defining an aperture  304 . The aperture  304  may be positioned to interface an articulation pin (not shown) included in end effector frame  150  allowing the end effector frame  150  to pivot relative to the shaft frame  154 , and accordingly, the end effector  102  to pivot relative to the shaft  104 . When assembled, the various components may pivot about articulation joint  110  at an articulation axis  306  shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
       FIG. 7  also shows an anvil  120 . In this non-limiting embodiment, the anvil  120  is coupled to an elongate channel  198 . For example, apertures  199  can be defined in the elongate channel  198  which can receive pins  152  extending from the anvil  120  and allow the anvil  120  to pivot from an open position to a closed position relative to the elongate channel  198  and staple cartridge  118 . In addition,  FIG. 7  shows a firing bar  172 , configured to longitudinally translate through the shaft frame  154 , through the flexible closure and pivoting frame articulation joint  110 , and through a firing slot  176  in the distal frame  150  into the end effector  102 . The firing bar  172  may be constructed from one solid section, or in various embodiments, may include a laminate material comprising, for example, a stack of steel plates. It will be appreciated that a firing bar  172  made from a laminate material may lower the force required to articulate the end effector  102 . In various embodiments, a spring clip  158  can be mounted in the end effector frame  150  to bias the firing bar  172  downwardly. Distal and proximal square apertures  164 ,  168  formed on top of the end effector frame  150  may define a clip bar  170  therebetween that receives a top arm  162  of a clip spring  158  whose lower, distally extended arm  160  asserts a downward force on a raised portion  174  of the firing bar  172 , as discussed below. 
     A distally projecting end of the firing bar  172  can be attached to an E-beam  178  that can, among other things, assist in spacing the anvil  120  from a staple cartridge  118  positioned in the elongate channel  198  when the anvil  120  is in a closed position. The E-beam  178  can also include a sharpened cutting edge  182  which can be used to sever tissue as the E-beam  178  is advanced distally by the firing bar  172 . In operation, the E-beam  178  can also actuate, or fire, the staple cartridge  118 . The staple cartridge  118  can include a molded cartridge body  194  that holds a plurality of staples  191  resting upon staple drivers  192  within respective upwardly open staple cavities  195 . A wedge sled  190  is driven distally by the E-beam  178 , sliding upon a cartridge tray  196  that holds together the various components of the replaceable staple cartridge  118 . The wedge sled  190  upwardly cams the staple drivers  192  to force out the staples  191  into deforming contact with the anvil  120  while a cutting surface  182  of the E-beam  178  severs clamped tissue. 
     Further to the above, the E-beam  178  can include upper pins  180  which engage the anvil  120  during firing. The E-beam  178  can further include middle pins  184  and a bottom foot  186  which can engage various portions of the cartridge body  194 , cartridge tray  196  and elongate channel  198 . When a staple cartridge  118  is positioned within the elongate channel  198 , a slot  193  defined in the cartridge body  194  can be aligned with a slot  197  defined in the cartridge tray  196  and a slot  189  defined in the elongate channel  198 . In use, the E-beam  178  can slide through the aligned slots  193 ,  197 , and  189  wherein, as indicated in  FIG. 7 , the bottom foot  186  of the E-beam  178  can engage a groove running along the bottom surface of channel  198  along the length of slot  189 , the middle pins  184  can engage the top surfaces of cartridge tray  196  along the length of longitudinal slot  197 , and the upper pins  180  can engage the anvil  120 . In such circumstances, the E-beam  178  can space, or limit the relative movement between, the anvil  120  and the staple cartridge  118  as the firing bar  172  is moved distally to fire the staples from the staple cartridge  118  and/or incise the tissue captured between the anvil  120  and the staple cartridge  118 . Thereafter, the firing bar  172  and the E-beam  178  can be retracted proximally allowing the anvil  120  to be opened to release the two stapled and severed tissue portions (not shown). 
       FIGS. 7-9  also show a double pivot closure sleeve assembly  121  according to various embodiments. With particular reference to  FIG. 7 , the double pivot closure sleeve assembly  121  includes a shaft closure tube section  128  having upper and lower distally projecting tangs  146 ,  148 . An end effector closure tube section  126  includes a horseshoe aperture  124  and a tab  123  for engaging the opening tab  122  on the anvil  120 . The horseshoe aperture  124  and tab  123  engage tab  122  when the anvil  120  is opened. The closure tube section  126  is shown having upper  144  and lower (not visible) proximally projecting tangs. An upper double pivot link  130  includes upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins  134 ,  136  that engage respectively an upper distal pin hole  138  in the upper proximally projecting tang  144  and an upper proximal pin hole  140  in the upper distally projecting tang  146 . A lower double pivot link  132  includes downwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins (not shown in  FIG. 7 , but see  FIG. 8 ) that engage respectively a lower distal pin hole in the lower proximally projecting tang and a lower proximal pin hole  142  in the lower distally projecting tang  148 . 
     In use, the closure sleeve assembly  121  is translated distally to close the anvil  120 , for example, in response to the actuation of the closure trigger  114 . The anvil  120  is closed by distally translating the closure tube section  126 , and thus the sleeve assembly  121 , causing it to strike a proximal surface on the anvil  120  located in  FIG. 9A  to the left of the tab  122 . As shown more clearly in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the anvil  120  is opened by proximally translating the tube section  126 , and sleeve assembly  121 , causing tab  123  and the horseshoe aperture  124  to contact and push against the tab  122  to lift the anvil  120 . In the anvil-open position, the double pivot closure sleeve assembly  121  is moved to its proximal position. 
     In operation, the clinician may articulate the end effector  102  of the instrument  100  relative to the shaft  104  about pivot  110  by pushing the control  112  laterally. From the neutral position, the clinician may articulate the end effector  102  to the left relative to the shaft  104  by providing a lateral force to the left side of the control  112 . In response to force, the articulation slide  208  may be pushed at least partially into the frame  212 . As the slide  208  is pushed into the frame  212 , the slot  210  as well as band portion  204  may be translated across the elongate shaft  104  in a transverse direction, for example, a direction substantially transverse, or perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis of the shaft  104 . Accordingly, a force is applied to band portion  204 , causing it to resiliently bend and/or displace from its initial pre-bent position toward the opposite side of the shaft  104 . Concurrently, band portion  202  is relaxed from its initial pre-bent position. Such movement of the band portion  204 , coupled with the straightening of band portion  202 , can apply a counter-clockwise rotational force at boss  206  which in turn causes the boss  206  and end effector  102  to pivot to the left about the articulation pivot  110  to a desired angle relative to the axis of the shaft  104  as shown in  FIG. 12 . The relaxation of the band portion  202  decreases the tension on that band portion, allowing the band portion  204  to articulate the end effector  102  without substantial interference from the band portion  202 . It will be appreciated that the clinician may also articulate the end effector  102  to the right relative to the shaft  104  by providing a lateral force to the right side of the control  112 . This bends cable portion  202 , causing a clockwise rotational force at boss  206  which, in turn, causes the boss  206  and end effector to pivot to the right about articulation pivot  110 . Similar to the above, band portion  204  can be concurrently relaxed to permit such movement. 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  depict a motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument  310 . This illustrated embodiment depicts an endoscopic instrument and, in general, the instrument  310  is described herein as an endoscopic surgical cutting and fastening instrument; however, it should be noted that the invention is not so limited and that, according to other embodiments, any instrument disclosed herein may comprise a non-endoscopic surgical cutting and fastening instrument. The surgical instrument  310  depicted in  FIGS. 12 and 13  comprises a handle  306 , a shaft  308 , and an end effector  312  connected to the shaft  308 . In various embodiments, the end effector  312  can be articulated relative to the shaft  308  about an articulation joint  314 . Various means for articulating the end effector  312  and/or means for permitting the end effector  312  to articulate relative to the shaft  308  are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which issued on Jul. 13, 2010, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Various other means for articulating the end effector  312  are discussed in greater detail below. Similar to the above, the end effector  312  is configured to act as an endocutter for clamping, severing, and/or stapling tissue, although, in other embodiments, different types of end effectors may be used, such as end effectors for other types of surgical devices, graspers, cutters, staplers, clip appliers, access devices, drug/gene therapy devices, ultrasound, RF and/or laser devices, etc. Several RF devices may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE, which issued on Apr. 4, 1995, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed Feb. 14, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     It will be appreciated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician gripping the handle  306  of the instrument  310 . Thus, the end effector  312  is distal with respect to the more proximal handle  306 . It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical” and “horizontal” are 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 absolute. 
     The end effector  312  can include, among other things, a staple channel  322  and a pivotally translatable clamping member, such as an anvil  324 , for example. The handle  306  of the instrument  310  may include a closure trigger  318  and a firing trigger  320  for actuating the end effector  312 . It will be appreciated that instruments having end effectors directed to different surgical tasks may have different numbers or types of triggers or other suitable controls for operating the end effector  312 . The handle  306  can include a downwardly extending pistol grip  326  toward which the closure trigger  318  is pivotally drawn by the clinician to cause clamping or closing of the anvil  324  toward the staple channel  322  of the end effector  312  to thereby clamp tissue positioned between the anvil  324  and channel  322 . In other embodiments, different types of clamping members in addition to or lieu of the anvil  324  could be used. The handle  306  can further include a lock which can be configured to releasably hold the closure trigger  318  in its closed position. More details regarding embodiments of an exemplary closure system for closing (or clamping) the anvil  324  of the end effector  312  by retracting the closure trigger  318  are provided in 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, and 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, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     Once the clinician is satisfied with the positioning of the end effector  312 , the clinician may draw back the closure trigger  318  to its fully closed, locked position proximate to the pistol grip  326 . The firing trigger  320  may then be actuated, or fired. In at least one such embodiment, the firing trigger  320  can be farther outboard of the closure trigger  318  wherein the closure of the closure trigger  318  can move, or rotate, the firing trigger  320  toward the pistol grip  326  so that the firing trigger  320  can be reached by the operator using one hand. in various circumstances. Thereafter, the operator may pivotally draw the firing trigger  320  toward the pistol grip  312  to cause the stapling and severing of clamped tissue in the end effector  312 . Thereafter, the firing trigger  320  can be returned to its unactuated, or unfired, position (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) after the clinician relaxes or releases the force being applied to the firing trigger  320 . A release button on the handle  306 , when depressed, may release the locked closure trigger  318 . The release button may be implemented in various forms such as, for example, those disclosed in published U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM, which was filed on Jan. 31, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     Further to the above, the end effector  312  may include a cutting instrument, such as knife, for example, for cutting tissue clamped in the end effector  312  when the firing trigger  320  is retracted by a user. Also further to the above, the end effector  312  may also comprise means for fastening the tissue severed by the cutting instrument, such as staples, RF electrodes, and/or adhesives, for example. A longitudinally movable drive shaft located within the shaft  308  of the instrument  310  may drive/actuate the cutting instrument and the fastening means in the end effector  312 . An electric motor, located in the handle  306  of the instrument  310  may be used to drive the drive shaft, as described further herein. In various embodiments, the motor may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of, approximately, 25,000 RPM, for example. In other embodiments, the motor may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. A battery (or “power source” or “power pack”), such as a Li ion battery, for example, may be provided in the pistol grip portion  26  of the handle  6  adjacent to the motor wherein the battery can supply electric power to the motor via a motor control circuit. According to various embodiments, a number of battery cells connected in series may be used as the power source to power the motor. In addition, the power source may be replaceable and/or rechargeable. 
     As outlined above, the electric motor in the handle  306  of the instrument  310  can be operably engaged with the longitudinally-movable drive member positioned within the shaft  308 . Referring now to  FIGS. 14-16 , an electric motor  342  can be mounted to and positioned within the pistol grip portion  326  of the handle  306 . The electric motor  342  can include a rotatable shaft operably coupled with a gear reducer assembly  370  wherein the gear reducer assembly  370  can include, among other things, a housing  374  and an output pinion gear  372 . In certain embodiments, the output pinion gear  372  can be directly operably engaged with a longitudinally-movable drive member  382  or, alternatively, operably engaged with the drive member  382  via one or more intermediate gears  386 . The intermediate gear  386 , in at least one such embodiment, can be meshingly engaged with a set, or rack, of drive teeth  384  defined in the drive member  382 . In use, the electric motor  342  can be drive the drive member distally, indicated by an arrow D ( FIG. 15 ), and/or proximally, indicated by an arrow D ( FIG. 16 ), depending on the direction in which the electric motor  342  rotates the intermediate gear  386 . In use, a voltage polarity provided by the battery can operate the electric motor  342  in a clockwise direction wherein the voltage polarity applied to the electric motor by the battery can be reversed in order to operate the electric motor  342  in a counter-clockwise direction. The handle  306  can include a switch which can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor  342  by the battery. The handle  306  can also include a sensor  330  configured to detect the position of the drive member  382  and/or the direction in which the drive member  382  is being moved. 
     As indicated above, the surgical instrument  310  can include an articulation joint  314  about which the end effector  312  can be articulated. The instrument  310  can further include an articulation lock which can be configured and operated to selectively lock the end effector  312  in position. In at least one such embodiment, the articulation lock can extend from the proximal end of the shaft  308  to the distal end of the shaft  308  wherein a distal end of the articulation lock can engage the end effector  312  to lock the end effector  312  in position. Referring again to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the instrument  310  can further include an articulation control  316  which can be engaged with a proximal end of the articulation lock and can be configured to operate the articulation lock between a locked state and an unlocked state. In use, the articulation control  316  can be pulled proximally to unlock the end effector  312  and permit the end effector  312  to rotate about the articulation joint  314 . After the end effector  312  has been suitably articulated, the articulation control  316  can be moved distally to re-lock the end effector  312  in position. In at least one such embodiment, the handle  306  can further include a spring and/or other suitable biasing elements configured to bias the articulation control  316  distally and to bias the articulation lock into a locked configuration with the end effector  312 . If the clinician desires, the clinician can once again pull the articulation control  316  back, or proximally, to unlock the end effector  312 , articulate the end effector  312 , and then move the articulation control  316  back into its locked state. In such a locked state, the end effector  312  may not articulate relative to the shaft  308 . 
     As outlined above, the surgical instrument  310  can include an articulation lock configured to hold the end effector  312  in position relative to the shaft  308 . As also outlined above, the end effector  312  can be rotated, or articulated, relative to the shaft  308  when the articulation lock is in its unlocked state. In such an unlocked state, the end effector  312  can be positioned and pushed against soft tissue and/or bone, for example, surrounding the surgical site within the patient in order to cause the end effector  312  to articulate relative to the shaft  308 . In certain embodiments, the articulation control  316  can comprise an articulation switch or can be configured to operate an articulation switch which can selectively permit and/or prevent the firing trigger  320  from operating the electric motor  342 . For instance, such an articulation switch can be placed in series with the electric motor  342  and a firing switch operably associated with the firing trigger  320  wherein the articulation switch can be in a closed state when the articulation control  316  is in a locked state. When the articulation control  316  is moved into an unlocked state, the articulation control  316  can open the articulation switch thereby electrically decoupling the operation of the firing trigger  320  and the operation of the electric motor  342 . In such circumstances, the firing drive of the instrument  310  cannot be fired while the end effector  312  is in an unlocked state and is articulatable relative to the shaft  308 . When the articulation control  316  is returned to its locked state, the articulation control  316  can re-close the articulation switch which can then electrically couple the operation of the firing trigger  320  with the electric motor  342 . Various details of one or more surgical stapling instruments are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY, which was filed on Dec. 24, 2009, and which published on Jun. 30, 2011 as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0155785, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,688, the entire disclosure of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 17-29 , a surgical instrument  400  can comprise a handle  403 , a shaft  404  extending from the handle  403 , and an end effector  402  extending from the shaft  404 . As the reader will note, portions of the handle  403  have been removed for the purposes of illustration; however, the handle  403  can include a closure trigger and a firing trigger similar to the closure trigger  114  and the firing trigger  116  depicted in  FIG. 1 , for example. As will be described in greater detail below, the firing trigger  116  can be operably coupled with a firing drive including a firing member  470  extending through the shaft  404  wherein the operation of the firing trigger  116  can advance the firing member  470  distally toward the end effector  402 . As will also be described in greater detail below, the surgical instrument  400  can further include an articulation drive which can be selectively coupled with the firing member  470  such that, when the firing member  470  is motivated by the firing trigger  116  and/or by a separate articulation trigger and/or button, for example, the articulation drive can be driven by the firing member  470  and the articulation drive can, in turn, articulate the end effector  402  about an articulation joint  410 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 17 , the reader will note that the end effector  402  of the surgical instrument  400  is illustrated in an open configuration. More particularly, a first jaw of the end effector  402  comprising an anvil  420  is illustrated in an open position relative to a channel  498  of a second jaw of the end effector  402 . Similar to the above, the channel  498  can be configured to receive and secure a staple cartridge therein. Turning now to  FIG. 20  which also illustrates the end effector  420  in an open configuration, the handle  403  of the surgical instrument  400  can include an articulation lock actuator  409  which can be moved between a distal, or locked, position in which the end effector  402  is locked in position relative to the shaft  404  and a proximal, or unlocked, position in which the end effector  402  can be articulated relative to the shaft  404  about the articulation joint  410 . Although the end effector  402  and the shaft  404  are illustrated in  FIG. 20  as being aligned in a straight configuration, the articulation lock actuator  409  is illustrated in its retracted, unlocked position and, as a result, the end effector  402  can be articulated relative to the shaft  404 . Referring to  FIGS. 19, 24A and 24B , the articulation lock actuator  409  ( FIG. 21 ) can be operably coupled with an articulation lock  443  wherein the articulation lock actuator  409  can move the articulation lock  443  between a distal position ( FIG. 24A ) in which the articulation lock  443  is engaged with a proximal lock member  407  of the end effector  402  and a proximal position ( FIG. 24B ) in which the articulation lock  443  is disengaged from the end effector  402 . As the reader will appreciate, the distal, locked, position of the articulation lock actuator  409  corresponds with the distal position of the articulation lock  443  and the proximal, unlocked, position of the articulation lock actuator  409  corresponds with the proximal position of the articulation lock  443 . Turning now to  FIG. 19 , the articulation lock  443  is coupled to the articulation lock actuator  409  by an articulation lock bar  440  which comprises a distal end  442  engaged with the articulation lock  443 , as better seen in  FIG. 24A , and a proximal end  441  engaged with the articulation lock actuator  409 , as better seen in  FIG. 22 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 24A and 24B , the articulation lock  443  can comprise one or more teeth  445  which can be configured to meshingly engage one or more teeth  446  defined around the perimeter of the proximal lock member  407 , for example. Referring primarily to  FIG. 19 , the shaft  404  can further comprise a biasing member, such as a spring  444 , for example, which can be configured to bias the teeth  445  of the articulation lock  443  into engagement with the teeth  446  of the proximal lock member  407  of the end effector  402 . Similarly, the handle  403  can further comprise a biasing member positioned within the cavity  488  ( FIG. 23 ) defined between the articulation lock actuator  409  and the frame  480  such that the biasing member can push the articulation lock actuator  409  towards its distal, locked, position. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the articulation lock actuator  409  can be comprised of two nozzle halves, or portions,  411   a  and  411   b  wherein, as the reader will note, the nozzle portion  411   b  has been removed from  FIGS. 18-27  for the purposes of illustration. As also illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the articulation lock actuator  409  can comprise a plurality of finger hooks  413  which can be grasped by the surgeon, or other clinician, in order to retract the articulation lock actuator  409  into its proximal, unlocked, configuration. The articulation lock actuator  409 , referring again to  FIG. 20 , can further include a detent assembly  452  which can be configured to bias a detent member  457  against the frame of the shaft  404  or the frame of the handle  403 . More particularly, the shaft  404  can comprise a shaft frame  454  extending from a handle frame  480  wherein the detent assembly  452  can be configured to bias the detent member  457  against the shaft frame  454 . Referring to  FIG. 19 , the shaft frame  454  can include a detent channel  453  defined therein which can be aligned with the detent member  457  such that, as the articulation lock actuator  409  is slid between its locked and unlocked positions described above, the detent member  457  can slide within the detent channel  453 . The detent assembly  452 , referring again to  FIG. 20 , can include a stationary frame portion  458  which can define a threaded aperture configured to receive an adjustable threaded member  459 . The adjustable threaded member  459  can include an internal aperture wherein at least a portion of the detent member  457  can be positioned within the internal aperture and wherein the detent member  457  can be biased to the end of the internal aperture by a spring, for example, positioned intermediate the detent member  457  and a closed end of the internal aperture, for example. As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the proximal end of the detent channel  453  can comprise a detent seat  455  which can be configured to removably receive the detent member  457  when the articulation lock actuator  409  has reached its proximal, unlocked, position. In various circumstances, the detent member  457 , the detent seat  455 , and the biasing spring positioned in the adjustable threaded member  459  can be sized and configured such that the detent assembly  452  can releasably hold the articulation lock actuator  409  in its proximal, unlocked, position. As described in greater detail below, the articulation lock actuator  409  can be held in its proximal, unlocked, position until the end effector  402  has been suitably articulated. At such point, the articulation lock actuator  409  can be pushed forward to disengage the detent member  457  from the detent seat  455 . As the reader will appreciate, referring primarily to  FIG. 20 , the adjustable threaded member  459  can be rotated downwardly toward the shaft frame  454  in order to increase the force needed to unseat the detent member  457  from the detent seat  455  while the adjustable threaded member  459  can be rotated upwardly away from the shaft frame  454  in order to decrease the force needed to unseat the detent member  457  from the detent seat  455 . As also illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the articulation lock actuator  409  can comprise an access port  418  which can be utilized to access and rotate the threaded member  459 . 
     As discussed above, the articulation lock actuator  409  is in a retracted, unlocked, position in  FIG. 20  and the end effector  402  is in an unlocked configuration, as illustrated in  FIG. 24B . Referring now to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the surgical instrument  400  further comprises an articulation driver  460  which can be pushed distally to rotate the end effector  402  about the articulation joint  410  in a first direction and pulled proximally to rotate the end effector  402  about the articulation joint in a second, or opposite, direction, as illustrated in  FIG. 21 . Upon comparing  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the reader will note that the articulation driver  460  has been pulled proximally by the firing member  470 . More specifically, an intermediate portion  475  of the firing member  470  can comprise a notch, or slot,  476  defined therein which can be configured to receive a proximal end  461  of the articulation driver  460  such that, when the firing member  470  is pulled proximally, the firing member  470  can pull the articulation driver  460  proximally as well. Similarly, when the firing member  470  is pushed distally, the firing member  470  can push the articulation driver  460  distally. As also illustrated in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the articulation driver  460  can comprise a distal end  462  engaged with a projection  414  extending from the proximal lock member  407 , for example, which can be configured to transmit the proximal and distal articulation motions of the articulation driver  460  to the end effector  102 . Referring primarily to  FIGS. 18-20 , the handle  404  can further comprise a proximal firing member portion  482  of the firing member  470  including a distal end  481  engaged with a proximal end  477  of the intermediate portion  475  of the firing member  470 . Similar to the above, the handle  403  can include an electric motor comprising an output shaft and a gear operably engaged with the output shaft wherein the gear can be operably engaged with a longitudinal set of teeth  484  defined in a surface of the firing member portion  482 . In use, further to the above, the electric motor can be operated in a first direction to advance the firing member  470  distally and a second, or opposite, direction to retract the firing member  470  proximally. Although not illustrated, the handle  403  can further comprise a switch which can be positioned in a first condition to operate the electric motor in its first direction, a second condition to operate the electric motor in its second direction, and/or a neutral condition in which the electric motor is not operated in either direction. In at least one such embodiment, the switch can include at least one biasing member, such as a spring, for example, which can be configured to bias the switch into its neutral condition, for example. Also, in at least one such embodiment, the first condition of the articulation switch can comprise a first position of a switch toggle on a first side of a neutral position and the second condition of the articulation switch can comprise a second position of the switch toggle on a second, or opposite, side of the neutral position, for example. 
     In various circumstances, further to the above, the articulation switch can be used to make small adjustments in the position of the end effector  402 . For instance, the surgeon can move the articulation switch in a first direction to rotate the end effector  402  about the articulation joint in a first direction and then reverse the movement of the end effector  402  by moving the articulation switch in the second direction, and/or any other suitable combinations of movements in the first and second directions, until the end effector  402  is positioned in a desired position. Referring primarily to  FIGS. 19, 24A, and 24B , the articulation joint  410  can include a pivot pin  405  extending from a shaft frame member  451  and, in addition, an aperture  408  defined in the proximal lock member  407  which is configured to closely receive the pivot pin  405  therein such that the rotation of the end effector  402  is constrained to rotation about an articulation axis  406 , for example. Referring primarily to  FIG. 19 , the distal end of the shaft frame  454  can include a recess  456  configured to receive the shaft frame member  451  therein. As will be described in greater detail below, the shaft  404  can include an outer sleeve which can be slid relative to the shaft frame  454  in order to close the anvil  420 . Referring primarily to  FIGS. 19-21 , the outer sleeve of the shaft  410  can comprise a proximal portion  428  and a distal portion  426  which can be connected to one another by articulation links  430  and  432 . When the outer sleeve is slid relative to the articulation joint  410 , the articulation links  430  can accommodate the angled relative movement between the distal portion  426  and the proximal portion  428  of the outer sleeve when the end effector  402  has been articulated, as illustrated in  FIG. 21 . In various circumstances, the articulation links  430  and  432  can provide two or more degrees of freedom at the articulation joint  410  in order to accommodate the articulation of the end effector  402 . The reader will also note that the articulation joint  410  can further include a guide  401  which can be configured to receive a distal cutting portion  472  of the firing member  470  therein and guide the distal cutting portion  472  as it is advanced distally and/or retracted proximally within and/or relative to the articulation joint  410 . 
     As outlined above, the firing member  470  can be advanced distally in order to advance the articulation driver  460  distally and, as a result, rotate the end effector  402  in a first direction and, similarly, the firing member  470  can be retracted proximally in order to retract the articulation driver  460  proximally and, as a result, rotate the end effector  402  in an opposite direction. In some circumstances, however, it may be undesirable to move, or at least substantially move, the distal cutting portion  472  of the firing member  470  when the firing member  470  is being utilized to articulate the end effector  402 . Turning now to  FIGS. 19-21 , the intermediate portion  475  of the firing member  470  can comprise a longitudinal slot  474  defined in the distal end thereof which can be configured to receive the proximal end  473  of the distal cutting portion  472 . The longitudinal slot  474  and the proximal end  473  can be sized and configured to permit relative movement therebetween and can comprise a slip joint  471 . The slip joint  471  can permit the intermediate portion  475  of the firing drive  470  to be moved to articulate the end effector  402  without moving, or at least substantially moving, the distal cutting portion  472 . Once the end effector  402  has been suitably oriented, the intermediate portion  475  can be advanced distally until a proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot  474  comes into contact with the proximal end  473  in order to advance the distal cutting portion  472  and fire the staple cartridge positioned within the channel  498 , as described in greater detail further below. Referring primarily to  FIG. 19 , the shaft frame  454  can comprise a longitudinal slot  469  defined therein which can be configured to slidably receive the articulation driver  460  and, similarly, the proximal portion  428  of the outer shaft sleeve can comprise a longitudinal opening  425  configured to accommodate the relative movement between the articulation driver  460  and the outer sleeve of the shaft  404  described above. 
     Further to the above, the articulation lock actuator  409  can be configured to bias the proximal portion  461  of the articulation driver  460  toward the drive member  470  when the articulation lock actuator  409  is in its proximal, unlocked, position. More particularly, in at least one such embodiment, the inner surface of the articulation lock actuator  409  can comprise a cam which can engage a lateral side  466  of the proximal portion  461  and bias the proximal portion  461  into engagement with the slot  476  defined in the intermediate portion  475  of the drive member  470 . When the articulation lock actuator  409  is moved back into its distal, locked, position, the articulation lock actuator  409  may no longer bias the proximal portion  461  inwardly toward the drive member  470 . In at least one such embodiment, the handle  403  and/or the shaft  404  can comprise a resilient member, such as a spring, for example, which can be configured to bias the proximal portion  461  outwardly away from the firing member  470  such that the proximal portion  461  is not operably engaged with the slot  476  unless the biasing force of the resilient member is overcome by the articulation lock actuator  409  when the articulation lock actuator  409  is moved proximally into its unlocked position, as described above. In various circumstances, the proximal portion  461  and the slot  476  can comprise a force-limiting clutch. 
     Once the end effector  402  has been articulated into the desired orientation, further to the above, the closure trigger  114  can be actuated to move the anvil  420  toward its closed position, as illustrated in  FIG. 22 . More particularly, the closure trigger  114  can advance the outer sleeve of the shaft  410  distally such that the distal portion  426  of the outer sleeve can push the anvil  420  distally and downwardly, for example. The anvil  420  can comprise projections  497  extending from opposite sides of the anvil  420  which can each be configured to slide and rotate within elongate slots  499  defined in the cartridge channel  498 . The anvil  420  can further comprise a projection  496  extending upwardly therefrom which can be positioned within an aperture  495  defined in the distal portion  426  of the outer sleeve wherein a sidewall of the aperture  495  can contact the projection  496  as the distal portion  426  is advanced distally to move the anvil  420  toward the cartridge channel  498 . The actuation of the closure drive, further to the above, can also move the articulation lock actuator  409  from its proximal, unlocked, position ( FIGS. 20-22 ) into its distal, locked, position ( FIG. 23 ). More specifically, the closure drive can be configured to advance a closure drive carriage  415  distally which can contact a collar  450  mounted within the articulation actuator  409 , as illustrated in  FIG. 22 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 19 and 22 , the collar  450  can comprise opposing portions, or halves, which can be assembled together such that the opposing portions of the collar  450  can surround the shaft  404 . The collar  450  can also support the detent assembly  452 , which is discussed above, and can include a mounting portion engaged with the proximal end  441  of the articulation lock bar  440 , which is also discussed above. In any event, the closure drive carriage  415  can contact the collar  450  and slide the articulation lock actuator  409  distally and, further to the above, displace the detent member  457  from the detent seat  455 , referring to  FIG. 19 , into the detent channel  453  such that the articulation lock actuator  409  can be pushed into its locked position and the articulation lock  443  can be moved into engagement with the proximal lock portion  407  to lock the end effector  402  in position, as illustrated in  FIG. 23 . At such point, the closure drive carriage  415  can prevent the end effector  402  from being unlocked and articulated until the closure drive and the anvil  420  is reopened and the closure drive carriage  415  is moved proximally, as described in greater detail further below. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 25 , the actuation of the closure drive by the closure drive actuator  114  and the distal advancement of the outer sleeve  428  of the shaft  410  can also operably disengage the articulation driver  460  from the firing drive  470 . Upon reviewing  FIGS. 20 and 21  once again, the reader will note that the outer sleeve  428  includes a window  424  defined therein within which a rotatable cam member  465  can be positioned. The cam member  465  can comprise a first end rotatably pinned or coupled to the shaft frame  454  and a second end configured to rotate relative to the pinned end of the cam member  465  while, in other embodiments, the cam member  465  can comprise any suitable shape. When the outer sleeve  428  is in its proximal position and the anvil  420  is in its open configuration, the cam member  465  can be in a first position which permits the proximal end  461  of the articulation driver  460  to be engaged with the slot  476  defined in the firing member  470 ; however, when the outer sleeve  428  is advanced distally, a sidewall of the window  424  can engage the cam member  465  and lift the second end of the cam member  465  away from the shaft frame  454  into a second position. In this second position, the cam member  465  can move the proximal end  461  of the articulation driver  460  away from the firing drive  470  such that the proximal end  461  is no longer positioned within the slot  476  defined in the firing drive  470 . Thus, when the closure drive has been actuated to close the anvil  420 , the closure drive can push the articulation lock actuator  409  into its distal, locked, configuration, the articulation lock actuator  409  can push the articulation lock  445  into a locked configuration with the end effector  402 , and, in addition, the closure drive can operably disconnect the articulation driver  460  from the firing drive  470 . At such point in the operation of the surgical instrument  400 , the actuation of the firing drive  470  will not articulate the end effector  402  and the firing drive  470  can move independently of the articulation driver  460 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 26 , as mentioned above, the firing drive  470  can be advanced distally to eject staples from a staple cartridge positioned within the channel  498  of the end effector  402  and to deform the staples against the anvil  420 . As outlined above, the firing drive  470  can further comprise a cutting member which can be configured to transect the tissue captured within the end effector  402 . As also mentioned above, the electric motor within the handle  403  can be operated by the firing actuator  116  in order to advance the firing member  470  distally wherein, in various circumstances, the electric motor can be operated until the distal cutting portion  472  of the firing member  470  reaches the distal end of the staple cartridge and/or any other suitable position within the staple cartridge. In any event, the rotation of the electric motor can be reversed to retract the firing member  470  proximally, as illustrated in  FIG. 27 . In various circumstances, the electric motor can retract the proximal drive portion  482  and the intermediate portion  475  until the distal sidewall of the longitudinal slot  474  defined in the intermediate portion  475  comes into contact with the proximal end  473  of the distal cutting member  472 . At such point, the further retraction of the proximal drive portion  482  and the intermediate portion  475  will retract the distal cutting member  472  proximally. In various circumstances, the electric motor can be operated until the slot  476  defined in the intermediate portion  475  of the firing member  470  is realigned with the proximal portion  461  of the articulation driver  460 ; however, as the closure sleeve  428  is still in a distally advanced position, the cam member  465  may still be biasing the articulation driver  460  out of engagement with the firing member  470 . In order to permit the articulation driver  460  to be re-engaged with the firing member  470 , in such circumstances, the closure drive would have to be re-opened to bring the window  424  defined in the outer sleeve portion  428  into alignment with the cam member  465  such that the cam member  465  can be pivoted inwardly toward the shaft frame  454  into its first position. In various circumstances, the articulation driver  460  can be resiliently flexed out of engagement with the firing member  470  such that, when the cam member  465  is permitted to move back into its first position, the articulation driver  460  can resiliently flex inwardly toward the shaft frame  454  to re-engage the proximal portion  461  of the articulation driver  460  with the slot  476  defined in the intermediate portion  475  of the drive member  470 . In various embodiments, the surgical instrument  400  can further comprise a biasing member which can be configured to bias the proximal portion  461  back into engagement with the intermediate portion  475 . 
     The reader will note that the intermediate portion  475  of the firing member  470  has been retracted proximally in  FIG. 27  such that the slot  476  defined in the intermediate portion  475  is positioned proximally with respect to the proximal portion  461  of the articulation driver  460 . In such circumstances, as a result, the proximal portion  461  may not be operably re-connected to the firing member  470  until the intermediate portion  475  is advanced distally to align the slot  476  with the proximal portion  461 . Such circumstances may arise as a result of the relative slip between the intermediation portion  475  and the cutting member portion  472  of the firing member  470  created by the slip joint  471  which can be addressed by momentarily re-actuating the electric motor in the first direction, for example. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 27 , the firing member  470  may be in a retracted or reset position, however, the closure drive is still in an actuated, or closed, configuration which can prevent the anvil  420  from being re-opened and the end effector  402  from being re-articulated. When the closure drive is released, referring now to  FIG. 28 , the closure drive carriage  415  can be retracted into a proximal position in which the closure sleeve including portions  426  and  428  are pulled proximally as well. Referring again to  FIG. 19 , the proximal sleeve portion  428  can include a proximal end  417  which can be engaged with the closure drive carriage  415  such that the proximal sleeve portion  428  and the closure drive carriage  415  move together in the distal direction and/or the proximal direction. In any event, further to the above, the proximal movement of the distal sleeve portion  426  can cause the distal sidewall of the aperture  495  to engage the projection  496  extending from the anvil  420  in order to pivot the anvil  420  into its open position, as illustrated in  FIG. 29 . Furthermore, the proximal movement of the closure drive carriage  415  can unlock the articulation lock actuator  409  such that the articulation lock actuator  409  can be moved into is proximal, unlocked, position which can, as a result, pull the articulation lock  443  proximally to compress the spring  444  and unlock the end effector  402 . As described above, the end effector  402  can be then articulated about the articulation joint  410  and the operation of the surgical instrument  400  described above can be repeated. Referring primarily to  FIGS. 18-20 , the handle  404  can further comprise a switch  408  mounted to the handle frame  480  which can be configured to detect whether the articulation lock actuator  409  is in its proximal, unlocked, position. In some embodiments, the switch  408  can be operably coupled with an indicator in the handle  404 , such as light, for example, which can indicate to the operator of the surgical instrument  400  that the end effector  402  is in an unlocked condition and that the operator may utilize the articulation switch to articulate the end effector  402 , for example. 
     As described above in connection with the embodiment of  FIG. 17 , the surgical instrument  400  can comprise an articulation lock system configured to lock and unlock the end effector  402  and a closure drive configured to open and close the anvil  420  of the end effector  402 . Although these two systems of the surgical instrument  400  interact in several respects, which are described above, the systems can be actuated independently of one another in other respects. For instance, the articulation lock actuator  409  and the end effector lock  443  can be actuated without closing the anvil  420 . In this embodiment of the surgical instrument  400 , the closure drive is operated independently to close the anvil  420 . Turning now to  FIGS. 30-32 , the surgical instrument  400  can include an alternate arrangement in which the closure drive is actuated to, one, close the anvil  420  and, two, lock the end effector  402  in position. Referring primarily to  FIGS. 31 and 32 , the shaft  404  can comprise an articulation lock bar  540  which can be moved between a proximal, unlocked, position ( FIG. 31 ) in which the end effector  402  can be articulated about the articulation joint  410  and a distal, locked, position ( FIG. 32 ) in which the end effector  402  can be locked in position. Similar to the articulation lock bar  440 , the articulation lock bar  540  can include a distal end  542  which is operably engaged with the articulation lock  443  such that, when the articulation lock bar  540  is pulled proximally, the articulation lock  443  can be pulled proximally. Similarly, when the articulation lock bar  540  is pushed distally, the articulation lock  443  can be pushed distally as well. In contrast to the articulation lock bar  440  which is pushed distally and pulled proximally by the articulation lock actuator  409 , as described above, the articulation lock bar  540  can be pushed distally and pulled proximally by the closure sleeve  428 . More particularly, the proximal end  541  of the articulation lock bar  540  can comprise a hook  547  which, when the closure sleeve  428  is pulled proximally, can catch a portion of the closure sleeve  428  and be pulled proximally with the closure sleeve  428 . In such circumstances, the sleeve  428  can pull the articulation lock bar  540  into an unlocked condition. As the reader will note, the closure sleeve  428  can include a window  549  within which the proximal end  541  of the articulation lock bar  540  can be positioned. When the closure sleeve  428  is pushed distally, further to the above, a proximal sidewall  548  of the window  549  can contact the proximal end  541  and push the articulation lock bar  540  and the articulation lock  443  distally in order to lock the end effector  402  in position. 
     As described herein, it may be desirable to employ surgical systems and devices that may include reusable portions that are configured to be used with interchangeable surgical components. Referring to  FIG. 33 , for example, there is shown a surgical system, generally designated as  1000 , that, in at least one form, comprises a surgical instrument  1010  that may or may not be reused. The surgical instrument  1010  can be employed with a plurality of interchangeable shaft assemblies  1200 ,  1200 ′,  1200 ″. The interchangeable shaft assemblies  1200 ,  1200 ′,  1200 ″ may have a surgical end effector  1300 ,  1300 ′,  1300 ″ operably coupled thereto that is configured to perform one or more surgical tasks or procedures. For example, each of the surgical end effectors  1300 ,  1300 ′,  1300 ″ may comprise a surgical cutting and fastening device that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. Each of the shaft assemblies may employ end effectors that are adapted to support different sizes and types of staple cartridges, have different shaft lengths, sizes, and types, etc. While the present Figures illustrate end effectors that are configured to cut and staple tissue, various aspects of the surgical system  1000  may also be effectively employed with surgical instruments that are configured to apply other motions and forms of energy such as, for example, radio frequency (RF) energy, ultrasonic energy and/or motion, to interchangeable shaft-mounted end effector arrangements that are used in various surgical applications and procedures. Furthermore, the end effectors, shaft assemblies, handles, surgical instruments, and/or surgical instrument systems can utilize any suitable fastener, or fasteners, to fasten tissue. For instance, a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein can be removably inserted into and/or attached to the end effector of a shaft assembly. In various circumstances, a shaft assembly can be selected to be attached to a handle of a surgical instrument and a fastener cartridge can be selected to be attached to the shaft assembly. 
     The surgical instrument  1010  depicted in the  FIG. 33  comprises a housing  1040  that consists of a handle  1042  that is configured to be grasped, manipulated and actuated by the clinician. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, however, it will be understood that the various unique and novel arrangements of the various forms of interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein may also be effectively employed in connection with robotically-controlled surgical systems. Thus, the term “housing” may also encompass a housing or similar portion of a robotic system that houses or otherwise operably supports at least one drive system that is configured to generate and apply at least one control motion which could be used to actuate the interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein and their respective equivalents. The term “frame” may refer to a portion of a handheld surgical instrument. The term “frame” may also represent a portion of a robotically controlled surgical instrument and/or a portion of the robotic system that may be used to operably control a surgical instrument. For example, the interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein may be employed with various robotic systems, instruments, components and methods disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0298719. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0298719, is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
       FIG. 34  illustrates the surgical instrument  1010  with an interchangeable shaft assembly  1200  operably coupled thereto. In the illustrated form, the surgical instrument includes a handle  1042 . In at least one form, the handle  1042  may comprise a pair of interconnectable housing segments  1044 ,  1046  that may be interconnected by screws, snap features, adhesive, etc. See  FIG. 35 . In the illustrated arrangement, the handle housing segments  1044 ,  1046  cooperate to form a pistol grip portion  1048  that can be gripped and manipulated by the clinician. As will be discussed in further detail below, the handle  1042  operably supports a plurality of drive systems therein that are configured to generate and apply various control motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly that is operably attached thereto. 
     The handle  1042  may further include a frame  1080  that operably supports a plurality of drive systems. For example, the frame  1080  can operably support a first or closure drive system, generally designated as  1050 , which may be employed to apply a closing and opening motions to the interchangeable shaft assembly  1200  that is operably attached or coupled thereto. In at least one form, the closure drive system  1050  may include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger  1052  that is pivotally supported by the frame  1080 . More specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 35 , the closure trigger  1052  may be pivotally supported by frame  1080  such that when the clinician grips the pistol grip portion  1048  of the handle  1042 , the closure trigger  1052  may be easily pivoted from a starting or unactuated position to an actuated position and more particularly to a fully compressed or fully actuated position. The closure trigger  1052  may be biased into the unactuated position by spring or other biasing arrangement (not shown). In various forms, the closure drive system  1050  further includes a closure linkage assembly  1060  that is pivotally coupled to the closure trigger  1052 . As can be seen in  FIG. 35 , the closure linkage assembly  1060  may include a closure trigger  1052  that is pivotally coupled to a closure link  1064  that has a pair of laterally extending attachment lugs or portions  1066  protruding therefrom. The closure link  1064  may also be referred to herein as an “attachment member”. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 35 , it can be observed that the closure trigger  1052  may have a locking wall  1068  thereon that is configured to cooperate with a closure release assembly  1070  that is pivotally coupled to the frame  1080 . In at least one form, the closure release assembly  1070  may comprise a release button assembly  1072  that has a distally protruding cam follower arm  1074  formed thereon. The release button assembly  1072  may be pivoted in a counterclockwise direction by a release spring  1076 . As the clinician depresses the closure trigger  1052  from its unactuated position towards the pistol grip portion  1048  of the handle  1042 , the closure link  1062  pivots upward to a point wherein the cam follower arm  1072  drops into retaining engagement with the locking wall  1068  on the closure link  1062  thereby preventing the closure trigger  1052  from returning to the unactuated position. Thus, the closure release assembly  1070  serves to lock the closure trigger  1052  in the fully actuated position. When the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger  1052  to permit it to be biased to the unactuated position, the clinician simply pivots the closure release button assembly  1072  such that the cam follower arm  1074  is moved out of engagement with the locking wall  1068  on the closure trigger  1052 . When the cam follower arm  1074  has been moved out of engagement with the closure trigger  1052 , the closure trigger  1052  may pivot back to the unactuated position. Other closure trigger locking and release arrangements may also be employed. 
     In at least one form, the handle  1042  and the frame  1080  may operably support another drive system referred to herein as firing drive system  1100  that is configured to apply firing motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly attached thereto. The firing drive system may also be referred to herein as a “second drive system”. The firing drive system  1100  may employ an electric motor  1102 , located in the pistol grip portion  1048  of the handle  1042 . In various forms, the motor  1102  may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of, approximately, 25,000 RPM, for example. In other arrangements, the motor may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. A battery  1104  (or “power source” or “power pack”), such as a Li ion battery, for example, may be coupled to the handle  1042  to supply power to a control circuit board assembly  1106  and ultimately to the motor  1102 .  FIG. 34  illustrates a battery pack housing  1104  that is configured to be releasably mounted to the handle  1042  for supplying control power to the surgical instrument  1010 . A number of battery cells connected in series may be used as the power source to power the motor. In addition, the power source may be replaceable and/or rechargeable. 
     As outlined above with respect to other various forms, the electric motor  1102  can include a rotatable shaft (not shown) that operably interfaces with a gear reducer assembly  1108  that is mounted in meshing engagement with a with a set, or rack, of drive teeth  1112  on a longitudinally-movable drive member  1110 . In use, a voltage polarity provided by the battery can operate the electric motor  1102  in a clockwise direction wherein the voltage polarity applied to the electric motor by the battery can be reversed in order to operate the electric motor  1102  in a counter-clockwise direction. When the electric motor  1102  is rotated in one direction, the drive member  1110  will be axially driven in the distal direction “D”. When the motor  1102  is driven in the opposite rotary direction, the drive member  1110  will be axially driven in a proximal direction “P”. See, for example,  FIG. 35 . The handle  1042  can include a switch which can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor  1102  by the battery. As with the other forms described herein, the handle  1042  can also include a sensor that is configured to detect the position of the drive member  1110  and/or the direction in which the drive member  1110  is being moved. 
     Actuation of the motor  1102  can be controlled by a firing trigger  1120  that is pivotally supported on the handle  1042 . The firing trigger  1120  may be pivoted between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger  1120  may be biased into the unactuated position by a spring (not shown) or other biasing arrangement such that when the clinician releases the firing trigger  1120 , it may be pivoted or otherwise returned to the unactuated position by the spring or biasing arrangement. In at least one form, the firing trigger  1120  can be positioned “outboard” of the closure trigger  1052  as was discussed above. In at least one form, a firing trigger safety button  1122  may be pivotally mounted to the closure trigger  1052 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 35 and 36 , for example, the safety button  1122  may be positioned between the firing trigger  1120  and the closure trigger  1052  and have a pivot arm  1124  protruding therefrom. As shown in  FIG. 38 , when the closure trigger  1052  is in the unactuated position, the safety button  1122  is contained in the handle housing where the clinician cannot readily access it and move it between a safety position preventing actuation of the firing trigger  1120  and a firing position wherein the firing trigger  1120  may be fired. As the clinician depresses the closure trigger  1052 , the safety button  1122  and the firing trigger  1120  pivot down wherein they can then be manipulated by the clinician. 
     As indicated above, in at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member  1110  has a rack of teeth  1112  formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear  1114  of the gear reducer assembly  1108 . At least one form may also include a manually-actuatable “bailout” assembly  1130  that is configured to enable the clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member  1110  should the motor become disabled. The bailout assembly  1130  may include a lever or bailout handle assembly  1132  that is configured to be manually pivoted into ratcheting engagement with the teeth  1112  in the drive member  1110 . Thus, the clinician can manually retract the drive member  1110  by using the bailout handle assembly  1132  to ratchet the drive member in the proximal direction “P”. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. U.S. 2010/0089970, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045, discloses bailout arrangements and other components, arrangements and systems that may also be employed with the various instruments disclosed herein. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0089970, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045, is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       FIGS. 34 and 37  illustrate one form of interchangeable shaft assembly  1200  that has, for example, a surgical end effector  1300  operably attached thereto. The end effector  1300  as illustrated in those Figures may be configured to cut and staple tissue in the various manners disclosed herein. For example, the end effector  1300  may include a channel  1302  that is configured to support a surgical staple cartridge  1304 . The staple cartridge  1304  may comprise a removable staple cartridge  1304  such that it may be replaced when spent. However, the staple cartridge in other arrangements may be configured such that once installed within the channel  1302 , it is not intended to be removed therefrom. The channel  1032  and staple cartridge  1304  may be collectively referred to as a “first jaw portion” of the end effector  1300 . In various forms, the end effector  1300  may have a “second jaw portion”, in the form of an anvil  1310 , that is movably or pivotally supported on the channel  1302  in the various manners discussed herein. 
     The interchangeable shaft assembly  1200  may further include a shaft  1210  that includes a shaft frame  1212  that is coupled to a shaft attachment module or shaft attachment portion  1220 . In at least one form, a proximal end  1214  of the shaft frame  1212  may extend through a hollow collar portion  1222  formed on the shaft attachment module  1220  and be rotatably attached thereto. For example, an annular groove  1216  may be provided in the proximal end  1214  of the shaft frame  1212  for engagement with a U-shaped retainer  1226  that extends through a slot  1224  in the shaft attachment module  1220 . Such arrangement enables the shaft frame  1212  to be rotated relative to the shaft attachment module  1220 . 
     The shaft assembly  1200  may further comprise a hollow outer sleeve or closure tube  1250  through which the shaft frame  1212  extends. The outer sleeve  1250  may also be referred to herein as a “first shaft” and/or a “first shaft assembly”. The outer sleeve  1250  has a proximal end  1252  that is adapted to be rotatably coupled to a closure tube attachment yoke  1260 . As can be seen in  FIG. 37 , the proximal end  1252  of the outer sleeve  1250  is configured to be received within a cradle  1262  in the closure tube attachment yoke  1260 . A U-shaped connector  1266  extends through a slot  1264  in the closure tube attachment yoke  1260  to be received in an annular groove  1254  in the proximal end  1252  of the outer sleeve  1250 . Such arrangement serves to rotatably couple the outer sleeve  1250  to the closure tube attachment yoke  1260  such that the outer sleeve  1250  may rotate relative thereto. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 38 and 39 , the proximal end  1214  of the shaft frame  1214  protrudes proximally out of the proximal end  1252  of the outer sleeve  1250  and is rotatably coupled to the shaft attachment module  1220  by the U-shaped retainer  1226  (shown in  FIG. 38 ). The closure tube attachment yoke  1260  is configured to be slidably received within a passage  1268  in the shaft attachment module  1220 . Such arrangement permits the outer sleeve  1250  to be axially moved in the proximal direction “P” and the distal direction “D” on the shaft frame  1212  relative to the shaft attachment module  1220  as will be discussed in further detail below. 
     In at least one form, the interchangeable shaft assembly  1200  may further include an articulation joint  1350 . Other interchangeable shaft assemblies, however, may not be capable of articulation. As can be seen in  FIG. 37 , for example, the articulation joint  1350  includes a double pivot closure sleeve assembly  1352 . According to various forms, the double pivot closure sleeve assembly  1352  includes a shaft closure sleeve assembly  1354  having upper and lower distally projecting tangs  1356 ,  1358 . An end effector closure sleeve assembly  1354  includes a horseshoe aperture  1360  and a tab  1362  for engaging an opening tab on the anvil  1310  in the manner described above. As described above, the horseshoe aperture  1360  and tab  1362  engage the anvil tab when the anvil  1310  is opened. An upper double pivot link  1364  includes upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that engage respectively an upper distal pin hole in the upper proximally projecting tang  1356  and an upper proximal pin hole in an upper distally projecting tang  1256  on the outer sleeve  1250 . A lower double pivot link  1366  includes downwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that engage respectively a lower distal pin hole in the lower proximally projecting tang  1358  and a lower proximal pin hole in the lower distally projecting tang  1258 . 
     In use, the closure sleeve assembly  1354  is translated distally (direction “D”) to close the anvil  1310 , for example, in response to the actuation of the closure trigger  1052 . The anvil  1310  is closed by distally translating the outer sleeve  1250 , and thus the shaft closure sleeve assembly  1354 , causing it to strike a proximal surface on the anvil  1310  in the manner described above. As was also described above, the anvil  1310  is opened by proximally translating the outer sleeve  1250  and the shaft closure sleeve assembly  1354 , causing tab  1362  and the horseshoe aperture  1360  to contact and push against the anvil tab to lift the anvil  1310 . In the anvil-open position, the shaft closure sleeve assembly  1352  is moved to its proximal position. 
     In at least one form, the interchangeable shaft assembly  1200  further includes a firing member  1270  that is supported for axial travel within the shaft frame  1212 . The firing member  1270  includes an intermediate firing shaft portion  1272  that is configured for attachment to a distal cutting portion  1280 . The firing member  1270  may also be referred to herein as a “second shaft” and/or a “second shaft assembly”. As can be seen in  FIG. 37 , the intermediate firing shaft portion  1272  may include a longitudinal slot  1274  in the distal end thereof which can be configured to receive the proximal end  1282  of the distal cutting portion  1280 . The longitudinal slot  1274  and the proximal end  1282  can be sized and configured to permit relative movement therebetween and can comprise a slip joint  1276 . The slip joint  1276  can permit the intermediate firing shaft portion  1272  of the firing drive  1270  to be moved to articulate the end effector  1300  without moving, or at least substantially moving, the distal cutting portion  1280 . Once the end effector  1300  has been suitably oriented, the intermediate firing shaft portion  1272  can be advanced distally until a proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot  1272  comes into contact with the proximal end  1282  in order to advance the distal cutting portion  1280  and fire the staple cartridge positioned within the channel  1302 , as described herein. As can be further seen in  FIG. 37 , the shaft frame  1212  has an elongate opening or window  1213  therein to facilitate assembly and insertion of the intermediate firing shaft portion  1272  into the shaft frame  1212 . Once the intermediate firing shaft portion  1272  has been inserted therein, a top frame segment  1215  may be engaged with the shaft frame  1212  to enclose the intermediate firing shaft portion  1272  and distal cutting portion  1280  therein. The reader will also note that the articulation joint  1350  can further include a guide  1368  which can be configured to receive the distal cutting portion  1280  of the firing member  1270  therein and guide the distal cutting portion  1280  as it is advanced distally and/or retracted proximally within and/or relative to the articulation joint  1350 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 37 , the shaft attachment module  1220  may further include a latch actuator assembly  1230  that may be removably attached to the shaft attachment module by cap screws (not shown) or other suitable fasteners. The latch actuator assembly  1230  is configured to cooperate with a lock yoke  1240  that is pivotally coupled to the shaft attachment module  1220  for selective pivotal travel relative thereto. See  FIG. 41 . Referring to  FIG. 39 , the lock yoke  1240  may include two proximally protruding lock lugs  1242  ( FIG. 37 ) that are configured for releasable engagement with corresponding lock detents or grooves  1086  formed in a frame attachment module portion  1084  of the frame  1080  as will be discussed in further detail below. The lock yoke  1240  is substantially U-shaped and is installed over the latch actuator assembly  1230  after the latch actuator assembly  1230  has been coupled to the shaft attachment module  1220 . The latch actuator assembly  1230  may have an arcuate body portion  1234  that provides sufficient clearance for the lock yoke  1240  to pivot relative thereto between latched and unlatched positions. 
     In various forms, the lock yoke  1240  is biased in the proximal direction by spring or biasing member (not shown). Stated another way, the lock yoke  1240  is biased into the latched position ( FIG. 40 ) and can be pivoted to an unlatched position ( FIG. 41 ) by a latch button  1236  that is movably supported on the latch actuator assembly  1230 . In at least one arrangement, for example, the latch button  1236  is slidably retained within a latch housing portion  1235  and is biased in the proximal direction “P” by a latch spring or biasing member (not shown). As will be discussed in further detail below, the latch button  1236  has a distally protruding release lug  1237  that is designed to engage the lock yoke  1240  and pivot it from the latched position to the unlatched position shown in  FIG. 41  upon actuation of the latch button  1236 . 
     The interchangeable shaft assembly  1200  may further include a nozzle assembly  1290  that is rotatably supported on the shaft attachment module  1220 . In at least one form, for example, the nozzle assembly  1290  can be comprised of two nozzle halves, or portions,  1292 ,  1294  that may be interconnected by screws, snap features, adhesive, etc. When mounted on the shaft attachment module  1220 , the nozzle assembly  1290  may interface with the outer sleeve  1250  and shaft frame  1212  to enable the clinician to selectively rotate the shaft  1210  relative to the shaft attachment module  1220  about a shaft axis SA-SA which may be defined for example, the axis of the firing member assembly  1270 . In particular, a portion of the nozzle assembly  1290  may extend through a window  1253  in the outer sleeve to engage a notch  1218  in the shaft frame  1212 . See  FIG. 37 . Thus, rotation of the nozzle assembly  1290  will result in rotation of the shaft frame  1212  and outer sleeve  1250  about axis A-A relative to the shaft attachment module  1220 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 42 and 43 , the reader will observe that the frame attachment module portion  1084  of the frame  1080  is formed with two inwardly facing dovetail receiving slots  1088 . Each dovetail receiving slot  1088  may be tapered or, stated another way, be somewhat V-shaped. See, for example,  FIGS. 36 and 38  (only one of the slots  1088  is shown). The dovetail receiving slots  1088  are configured to releasably receive corresponding tapered attachment or lug portions  1229  of a proximally-extending connector portion  1228  of the shaft attachment module  1220 . As can be further seen in  FIGS. 37-39 , a shaft attachment lug  1278  is formed on the proximal end  1277  of the intermediate firing shaft  1272 . As will be discussed in further detail below, when the interchangeable shaft assembly  1200  is coupled to the handle  1042 , the shaft attachment lug  1278  is received in a firing shaft attachment cradle  1113  formed in the distal end  1111  of the longitudinal drive member  1110 . Also, the closure tube attachment yoke  1260  includes a proximally-extending yoke portion  1265  that includes two capture slots  1267  that open downwardly to capture the attachment lugs  1066  on the closure attachment bar  1064 . 
     Attachment of the interchangeable shaft assembly  1220  to the handle  1042  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 44-48 . In various forms, the frame  1080  or at least one of the drive systems define an actuation axis AA-AA. For example, the actuation axis AA-AA may be defined by the axis of the longitudinally-movable drive member  1110 . As such, when the intermediate firing shaft  1272  is operably coupled to the longitudinally movable drive member  1110 , the actuation axis AA-AA is coaxial with the shaft axis SA-SA as shown in  FIG. 48 . 
     To commence the coupling process, the clinician may position the shaft attachment module  1220  of the interchangeable shaft assembly  1200  above or adjacent to the frame attachment module portion  1084  of the frame  1080  such that the attachment lugs  1229  formed on the connector portion  1228  of the shaft attachment module  1220  are aligned with the dovetail slots  1088  in the attachment module portion  1084  as shown in  FIG. 45 . The clinician may then move the shaft attachment module  1220  along an installation axis IA-IA that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis AA-AA. Stated another way, the shaft attachment module  1220  is moved in an installation direction “ID” that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis AA-AA until the attachment lugs  1229  of the connector portion  1228  are seated in “operable engagement” with the corresponding dovetail receiving slots  1088 . See  FIGS. 44 and 46 .  FIG. 47  illustrates the position of the shaft attachment module  1220  prior to the shaft attachment lug  1278  on the intermediate firing shaft  1272  entering the cradle  1113  in the longitudinally movable drive member  1110  and the attachment lugs  1066  on the closure attachment bar  1064  entering the corresponding slots  1267  in the yoke portion  1265  of the closure tube attachment yoke  1260 .  FIG. 48  illustrates the position of the shaft attachment module  1220  after the attachment process has been completed. As can be seen in that Figure, the lugs  1066  (only one is shown) are seated in operable engagement in their respective slots  1267  in the yoke portion  1265  of the closure tube attachment yoke  1260 . As used herein, the term “operable engagement” in the context of two components means that the two components are sufficiently engaged with each other so that upon application of an actuation motion thereto, the components may carry out their intended action, function and/or procedure. 
     As discussed above, referring again to  FIGS. 44-49 , at least five systems of the interchangeable shaft assembly  1200  can be operably coupled with at least five corresponding systems of the handle  1042 . A first system can comprise a frame system which couples and/or aligns the frame of the shaft assembly  1200  with the frame of the handle  1042 . As outlined above, the connector portion  1228  of the shaft assembly  1200  can be engaged with the attachment module portion  1084  of the handle frame  1080 . A second system can comprise a closure drive system which can operably connect the closure trigger  1052  of the handle  1042  and the closure tube  1250  and the anvil  1310  of the shaft assembly  1200 . As outlined above, the closure tube attachment yoke  1260  of the shaft assembly  1200  can be engaged with the attachment lugs  1066  of the handle  1042 . A third system can comprise a firing drive system which can operably connect the firing trigger  1120  of the handle  1042  with the intermediate firing shaft  1272  of the shaft assembly  1200 . As outlined above, the shaft attachment lug  1278  can be operably connected with the cradle  1113  of the longitudinal drive member  1110 . A fourth system can comprise an electrical system which can, one, signal to a controller in the handle  1042 , such as microcontroller  7004 , for example, that a shaft assembly, such as shaft assembly  1200 , for example, has been operably engaged with the handle  1042  and/or, two, conduct power and/or communication signals between the shaft assembly  1200  and the handle  1042 . For instance, the shaft assembly  1200  can include six electrical contacts and the electrical connector  4000  can also include six electrical contacts wherein each electrical contact on the shaft assembly  1200  can be paired and mated with an electrical contact on the electrical connector  4000  when the shaft assembly  1200  is assembled to the handle  1042 . The shaft assembly  1200  can also include a latch  1236  which can be part of a fifth system, such as a lock system, which can releasably lock the shaft assembly  1200  to the handle  1042 . In various circumstances, the latch  1236  can close a circuit in the handle  1042 , for example, when the latch  1236  is engaged with the handle  1042 . 
     Further to the above, the frame system, the closure drive system, the firing drive system, and the electrical system of the shaft assembly  1200  can be assembled to the corresponding systems of the handle  1042  in a transverse direction, i.e., along axis IA-IA, for example. In various circumstances, the frame system, the closure drive system, and the firing drive system of the shaft assembly  1200  can be simultaneously coupled to the corresponding systems of the handle  1042 . In certain circumstances, two of the frame system, the closure drive system, and the firing drive system of the shaft assembly  1200  can be simultaneously coupled to the corresponding systems of the handle  1042 . In at least one circumstance, the frame system can be at least initially coupled before the closure drive system and the firing drive system are coupled. In such circumstances, the frame system can be configured to align the corresponding components of the closure drive system and the firing drive system before they are coupled as outlined above. In various circumstances, the electrical system portions of the housing assembly  1200  and the handle  1042  can be configured to be coupled at the same time that the frame system, the closure drive system, and/or the firing drive system are finally, or fully, seated. In certain circumstances, the electrical system portions of the housing assembly  1200  and the handle  1042  can be configured to be coupled before the frame system, the closure drive system, and/or the firing drive system are finally, or fully, seated. In some circumstances, the electrical system portions of the housing assembly  1200  and the handle  1042  can be configured to be coupled after the frame system has been at least partially coupled, but before the closure drive system and/or the firing drive system are have been coupled. In various circumstances, the locking system can be configured such that it is the last system to be engaged, i.e., after the frame system, the closure drive system, the firing drive system, and the electrical system have all been engaged. 
     As outlined above, referring again to  FIGS. 44-49 , the electrical connector  4000  of the handle  1042  can comprise a plurality of electrical contacts. Turning now to  FIG. 51 , the electrical connector  4000  can comprise a first contact  4001   a , a second contact  4001   b , a third contact  4001   c , a fourth contact  4001   d , a fifth contact  4001   e , and a sixth contact  4001   f , for example. While the illustrated embodiment utilizes six contacts, other embodiments are envisioned which may utilize more than six contacts or less than six contacts. As illustrated in  FIG. 51 , the first contact  4001   a  can be in electrical communication with a transistor  4008 , contacts  4001   b - 4001   e  can be in electrical communication with a microcontroller  7004 , and the sixth contact  4001   f  can be in electrical communication with a ground. Microcontroller  7004  is discussed in greater detail further below. In certain circumstances, one or more of the electrical contacts  4001   b - 4001   e  may be in electrical communication with one or more output channels of the microcontroller  7004  and can be energized, or have a voltage potential applied thereto, when the handle  1042  is in a powered state. In some circumstances, one or more of the electrical contacts  4001   b - 4001   e  may be in electrical communication with one or more input channels of the microcontroller  7004  and, when the handle  1042  is in a powered state, the microcontroller  7004  can be configured to detect when a voltage potential is applied to such electrical contacts. When a shaft assembly, such as shaft assembly  1200 , for example, is assembled to the handle  1042 , the electrical contacts  4001   a - 4001   f  may not communicate with each other. When a shaft assembly is not assembled to the handle  1042 , however, the electrical contacts  4001   a - 4001   f  of the electrical connector  4000  may be exposed and, in some circumstances, one or more of the contacts  4001   a - 4001   f  may be accidentally placed in electrical communication with each other. Such circumstances can arise when one or more of the contacts  4001   a - 4001   f  come into contact with an electrically conductive material, for example. When this occurs, the microcontroller  7004  can receive an erroneous input and/or the shaft assembly  1200  can receive an erroneous output, for example. To address this issue, in various circumstances, the handle  1042  may be unpowered when a shaft assembly, such as shaft assembly  1200 , for example, is not attached to the handle  1042 . In other circumstances, the handle  1042  can be powered when a shaft assembly, such as shaft assembly  1200 , for example, is not attached thereto. In such circumstances, the microcontroller  7004  can be configured to ignore inputs, or voltage potentials, applied to the contacts in electrical communication with the microcontroller  7004 , i.e., contacts  4001   b - 4001   e , for example, until a shaft assembly is attached to the handle  1042 . Eventhough the microcontroller  7004  may be supplied with power to operate other functionalities of the handle  1042  in such circumstances, the handle  1042  may be in a powered-down state. In a way, the electrical connector  4000  may be in a powered-down state as voltage potentials applied to the electrical contacts  4001   b - 4001   e  may not affect the operation of the handle  1042 . The reader will appreciate that, eventhough contacts  4001   b - 4001   e  may be in a powered-down state, the electrical contacts  4001   a  and  4001   f , which are not in electrical communication with the microcontroller  7004 , may or may not be in a powered-down state. For instance, sixth contact  4001   f  may remain in electrical communication with a ground regardless of whether the handle  1042  is in a powered-up or a powered-down state. Furthermore, the transistor  4008 , and/or any other suitable arrangement of transistors, such as transistor  4010 , for example, and/or switches may be configured to control the supply of power from a power source  4004 , such as a battery  1104  within the handle  1042 , for example, to the first electrical contact  4001   a  regardless of whether the handle  1042  is in a powered-up or a powered-down state as outlined above. In various circumstances, the latch  1236  of the shaft assembly  1200 , for example, can be configured to change the state of the transistor  4008  when the latch  1236  is engaged with the handle  1042 . In various circumstances, as described elsewhere herein, the latch  1236  can be configured to close a circuit when it engages the handle  1042  and, as a result, affect the state of the transistor  4008 . In certain circumstances, further to the below, a Hall effect sensor  4002  can be configured to switch the state of transistor  4010  which, as a result, can switch the state of transistor  4008  and ultimately supply power from power source  4004  to first contact  4001   a . In this way, further to the above, both the power circuits and the signal circuits to the connector  4000  can be powered down when a shaft assembly is not installed to the handle  1042  and powered up when a shaft assembly is installed to the handle  1042 . 
     In various circumstances, referring again to  FIG. 51 , the handle  1042  can include the Hall effect sensor  4002 , for example, which can be configured to detect a detectable element, such as a magnetic element, for example, on a shaft assembly, such as shaft assembly  1200 , for example, when the shaft assembly is coupled to the handle  1042 . The Hall effect sensor  4002  can be powered by a power source  4006 , such as a battery, for example, which can, in effect, amplify the detection signal of the Hall effect sensor  4002  and communicate with an input channel of the microcontroller  7004  via the circuit illustrated in  FIG. 51 . Once the microcontroller  7004  has a received an input indicating that a shaft assembly has been at least partially coupled to the handle  1042 , and that, as a result, the electrical contacts  4001   a - 4001   f  are no longer exposed, the microcontroller  7004  can enter into its normal, or powered-up, operating state. In such an operating state, the microcontroller  7004  will evaluate the signals transmitted to one or more of the contacts  4001   b - 4001   e  from the shaft assembly and/or transmit signals to the shaft assembly through one or more of the contacts  4001   b - 4001   e  in normal use thereof. In various circumstances, the shaft assembly  1200  may have to be fully seated before the Hall effect sensor  4002  can detect the magnetic element. While a Hall effect sensor  4002  can be utilized to detect the presence of the shaft assembly  1200 , any suitable system of sensors and/or switches can be utilized to detect whether a shaft assembly has been assembled to the handle  1042 , for example. In this way, further to the above, both the power circuits and the signal circuits to the connector  4000  can be powered down when a shaft assembly is not installed to the handle  1042  and powered up when a shaft assembly is installed to the handle  1042 . 
     In various embodiments, any number of magnetic sensing elements may be employed to detect whether a shaft assembly has been assembled to the handle  1042 , for example. For example, the technologies used for magnetic field sensing include search coil, fluxgate, optically pumped, nuclear precession, SQUID, Hall-effect, anisotropic magnetoresistance, giant magnetoresistance, magnetic tunnel junctions, giant magnetoimpedance, magnetostrictive/piezoelectric composites, magnetodiode, magnetotransistor, fiber optic, magnetooptic, and microelectromechanical systems-based magnetic sensors, among others. 
     After the interchangeable shaft assembly  1200  has been operably coupled to the handle  1042 , actuation of the closure trigger  1052  will result in the distal axial advancement of the outer sleeve  1250  and the shaft closure sleeve assembly  1354  coupled thereto to actuate the anvil  1310  in the various manners disclosed herein. As can also be seen in  FIG. 48 , the firing member  1270  in the interchangeable shaft assembly  1200  is coupled to the longitudinally movable drive member  1110  in the handle  1042 . More specifically, the shaft attachment lug  1278  formed on the proximal end  1277  of the intermediate firing shaft  1272  is receive within the firing shaft attachment cradle  1113  formed in the distal end  1111  of the longitudinally movable drive member  1110 . Thus, actuation of the firing trigger  1120  which results in powering of the motor  1102  to axially advance the longitudinally movable drive member  1110  will also cause the firing member  1270  to axially move within the shaft frame  1212 . Such action will cause the advancement of the distal cutting portion  1280  through the tissue clamped in the end effector  1300  in the various manners disclosed herein. Although not observable in  FIG. 48 , those of ordinary skill in the art will also understand that when in the coupled position depicted in that Figure, the attachment lug portions  1229  of the shaft attachment module  1220  are seated within their respective dovetail receiving slots  1088  in the attachment module portion  1084  of the frame  1080 . Thus, the shaft attachment module  1220  is coupled to the frame  1080 . In addition, although not shown in  FIG. 48  (but which can be seen in  FIG. 40 ), when the shaft attachment module  1220  has been coupled to the frame  1080 , the lock lugs  1242  on the lock yoke  1240  are seated within their respective lock grooves  1086  (only one is shown in  FIG. 40 ) in the attachment module portion  1084  of the frame  1080  to releasably retain the shaft attachment module  1220  in coupled operable engagement with the frame  1080 . 
     To detach the interchangeable shaft assembly  1220  from the frame  1080 , the clinician pushes the latch button  1236  in the distal direction “D” to cause the lock yoke  1240  to pivot as shown in  FIG. 41 . Such pivotal movement of the lock yoke  1240  causes the lock lugs  1242  thereon to move out of retaining engagement with the lock grooves  1086 . The clinician may then move the shaft attachment module  1220  away from the handle in a disconnecting direction “DD” as shown in  FIG. 49 . 
     Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the shaft attachment module  1220  may also be held stationary and the handle  1042  moved along the installation axis IA-IA that is substantially transverse to the shaft axis SA-SA to bring the lugs  1229  on the connector portion  1228  into seating engagement with the dovetail slots  1088 . It will be further understood that the shaft attachment module  1220  and the handle  1042  may be simultaneously moved toward each other along the installation axis IA-IA that is substantially transverse to the shaft axis SA-SA and the actuation axis AA-AA. 
     As used herein, the phrase, “substantially transverse to the actuation axis and/or to the shaft axis” refers to a direction that is nearly perpendicular to the actuation axis and/or shaft axis. It will be appreciated, however, that directions that deviate some from perpendicular to the actuation axis and/or the shaft axis are also substantially transverse to those axes. Using the physical properties of the instruments disclosed herein, turning now to  FIGS. 52 and 53 , a controller, such as microcontroller  7004 , for example, can be designed to simulate the response of the actual system of the instrument in the software of the controller. The simulated response is compared to a (noisy and discrete) measured response of the actual system to obtain an “observed” response, which is used for actual feedback decisions. The observed response is a favorable, tuned, value that balances the smooth, continuous nature of the simulated response with the measured response, which can detect outside influences on the system. With regard to  FIGS. 52 and 53 , a firing element, or cutting element, in the end effector  1300  of the shaft assembly  1200  can be moved at or near a target velocity, or speed. The systems disclosed in  FIGS. 52 and 53  can be utilized to move the cutting element at a target velocity. The systems can include a feedback controller  4200 , which can be one of any feedback controllers, including, but not limited to a PID, a State Feedback, LQR, and/or an Adaptive controller, for example. The systems can further include a power source. The power source can convert the signal from the feedback controller  4200  into a physical input to the system, in this case voltage, for example. Other examples include, but are not limited to, pulse width modulated (PWM) voltage, frequency modulated voltage, current, torque, and/or force, for example. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 52 and 53 , the physical system referred to therein is the actual drive system of the instrument configured to drive the firing member, or cutting member. One example is a brushed DC motor with gearbox and mechanical links to an articulation and/or knife system. Another example is the motor  1102  disclosed herein that operates the firing member  10060  and the articulation driver  10030 , for example, of an interchangeable shaft assembly. The outside influence  4201  referred to in  FIGS. 52 and 53  is the unmeasured, unpredictable influence of things like tissue, surrounding bodies and friction on the physical system, for example. Such outside influence can be referred to as drag and can be represented by a motor  4202  which acts in opposition to the motor  1102 , for example. In various circumstances, outside influence, such as drag, is the primary cause for deviation of the simulation of the physical system from the actual physical system. The systems depicted in  FIGS. 52 and 53  and further discussed below can address the differences between the predicted behavior of the firing member, or cutting member, and the actual behavior of the firing member, or cutting member. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 52 and 53 , the discrete sensor referred to therein measures physical parameters of the actual physical system. One embodiment of such a discrete sensor can include the absolute positioning sensor  7102  and system described herein. As the output of such a discrete sensor can be a digital signal (or connected to a digital data acquisition system) its output may have finite resolution and sampling frequency. The output of the discrete sensor can be supplied to a microcontroller, such as microcontroller  7004 , for example. In various circumstances, the microcontroller can combine the simulated, or estimated, response with the measured response. In certain circumstances, it may be useful to use enough measured response to ensure that the outside influence is accounted for without making the observed response unusably noisy. Examples for algorithms that do so include a weighted average and/or a theoretical control loop that drives the simulated response towards the measured response, for example. Ultimately, further to the above, the simulation of the physical system takes in account of properties like mass, inertial, viscous friction, and/or inductance resistance, for example, to predict what the states and outputs of the physical system will be by knowing the input.  FIG. 53  shows an addition of evaluating and measuring the current supplied to operate the actual system, which is yet another parameter that can be evaluated for controlling the speed of the cutting member, or firing member, of the shaft assembly  1200 , for example. By measuring current in addition to or in lieu of measuring the voltage, in certain circumstances, the physical system can be made more accurate. Nonetheless, the ideas disclosed herein can be extended to the measurement of other state parameters of other physical systems. 
     A control system, such as the control system illustrated in  FIG. 54  and/or  FIG. 57 , for example, can be utilized to control any of the surgical instruments disclosed herein. In various circumstances, the control system can comprise a microcontroller, such as microcontroller  7004 , for example, which can be configured to operate the various systems of a surgical instrument. Further to the above, the control system can comprise assembly detection means for detecting whether a shaft assembly, such as shaft assembly  1200 , for example, has been assembled, or at least partially assembled, to the handle  1042 . Such assembly detection means can comprise the Hall effect sensor  4002  described above, for example, and means for maintaining the handle  1042  in a powered-down condition if the shaft assembly is not assembled to the handle  1042 , and means for maintaining the handle  1042  in a powered-up condition if the shaft assembly is assembled to the handle  1042 , further to the above. As outlined above, the microcontroller  7004 , for example, can include such means. The control system can further comprise power communication means for communicating electrical power to and/or from the shaft assembly and/or signal communication means for communicating communication signals to and/or from the shaft assembly. Such power communication means and signal communication means can comprise the electrical connector  4000 , a corresponding electrical connector on the shaft assembly, and/or the microcontroller  7004 , for example. 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 54 and 57 , the control system can further comprise at least one closure trigger switch and at least one closure trigger circuit which can be configured to communicate to the microcontroller  7004 , and/or be interpreted by the microcontroller  7004 , that the closure trigger  1052 , discussed above, has been closed. Various switches can include a potentiometer and/or a Hall effect sensor, for example. The control system can further comprise unclosed operating means for operating the surgical instrument in an unclosed operating condition when the closure trigger  1052  is in an unclosed position and closed operating means for operating the surgical instrument in a closed operating condition when the closure trigger  1052  is in a closed position. The control system can comprise a power supply, such as battery  1104 , for example, and means for distributing power from the power supply throughout the control system. The control system can comprise a motor, such as motor  1102 , for example, a motor power switch, such as firing trigger  1120 , for example, and motor operating means for operating the motor  1102  in a desired way, as described elsewhere herein. Such motor operating means, in certain circumstances, can be configured to control the motor  1102  utilizing pulse width modulated (PWM) voltage control, for example. Moreover, PWM voltage control can be utilized to control the speed of the firing members  1272  and  1280 , for example. In the unclosed operating condition of the surgical instrument, in some circumstances, the battery  1104  may be disconnected from the motor  1102  while, in certain circumstances, a motor controller can be configured to prevent the operation of the motor  1102  eventhough electrical power may be supplied to the motor  1102  until the microcontroller  7004  detects the closure of the closure trigger  1052 . In such circumstances, the microcontroller  7004  can then operate the surgical instrument in its closed operating state. In the closed operating state, power can be supplied to the motor  1102  and the motor controller can be configured to operate the motor  1102  in response to the operation of the firing trigger  1120 .  FIGS. 58-60  illustrate various operations for operating the motor  1102  and the firing members  1272  and  1280 , for example. 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 54 and 57 , the control system can comprise a 12-bit magnetic rotary encoder, for example, and can be configured to monitor the position of the firing members  1272  and  1280 . In various circumstances, the control system can include the absolute positioning sensor  7102  and the sensing system described above to monitor the position of the firing members  1272  and  1280 . The control system can also comprise manual drive means for manually moving the firing members  1272  and  1280  and/or means for operating another system of the surgical instrument in light of the operation of the manual drive means. For instance, the manual drive means may comprise a manually-actuatable bailout assembly  1130 , for example, which is described above. Also, for instance, the operation of the manual drive means may electrically deactivate the motor  1102 . In some circumstances, the operation of the manual drive means can disconnect the battery  1104  from the motor  1102 . In certain circumstances, the operation of the manual drive means can be detected by a motor controller which can be configured to prevent the operation of the motor  1102  eventhough electrical power may be supplied to the motor  1102 . In various circumstances, the motor controller can comprise the microcontroller  7004 , for example. 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 54 and 57 , the control system can further comprise communication means for communicating with the operator of the instrument. In various circumstances, the communication means can comprise one or more light emitting diode (LED) lights, for example, on the handle  1042 , for example, which can be configured to communicate to the operator of the surgical instrument that the surgical instrument is in a particular operating condition, for example. In at least one circumstance, the handle  1042  can include a green LED light, for example, which, when lit, can indicate that the surgical instrument is in an assembled, closed, and powered-up condition, for example. In such circumstances, the lit green LED light can indicate that the surgical instrument is ready for use. The handle  1042  can include a red LED light, for example, which, when lit, can indicate that the surgical instrument is in either an unassembled, unclosed, and/or powered-down condition. In such circumstances, the lit red LED light can indicate that the surgical instrument is not ready for use. Further to the above, the LED lights can be in electrical communication with output channels of the microcontroller  7004  wherein the microcontroller  7004  can be configured to determine and/or set the operating condition of the surgical instrument and communicate that condition through the LED lights, for example. In some circumstances, the communication means can include a display screen on the handle  1042 , for example, which can be configured to communicate information to the operator of the surgical instrument. Further to the above, the microcontroller  7004  can be in electrical communication with the display screen to communicate the operating condition of the surgical instrument, for example. 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 54 and 57 , and with additional reference to  FIGS. 55 and 56 , the control system can comprise a plurality of switches in electrical communication with the microcontroller  7004 , for example. The switches can include the switches discussed above and/or in connection with any system and/or subsystem of the surgical instrument described herein. The switches can comprise a switch array which can be included in a switch circuit in electrical communication with the microcontroller  7004 , for example. In certain circumstances, the switch circuit can include a 16-bit I/O encoder, for example, which can communicate with the microcontroller  7004 . Moreover, the switch circuit can comprise a bus which is in electrical communication with the microcontroller  7004  and one or more contacts in the electrical connector  4000 . Ultimately, then, the switch circuit and the switch array can span the handle  1042  and the shaft assembly  1200 , for example. In various circumstances, the microcontroller  7004  can be configured to identify the shaft assembly attached to the handle  1042  and adjust the length of the firing stroke applied to the firing members  1272  and  1280 , for example. The entire disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,629, entitled CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, which issued on Apr. 25, 2017, is incorporated by reference herein. 
     A surgical instrument  18000  is illustrated in  FIG. 61 . The surgical instrument  18000  is similar to the surgical instrument  400  in many respects. The surgical instrument  18000  comprises a handle  18100 , a shaft  18200  extending from the handle  18100 , and an end effector  18300  extending from the shaft  18200 . The end effector  18300  comprises a first jaw  18310  and a second jaw  18320 , where the first jaw  18310  is movable between an open, clamped position and a closed, clamped position to clamp tissue between the first jaw  18310  and the second jaw  18320 . Moreover, the end effector  18300  is rotatably attached to the shaft  18200  about an articulation joint  18400 . The handle  18100  comprises a frame  18110  and a housing  18120 . The handle  18100  also comprises a grip  18130 , a closing actuator  18140  operable to actuate an end effector closure system, and a firing actuator  18150  operable to actuate a staple firing system. The handle  18100  also comprises an articulation actuator operable to actuate an end effector articulation system. The second jaw  18320  comprises a replaceable staple cartridge  18500  including staples removably stored therein and the first jaw  18310  comprises an anvil configured to deform the staples. The surgical instrument  18000  also comprises an electric motor which is configured to drive the staple firing system of the surgical instrument  18000 . Various staple firing systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on Feb. 21, 2006, and is herein incorporated by reference. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 62 , a staple cartridge  18500  comprises a cartridge body  18510  comprising a longitudinal slot  18520 , a proximal end  18530 , and a distal end  18540 . The staple cartridge  18500  further comprises a plurality of staple cavities  18222  defined the cartridge body  18510  and staples removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cartridge  18500  further comprises a sled  18550  ( FIG. 69 ) movable distally by the staple firing system during a staple firing stroke to drive the staples upwardly out of the staple cavities  18222  and into the tissue of a patient. The staple cartridge  18500  further comprises a removable staple cartridge retainer, or cover,  18570  ( FIG. 70 ) which extends over the staple cavities and protects the staples. Referring to  FIG. 70 , the cover comprises an elongate body, flexible latch arms  18574  extending from the body that releasably grip the cartridge body  18510 , and a longitudinal fin  18572  extending into the longitudinal slot  18520 . In many instances, the staple cartridge cover  18570  acts as a protective barrier between the clinician and the staples of the staple cartridge  18500 . In various instances, the staple cartridge cover  18570  allows a clinician to place their thumb, for instance, on top of the staple cartridge  18500  to seat the staple cartridge  18500  in the second jaw  18320  without contacting the staples. Once the staple cartridge  18500  has been seated in the second jaw  18320 , the cartridge cover  18570  is removed and the surgical instrument  18000  can then be inserted into a patient. If the cartridge cover  18570  is not removed after the staple cartridge  18500  has been installed, however, the cartridge cover  18570  will block the staples from properly contacting the anvil of the first jaw  18310 . 
     The surgical instrument  18000  further comprises a controller including a microprocessor. The surgical instrument  18000  also further comprises an RFID system in communication with the controller. The RFID system comprises one or more RFID readers and one or more RFID tags, as will be discussed in greater detail below. In various embodiments, an RFID system is configured to determine whether a staple cartridge is positioned in the surgical instrument and/or whether the staple cartridge is an appropriate staple cartridge for use with the surgical instrument. Such an RFID system can also determine whether the staple cartridge includes the correct components intended for that staple cartridge. If the controller determines that the staple cartridge is appropriate and the components within the staple cartridge are correct, the surgical instrument  18000  can be used as intended. If the controller determines that the staple cartridge is not appropriate or that one or more of the components within the staple cartridge are incorrect, the controller can limit the operation of the surgical instrument in some way. In such instances, for example, the controller can permit the end effector to be opened and closed and/or permit the end effector to be articulated, but prevent the staple firing stroke from being performed. An RFID system can also be used to determine whether the staple cartridge has been properly positioned within a staple cartridge support. For example, the RFID system can indicate whether the proximal end of the staple cartridge and/or the distal end of the staple cartridge is properly seated within a staple cartridge channel and, if one of the ends of the staple cartridge has not been fully seated, the controller can prevent the staple firing stroke from being performed. Moreover, an RFID system can indicate whether the staple cartridge positioned in the surgical instrument is an unspent staple cartridge or if the staple cartridge has already been used, or otherwise spent. If the controller determines that the staple cartridge has been spent, the controller prevents the staple firing stroke from being performed until the spent staple cartridge has been replaced with an unspent staple cartridge. An RFID system can also be capable of tracking the motion a movable component of the staple cartridge, which will be discussed in greater detail below. 
     Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is used in a variety of industries to track and identify objects. RFID relies on radio waves to transfer digitally-stored information from a RFID tag to a RFID reader or receiver configured to receive the information. RFID technology uses RFID tags, sometimes referred to as chips, which contain electronically-stored information, and RFID readers, which serve to identify and communicate with the RFID tags. There are two different types of RFID systems—active RFID systems and passive RFID systems. Active RFID systems include RFID tags that comprise an on-board power source to broadcast their signals. Active RFID tags can include a battery within the RFID tag which allows the active RFID tag to function independently from the RFID reader. As such, RFID tags in an active RFID system do not need to wait to receive a signal from a RFID reader before sending out information. Instead, the active RFID tags are free to continuously send out a signal, or beacon. Many commercially available active RFID systems often operate at one of two main frequency ranges—433 MHz and 915 MHz, but any suitable frequency range can be used. Typically, a RFID tag must be within a specific distance or frequency range in order to be identified by its corresponding RFID reader. 
     Passive RFID systems include RFID tags which do not comprise an on-board power source but instead receive the energy needed to operate from an RFID reader. Contrary to active RFID tags, RFID tags in a passive RFID system do not actively send out a signal before receiving a prompt. Instead, passive RFID tags wait to receive information from a RFID reader before sending out a signal. Many commercially-available passive RFID systems often operate within three frequency ranges—Low Frequency (“LF”), High Frequency (“HF”) &amp; Near-Field Communication (“NFC”), and Ultra High Frequency (“UHF”). The LF bandwidth is 125-134 KHz and includes a longer wavelength with a short read range of approximately one to ten centimeters. The HF and NFC bandwidth is 13.56 MHz and includes a medium wavelength with a typical read range of one centimeter to one meter. The UHF bandwidth is 865-960 MHz and includes a short, high-energy wavelength of one meter which translates into a long read range. The above being said, any suitable frequency can be used. 
     A variety of RFID systems comprising differently-sized RFID tags exist. However, some are better suited for use in technology areas that require the tracking of very small objects. For example, Hitachi Chemical Co. Ltd. is a leading manufacturer in the RFID technology field. The Ultra Small size UHF RFID tag manufactured by Hitachi Chemical Co. Ltd. is typically no larger than 1.0 to 13 mm and enables communication between a RFID tag and a RFID reader at distances of several centimeters or more. Due to its compact nature, the Hitachi RFID tag is suitable for very small products which need to be identified. Each Hitachi RFID tag comprises an antenna, an IC chip connected to the antenna, and a sealing material that seals the IC chip and the antenna. Because the Hitachi RFID tag incorporates an antenna and an IC chip in a single unit, the Hitachi RFID tag is convenient enough to easily affix to any small object using an adhesive or tape, for example. 
     The Hitachi RFID tag comprises a square stainless steel plate and a metal antenna. The antenna comprises a LC resonant circuit or any other suitable circuit and is electrically connected to the plate. After the plate and the antenna are connected to one another, the antenna and plate are sealed together in a single unit with a sealing material. The sealing material is primarily composed of epoxy, carbon, and silica to enhance the heat resistance capabilities of the Hitachi RFID tag. That is, the heat resistance of the RFID tag substantially depends on the heat resistance capabilities of the sealing material. The sealing material has a high heat resistance withstanding temperatures of up to 250 to 300° C. for shorter time periods, such as a few seconds, and is resistant to heat for longer periods of time up to 150° C. Accordingly, the Hitachi RFID tag has a higher heat resistance than conventional RFID tags and can still operate normally even at high temperatures. Additional information regarding the Hitachi RFID tag can be found in the entire disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 9,171,244, entitled RFID TAG, which issued on Oct. 27, 2015, and is incorporated by reference herein. 
     As mentioned above, the surgical instrument system  18000  comprises an RFID system which includes one or more RFID readers and one or more RFID tags. In various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 62 , the RFID system comprises a first RFID tag  18560   a , a second RFID tag  18560   b , and a third RFID tag  18560   c .  FIG. 67  illustrates a Hitachi Ultra Small Package UHF RFID tag  18900  which can be used for the RFID tags  18560   a ,  18560   b , and  18560   c , although any suitable RFID tag could be used. The tag  18900  comprises a size of 2.5 mm×2.5 mm×0.4 mm, for example. The tag  18900  comprises a substrate or base  18910 , a microchip  18920  mounted to the substrate  18910 , and an antenna  18930  mounted to the substrate  18910  in a circumferential pattern which is in communication with an output channel or pin of the microchip  18920 . Additional details regarding the RFID tag  18900  are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,171,244, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. That said, any suitable RFID tag could be used. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 62, 64-66 and 68 , the first RFID tag  18560   a  is affixed to the cartridge body  18510  at a first position A. The second RFID tag  18560   b  is affixed to the sled  18550  slidably positioned in the cartridge body  18510 , as illustrated in  FIG. 69 , and the third RFID tag  18560   c  is affixed to the cover  18570 , as illustrated in  FIG. 70 . Referring primarily to  FIG. 66 , the surgical instrument  18000  comprises a first RFID reader  18600 , a second RFID reader  18700 , and a third RFID reader  18800 . The first RFID reader  18600  includes a flexible circuit extending between the controller in the surgical instrument handle  18100  and the second jaw  18320 . The first RFID reader  18600  comprises a first inductive coil or sensor  18620  which is aligned with the first RFID tag  18560   a  when the staple cartridge  18500  is seated in the second jaw  18320 . Similarly, the second RFID reader  18700  includes a flexible circuit extending between the controller in the surgical instrument handle  18100  and the second jaw  18320 . The second RFID reader  18700  comprises a second inductive coil or sensor  18720  at position B ( FIG. 62 ) which is aligned with the second RFID tag  18560   b  when the staple cartridge  18500  is seated in the second jaw  18320 . Also, similarly, the third RFID reader  18600  includes a flexible circuit extending between the controller in the surgical instrument handle  18100  and the second jaw  18320 . The third RFID reader  18800  comprises a third inductive coil or sensor  18820  at position C ( FIG. 62 ) which is aligned with the third RFID tag  18560   c  when the staple cartridge  18500  is seated in the second jaw  18320 . 
     The RFID tags  18560   a ,  18560   b , and  18560   c  can be active and/or passive. When the RFID tags  18560   a ,  18560   b , and  18560   c  are active RFID tags, they each emit a signal which is received by their respective RFID readers. For instance, the first RFID sensor  18620  receives a first beacon signal from the first RFID tag  18560   a , the second RFID sensor  18720  receives a second beacon signal from the second RFID tag  18560   b , and the third RFID sensor  18820  receives a third beacon signal from the third RFID tag  18560   c . The first, second, and third beacon signals can all be emitted at the same frequency or at different frequencies. If the beacon signals are emitted at the same frequency, then the range of the beacon signals and/or the position of the RFID sensors must be controlled such that there isn&#39;t crosstalk between the RFID tags  18560   a ,  18560   b , and  18560   c  and their respective RFID reader sensors  18620 ,  18720 , and  18820 . The ranges of the RFID beacon signals is determined by the power being used to transmit the beacon signals and the availability of that power from their respective power sources, or batteries. In general, the range of the beacon signal is proportional to the transmission power of the signal. If the beacon signals are emitted at different frequencies, then the range of the signals and the relative positioning of the RFID sensors  18620 ,  18720 , and  18820  can be more flexible. In such embodiments, the controller comprises one or more signal filters, such as low-pass filters and/or high-pass filters, for example, which can be used to make sure that the signals, and data, received from the RFID tags  18560   a ,  18560   b , and  18560   c  is being received on the correct input lines, or RFID readers. For instance, a low-pass filter can be used to filter out the second and third beacon signals on the first RFID reader  18600 , a high-pass filter can be used to filter out the first and second beacon signals on the third RFID reader  18800 , and both a low-pass filter and a high-pass filter can be used to filter out the first and third beacon signals on the second RFID reader  18700 . In any event, the RFID readers  18600 ,  18700 , and  18800  receive data from their respective RFID tags  18560   a ,  18560   b , and  18560   c  as soon as the staple cartridge  18500  is seated in the second jaw  18320 . Notably, the RFID tags  18560   a ,  18560   b , and  18560   c  may begin to communicate with their respective RFID readers as the staple cartridge  18500  is being seated and/or when the staple cartridge  18500  is aligned with the second jaw  18320  and is about to be seated. 
     When the RFID tags  18560   a ,  18560   b , and  18560   c  are passive RFID tags, the RFID tags  18560   a ,  18560   b , and  18560   c  do not emit signals until they receive signals from their respective RFID scanners  18600 ,  18700 , and  18800 . For instance, the first RFID tag  18560   a  does not emit a signal until it is energized by a signal emitted from the first sensor  18620  of the RFID scanner  18600 . In this way, the first sensor  18620  acts as a transmission antenna which broadcasts a first signal which, when received by the first RFID tag  18560   a , causes the first RFID tag  18560   a  to emit a first return signal that is received by the first sensor  18620 . As such, the first sensor  18620  acts as both a transmission antenna and a reception antenna. That said, the first RFID scanner  18600  can comprise a transmission antenna as part of a transmission circuit and a separate reception antenna as part of a reception circuit. Similarly, the second RFID tag  18560   b  does not emit a signal until it is energized by a signal emitted from the second sensor  18720  of the RFID scanner  18700 . In this way, the first sensor  18720  acts as a transmission antenna which broadcasts a second signal which, when received by the second RFID tag  18560   b , causes the second RFID tag  18560   b  to emit a second return signal that is received by the second sensor  18720 . As such, the second sensor  18720  acts as both a transmission antenna and a reception antenna. That said, the second RFID scanner  18700  can comprise a transmission antenna as part of a transmission circuit and a separate reception antenna as part of a reception circuit. Also, similarly, the third RFID tag  18560   c  does not emit a signal until it is energized by a signal emitted from the third sensor  18820  of the RFID scanner  18800 . In this way, the third sensor  18820  acts as a transmission antenna which broadcasts a third signal which, when received by the third RFID tag  18560   c , causes the third RFID tag  18560   c  to emit a third return signal that is received by the third sensor  18820 . As such, the third sensor  18820  acts as both a transmission antenna and a reception antenna. That said, the third RFID scanner  18800  can comprise a transmission antenna as part of a transmission circuit and a separate reception antenna as part of a reception circuit. 
     As described above, the first RFID tag  18560   a  is affixed to the cartridge body  18510  of the staple cartridge  18500 . The first RFID tag  18560   a  is attached to the cartridge body  18510  using one or more adhesives. That said, the first RFID tag  18560   a  could be affixed to the cartridge body  18510  in any suitable manner. For instance, referring to  FIG. 68 , the first RFID tag  18560   a  can be integrally-molded with the cartridge body  18510  during an injection molding process. In such instances, at least part of the first RFID tag  18560   a  is embedded in the cartridge body  18510 . That said, embodiments are envisioned in which the entirety of the first RFID tag  18560   a  is embedded in the cartridge body  18510 . Moreover, embodiments are envisioned in which a wall of the cartridge body  18510  defines a recess, or pocket, and the first RFID tag  18560   a  is positioned in the recess. In various instances, the perimeter of the RFID tag  18560   a  matches the perimeter of the recess in the cartridge body  18510 . 
     When the first RFID scanner  18600  receives the first signal from the first RFID tag  18560   a  and the first signal, or the data from the first signal, is communicated to the controller of the surgical instrument  18000 , the controller determines that a staple cartridge is present in the second jaw  18520 . In various embodiments, the controller performs an authentication evaluation to determine that the data received from the first RFID tag  18560   a  matches data from an acceptable staple cartridge. The data regarding an acceptable staple cartridge can be stored in a memory device of the controller and/or can be stored in an off-board controller and/or cloud environment, for example. If the controller determines that a staple cartridge is present in the second jaw  18320  and that the staple cartridge is compatible, the controller will perform additional checks with the second and third RFID tags  18560   b  and  18560   c  of the RFID system, as discussed in greater detail below. That said, embodiments are envisioned in which the first RFID tag  18560   a  is the only RFID tag in the RFID system and, once the presence of a compatible staple cartridge is verified via the first RFID tag  18560   a , the controller can unlock the staple firing system. 
     As discussed above, the second RFID tag  18560   b  is affixed to the sled  18550  of the staple cartridge  18500 . The second RFID tag  18560   b  is attached to the sled  18550  using one or more adhesives. That said, the second RFID tag  18560   b  could be affixed to the sled  18550  in any suitable manner. For instance, referring to  FIG. 69 , the second RFID tag  18560   b  can be integrally-molded with the sled  18550  during an injection molding process. In such instances, at least part of the second RFID tag  18560   b  can be embedded in the sled  18550 . That said, embodiments are envisioned in which the entirety of the second RFID tag  18560   b  is embedded in the sled  18550 . Moreover, embodiments are envisioned in which a wall of the sled  18550  defines a recess, or pocket, and the second RFID tag  18560   b  is positioned in the recess. In various instances, the perimeter of the RFID tag  18560   b  matches the perimeter of the recess in the sled  18550 . 
     When the second RFID scanner  18700  receives the second signal from the second RFID tag  18560   b  and the second signal, or the data from the second signal, is communicated to the controller of the surgical instrument  18000 , the controller determines that the sled is present in its proximal, unfired position within the staple cartridge. With this information, the controller can determine that the staple cartridge is in an unspent condition. If the sled  18550  is not in its proximal, unfired position, the second RFID tag  18560   b  will be out of range of the second RFID scanner  18700  and the controller will determine that the staple cartridge positioned in the second jaw  18320  has been at least partially spent. In such instances, the controller will not unlock the staple firing system until the staple cartridge has been replaced with a compatible unspent staple cartridge. 
     In various embodiments, the controller performs an authentication evaluation to determine that the data received from the second RFID tag  18560   b  matches data corresponding to the staple cartridge that was identified by the first RFID scanner  18600 . If the controller determines that the sled  18550  is an appropriate component of the staple cartridge present in the second jaw  18320  via the data from the second RFID tag  18560   b , the controller will perform an additional check with the third RFID tag  18560   c  of the RFID system, as discussed in greater detail below. That said, embodiments are envisioned that do not include a third RFID tag  18560   c  and, once the presence of a compatible unfired staple cartridge is verified via the first and second RFID tags  18560   a  and  18560   b , as discussed above, the controller can unlock the staple firing system. 
     As discussed above, referring to  FIG. 70 , the third RFID tag  18560   c  is affixed to the removable cover  18570  of the staple cartridge  18500 . The third RFID tag  18560   c  is attached to the cover  18570  using one or more adhesives. That said, the third RFID tag  18560   c  could be affixed to the cover  18570  in any suitable manner. For instance, referring to  FIG. 70 , the third RFID tag  18560   c  can be integrally-molded with the cover  18570  during an injection molding process. In such instances, at least part of the third RFID tag  18560   c  can be embedded in the cover  18570 . That said, embodiments are envisioned in which the entirety of the third RFID tag  18560   c  is embedded in the cover  18570 . Moreover, embodiments are envisioned in which a wall of the cover  18570  defines a recess, or pocket, and the third RFID tag  18560   c  is positioned in the recess. In various instances, the perimeter of the RFID tag  18560   c  matches the perimeter of the recess in the cover  18570 . 
     When the third RFID scanner  18800  receives the third signal from the third RFID tag  18560   c  and the third signal, or the data from the third signal, is communicated to the controller of the surgical instrument  18000 , the controller determines that the cover  18570  is attached to the staple cartridge. With this information, the controller can determine that the clinician inserted the staple cartridge into the surgical instrument  18000  with the cover  18570  on and, thus, did not disturb the staples stored in the cartridge body  18510 . If the cover  18570  is not detected on the cartridge body  18510 , the controller will determine that the staple cartridge may be damaged. In such instances, the controller will not unlock the staple firing system until the staple cartridge has been replaced with a compatible, unspent and undamaged staple cartridge. 
     In various embodiments, the controller performs an authentication evaluation to determine that the data received from the third RFID tag  18560   c  matches data corresponding to the staple cartridge that was identified by the third RFID scanner  18700 . If the controller determines that the cover  18570  is an appropriate component of the staple cartridge present in the second jaw  18320  via the data from the third RFID tag  18560   c , the controller unlocks the staple firing system. Additional RFID tags and RFID tag scanners can be used to evaluate the presence, condition, and/or compatibility of the staple cartridge positioned in the surgical instrument. 
     As discussed above, the second RFID scanner  18700  is used by the controller of the surgical instrument  18000  to assess whether or not the sled  18550  is in its proximal, unfired position. Absent more, the controller is unable to assess the position of the sled  18550  other than it is not within the communication range of the second RFID  18700  scanner. That said, a surgical instrument can comprise more than one RFID scanner which be used by the controller of the surgical instrument to assess the position of the sled  18500  and, thus, the progress of the staple firing stroke. Referring again to  FIG. 66 , the first RFID scanner  18600  and the third RFID scanner  18800  of the surgical instrument  18000  can be used to track the position of the sled  18500 . As the sled  18500  is moved distally during the staple firing stroke, the second RFID tag  18560   b  passes through the transmission range  18610  of the first RFID scanner  18600  and the transmission range  18810  of the third RFID scanner. When the second signal of the second RFID tag  18560   b  is detected by the first RFID scanner  18600 , the controller determines that the sled  18550  is adjacent position A. Likewise, the controller determines that the sled  18550  is adjacent position C when the second signal of the second RFID tag  18560   b  is detected by the third RFID scanner  18800 . In various embodiments, the RFID system can comprise an RFID scanner adjacent the distal end of a staple cartridge in communication with the controller to detect when the sled  18550  has reached the end of the staple firing stroke. 
     Many commercially-available staple cartridges are sold in standard lengths. For instance, Ethicon, a subsidiary of Johnson &amp; Johnson, sells staple cartridges configured to apply a 30 mm long staple pattern, staple cartridges configured to apply a 45 mm long staple pattern, and staple cartridges configured to apply a 60 mm long staple pattern, among others. The 30 mm, 45 mm, and 60 mm lengths do not represent the overall length of the staple cartridges; rather, these lengths represent the length of the staple patterns that these staple cartridges could apply. That said, Ethicon also sells surgical staplers configured to receive the 30 mm staple cartridges. Such surgical staplers comprise anvils that are configured to deform the staples in the 30 mm pattern. Ethicon also sells surgical staplers configured to receive 45 mm staples cartridges and surgical staplers configured to receive the 60 mm staple cartridges and have anvils configured to deform a 45 mm staple pattern and a 60 mm staple pattern, respectively. Absent other considerations, an anvil designed to create a 30 mm long staple pattern would not be able to deform all of the staples of a 60 mm staple pattern. In various embodiments, further to the above, a surgical instrument can include an RFID system configured to assess whether a staple cartridge that has been inserted into the surgical instrument has a staple pattern that matches the staple pattern that can be deformed by the anvil of the surgical instrument, as described in greater detail below. 
     Further to the above, referring to  FIGS. 74 and 75 , an end effector  18300 ′ of a surgical instrument comprises a first jaw  18310  and a second jaw  18320 , where the second jaw  18320  is configured to receive a replaceable staple cartridge  19700  therein. The staple cartridge  19700  is similar to the staple cartridge  18500  in many respects and comprises a plurality of staples removably stored therein. The pattern of the staples stored in the staple cartridge  19700  matches a pattern of staple forming pockets defined in the anvil of the first jaw  18310 . Another staple cartridge  19600  is illustrated in  FIG. 74 . Similar to the staple cartridge  19700 , the staple cartridge  19600  can be inserted into the second jaw  18320 ; however, the staple cartridge  19600  produces a staple pattern which is different than, or shorter in length than, the staple pattern produced by the staple cartridge  19700 . As such, the staple cartridge  19600  is unsuitable for, or incorrect for use with, the surgical instrument while the staple cartridge  19700  is suitable for, or correct for use with, the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument comprises an RFID system in communication with the controller of the surgical instrument which is used to prevent the surgical instrument from performing a staple firing stroke when an incorrect staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge  19600 , for example—or no staple cartridge—is positioned in the second jaw  18320 . Correspondingly, the controller is configured to permit the stapling instrument to be used to perform a staple firing stroke when a correct staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge  19700 , is positioned in the second jaw  18320  and recognized by the controller. 
     The end effector  18300 ′ comprises a first RFID scanner comprising a first sensor at a proximal end of the second jaw  18320  and a second RFID scanner comprising a second sensor at a distal end of the second jaw  18320 . The staple cartridge  19700  comprises a cartridge body  19710 , a first RFID tag  19760   a  mounted to a proximal end of the cartridge body  19710 , and a second RFID tag  19760   b  mounted to a distal end of the cartridge body  19710 . When the staple cartridge  19700  is seated in the second jaw  18320 , the first RFID tag  19760   a  is aligned with the sensor of the first RFID scanner and the second RFID tag  19760   b  is aligned with the sensor of the second RFID scanner. In such instances, the controller of the surgical instrument is able to verify the presence of a correct staple cartridge in the second jaw  18320  when both of the RFID scanners detect the presence of their respective RFID tags. As discussed herein, the controller can be configured to authenticate whether the signals and/or data received from the RFID tags match a set of signals and/or data that corresponds to a compatible staple cartridge. In any event, the controller is configured to unlock the staple firing system once the controller has determined the presence of a correct staple cartridge seated in the second jaw  18320 . 
     Further to the above, the staple cartridge  19600  comprises a cartridge body  19610 , a first RFID tag  19660   a  mounted to a proximal end of the cartridge body  19610 , and a second RFID tag  19660   b  mounted to a distal end of the cartridge body  19610 . When the staple cartridge  19600  is seated in the second jaw  18320 , the second RFID tag  19660   b  is aligned with the sensor of the second RFID scanner; however, referring to  FIG. 75 , the first RFID tag  19660   a  is not aligned with the first RFID scanner. In fact, the first RFID tag  19660   a  is not positioned within the transmission, or communication, range of the first RFID scanner. As a result, the controller can receive a signal from the second RFID tag  19660   b , but it cannot receive a signal from the first RFID tag  19660   a . In such instances, the controller is configured to determine that a staple cartridge having an incorrect length has been seated in the second jaw  18320 . Stated another way, the controller can determine that a staple cartridge is present in the second jaw  18320  owing to the detection of the second RFID tag  19660   b  by the second RFID scanner but that the staple cartridge is the wrong length owing to the lack of signal detected by the first RFID scanner. The controller is configured to maintain the staple firing system in a locked out state until the controller has determined that a correct staple cartridge is seated in the second jaw  18320 . In at least one such embodiment, the controller is not responsive to a firing actuator input and does not power the electric motor of the staple firing system until the presence of a correct staple cartridge has been detected in the second jaw  18320 . 
     An algorithm  16000  of the controller of the embodiment of  FIGS. 74 and 75  is illustrated in  FIG. 76 . At step  16100  the controller evaluates the presence of the second RFID tag  19660   b  using the second RFID scanner. If the controller does not receive a signal from the second RFID scanner, the controller determines that a staple cartridge is absent from the second jaw  18320  and the absence of a staple cartridge is indicated to the clinician at step  16110 . In various instances, the surgical instrument comprises a display screen in communication with the controller which is used to convey the absence of a staple cartridge to the clinician. In such instances, the algorithm  16000  returns to step  16100  and waits for a staple cartridge to be inserted into the second jaw  18320  that can communicate with the second RFID scanner. If the controller receives a signal from the second RFID scanner at step  16100 , the controller evaluates the presence of the first tag  19660   a  using the first RFID scanner at step  16200 . If the controller does not receive a signal from the first RFID scanner, the controller determines that an incompatible staple cartridge is present in the second jaw  18320  which is indicated to the clinician at step  16210 . This indication can be provided to the clinician via the display screen, for example. In such instances, the algorithm  16000  returns to step  16100  and waits for a compatible staple cartridge to be inserted into the second jaw  18320  that can communicate with the first and second RFID scanners. If the controller receives a signal from the first RFID scanner at step  16200 , the controller verifies the authenticity of the first and/or second RFID tags at step  16300 . In various instances, the controller comprises sets of data stored in a memory chip, or memory device, that can be used to authenticate the data received from the first and second RFID tags  19660   a  and  19660   b . For instance, if the data from the first RFID signal and the second RFID signal match the set of data stored in the memory chip for the first and second RFID signals, the controller can determine that the staple cartridge positioned in the second jaw  18320  is authentic at step  16300 . If the received data does not match the stored data at step  16300 , then the controller indicates to the clinician at step  16310  that an inauthentic staple cartridge is present in the second jaw  18320  via the display screen, for example. In such instances, the algorithm  16000  returns to step  16100  and waits for a compatible authentic staple cartridge to be inserted into the second jaw  18320 . 
     Once the controller determines that an authentic staple cartridge is position in the second jaw  18320 , the controller enables the staple firing system at step  16400 . At such point, the controller is responsive to an input from a staple firing actuator at step  16500  and applies a voltage potential to the electric motor of the staple firing system at step  16600  when the input is received, assuming that all other conditions for performing a staple firing stroke have been met. For instance, the controller is configured to not be responsive to an input from the staple firing actuator while the first jaw  18310  is in an open position. When the first jaw  18310  is closed, however, the controller can be responsive to the input from the staple firing actuator at steps  16500  and  16600 . If an input is not received from the staple firing actuator, then the controller waits for such an input at step  16510 . 
     In various embodiments, further to the above, the staple cartridge  19700  and/or the second jaw  18320  comprise features that create a snap-fit between the staple cartridge  19700  and the second jaw  18320  when the staple cartridge  19700  is seated in the second jaw  18320 . Such a snap-fit arrangement securely holds the staple cartridge  19700  in the second jaw  18320 , but still permits the staple cartridge  19700  to be removed from the second jaw  18320 . In some instances, seating the distal end of the staple cartridge  19700  into the second jaw  18320  is relatively easy while seating the proximal end of the staple cartridge  19700  may be somewhat difficult owing to the proximity of the first jaw  18310 . In various embodiments, the RFID system can be used to determine if a staple cartridge is fully seated in the second jaw  18320 . For instance, if the proximal end of the staple cartridge  19700  is fully seated in the second jaw  18320  and the distal end of the staple cartridge  19700  is not seated in the second jaw  18320 , the controller will detect the presence of the staple cartridge  19700  owing to the signal received from the first RFID reader but will determine that the distal end of the staple cartridge  19700  is not fully seated due to the absence of a signal from the second RFID reader. In such instances, the controller can communicate this condition to the clinician via the display, for example, and provide the clinician with instructions as to how to fix the problem. The controller can also be configured to determine that the proximal end of the staple cartridge is not fully seated in the second jaw  18320  when the second RFID reader receives a signal from the second RFID tag  19760   b  and the first RFID reader does not receive a signal from the first RFID tag  19760   a . In such instances, the controller can identify that the staple cartridge  19700  is an unseated, but nonetheless correct staple cartridge, or at least assume that the staple cartridge  19700  is a correct staple cartridge, by authenticating the partial set of data from the second RFID tag  19760   b . In any event, if the controller determines that an end of the staple cartridge  19700  has not been fully seated, the controller will prevent the staple firing stroke from being actuated. Once both ends of the staple cartridge  19700  have been fully seated, the controller is responsive to an input from the firing system actuator assuming all of the conditions for performing a staple firing stroke have been met. 
     As described above, a staple cartridge comprises staples removably stored therein which are ejected from the staple cartridge by a sled and/or firing member that is moved through the staple cartridge during a staple firing stroke. In various embodiments, the sled contacts the staples directly while, in other embodiments, the sled contacts staple drivers which support and drive the staples out of the staple cartridge during the staple firing stroke. The cartridge body, sled, and/or staple drivers of the staple cartridge often undergo significant stresses and strains during the staple firing stroke and, in such instances, re-using, or re-loading, the spent staple cartridge with new staples may not be desirable. With this in mind, various embodiments are envisioned in which one or more features of the staple cartridge are intentionally destroyed during and/or after the staple firing stroke to prevent the staple cartridge from being re-used. Referring to  FIG. 72 , a staple cartridge  19500  comprises a cartridge body  19510 , staples removably stored in the cartridge body  19510 , staple drivers movably stored within the cartridge body  19510 , and a sled  18550 ′ ( FIG. 71 ) configured to move between a proximal position ( FIG. 72 ) and a distal position ( FIG. 72B ) during a staple firing stroke. Similar to the sled  18550 , the sled  18550 ′ comprises an RFID tag  18560   b  mounted thereto and, similar to the above, the RFID system of the surgical instrument  18000  is configured to verify that the sled  18550 ′ in its present in its proximal, unfired position ( FIG. 72 ) when the staple cartridge  19500  is loaded into the surgical instrument  18000 . When the staple cartridge  19500  has not been fired previously, referring to  FIG. 73A , the RFID system can communicate with the RFID tag  18560   b  and permit the staple firing stroke to be performed. At the end of the staple firing stroke, however, the RFID tag  18560   b  of the sled  18550 ′ contacts and is cut by a knife  19590  positioned at the distal end of the cartridge body  19510  as illustrated in  FIG. 73B . When the RFID tag  18560   b  is cut in this manner, the RFID tag  18560   b  is no longer able to emit a signal and, even if the sled  18550 ′ were to be pushed back, or reset, into its proximal, unfired position to reload the staple cartridge  19500 , the re-loaded staple cartridge  19500  could not pass the authentication test performed by the RFID system of the surgical instrument  18000  owing to the damaged RFID tag  18560   b . As a result, the surgical instrument  18000  would be unable to perform a staple firing stroke with the re-loaded staple cartridge  19500  positioned in the surgical instrument  18000 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 71 , the RFID tag  18560   b  is mounted to the central or longitudinal portion  18552  of the sled  18550 ′ which slides within the longitudinal slot of the staple cartridge  19500 . The RFID tag  18560   b  is partially embedded in the central portion  18552  and a portion of the RFID tag  18560   b  is exposed. More specifically, a portion of the RFID antenna is exposed. That said, the RFID tag  18560   b  could be mounted to the sled  18550 ′ at any suitable location, such as on the rails  18554  of the sled  18550 ′, for example. The exposed portion of the RFID tag  18560   b  faces the distal end of the sled  18550 ′ such that the RFID tag  18560   b  comes into contact with the cartridge knife  19590  at the end of the staple firing stroke. That said, embodiments are envisioned in which the RFID tag  18560   b  on the sled  18550 ′ is destroyed at the outset of the staple firing stroke. Moreover, embodiments are envisioned in which the RFID tag of other staple cartridge components is intentionally destroyed and/or disabled during use. One such embodiment is discussed further below in which the RFID tag of the staple cartridge cover is destroyed and/or disabled when it is removed from the staple cartridge. In such instances, a used staple cartridge cover could not be attached to a staple cartridge to pass the authentication test performed by the RFID system. 
     As discussed above, the RFID system of the surgical instrument  18000  comprises three RFID readers—each of which being able to communicate with and/or receive signals from a respective RFID tag. As also discussed above, the RFID readers can comprise flex circuits, for example, which extend into the end effector  18300  of the surgical instrument  18000 . In such instances, referring to  FIG. 66 , the flex circuits can be mounted to the walls of the second jaw  18320  and can be sized and configured to accommodate a staple cartridge seated in the second jaw  18320 . Among other things, referring again to  FIG. 66 , the second jaw  18320  comprises a bottom wall, or support,  18322  and two lateral sidewalls  18324  extending upwardly from the bottom wall  18322  which are configured to receive a staple cartridge therebetween. Two of the RFID flex circuits are mounted to one of the sidewalls and the other RFID flex circuit is mounted to the other sidewall. In various instances, the RFID flex circuits are mounted to the sidewalls using one or more adhesives, for example. In addition to or in lieu of the above, fasteners could be used to mount the RFID flex circuits to the walls of the second jaw  18320 . In various alternative embodiments, referring to  FIG. 77 , the RFID scanners can be part of one flex circuit. In at least one such embodiment, the RFID scanners comprise sub-circuits of the flex circuit. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 77 , a flex circuit  19900  comprises a flexible substrate and conductors embedded in the flexible substrate. The flexible substrate is comprised of an insulative, or non-conductive, material, such as plastic, for example, and the conductors are comprised of copper, for example. The flex circuit  19900  is mounted to the bottom wall  18322  of the second jaw  18320  and comprises a first RFID scanner  19100 , a second RFID scanner  19200 , and a third RFID scanner  19300 . The first RFID scanner  19100  comprises a sensor circuit including two conductors and a first sensor coil or array  19120 . One of the conductors comprises a coil portion defined in the first sensor  19120  and a conductive connector which connects an end of the coil portion to the other conductor to complete the circuit of the first RFID scanner  19100 . The first sensor  19120  is mounted to a first sidewall  18324  of the second jaw  18320 . Similarly, the second RFID scanner  19200  comprises a sensor circuit including two conductors and a second sensor coil or array  19220 . One of the conductors comprises a coil portion defined in the second sensor  19220  and a conductive connector  19222  which connects an end of the coil portion to the other conductor to complete the circuit of the second RFID scanner  19200 . The second sensor  19220  is mounted to the second sidewall  18324  of the second jaw  18320 . Also, similarly, the third RFID scanner  19300  comprises a sensor circuit including two conductors and a third sensor coil or array  19320 . One of the conductors comprises a coil portion defined in the third sensor  19320  and a conductive connector which connects an end of the coil portion to the other conductor to complete the circuit of the third RFID scanner  19300 . The third sensor  19320  is mounted to the base wall  18322  of the second jaw  18320 . 
     When a staple cartridge, such as the staple cartridge  18500 , for example, is seated in the second jaw  18320 , referring again to  FIG. 66 , the first RFID tag  18560   a  is aligned with the sensor  18620  of the first RFID scanner  18600 . In various embodiments, the first RFID tag  18560   a  comprises a substantially planar configuration. More specifically, the base, microchip, and tag antenna of the first RFID tag  18560   a  are arranged in a manner which appears to be visibly flat. The sensor  18620  of the first RFID scanner  18600 , similar to sensor  19220  of the RFID scanner  19200 , also comprises a substantially planar configuration which appears to be visibly flat. When the staple cartridge  18500  is seated in the second jaw  18320 , the first RFID tag  18560   a  is parallel to, or at least substantially parallel to, the first sensor  18620 . The first RFID tag  18560   a  and the first sensor  18620  are substantially parallel to one another when there is an approximately 10 degree, or less, angle between their two planes. 
     Moreover, further to the above, the tag antenna of the first RFID tag  18560   a  extends circumferentially about a tag antenna axis TA ( FIG. 67 ) which is orthogonal, or at least substantially orthogonal, to the plane defined by the first RFID tag  18560   a . The tag antenna axis TA is orthogonal to the first RFID tag  18560   a  when there is an approximately 80-100 degree angle between the tag antenna axis TA and the plane defined by the first RFID tag  18560   a . Similarly, the reader antenna of the first sensor  18620  extends circumferentially about a reader antenna axis SA ( FIG. 77 ) which is orthogonal, or at least substantially orthogonal, to the plane defined by the first sensor  18620 . The reader antenna axis SA is orthogonal to the first reader antenna  18620  when there is an approximately 80-100 degree angle between the reader antenna axis SA and the plane defined by the first reader antenna  18620 . When the staple cartridge  18500  is seated in the second jaw  18320 , the tag antenna axis TA is aligned with the reader antenna axis SA. In various instances, the tag antenna axis TA is collinear with the reader antenna axis SA. Similar arrangements can be achieved between the second RFID tag  18560   b  and the antenna  18720  of the second RFID reader  18700 . Also, similar arrangements can be achieved between the third RFID tag  18560   c  and the antenna  18820  of the third RFID reader  18800   
     Referring again to  FIG. 66 , the first RFID tag  18560   a , the second RFID tag  18560   b , and the third RFID tag  18560   c  are not aligned longitudinally in the second jaw  18320 . More specifically, the second RFID tag  18560   b  is positioned proximally with respect to the first RFID tag  18560   a  and, also, the third RFID tag  18560   c  is positioned distally with respect to the first RFID tag  18560   a . If the first RFID tag  18560   a , the second RFID tag  18560   b , and the third RFID tag  18560   c  are active RFID tags, the transmission ranges of the RFID tags  18560   a ,  18560   b , and  18560   c  can be established such that they do not overlap. Moreover, the second sensor  18720  of the second RFID reader  18700  is positioned proximally with respect to the first sensor  18620  of the first RFID reader  18600  and, also, the third sensor  18820  of the third RFID reader  18800  is positioned distally with respect to the first sensor  18620 . As also illustrated in  FIG. 66 , the second transmission range  18710  of the second sensor  18720  is proximal to and does not overlap lap with the first transmission range  18610  of the first sensor  18620  and, also, the third transmission range  18810  of the third sensor  18820  is distal to and does not overlap with the first transmission range  18610  of the first sensor  18620 . 
     Further to the above, referring to  FIGS. 64-66 , the first RFID tag  18560   a  and the second RFID tag  18560   b  are not aligned laterally in the second jaw  18320 . More specifically, the first RFID tag  18560   a  is positioned in a lateral sidewall  18514  of the cartridge body  18510  and the second RFID tag  18560   b  is positioned in the longitudinal slot  18520 . Moreover, the first RFID tag  18560   a  and the third RFID tag  18560   c  are not aligned laterally in the second jaw  18320 . More specifically, the first RFID tag  18560   a  is positioned in the lateral sidewall  18514  of the cartridge body  18510  and the third RFID tag  18560   c  is positioned in the longitudinal slot  18520 . 
     As discussed herein, the controller of a surgical instrument, such as the surgical instrument  18000 , for example, is configured to prevent a staple firing stroke from being performed or permit the staple firing stroke to be performed based on feedback from an RFID system. That said, the controller can be configured to alter the operation of the surgical instrument in one or more other ways based on feedback from the RFID system. For instance, the controller can be configured to change the speed of the staple firing stroke based on feedback from the RFID system. In at least one such embodiment, the controller can use data obtained from the RFID tags and/or data stored in a memory device to run the electric motor of the staple firing system at a desired speed for the staple cartridge seated in the surgical instrument. In at least one instance, the data instructs the electric motor to run at a slower speed during the staple firing stroke. Such an arrangement could be useful when the staple cartridge comprises an implantable adjunct releasably attached to the deck of the staple cartridge. Such an arrangement could also be useful when the staple cartridge comprises tall staples, or staples between approximately 2.5 mm and approximately 5.0 mm in height before being deformed against the anvil, for example. In other instances, the data instructs the electric motor to run at a faster speed during the staple firing stroke. Such an arrangement could be useful when the staple cartridge does not comprise an implantable adjunct releasably attached to the deck of the staple cartridge. Such an arrangement could also be useful when the staple cartridge comprises short staples, or staples less than approximately 2.5 mm in height before being deformed against the anvil, for example. 
     During various surgical procedures, surgical instruments comprising at least one replaceable component are used. It is important that such replaceable components be replaced with functional and/or compatible components. Various identification systems described in greater detail herein verify, among other things, a component&#39;s compatibility with the surgical instrument and/or verify an operating status of the component. For instance, the identification system can serve to, for example, ensure that the packaging containing the replaceable component has not been destroyed and/or tampered with, alert a clinician if a component is compatible or incompatible with the surgical instrument prior to opening the product packaging, and/or alert the clinician if a recall exists for a particular manufacturing batch or type of the replaceable component. 
     The identification systems described herein can either be active systems or passive systems. In various embodiments, a combination of active and passive identification systems are used. Passive systems can include, for example, a barcode, a quick response (QR) code, and/or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. Passive systems do not comprise an internal power source, and the passive systems described herein require a reader to send a first signal, such as, for example an interrogation signal. 
     The implementation of a barcode requires the use of an optical barcode reader and/or scanner. A barcode needs to be oriented properly relative to the scanner and the scanner needs to have an unobstructed view of the barcode in order for the barcode be properly scanned. For at least these reasons, the barcode is typically printed onto paper or plastic. The scanner decodes bars of the barcode which generally represent a series of numbers. The decoded information is sent to a computer, or a controller, which interprets what has been read. This information can contain data regarding, for example, the manufacturer of the replaceable component, a type or model of the replaceable component, and/or compatibility information of the replaceable component for use with a surgical instrument. 
     Another passive identification system comprises a quick response (QR) code. The QR code is a type of matrix barcode. QR codes often comprise data for a locator, identifier, or tracker that points to a website or an application for use on a mobile device. QR codes use four standardized encoding modes to efficiently store data. The four standardized encoding modes include numeric, alphanumeric, byte/binary, and kanji. A QR code consists of black squares arranged in a square grid on a white background, which is able to be read by an imaging device, such as a camera, for example. The captured image is processed using Reed-Solomon error correction until the captured image can be appropriately interpreted. The desired data is then extracted from patterns that are present in both horizontal and vertical components of the image. The desired data can comprise, for example, the manufacturer of the replaceable component, a type or model of the replaceable component, and/or compatibility information of the replaceable component and a surgical instrument. 
     Passive radio frequency identification (RFID) systems read information by using radio frequencies. Such passive RFID systems comprise an RFID scanner and an RFID tag with no internal power source. The RFID tag is powered by electromagnetic energy transmitted from the RFID scanner. Each RFID tag comprises a chip, such as a microchip, for example, that stores information about the replaceable component and/or a surgical instrument with which the replaceable component is compatible. While the chip may only contain a basic identification number, in various instances, the chip can store additional information such as, for example, the manufacturing data, shipping data, and/or maintenance history. Each RFID tag comprises a radio antenna that allows the RFID tag to communicate with the RFID scanner. The radio antenna extends the range in which the RFID tag can receive signals from the RFID scanner and transmit response signals back to the RFID scanner. In a passive RFID system, the RFID scanner, which also comprises its own antenna, transmits radio signals that activate RFID tags that are positioned within a pre-determined range. The RFID scanner is configured to receive the response signals that are “bounced back” from RFID tags, allowing the RFID scanner is to capture the identification information representative of the replaceable component. In various instances, the one or more response signals comprise the same signal as the interrogation signal. In various instances, the one or more response signals comprise a modified signal from the interrogation signal. In various instances, the RFID scanner is also able to write, or encode, information directly onto the RFID tag. In any event, software on the RFID scanner is able to pass information about the replaceable component to a controller, such as the control system of a surgical instrument, a surgical hub, and/or a remote surgical system. Various surgical hubs are described in described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,395, titled METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION, and filed Dec. 4, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The RFID scanner is configured to read multiple RFID tags at once, as the RFID tags are activated by radio signals. 
     Active radio frequency identification (RFID) systems also comprise an RFID tag and an RFID scanner. However, the RFID tag in an active RFID system comprises an internal power source. Active RFID systems utilize battery-powered RFID tags that are configured to continuously broadcast their own signal. One type of active RFID tags is commonly referred to as a “beacon.” Such beacon RFID tags do not wait to receive a first signal from an RFID scanner. Instead, the beacon RFID tag continuously transmits its stored information. For example, the beacon can send out its information at an interval of every 3-5 seconds. Another type of active RFID tag comprises a transponder. In such systems, the RFID scanner transmits a signal first. The RFID transponder tag then sends a signal back to the RFID scanner with the relevant information. Such RFID transponder tag systems are efficient, as they conserve battery life when, for example, the RFID tag is out of range of the RFID scanner. In various instances, the active RFID tag comprises an on-board sensor to track an environmental parameter. For example, the on-board sensor can track moisture levels, temperature, and/or other data that might be relevant. 
     Replacement staple cartridges are contained in a sealed packaging after being manufactured until the packaging is opened in the operating room. Various forms of packaging include, for example, peel-pouches, woven and/or non-woven material wrappers, and rigid containers.  FIG. 78  depicts an example of a sealed packaging  25000 . The depicted packaging  25000  is a peel-pouch. The packaging  25000  comprises a first layer  25010  and a second layer  25020 . The first layer  25010  and the second layer  25020  form a protective barrier around a staple cartridge  25100 , which is usable with a surgical instrument. An adhesive bonds the first layer  25010  and the second layer  25020  together to form an airtight and/or fluid-tight seal and/or pouch around an item. The adhesive forms a seal without creases, wrinkles, and/or gaps. The seal created by the adhesive prevents contaminants from coming into contact with the staple cartridge  25100  and/or prevents components of the staple cartridge  25100  from being misplaced, for example. In various instances, the staple cartridge  25100  is hermetically sealed within the packaging  25000 . In various instances, the packaging  25000  provides a completely fluid-tight seal. In various instances, the packaging provides a completely fluid-tight and airtight seal. 
     The first layer  25010  comprises a first corner  25011  positioned outside of the seal, and the second layer  25020  comprises a second corner  25021  positioned outside of the seal. The clinician can expose the sealed staple cartridge  25100  by peeling the first layer  25010  apart from the second layer  25020 . In various instances, the clinician can expose the sealed staple cartridge  25100  by holding the first corner  25011  and the second corner  25021  in separate hands and pulling the first corner  25011  in a direction away from the second layer  25021 , although any suitable opening method could be used. 
     The first layer  25010  and the second layer  25020  are comprised of a material such as, for example, paper with a laminated inner surface. The laminated inner surface provides a barrier to prevent contaminants from entering the sealed portion of the packaging  25000 . In various instances, the first layer  25010  and the second layer  25020  are comprised of plastic. The first layer  25010  and the second layer  25020  can be comprised of a material with a particular degree of transparency to allow a clinician, for example, to observe the contents of the packaging  25000 . The above being said, any suitable material or combinations of materials can be used for the first layer  25010  and/or the second layer  25020 . 
     The packaging  25000  comprises various identification systems that facilitate a surgical instrument and/or a clinician in selecting a staple cartridge  25100  that is compatible with a particular surgical instrument and/or a particular surgical procedure. The first layer  25010  of the packaging  25000  comprises various visual indicators that represent the contents of the packaging  25000  in some manner. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 78 , the name  25012  of the product contained within the packaging  25000  is printed, or otherwise displayed, on the first layer  25010 . 
     The packaging  25000  further comprises one or more passive identification systems displayed on the first layer  25010 . For example, the packaging  25000  comprises a QR code  25014 . The QR code  25014  can assist, for example, in sorting and/or tracking a status of the packaging  25000 . The QR code  25014  can also be scanned prior to breaking the seal of the packaging  25000  to ensure that the contents are appropriate for use with the particular instrument and/or during the particular surgical procedure. 
     In addition to the name  25012  of the contents of the packaging  25000  being displayed on the first layer  25010 , the packaging  25000  comprises a serial number  25016  that can, for example, provide more detailed information that a clinician can utilize before deciding whether to open the packaging  25000 . For example, the serial number  25016  may comprise alphanumeric symbols that are specific and/or unique to a surgical system. Each alphanumeric symbol can represent a component of a compatible assembled surgical system. For example, the alphanumeric symbols can represent a staple cartridge, an end effector, a shaft assembly, a surgical instrument, etc. The serial number  25016  can represent additional factors such as, manufacturing lot, date of manufacture, etc. In various instances, the serial number  25016  can comprise encrypted information as described in greater detail herein. 
     It is envisioned that the packaging  25000  can comprise some or all of the various forms of identification systems discussed herein. 
       FIGS. 79 and 80  depict an RFID system  25200  integrated with the packaging  25000 . The RFID system  25200  comprises an RFID tag  25210  and an insulator  25220 . The RFID tag  25210  comprises a chip, such as a microchip, for example, that stores information about the packaging  25000  and/or the contents of the packaging  25000 . In various instances, the chip comprises a basic identification number. Such a basic identification can be assigned to the chip that can communicate the chip&#39;s existence to an RFID scanner. In various instances, the chip comprises additional information such as, for example, manufacturing data, shipping data, and/or compatibility data. The RFID tag  25210  further comprises a radio antenna configured to facilitate communication between the RFID tag  25210  and an RFID scanner. 
     The insulator  25220  is attached to the first layer  25010  of the packaging  25000 , while the RFID tag  25210  is attached to the second layer  25020  of the packaging  25000 . When the packaging is in a sealed configuration, the insulator  25220  is affixed to, or otherwise connected to, the RFID tag  25210 . The RFID tag  25210  is part of an active RFID system  25200  that comprises an internal power source that is activated when the packaging  25000  is opened. Prior to the packaging  25000  being opened, the interface between the insulator  25220  and the RFID tag  25210  prevents the power source from providing power to the RFID tag  25210 . In such instances, the RFID tag  25210  is unable to emit a signal. When a clinician breaks the seal of the packaging  25000  by peeling the first layer  25010  away from the second layer  25020 , the insulator  25220  is disconnected, or otherwise disassociated, from the RFID tag  25210 . Upon disassociation of the insulator  25220  from the RFID tag  25210 , the circuit between the power source and the RFID tag  25210  is closed, and the RFID tag  25210  is energized. As shown in  FIG. 80 , the RFID tag  25210  begins emitting a signal  25215  upon being energized. The RFID tag  25210  is configured to emit the signal  25215  at any appropriate frequency and/or for any appropriate duration. For example, the RFID tag  25210  can continuously emit the signal  25215  or the RFID tag  25210  can emit the signal  25215  every 3-5 seconds. The signal  25215  comprises some, or all, of the information stored on the chip. In various instances, the signal  25215  may serve to alert a surgical instrument that the packaging  25000  has been tampered with during shipping and/or storage or simply that the packaging  25000  has been unsealed, for example. 
     The RFID tag  25210  is configured to communicate with an RFID scanner. Once the insulator  25220  has been removed, the internal power source of the RFID tag  25210  allows the RFID tag  25210  to emit the signal  25215  prior to receiving a first signal, such as an interrogation signal, from the RFID scanner. The RFID scanner comprises a scanner antenna configured to transmit and/or receive radio signals  25215  from the RFID tag  25210 . In various instances, the RFID scanner comprises reading and writing capabilities. Software on the RFID scanner is then able to pass the collected information from the RFID tag  25210  to a controller of the surgical instrument for further interpretation. The RFID scanner is positioned within a pre-determined range of the RFID tag  25210  that allows for the RFID scanner to be able to receive the emitted signal  25215  transmitted by the RFID tag  25210 . Depending on the application, the RFID scanner can be positioned on a surgical instrument, on the contents of the packaging, or remotely located on a console, such as a remote surgical system in communication with the surgical instrument. Additionally, the controller can be located in any suitable location, such as, for example, the surgical instrument or on a remote console. 
     In various embodiments, an RFID system comprising an RFID tag mounted to the staple cartridge  25100  can be used. Further to the above, the RFID tag comprises an internal power source positioned within the staple cartridge  25100 . Suitable locations for the RFID tag include, for example, on a sled of the staple cartridge, on a sidewall of the staple cartridge, or on a retainer of a staple cartridge assembly. An insulator, similar to the insulator  25220 , is attached to the packaging  25000  and, when the packaging  25000  is opened, the RFID tag on the staple cartridge  25100  is activated. The insulator is attached to, or otherwise associated with, the first layer  25010  and/or the second layer  25020  of the packaging  25000 . When the packaging is in a sealed configuration, the insulator  25220  is attached to, or otherwise connected to, the RFID tag in the staple cartridge  25100  and holds open the circuit between the power source and the RFID tag. The interface between the insulator  25220  and the RFID tag prevents the power source from activating the RFID tag, and the RFID tag is unable to emit a signal. When a clinician breaks the seal of the packaging  25000  by peeling away the first layer  25010 , for example, the insulator  25220  is disconnected, or otherwise disassociated, from the RFID tag and the circuit between the power source and the RFID tag is closed. At such point, the RFID tag is energized and begins to emit a signal. 
     In various instances, the RFID system  25200  further comprises a transponder. The transponder is configured to receive a first signal from an RFID scanner. In various instances, the first signal from the RFID scanner energizes the transponder to a degree sufficient for the transponder to communicate with the RFID tag. In various instances, the transponder is energized prior to receiving the first signal from the RFID scanner. In any event, the transponder is configured to automatically transmit a second signal to the RFID tag upon hearing, or otherwise receiving, the first signal from the RFID scanner. The power source of the RFID tag energizes the RFID tag upon receiving the second signal from the transponder, and the RFID tag is able to respond to the RFID scanner&#39;s first signal by transmitting a third signal to the RFID scanner. The transponder preserves the battery life of the RFID tag  25210  until, for example, the RFID tag  25210  is within range of the RFID scanner. 
     As described in greater detail herein, it is valuable for a clinician to be able to verify the compatibility of a staple cartridge for use with a particular surgical instrument and/or for use during a particular surgical procedure. For various reasons, it can be also be meaningful for a clinician to be able to ensure that the surgical staple cartridge has not been previously used and/or tampered with. The clinician may also want to confirm, for example, that the surgical staple cartridge is not contaminated, a staple retaining member has not been removed, and/or that a firing member, such as a sled positioned in the cartridge body. 
       FIGS. 81-83  illustrate a staple cartridge assembly  26000 . The staple cartridge assembly  26000  comprises a staple cartridge  26100  and a staple retaining member, or retainer,  26200  attached to the staple cartridge  26100 . The retainer  26200  is positioned alongside the staple cartridge  26100  to, among other things, facilitate the attachment of the staple cartridge  26100  to a surgical instrument and/or to retain the staples within their respective staple cavities in the staple cartridge  26100 . The retainer  26200  comprises a longitudinal projection  26210  configured to received by an elongate slot defined in the staple cartridge  26100 . The longitudinal projection  26210  projects from a bottom surface  26206  of the retainer  26200  and extends from a proximal end  26202  of the retainer  26200  toward a distal end  26204  of the retainer  26200 . The retainer  26200  further comprises a proximal set of exterior projections  26240  and a distal set of exterior projections  26220 . The exterior projections  26220 ,  26240  are configured to wrap around a portion of a sidewall  26102  of the staple cartridge  26100 . The longitudinal projection  26210  and the exterior projections  26220 ,  26240  serve to, for example, hold the retainer  26200  to the staple cartridge  26100 . The retainer  26200  comprises a thumb projection  26230  extending from the distal end  26204  to facilitate, for example, the removal of the retainer  26200  from the staple cartridge  26100 . 
     When the retainer  26200  is attached to the staple cartridge  26100 , the bottom surface  26206  of the retainer  26200  is positioned alongside a deck surface  26106  of the staple cartridge  26100 . In various instances, the bottom surface  26206  does not contact the deck surface  26106  of the staple cartridge  26100  until a pushing force is applied to the top of the retainer  25200 . In other instances, the bottom surface  20206  is in contact with the deck surface  26106 . To remove the retainer  26200  from the staple cartridge  26100 , and thus facilitate the attachment of the staple cartridge  26100  to a surgical instrument, a clinician pulls, or lifts, the thumb projection  26230  in a direction away from the staple cartridge  26100 . The retainer  26200  is manufactured from a material, such as plastic, for example, that provides a degree of flexibility to the retainer  26200 . As the thumb projection  26230  is being lifted away from the staple cartridge  26100 , the exterior projections  26220 ,  26240  provide opposing forces in an effort to maintain the connection between the retainer  26200  and the staple cartridge  26100 . In order to remove the retainer  26200 , the clinician must exert a force on the thumb projection  26230  that is strong enough to overcome the opposing retention forces produced by the exterior projections  26220 ,  26240 . As the thumb projection  26230  is pulled away from the staple cartridge  26100 , the retainer  26200  begins to flex and/or bend, such bending of the retainer  26200  can be used to deactivate a RFID tag, as described below. 
     The retainer  26200  further comprises an RFID tag  26250 . The RFID tag  26250  comprises a chip, such as a microchip, for example, that stores information about the staple cartridge assembly  26000 . As shown in  FIGS. 81-83 , the RFID tag  26250  is molded into the retainer  26200 . However, the RFID tag  26250  can be embedded within, mounted to, and/or attached to the retainer  26200  by any suitable method. In the depicted embodiment, the RFID tag  26250  is molded into a distal portion of the longitudinal projection  26210 . The RFID tag  26250  is positioned within the retainer  26200  at a structurally weak location. The structurally weak location can be any portion of the retainer  26200  that bends and/or flexes in response to the upward pulling of the thumb projection  26230  and/or removal of the retainer  26200  from the staple cartridge  26100 . The RFID tag  26250  is affixed to the retainer  26200  in a manner and a location that facilitates physical destruction of the RFID tag  26250  during the retainer removal process. A first end  26252  of the RFID tag  26250  is attached to a first portion  26212  of the retainer  26200 , and a second end  26254  of the RFID tag  26250  is attached to a second portion  26214  of the retainer  26200 . As the retainer  26200  begins to bend in response to upward pulling on the thumb projection  26230 , the first portion  26212  of the retainer  26200  and the second portion  26214  of the retainer flex apart from one another. The first end  26252  of the RFID tag  26250  is pulled by the first portion  26212  of the retainer  26200 , and the second end  26254  of the RFID tag  26250  is pulled in an opposite direction by the second portion  26214  of the retainer  26200 . As a result of the stretching and/or flexing, the RFID tag  26250  is pulled apart and/or otherwise destroyed. The RFID tag  26250  is frangible, brittle, and/or fragile and is not configured to stretch significantly. It is envisioned that the RFID tag  26250  can be positioned at any suitable location on the retainer  26200  that experiences sufficient bending and flexing during the removal process of the retainer  26200  from the staple cartridge  26100  to cause destruction of the RFID tag  26250 . The RFID tag  26250  can be affixed to the retainer  26200  in any suitable manner that renders the RFID tag  26250  inoperable during and/or after the removal of the retainer  26200  from the staple cartridge  26100 . In various embodiments, the RFID tag  26250  can disassociate, or become detached, from the retainer  26200  during the removal process. 
     In various instances, breaking a component of a surgical system is undesirable. However, the destruction of the RFID tag  26250  in the retainer  26200  prevents a clinician from reusing the retainer  26200  with incompatible, or otherwise inappropriate, staple cartridges. Prior to enabling at least one operating parameter of a surgical instrument, a controller of the surgical instrument must receive a signal from the RFID tag  26250  on the retainer  26200 . Such a signal indicates to the controller that the retainer  26200  remains connected to the staple cartridge  26100 . In various instances, the signal can also indicate that the staple cartridge  26100  is compatible or incompatible with the surgical instrument. Without receiving the signal and/or receiving an incompatible signal, various functions of the surgical instrument are unavailable. In various instances, and as described below, the RFID tag  26250  in the retainer  26200  must lose the ability to send and/or transmit signals with the RFID scanner. The RFID tag  26250  can lose the ability to communicate through physical destruction and/or positioning of the RFID tag  26250  outside of the range of the RFID scanner. In any event, the inability for the RFID tag  26250  to communicate with the RFID scanner indicates to the controller of the surgical instrument that the retainer  26200  is no longer connected to the staple cartridge  26100 . The physical destruction of the RFID tag  26250  on the retainer  26200  ensures that a clinician is unable to reuse the retainer  26200  on an incompatible staple cartridge. In various instances, the staple cartridge  26100  comprises an RFID tag that is in the communication range of the RFID scanner. When the controller receives information detected from the staple cartridge RFID tag but not the retainer RFID tag  26250 , the controller is configured to recognize that the staple cartridge  26100  remains attached to the surgical instrument, but the retainer  26200  was removed. 
     The RFID tag  26250  in the retainer  26200  provides a lockout for the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument will not perform a staple firing stroke if the information stored on the RFID tag  26250  is not received by a controller of the surgical instrument. In various instances, the surgical instrument will not perform a staple firing stroke when the RFID tag  26250  is still in communication with the RFID scanner. Such a lockout prevents the surgical instrument from performing a staple firing stroke when the staple cartridge  26100  has been inappropriately seated in the surgical instrument with the retainer  26200  still attached. 
     In various instances, the staple cartridge  26100  and the retainer  26200  are assembled into the staple cartridge assembly  26000  by a manufacturer. In such circumstances, the retainer  26200  is removed from the staple cartridge  26100  only when the staple cartridge  26100  has been inserted for use with a surgical instrument, the staple cartridge assembly  26000  has been tampered with, and/or there was a manufacturing defect inhibiting proper attachment. Disassociation and/or physical destruction of the RFID tag  26250  prevents, for example, placement of a retainer  26200  on a used and/or otherwise inappropriate staple cartridge  26100 . 
     As mentioned in greater detail herein, a surgical instrument can comprise an RFID scanner configured to communicate with nearby RFID tags. The RFID scanner comprises a scanner antenna configured to transmit radio signals. The radio signals activate RFID tags that are positioned within a pre-determined range of the RFID scanner. The RFID scanner then receives one or more response signals that are “bounced back” from the RFID tag. In various instances, the one or more response signals comprise the same signal as the interrogation signal. In various instances, the one or more response signals comprise a modified signal from the interrogation signal. In various instances, the RFID scanner comprises reading and writing capabilities. Software on the RFID scanner is then able to pass the collected information from the RFID tag to a controller for further interpretation. The controller can be positioned in the surgical instrument, the remote console, or in any suitable location. The RFID scanner and/or the controller can comprise a stored set of information that corresponds to surgical stapling assemblies that are compatible with a particular surgical instrument and/or for use during a particular surgical procedure. 
     More specifically, the surgical system comprises an RFID scanner configured to interact with the RFID tag  26250  molded into the retainer  26200 . The RFID scanner can be present in various locations. For example, the RFID scanner can be located in the staple cartridge  26100 . In various instances, the RFID scanner can be located in a jaw of an end effector of a surgical instrument, in an alternative location within the surgical system, and/or any other suitable location that would allow for communication between the RFID tag  26250  and the RFID scanner when the retainer  26200  is appropriately attached to the staple cartridge  26100 . The RFID scanner and/or the RFID tag  26250  are powered such that the signal(s) they emit can only be detected within a limited radius. The RFID scanner and the RFID tag  26250  are close enough to be in communication when the retainer  26200  is attached to the staple cartridge  26100 , but are not close enough to communicate when the retainer  26200  is removed from the staple cartridge  26100 . That said, as the retainer  26200  is removed from the staple cartridge  26100 , the RFID tag  26250  is rendered inoperable through, for example, physical destruction or disassociation. When the RFID tag  26250  is inoperable, the signals, such as interrogation signals, sent by the RFID scanner go unanswered. 
     If a used retainer having a destroyed RFID tag  26250  is attached to another staple cartridge, the RFID scanner and the destroyed RFID tag  26250  will be unable to communicate. In such instances, the staple cartridge verification system of the surgical instrument will be unable to permit the surgical instrument to perform a staple firing stroke. If the RFID scanner receives a response to the interrogation signal that is not found within a stored set of compatible stapling assemblies, the controller of the surgical instrument is programmed to communicate an error to the clinician. Likewise, if the RFID scanner does not receive a response to the interrogation signal, the controller of the surgical instrument is programmed to communicate an error to the clinician. In various instances, the detection of an error by the controller can render the surgical instrument inoperable for use with that particular staple cartridge. In various instances, a detected error can prevent the surgical instrument from performing a staple firing stroke and/or tissue cutting stroke. In various instances, the surgical instrument further comprises a manual override that can be activated to allow a clinician to override any system lockout and utilize operational functions of the surgical instrument in an emergency. As discussed above, the controller is configured to alert the clinician that an error has been detected. Such an alert can be communicated through various forms of feedback, including, for example, haptic, acoustic, and/or visual feedback. In at least one instance, the feedback comprises audio feedback, and the surgical instrument can comprise a speaker which emits a sound, such as a beep, for example, when an error is detected. In certain instances, the feedback comprises visual feedback and the surgical instrument can comprise a light emitting diode (LED), for example, which flashes when an error is detected. In various instances, the feedback comprises haptic feedback and the surgical instrument can comprise an electric motor comprising an eccentric element which vibrates when an error is detected. The alert can be specific or generic. For example, the alert can specifically state that the RFID tag  26250  on the retainer  26200  is unable to be detected, or the alert can specifically state that the RFID tag  26250  comprises information representative of an incompatible and/or defective staple cartridge assembly  26000 . 
       FIG. 84  illustrates a staple cartridge assembly  27000 . The staple cartridge assembly comprises a staple cartridge  27100 . The staple cartridge  27100  comprises a staple cartridge body including a base  27104 , a deck surface  27106 , and sidewalls  27102  extending between the base  27104  and the deck surface  27106 . An elongate slot  27110  is defined in the staple cartridge  27100  and extends from a proximal end  27101  toward a distal end of the staple cartridge  27100 . The elongate slot  27100  is sized to facilitate a firing and/or cutting member to pass there through, such as a sled  27125 , during a staple firing stroke. Channels  27120  are defined within the staple cartridge  27100  that extend from the proximal end  27101  toward the distal end of the staple cartridge  27100 . Each channel  27120  is configured to receive a ramp of a sled  27125 . The staple cartridge  27100  further comprises longitudinal rows of staple cavities defined in the cartridge body and staples removably stored in the staple cavities. The staples are ejected from the staple cartridge  27100  by the sled  27125  during the staple firing stroke. 
     The staple cartridge assembly  27000  further comprises an RFID system  27200 . The RFID system  27200  comprises an RFID tag  27250  mounted to the staple cartridge assembly  27000  and an RFID scanner  27300  mounted to the surgical instrument. The RFID tag  27250  comprises a chip, such as a microchip, for example, that stores information about the staple cartridge assembly  27000 . In various instances, the chip comprises a basic identification number of the staple cartridge  27100 . In various instances, the chip comprises additional information such as, for example, manufacturing data, shipping data, and/or compatibility data. The RFID tag  27250  further comprises a radio antenna configured to receive an interrogation signal from and send a response signal to the RFID scanner  27300 . The RFID scanner  27300  is configured to communicate with the RFID tag  27250  when the staple cartridge  27100  is seated in the surgical instrument. The RFID scanner  27300  comprises a scanner antenna configured to transmit and receive radio signals, for example. That said, the RFID system  27200  can use any suitable frequency. As electromagnetic waves behave differently at the various frequencies, the desired frequency is selected based on the particular application. In various instances, the RFID system  27200  can utilize low frequencies, high frequencies, and/or ultra-high frequencies. The radio signals activate RFID tags that are positioned within a pre-determined range of the RFID scanner  27300 . The RFID scanner  27300  then receives one or more response signals that are “bounced back” from the RFID tag. In various instances, the one or more response signals comprise the same signal as the interrogation signal. In various instances, the one or more response signals comprise a modified signal from the interrogation signal. In various instances, the RFID scanner  27300  comprises reading and writing capabilities. Software on the RFID scanner  27300  is then able to pass the collected information from the RFID tag to a controller for further interpretation. The controller can be positioned in the surgical instrument, on a remote console, or in any suitable location. The RFID scanner and/or the controller can comprise a stored set of information that corresponds to surgical stapling assemblies that are compatible with a particular surgical instrument and/or a particular surgical procedure. 
     As discussed above, the RFID scanner  27300  in the surgical instrument is configured to interact with the RFID tag  27250  positioned on the staple cartridge  27100 . As shown in  FIG. 84 , the RFID tag  27250  is affixed to one of the sidewalls  27102  of the staple cartridge  27100  and the RFID scanner  27300  is mounted within the surgical instrument. As described above, the RFID tag  27250  comprises a radio antenna  27252  and a chip  27254 . In the depicted embodiment, the radio antenna  27252  and the chip  27254  are positioned within the RFID tag  27250 . In various instances, the radio antenna  27252  is positioned on an exterior surface of the RFID tag  27250 . The RFID tag  27250  is positioned a distance “D” away from the RFID scanner  27300  when the staple cartridge  27100  is seated in the surgical instrument. Notably, the distance “D” can be approximately ¼ of the length of the staple cartridge  27100 , ⅓ of the length of the staple cartridge  27100 , or ½ of the length of the staple cartridge  27100 , for example. In the depicted embodiment, the communication range  27255  of the RFID tag&#39;s radio antenna and the RFID scanner&#39;s antenna spans approximately 1 centimeter (cm), for example. The distance “D” is greater than 1 cm, and thus, is outside of the range of communication  27255  between the RFID scanner  27300  and the radio antenna  27252  of the RFID tag  27250 . As such, the RFID tag  27250  is unable to receive interrogation signals and respond to interrogation signals from the RFID scanner  27300  absent more. 
     In order to facilitate communication with the RFID scanner  27300 , the RFID tag system  27200  depicted in  FIG. 84  further comprises an extended antenna  27260  in communication with the RFID tag  27250 . The extended antenna  27260  serves to, for example, broaden the range of communication of the RFID tag  27250  as compared to the radio antenna  27252 . The extended antenna  27260  extends along, and is attached to, the sidewall  27102  and across a portion of the base  27104  of the staple cartridge  27100 . At least a portion of the extended antenna  27260  traverses the elongate slot  27110 . In the depicted embodiment, the communication range  27265  of the extended antenna  27260  spans approximately 2 centimeters (cm), for example. As previously discussed, the RFID scanner  27300  is positioned at a distance “D” from the RFID tag  27250 . While the distance “D” is greater than 1 cm, the distance “D” is less than 2 cm, and thus, is within the range of communication  27265  by way of the extended antenna  27260  and the RFID scanner antenna. With the extended antenna  27260 , the RFID tag  27250  is able to receive interrogation signals and respond to interrogation signals from the RFID scanner  27300 . Without the extended antenna  27260 , however, the RFID tag  27250  could not communicate with the RFID scanner  27300 . The RFID tag  27250  and the extended antenna  27260  can be attached to the staple cartridge  27100  in any suitable manner, including, for example, mounted on, embedded within, and/or affixed to the staple cartridge  27100 . Furthermore, the RFID tag  27250  can be positioned at any suitable location on the staple cartridge  27100 , such as on the base  27104  and/or the deck surface  27106 , for example. 
     As previously discussed, at least a portion of the extended antenna  27260  traverses the elongate slot  27110  of the staple cartridge  27100 . During a staple firing stroke, a tissue cutting and/or staple firing member is configured to longitudinally translate through the elongate slot  27110  during the staple firing stroke and, in the process, transect, or otherwise destroy, the extended antenna  27260 . The portion of the extended antenna  27260  that traverses the elongate slot  27110  is positioned at a location proximal to the proximal-most staple cavities. As such, the extended antenna  27260  is only functional prior to the commencement of a staple firing stroke. Any distal movement of a tissue cutting and/or staple firing member that results in the firing of staples renders the extended antenna  27260  inoperable. The extended antenna  27260  can be rendered inoperable in any suitable manner. For example, the extended antenna  27260  can be cut, and thus, physically destroyed, by the tissue cutting member. In various instances, the extended antenna  27260  can disassociate from the RFID tag  27250  and/or the staple cartridge  27100  in response to forces exerted by the tissue cutting and staple firing member. Notably, the staple firing stroke does not damage the radio antenna  27252  of the RFID tag  27250 . However, the range of the radio antenna  27252  is insufficient to facilitate communication between the RFID tag  27250  and the RFID scanner  27300 . As such, disassociation of the extended antenna  27260  can alter the communication range  27265  of the RFID tag  27250  and remove the ability for the RFID tag  27250  to communicate with the RFID scanner  27300 . 
     Destroying the extended antenna  27260  in this manner does not negatively impact the operation of the surgical instrument. Stated another way, the extended antenna  27260  is not destroyed until after the staple cartridge  271000  has been authenticated. As such, the staple firing stroke can be performed after the extended antenna  27260  has been destroyed. That said, once the extended antenna  27260  has been destroyed and the staple cartridge  27100  has been removed from the surgical instrument, reseating the staple cartridge  27100  in the surgical instrument will not re-authenticate the staple cartridge  27100  as the RFID scanner can no longer communicated with the RFID tag  27250 . Such an arrangement serves as a spent cartridge lockout, among other things. 
     As discussed above, in instances where the extended antenna  27260  is inoperable, the RFID scanner  27300  does not receive a response to its interrogation signal. When the RFID scanner  27300  does not receive a response to the interrogation signal, the controller of the surgical instrument is programmed to recognize an error. In instances where the RFID scanner  27300  receives a response to its interrogation signal that is unable to be recognized and/or does not signify a compatible staple cartridge assembly  27000 , the controller of the surgical instrument is also programmed to recognize an error. In various instances, the detection of error by the controller can render the surgical instrument inoperable for use with the staple cartridge assembly  27000 . In various instances, a detected error can prevent the surgical instrument from performing a staple firing stroke and/or tissue cutting stroke when the staple cartridge assembly  27000  is attached to the surgical instrument. A manual override can be activated to allow a clinician to override any system lockout and utilize operational functions of the surgical instrument in an emergency. In various instances, the controller is configured to alert the clinician that an error has been detected. Such an alert can be communicated through various forms of feedback, including, for example, haptic, acoustic, and/or visual feedback. The alert can be specific or generic. For example, the alert can specifically state that the RFID tag  27250  is unable to be detected, or the alert can specifically state that the RFID tag  27250  comprises information representative of an incompatible and/or defective staple cartridge assembly  27000 . 
     The portion of the extended antenna  27260  that traverses the elongate slot  27110  can be located at any suitable position along the elongate slot  27110 . For example, the extended antenna  27260  can traverse the elongate slot  27110  at a location in line with or slightly proximal to the distal-most staple cavities. In such an embodiment, as the tissue cutting and staple firing stroke is completed, the extended antenna  27260  is rendered inoperable. When the RFID scanner  27300  is unable to communicate with the RFID tag  27250  in this scenario, the clinician would be able to, for example, confirm that an entire staple firing stroke was completed. Furthermore, the RFID tag  27250  can be positioned at any suitable location on the staple cartridge  27100 , such as, for example, on the base  27104  and/or the deck surface  27106  of the staple cartridge  27100 . 
     In various instances, the extended antenna  27260  comprises a first antenna that is configured to traverse the elongate slot  27110  of the staple cartridge  27100  and a second antenna that does not traverse the elongate slot  27110  of the staple cartridge  27100 . In other words, the second antenna is not transected by the firing member during the staple firing stroke. When the first antenna is transected by the firing member, the communication range of the RFID tag  27250  is diminished. However, the communication range of the RFID tag  27250  can be bolstered using the first antenna that was not transected by the firing member during the staple firing stroke. 
       FIG. 85  depicts an exemplary RFID system  28200  that can be incorporated into a surgical instrument, such as the surgical instrument  400  discussed herein, for example. The RFID system  28200  can be integrated into, for example, a staple cartridge, an end effector jaw, and/or any other suitable location within the surgical instrument. The RFID system  28200  comprises an RFID tag  28250  and an RFID scanner system  28300 . The structure and functionality of the RFID tag  28250  is similar to the RFID tags discussed herein, such as the RFID tags  26250 ,  27250 , for example. The RFID scanner system  28300  comprises a first RFID scanner  28310  and a second RFID scanner  28320 . The functionality of the RFID scanners  28310 ,  28320  is similar to other RFID scanners discussed herein, such as the RFID scanner  27300 , for example. 
     The RFID tag  28250  comprises a chip, such as a microchip, for example, that stores information about a replaceable component within the surgical system. In various instances, the chip comprises an identification number of a staple cartridge. In various instances, the chip comprises additional information such as, for example, the manufacturing data, shipping data, and/or other compatibility data of the staple cartridge. The RFID tag  28250  further comprises a radio antenna configured to receive an interrogation signal from one and/or both of the RFID scanners  28310 ,  28320 . 
     Each RFID scanner  28310 ,  28320  comprises a scanner antenna configured to transmit radio signals. The radio signals activate the RFID tag  28250  that is positioned within a pre-determined range of the RFID scanner  28310 . The RFID scanner  28310 , then receives one or more response signals that are “bounced back” from the RFID tag  28250 . In various instances, the one or more response signals comprise the same signal as the interrogation signal. In various instances, the one or more response signals comprise a modified signal from the interrogation signal. The second RFID scanner  28320  is also configured to transmit a signal to the RFID tag  28250 . 
     In various instances, the RFID scanner  28310  comprises reading and writing capabilities. Software on the RFID scanner  28310  is then able to pass the collected information from the RFID tag  28250  to a controller for further interpretation. The controller can be positioned in the surgical instrument, on a remote console, or in any suitable location. The second RFID scanner  28320  could also be used in this way. 
     The RFID scanner system  28300  comprises a flex circuit, wherein the flex circuit comprises a first layer and a second layer. The first layer functions as a first RFID scanner  28310 , and the second layer functions as a second RFID scanner  28320 . The RFID scanners  28310 ,  28320  further comprise an RF amplifier which determines the power of the signal to be transmitted by the RFID scanners  28310 ,  28320  and amplifies the interrogation signal to the desired power level. When energized, the first layer  28310  is configured to transmit a signal  2815  with approximately 1 watt of power, or less. When energized, the second layer  28320  is configured to send a signal  28325  with more than 1 watt of power. In fact, the amplifier is in communication with the controller of the surgical instrument and, as described in greater detail below, the signal of the second RFID scanner  28320  can be transmitted with power well in excess of 1 watt. 
     Prior to a staple firing stroke, the first RFID scanner  28310  is energized. As shown in  FIG. 86 , the first RFID scanner  28310  sends an interrogation signal  28315  to the RFID tag  28250 . The RFID tag  28250  receives the energy, or interrogation signal  28315 , using the radio antenna of the RFID tag  28250 . The received energy travels through the tag&#39;s antenna, and a portion of the received energy is used to activate the chip and prepare for transmission of data based on commands received from the first RFID scanner  28310 . The activation of the chip allows the chip to modulate the received energy with the information stored in the RFID tag  28250  and “reflect” the remaining energy back in the form of a response signal  28255 . The chip transmits a response signal  28255  that is the same as and/or different than the interrogation signal back to the RFID scanner  28310 . The response signal  28255  is received by the first RFID scanner&#39;s antenna in order for the first RFID scanner  28310  to recover the information stored on the RFID tag  28250 . 
     After the commencement of the staple firing stroke, the second RFID scanner  28320  is energized in addition to and/or in lieu of the first RFID scanner  28310 . As shown in  FIG. 87 , both the first RFID scanner  28310  and the second RFID scanner  28320  send interrogation signals  28315 ,  28325  to the RFID tag  28250  at the same time. The RFID tag  28250  receives the energy from both interrogation signals  28315 ,  28325  using the radio antenna of the RFID tag  28250 . The received energy totals approximately 2 watts of power, for example, and exceeds the operating power threshold of the RFID tag  28250  of 1 watt, for example. The RFID tag  28250  is rendered inoperable when it receives the interrogation signals  28315 ,  28325  from both the first RFID scanner  28310  and the second RFID scanner  28320 . In various instances, the RFID tag  28250  overheats due to the operating power threshold being exceeded. The increase in heat can, for example, burn a fuse within the RFID tag, melt a portion of the RFID tag, and/or otherwise render the RFID tag  28250  inoperable. 
     Destroying the RFID tag  28250  in this manner does not negatively effect the operation of the surgical instrument. Stated another way, the destruction of the RFID tag  28250  does not occur until after the staple cartridge has been authenticated by the surgical instrument. Instead, once the staple cartridge has been authenticated, the surgical instrument can be used to perform the staple firing stroke, among other functions. After the staple firing stroke and/or after the staple cartridge is removed from the surgical instrument, the staple cartridge cannot be re-authenticated by the surgical instrument and, thus, the staple cartridge cannot be reused. This system serves as a spent cartridge lockout, among other things. 
     In any event, the RFID tag  28250  is unable to receive signals from an RFID scanner and/or transmit signals to an RFID scanner in the inoperable configuration. When the first RFID scanner  28310  does not receive a response to its interrogation signals  28315 , the controller of the surgical instrument is configured to communicate an error to the clinician. In instances where the first RFID scanner  28310  receives a response to its interrogation signal  28315  that is unable to be recognized and/or does not represent a compatible staple cartridge assembly, the controller of the surgical instrument is also programmed to communicate an error to the clinician. In various instances, the communication of a detected error from the controller can render the surgical instrument inoperable when the staple cartridge assembly is attached. In various instances, a detected error can prevent the surgical instrument from performing a staple firing stroke and/or tissue cutting stroke while the staple cartridge assembly is attached. A manual override can be activated to allow a clinician to override any system lockout and utilize operational functions of the surgical instrument in an emergency. In various instances, the controller is configured to alert the clinician that an error has been detected. Such an alert can be communicated through various forms of feedback, including, for example, haptic, acoustic, and/or visual feedback. The alert can be specific or generic. For example, the alert can specifically state that the RFID tag  28250  is unable to be detected, or the alert can specifically state that the RFID tag  28250  comprises information representative of an incompatible and/or defective staple cartridge assembly. 
     As discussed above, the first RFID scanner  28310  can be used to communicate with the RFID tag  28250  and the combined operation of the first RFID scanner  28310  and the second RFID scanner  28320  can be used to destroy the RFID tag  28250 . Alternatively, the first RFID scanner  28310  can be used to communicate with the RFID tag  28250  and the second RFID scanner  28320  can be used to destroy the RFID tag  28250 . In this embodiment, the first RFID scanner  28310  uses a power below a threshold and the second RFID scanner  28320  uses a power above the threshold. Also, alternatively, a second RFID scanner may not be used as both the communication and destruction functions can be performed by a single scanner. In at least one such instance, the signal amplifier is used to transmit signals below a power threshold to communicate and signals above the power threshold to destroy. 
       FIGS. 88-89A  illustrate a cartridge lockout system  29000 . The cartridge lockout system  29000  is configured to prevent a surgical instrument from performing a staple firing stroke when an incompatible and/or spent staple cartridge is detected. When an unspent, compatible staple cartridge is detected, the controller of the surgical instrument permits the staple firing stroke to be performed. One such compatible staple cartridge includes staple cartridge  29100 , for example. 
     The staple cartridge  29100  comprises a cartridge body including a cartridge deck  29106 , a base  29104 , and sidewalls  29108  extending between the cartridge deck  29106  and the base  29104 . A plurality of staple cavities  29107  are defined in the cartridge body. The staple cavities  29107  are arranged in longitudinal rows, and a staple is removably supported within each staple cavity  29107 . The staple cartridge  29100  further comprises a proximal end  29102  and a distal end. An elongate slot  29110  extends from the proximal end  29102  toward the distal end and is configured to receive a firing member  29210  during a staple firing stroke. The staple cartridge  29100  further comprises a wedge sled  29125  and channels  29120  defined within the cartridge body. The wedge sled  29125  is configured to drive staples out of the cartridge body and toward an anvil during the staple firing stroke. The channels  29120  are configured to receive ramps of the wedge sled  29125  as the wedge sled  29125  is translated through the staple cartridge  29100  during the staple firing stroke. Detents are formed on the inside of the channels  29120  to, among other things, interface with the ramps of the wedge sled  29125  and to control the lateral position of the wedge sled  29125  within the channels  29120 . In at least one instance, ribs can be used to releasably hold the wedge sled  29125  in a proximal, unfired position. 
     The staple cartridge  29100  further comprises an RFID tag  29250 . The RFID tag  29250  comprises a chip, such as a microchip, for example, that stores information about the staple cartridge  29100 . In various instances, the chip comprises a basic identification number. In various instances, the chip comprises additional information such as, for example, manufacturing data, shipping data, and/or compatibility data. The RFID tag  26250  further comprises a radio antenna configured to receive an interrogation signal from an RFID scanner. As shown in  FIGS. 88 and 89 , the RFID tag  29250  is affixed to one of the sidewalls  29108  of the staple cartridge  29100 . However, it is envisioned that the RFID tag  29250  can be embedded within the staple cartridge  29100  and/or attached to the staple cartridge  29100  in any suitable manner and/or in any suitable location. 
     The surgical system further comprises an RFID scanner. The RFID scanner comprises a scanner antenna configured to transmit radio signals. The radio signals activate RFID tags that are positioned within a pre-determined transmission range of the RFID scanner. The RFID scanner then receives one or more response signals  29255  that are “bounced back” from the RFID tag. In various instances, the one or more response signals comprise the same signal as the interrogation signal. In various instances, the one or more response signals comprise a modified signal from the interrogation signal. The RFID scanner can be positioned in various locations, such as, for example, the staple cartridge  29100 , the end effector of the surgical instrument, and/or a console remotely positioned with respect to the surgical instrument. In other words, the RFID scanner can be positioned in any suitable location that allows the RFID scanner to communicate with the RFID tag  29250  as the staple cartridge  29100  is being seated into and/or once the staple cartridge  29100  is seated in the end effector of the surgical instrument. In various instances, the RFID scanner comprises reading and writing capabilities. Software on the RFID scanner is able to pass the collected information  29255  from the RFID tag  29250  to a controller for further interpretation. The controller can be positioned in the surgical instrument or in any suitable location. The RFID scanner and/or the controller can comprise a stored set of information that corresponds to staple cartridges that are compatible with the particular surgical instrument and/or for use during a particular surgical procedure. 
     Based on the collected information  29255  from the RFID tag  29250 , the controller can maintain, activate, and/or deactivate a cartridge lockout assembly, such as the cartridge lockout assembly  29000 , for example. The cartridge lockout assembly  29000  comprises a lockout bar  29300 . The lockout bar  29300  comprises a proximal end  29302  and a distal end  29304 . The distal end  29304  of the lockout bar  29300  is configured to interface with the wedge sled  29125  as the staple cartridge  29100  is being seated in the jaw of the end effector. The lockout bar  29300  is sized to fit within one of the channels  29120  formed in the cartridge body. The proximal end  29302  of the lockout bar  29300  comprises a lateral projection, or flange,  29310 . The proximal end  29302  of the lockout bar  29300  is engaged with a firing bar  29200  of the staple firing drive such that the lockout bar  29300  and the firing bar  29200  move together. The firing bar  29200  comprises a groove  29225  which receives the lateral projection  29310  of the lockout bar  29300 . 
     The cartridge lockout assembly  29000  further comprises a blocking bolt assembly  29400 . In the depicted embodiment, the blocking bolt assembly  29400  comprises a solenoid. The blocking bolt assembly  29400  comprises a locking bolt  29410 , a resilient member  29420 , and an inductive coil  29430 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 88-89A , the resilient member  29420  is a spring, although any resilient member can be used. The blocking bolt assembly  29400  is configurable in an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. The locking bolt  29410  and the resilient member  29420  are positioned in a housing  29405  of the blocking bolt assembly  29400 . The resilient member  29240  biases the locking bolt  29410  into its locked configuration. In the locked configuration, a portion of the locking bolt  29410  extends outside of the housing  29405 . In the unlocked configuration, the locking bolt  29410  is entirely positioned within the housing  29405 . 
     The blocking bolt assembly  29400  is placed in the unlocked configuration by the controller when a compatible staple cartridge  29100  has been detected by the controller. A compatible staple cartridge  29100  is detected when the RFID tag  29250  emits a signal  29255  that corresponds to a stored set of information within the RFID scanner, and/or the controller, and/or when the clinician overrides the controller. In such instances, the controller is configured to activate the inductive coil  29430  of the blocking bolt assembly  29400 . The controller applies a voltage source to the coil  29430  to active the coil  29430 . Activating the inductive coil  29430  generates a magnetic field that pulls the locking bolt  29410  into the housing  29405 . To this end, the locking bolt  29410  is comprised of iron, nickel, and/or any suitable magnetic material. That said, the resilient member  29420  is compressed by the movement of the locking bolt  29410  and, as such, the resilient member  29240  opposes the movement of the locking bolt  29410 . In any event, the locking bolt  29410  is retracted a sufficient amount to be out of the path of the lockout bar  29300 . At such point, the staple firing stroke can be performed. If the staple cartridge  29100  is removed from the surgical instrument, the controller will deactivate the inductive coil  29430  thereby allowing the resilient member  29240  to re-extend the locking bolt  29410 . 
     When a staple cartridge  29100  is being seated into the jaw of the end effector, further to the above, the distal end  29304  of the lockout bar  29300  comes into contact with the sled  29125  of the staple cartridge  29100 . If the locking bolt  29410  has been retracted, the proximal end  29302  of the lockout bar  29300  is pushed proximally by the sled  29125  of the staple cartridge  29100  as the clinician attempts to seat the staple cartridge  29100  within the jaw. In such instances, the lockout bar  29300  is configured to freely translate in the proximal direction. The lack of resistance against the proximal movement of the lockout bar  29300  allows the lockout bar  29300  to move without displacing the wedge sled  29125  in the staple cartridge  29100 . In other words, the retention forces acting on the wedge sled  29125  by the detents within the channels  29120  are sufficient enough to maintain the wedge sled  29125  in its current position while pushing the lockout bar  29300  when the staple cartridge  29100  is seated in the surgical instrument. 
     As discussed above, the blocking bolt assembly  29400  is in the locked configuration when an incompatible staple cartridge  29100 ′ has been detected. As illustrated in  FIG. 89 , an incompatible staple cartridge  29100 ′ is detected when the RFID tag  29250  emits a signal  29255 ′ that does not correspond to a stored set of information within the RFID scanner and/or the controller. In various instances, a staple cartridge  29100 ′ is deemed incompatible by the controller of the surgical instrument when the RFID scanner is unable to detect a signal from a RFID tag. When the emitted signal  29255 ′, or lack of signal, is indicative of an incompatible staple cartridge  29100 ′, the inductive coil  29430  of the blocking bolt assembly  29400  is not activated by the controller. Without activating the inductive coil  29430 , the biasing member  29420  holds a portion of the locking bolt  29410  extends outside of the housing  29405 . When a staple cartridge  29100 ′ is being seated into the jaw of the end effector and the locking bolt  29410  is extended, the distal end  29304  of the lockout bar  29300  comes into contact with the sled  29125  of the staple cartridge  29100 ′. The lockout bar  29300  is prevented from translating in the proximal direction, as the locking bolt  29410  is in its path. In such instances, the resistance provided by the locking bolt  29410  against the lockout bar  29300  exceeds the retention forces provided by the detents in the channel  29120  holding the wedge sled  29125  in place. As such, the wedge sled  29125  is displaced distally from its unfired position when the staple cartridge  29100 ′ is seated and the locking bolt  29410  is not retracted. The distal movement of the wedge sled  29125  from its unfired position spends the staple cartridge  29100 ′, even though no staples have been fired from the staple cartridge  29100 ′. The firing lockout systems disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,923, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A FIRING LOCKOUT FOR AN UNCLOSED ANVIL, which issued on Dec. 5, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,352, SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, which issued on May 16, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on Feb. 21, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,649, SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, which issued on Jan. 24, 2006; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,921, SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM, which issued on Dec. 27, 2005, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entireties, would mechanically prevent the staple firing stroke from being performed in such instances. 
       FIG. 90  depicts a motor control circuit  30000  for use in controlling the cartridge lockout assembly  29000 . Various details of the motor control circuit  30000  are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0075474, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. A battery, or other suitable power source,  30064  powers an electric motor  30065 . When a clinician initially pulls in a firing trigger of the surgical instrument, a run motor (or fire) switch  30110  is closed. When the run motor switch  30110  is closed, a safety switch is closed, and a lockout switch is opened, current flows through the safety switch, through a lockout indicator  30244 , and to the motor  30065 . When the end of the staple firing stroke is reached, an end-of-stroke or direction switch  30130  is switched, reversing the direction of the motor  30065 . The circuit  30000  may also comprise a manual return switch  30348 . The clinician may manually flip this switch  30348  if the firing member, such as the firing member  29210 , has only been partially fired. Switching the manual return switch  30348  causes the motor  30065  to reverse rotate, causing the firing member to return to its original or home position. 
     The motor control circuit  30000  further comprises a cartridge lockout switch  30300 . When a controller  30310  determines, through received signals from an RFID tag, such as RFID tag  29250 , that a compatible staple cartridge is being seated in the end effector, an inductive coil  30320  is energized. The energizing of the inductive coil  30320  closes the cartridge lockout switch  30300  and allows the compatible staple cartridge to be seated within the end effector without displacement of a wedge sled of the staple cartridge. When a controller  30310  determines, through received signals from an RFID tag, such as RFID tag  29250 , that an incompatible staple cartridge is being seated in the end effector, the inductive coil  30320 ′ is not energized. The inactive inductive coil  30320 ′ allows the cartridge lockout switch  30300  to remain open. A cartridge lockout, such as the cartridge lockout  29000 , then causes distal displacement of the wedge sled within the incompatible surgical cartridge. The surgical instrument is then unable to perform a staple firing stroke while the incompatible surgical cartridge is attached. 
     Various surgical instruments are comprised of replaceable components that are required to be replaced prior to the start of and/or during a surgical procedure. For example, a surgical stapling instrument, such as the surgical stapling instrument  400 , comprises a replaceable staple cartridge. A clinician may desire and/or need to replace the staple cartridge for various reasons such as, for example, the type of surgical procedure being performed, the thickness of the tissue being treated during the surgical procedure, and/or the state of the staple cartridge. The state of the staple cartridge corresponds to, for example, whether or not the staple cartridge is spent, i.e., whether one or more of the staples from within the staple cartridge was ejected during a staple firing stroke. 
     As described in greater detail herein, various identification systems, such as RFID tags, QR codes, and/or bar codes, for example, can be positioned throughout a surgical system. For example, and as shown in  FIG. 91 , a first RFID tag  31560   a  is located on a cartridge body  31510  of a staple cartridge  31500 , a second RFID tag  31560   b  is located on a wedge sled  31550  of the staple cartridge  31500 , and a third RFID tag  31560   c  is located on a retainer  31570  of the staple cartridge  31500 . Each RFID tag comprises a chip storing information relating to, among other things, a state of the staple cartridge assembly, staple cartridge identification, and/or compatibility of the staple cartridge assembly with a specific surgical instrument. To ensure patient safety and the proper assembly of the components within the surgical system, among other things, the information stored on each chip is encrypted. Encryption of the information on the chips provides that only authorized parties can access the stored information and those who are not authorized cannot. In other words, if the information stored on the chips is unable to be decrypted, the surgical system will be unable to be assembled with the incompatible assembled components and/or one or more operating parameters of the surgical system will be unavailable and/or modified when the incompatible assembled components are attached. An encryption key is stored within a controller and/or an external storage medium of the surgical system to decrypt the information collected from the RFID tags by one or more RFID scanners. In various instances, all of the RFID tags comprise encrypted information. In other instances, only one of the RFID tags comprises encrypted information, such as, for example, the RFID tag located on the staple cartridge. However, it is envisioned that any suitable combination of RFID tags can comprise chips with encrypted information. In various instances one or more of the encryption keys are stored in a memory on the surgical instrument, however any suitable storage location is envisioned. 
     Data stored on the RFID tags of a staple cartridge can be encrypted during the manufacturing process of the staple cartridge using an encryption protocol. The information can be encrypted to, for example, prevent the use of staple cartridges that were duplicated without authorization and/or with inferior components, among other things. Such unauthorized duplicates of the staple cartridge may not be manufactured with the same specifications and/or dimensions as the compatible staple cartridge. If an incompatible staple cartridge is used with the surgical instrument, the incompatible staple cartridge may not perform a surgical function(s) in the same manner as the compatible staple cartridge, thereby exposing a patient to an increased risk when the incompatible staple cartridge is used with the surgical instrument. 
     During the manufacturing process, an RFID scanner transmits a first interrogation signal to interrogate the first RFID tag  31560   a  of the staple cartridge  31500 . The first RFID tag  31560   a  transmits a first signal  31580   a  in response to the first interrogation signal. The first response signal  31580   a  comprises unencrypted, or unsecured, data relating to the staple cartridge  31500 . Such data can include, for example, manufacturing data and/or cartridge identification data. An RFID scanner transmits a second interrogation signal and a third interrogation signal to interrogate the second RFID tag  31560   b  and the third RFID tag  31560   c , respectively. The second RFID tag  31560   b  transmits a second signal  31580   b  in response to the second interrogation signal and the third RFID tag  31560   c  transmits a third signal  31580   c  in response to the third interrogation signal. The second response signal  31580   b  and the third response signal  31580   c  comprise unencrypted, or unsecured, data relating to the wedge sled  31550  and the retainer  31570 , respectively. Such data can include, for example, manufacturing data and/or identification data. 
     The RFID scanner transmits the response signals  31580   a ,  31580   b ,  31580   c  to a manufacturing controller  31100 . The manufacturing controller  31100  accesses a cloud storage medium  31150  to, for example, encrypt the received data. The cloud storage medium  31150  comprises an encryption protocol configured to encrypt the data contained in the response signals  31580   a ,  31580   b ,  31580   c . Using an encryption protocol, the cloud storage medium  31150  creates an encrypted serial number reflecting the various components of the staple cartridge  31500  having the RFID tags. For example, the unsecured data stored on the first RFID tag  31560   a  is encrypted with a first value  31202 . The unsecured data stored on the second RFID tag  31560   b  is encrypted with a second value  31204 , and the unsecured data stored on the third RFID tag  31560   c  is encrypted with a third value  31206 . The first value  31202 , the second value  31204 , and the third value  31026  are combined to form a unique serial number  31200  reflective of an identity of the staple cartridge  31500 . Such an encryption process is conducted on each manufactured staple cartridge. See also  FIG. 63 . 
     After the cloud storage medium  31150  completes the encryption protocol, the manufacturing controller  31100  rewrites the RFID tags  31560   a ,  31560   b ,  31560   c  with the encrypted data. The manufacturing controller  31100  directs the RFID scanner to send a first rewrite signal  31110   a  to the first RFID tag  31560   a . The first rewrite signal  31110   a  serves to delete the unsecured data stored on the first RFID tag  31560   a  and replace the unsecured data with the new, secured data  31202 . The RFID scanner transmits a second rewrite signal  31110   b  to the second RFID tag  31560   b  and a third rewrite signal  31110   c  to the third RFID tag  31560   c . The second rewrite signal  31110   b  serves to delete the unsecured data stored on the second RFID tag  31560   b  and replace the unsecured data with the new, secured data  31204 . The third rewrite signal  31110   c  serves to delete the unsecured data stored on the third RFID tag  31560   c  and replace the unsecured data with the new, secured data  31206 . At this point, the RFID tags  31560   a ,  31560   b ,  31560   c  comprise only encrypted data, and only the cloud storage medium  31150  comprises access to the unsecure, unencrypted data through a decryption protocol. As discussed above, the RFID reader is configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from the RFID tags. In such cases, the RFID reader comprises both reading and writing capabilities. 
     As the data stored on each staple cartridge  31500  is being encrypted, the cloud storage medium  31150  creates a list  31250  of the unique serial number  31200  of the staple cartridge  31500  along with an associated encryption key. The list  31250  can be updated in real-time and/or can be created after each RFID tag  31560   a ,  31560   b ,  31560   c  is programmed with the encrypted information. The manufacturing controller  31100  is configured to access the list  31250  of unique serial numbers  31200  from the cloud storage medium  31150 . During the packaging process, the manufacturing controller  31100  directs a packaging printer  31600  to print the unique serial number  31200  on the packaging for the staple cartridge  31500 . 
     When the staple cartridge  31500  is needed for attachment to the surgical instrument, the clinician is required to scan the packaging of the staple cartridge  31500 . A controller of the surgical instrument and/or a remote controlled within the operating room communicates the scanned packaging data to the cloud storage medium  31150 . The remote controller, for example, communicates the scanned packaging data to the cloud storage medium  31150  for decryption. The cloud storage medium  31150  performs a decryption protocol on the scanned packaging data and compares the received data to the list  31250  of compatible, or otherwise acceptable, staple cartridges. If the cloud storage medium  31150  recognizes the scanned packaging data as acceptable for use with the surgical instrument, the cloud storage medium  31150  communicates an approval signal to the remote controller. The remote controller communicates the approval signal to the controller on the surgical instrument, and the surgical instrument is capable of performing a staple firing stroke, for example. If the cloud storage medium  31150  is unable to recognize the scanned packaging data, the cloud storage medium  31150  communicates an error to the remote controller. The remote controller communicates the error to the controller on the surgical instrument, and the surgical instrument is prevented from performing a staple firing stroke. In various instances, the surgical instrument comprises an override input that the clinician can activate, but only after the clinician has been adequately warned that the staple cartridge did not pass the authentication protocol. 
     As previously discussed, the packaging, such as packaging  25000 , of a modular component comprises one or more identification systems that relates to the contents of the packaging. The manufacturing controller and the packaging printer  31600  create the identification systems using the encrypted information discussed above. Various techniques can be used to label the packaging. Such techniques include, for example, laser printing, pad printing, thermal printing, and/or chip programming. For example, laser printing can be used to print QR codes and/or bar codes on the product packaging. Chip programming can be used to alter the information stored within an RFID system, such as the RFID system  25200 , for example. 
       FIG. 92  illustrates a decryption protocol  32000  operated by the controller of the surgical instrument. The controller uses automated incrementing encryption keys to facilitate the assembly and/or use of a surgical instrument, such as the surgical instrument described above, for example. The surgical instrument controller comprises a memory. The memory stores a default internal key  32010  that allows the controller to decrypt a first RFID tag. The first RFID tag is positioned on a staple cartridge packaging and the first RFID tag comprises a first set of encrypted information. The first set of encrypted information can only be decrypted by the controller using the default internal key  32010 . The decryption protocol  32000  releases a second internal key  32040  upon the successful decryption of the first RFID tag. If the controller determines that the packaging is not authentic, if the controller is unable to decrypt the information stored on the first RFID tag and/or if the information stored on the first RFID tag is unable to be recognized, the second internal key  32040  is not released, and the decryption protocol  32000  cannot move forward. The first RFID tag can be rescanned, or a new packaging can be scanned by the RFID scanner  32020 . Without continuing to the next authentication step of the decryption protocol  32000 , the controller of the surgical instrument prevents the surgical instrument from performing a staple firing stroke. 
     The staple cartridge comprises a second RFID tag positioned on the cartridge body, and the second RFID tag comprises a second set of encrypted information. The second set of encrypted information can only be decrypted by the controller using the second internal key  32040 . The decryption protocol  32000  releases a third internal key  32070  upon the successful decryption of the second RFID tag data. If the controller determines that the staple cartridge is not authentic, if the controller is unable to decrypt the information stored on the second RFID tag and/or if the information stored on the second RFID tag is unable to be recognized, the third internal key  32070  is not released, and the decryption protocol  32000  cannot move forward. The second RFID tag can be rescanned, or a new staple cartridge can be scanned by the RFID scanner  32050 . Without continuing to the next authentication step of the decryption protocol  32000 , the controller of the surgical instrument prevents the surgical instrument from performing a staple firing stroke. 
     The staple cartridge previously contained in the packaging as discussed above comprises a passive second RFID tag. The second RFID tag is positioned at any suitable location in the staple cartridge. The clinician can bring the RFID scanner into a range of the second RFID tag, wherein the RFID scanner emits a signal to scan  32050  the second RFID tag of the staple cartridge. In response to the RFID scanner&#39;s emitted signal, the second RFID tag is configured to transmit its encrypted information back to the RFID scanner. The software on the RFID scanner is configured to transmit the communicated information to the controller for decryption using the released and/or unlocked internal key  32040 . Once the received information is decrypted, the controller is configured to determine if the staple cartridge comprises authentic components that are compatible with the surgical instrument  32060 . In other words, the information stored by the second RFID tag allows a clinician to confirm that the packaging did contain an authentic staple cartridge. In various instances, the controller is also configured to determine if the staple cartridge has been tampered with, has been previously used, and/or is a fraudulent form of an otherwise compatible staple cartridge. If the controller determines that the staple cartridge is not authentic, the controller is unable to decrypt the information stored on the second RFID tag and/or the information stored on the second RFID tag is unable to be recognized. The staple cartridge may then be rescanned, or a new staple cartridge can be scanned by the RFID scanner  32050 . If the controller determines that the staple cartridge is authentic, the controller releases and/or unlocks a third internal key  32070  for use in the detection of the presence of a retainer on a staple cartridge assembly. Without releasing and/or unlocking the third internal key  32070 , the clinician is unable to complete the protocol  32000  and, in various instances, is unable to activate the surgical instrument with the inauthentic component(s), absent an override input as described above. 
     The staple cartridge comprises a third RFID tag positioned on the retainer, and the third RFID tag comprises a third set of encrypted information. The third set of encrypted information can only be decrypted by the controller using the third internal key  32070 . If the encrypted information comprises data representing a compatible staple cartridge, the decryption protocol  32000  releases a fourth internal key and/or the decryption protocol  32000  successfully concludes. If the controller determines that the staple cartridge is not authentic, if the controller is unable to decrypt the information stored on the third RFID tag and/or if the information stored on the third RFID tag is unable to be recognized, the next, or fourth, internal key is not released, and the decryption protocol  32000  cannot move forward. The third RFID tag can be rescanned, or a new retainer can be scanned by the RFID scanner  32080 . Without releasing and/or unlocking the fourth internal key, the controller is unable to complete the protocol  32000  and, in various instances, may be unable to activate the surgical instrument with the inauthentic component(s). In various instances, the retainer is the last modular component that is assessed in the protocol  32000 . However, in other instances, additional modular components comprise RFID tags with encrypted information that require authentication prior to use with the surgical system. 
     It is envisioned that any of the identification systems described herein can be used in place of the active and/or passive RFID tags described in connection with the protocol  32000 . 
     Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are set out in the following examples. 
     Example Set 1 
     Example 1. A method for authenticating the compatibility of a staple cartridge with a surgical instrument comprises inserting a staple cartridge into a surgical instrument. The method also comprises transmitting a first signal from a first RFID tag on a first component of the staple cartridge to an RFID reader system and transmitting a second signal from a second RFID tag on a second component of the staple cartridge to the RFID reader system. The method also comprises comparing the first signal and the second signal to a set of stored data for a compatible staple cartridge and unlocking a staple firing system of the surgical instrument if the first signal and the second signal match the set of stored data for a compatible staple cartridge. 
     Example 2. The method of Example 1, wherein the comparing step comprises comparing the first signal and the second signal to more than one set of stored data for compatible staple cartridges. 
     Example 3. The method of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag comprise active RFID tags. 
     Example 4. The method of Examples 1-3, further comprising a step of interrogating the first RFID tag with the RFID reader system before the step of transmitting a first signal from the first RFID tag. 
     Example 5. The method of Examples 1-4, further comprising a step of interrogating the second RFID tag with the RFID reader system before the step of transmitting a second signal from the second RFID tag. 
     Example 6. The method of Examples 1-5, further comprising the step of operating the staple firing system to perform a staple firing stroke after the unlocking step. 
     Example 7. The method of Examples 1-6, wherein the first component comprises a cartridge body and the second component comprises a sled movable from a proximal unfired position to a distal fired position during a staple firing stroke. 
     Example 8. The method of Example 7, wherein the step of transmitting the second signal to the RFID reader system can only occur when the sled is in its proximal unfired position. 
     Example 9. The method of Examples 1-8, wherein the first component comprises a cartridge body and the second component comprises a cover removably attached to the cartridge body. 
     Example 10. The method of Example 9, wherein the step of transmitting the second signal to the RFID reader system can only occur when the cover is attached to the cartridge body. 
     Example 11. A method for authenticating the compatibility of a staple cartridge with a surgical instrument comprises inserting a staple cartridge into a surgical instrument. The method also comprises receiving a first signal from a first RFID tag on a first component of the staple cartridge with an RFID reader system and receiving a second signal from a second RFID tag on a second component of the staple cartridge with the RFID reader system. The method also comprises comparing the first signal and the second signal to stored data for a compatible staple cartridge and locking a staple firing system of the surgical instrument if the first signal and the second signal do not match the stored data for a compatible staple cartridge. 
     Example 12. The method of Example 11, wherein the comparing step comprises comparing the first signal and the second signal to stored data for more than one compatible staple cartridge. 
     Example 13. The method of Examples 11 and 12, wherein the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag comprise active RFID tags. 
     Example 14. The method of Examples 11-13, further comprising a step of interrogating the first RFID tag with the RFID reader system before the step of receiving a first signal from the first RFID tag. 
     Example 15. The method of Examples 11-14, further comprising a step of interrogating the second RFID tag with the RFID reader system before the step of receiving a second signal from the second RFID tag. 
     Example 16. The method of Examples 11-15, further comprising the step of operating the staple firing system to perform a staple firing stroke if the locking step does not occur. 
     Example 17. The method of Examples 11-16, wherein the first component comprises a cartridge body and the second component comprises a sled movable from a proximal unfired position to a distal fired position during a staple firing stroke. 
     Example 18. The method of Example 17, wherein the step of receiving the second signal with the RFID reader system can only occur when the sled is in its proximal unfired position. 
     Example 19. The method of Examples 11-18, wherein the first component comprises a cartridge body and the second component comprises a cover removably attached to the cartridge body. 
     Example 20. The method of Example 19, wherein the step of receiving the second signal with the RFID reader system can only occur when the cover is attached to the cartridge body. 
     Example Set 2 
     Example 1. A surgical instrument comprises a firing system configured to perform a firing motion, an end effector, and a RFID reader system. The end effector comprises an anvil, a staple cartridge support, and a staple cartridge positioned in the staple cartridge support. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body defining a longitudinal axis, a longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body, and staple cavities defined in the cartridge body. The staple cartridge also comprises staples removably stored in the staple cavities, a cover releasably attached to the cartridge body, wherein the cover extends over the staple cavities when the cover is attached to the cartridge body. The staple cartridge also comprises a sled movable from a proximal unfired position to a distal fired position during the firing motion, a first RFID tag affixed to the cartridge body at a first longitudinal position, and a second RFID tag affixed to the sled, wherein the proximal unfired position of the sled is at a second longitudinal position which is not at the first longitudinal position. The staple cartridge also comprises a third RFID tag affixed to the cover at a third longitudinal position which is not at the first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position. The RFID reader system is configured to receive a first signal from the first RFID tag at the first longitudinal position, a second signal from the second RFID tag at the second longitudinal position, and a third signal from the third RFID tag at the third longitudinal position. 
     Example 2. The stapling instrument of Example 1, wherein the RFID reader system comprises a first RFID reader, a second RFID reader, and a third RFID reader. 
     Example 3. The stapling instrument of Example 2, wherein the first RFID reader system comprises a first antenna adjacent the first longitudinal position, wherein the second RFID system comprises a second antenna adjacent the second longitudinal position, and wherein the third RFID system comprises a third antenna adjacent the third longitudinal position. 
     Example 4. The stapling instrument of Examples 1-3, wherein the first RFID tag is configured to emit the first signal a first range, wherein the first antenna positioned in the first range and is configured to receive the first signal, wherein the second RFID tag is configured to emit the second signal a second range, wherein the second antenna is positioned in the second range and configured to receive the second signal, wherein the third RFID tag is configured to emit the third signal a third range, and wherein the third antenna is positioned in the third range and configured to receive the third signal. 
     Example 5. The stapling instrument of Example 4, wherein the first range does not overlap with the second range and the third range, and wherein the second range does not overlap with the first range and the third range. 
     Example 6. The stapling instrument of Examples 2-5, wherein the first RFID reader system comprises a first inductive coil sensor adjacent the first longitudinal position, wherein the second RFID system comprises a second inductive coil sensor adjacent the second longitudinal position, and wherein the third RFID system comprises a third inductive coil sensor adjacent the third longitudinal position. 
     Example 7. The stapling instrument of Example 6, wherein the first RFID tag is configured to emit the first signal a first range, wherein the first inductive coil sensor positioned in the first range and is configured to receive the first signal, wherein the second RFID tag is configured to emit the second signal a second range, wherein the second inductive coil sensor is positioned in the second range and configured to receive the second signal, wherein the third RFID tag is configured to emit the third signal a third range, and wherein the third inductive coil sensor is positioned in the third range and configured to receive the third signal. 
     Example 8. The stapling instrument of Examples 6 and 7, wherein the first range does not overlap with the second range and the third range, and wherein the second range does not overlap with the first range and the third range. 
     Example 9. The stapling instrument of Examples 1-8, wherein the first RFID tag comprises an active RFID tag, wherein the second RFID tag comprises an active RFID tag, and wherein the third RFID tag comprises an active RFID tag. 
     Example 10. The stapling instrument of Examples 1-8, wherein the first RFID tag comprises a passive RFID tag, wherein the second RFID tag comprises a passive RFID tag, and wherein the third RFID tag comprises a passive RFID tag. 
     Example 11. The stapling instrument of Examples 1-10, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a lateral width, and wherein the first longitudinal location, the second longitudinal location, and the third longitudinal location are not aligned laterally across the lateral width. 
     Example 12. The stapling instrument of Examples 1-11, further comprising a controller in communication with the RFID reader system and the firing system, wherein the controller is configured to prevent the operation of the firing system if at least one of the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal is not received by the RFID system. 
     Example 13. The stapling instrument of Examples 1-12, further comprising a controller in communication with the RFID reader system and the firing system, wherein the controller comprises at least one set of data stored in a memory device, wherein the controller is configured to compare data from the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal to a set of data, wherein the controller is configured to disable the firing system if data from at least one of the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal is inconsistent with the set of data. 
     Example 14. A staple cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge body defining a longitudinal axis, a longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body, and staple cavities defined in the cartridge body. The staple cartridge assembly also comprises staples removably stored in the staple cavities, a cover releasably attached to the cartridge body, wherein the cover extends over the staple cavities when the cover is attached to the cartridge body. The staple cartridge assembly also comprises a sled movable from a proximal unfired position to a distal fired position during the firing motion, a first RFID tag affixed to the cartridge body at a first longitudinal position, a second RFID tag affixed to the sled, wherein the proximal unfired position of the sled is at a second longitudinal position which is not at the first longitudinal position, and a third RFID tag affixed to the cover at a third longitudinal position which is not at the first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position. 
     Example 15. A surgical instrument comprises a firing system configured to perform a firing motion, an end effector, an RFID reader system, and a controller. The end effector comprises an anvil, a staple cartridge support, and a staple cartridge positionable in the staple cartridge support. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body, and staple cavities defined in the cartridge body. The staple cartridge also comprises staples removably stored in the staple cavities and a sled movable from a proximal unfired position to a distal fired position during the firing motion. The staple cartridge also comprises a first RFID tag affixed to the cartridge body at the proximal end and a second RFID tag affixed to the cartridge body at the distal end. The RFID reader system is configured to receive a first signal from the first RFID tag and a second signal from the second RFID tag. The controller is in communication with the RFID reader system and the firing system, wherein the controller is configured to disable the operation of the firing system if the controller receives one of the first signal and the second signal but not the other. 
     Example 16. The surgical instrument of Example 15, further comprising a feedback system in communication with the controller, wherein the controller is configured to activate the feedback system when the controller disables the operation of the firing system. 
     Example 17. The surgical instrument of Examples 15 or 16, wherein the controller comprises a set of data stored in a memory device, wherein the controller is configured to compare data from the first signal and the second signal to a set of data, wherein the controller is configured to disable the firing system if data from one of the first signal and the second signal is inconsistent with the set of data. 
     Example 18. A staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a proximal end and a distal end. The staple cartridge also comprises a longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body, staple cavities defined in the cartridge body, and staples removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cartridge also comprises a sled movable from a proximal unfired position to a distal fired position during the firing motion, a first RFID tag affixed to the cartridge body at the proximal end, and a second RFID tag affixed to the cartridge body at the distal end. 
     Example Set 3 
     Example 1. A surgical instrument comprises a staple firing system, an end effector, a first RFID reader, a second RFID reader, and a controller. The end effector comprises an anvil, a staple cartridge channel, and a staple cartridge positioned in the staple cartridge channel. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a longitudinal slot, staple cavities defined in the cartridge body, and staples removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cartridge also comprises a sled movable between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position by the staple firing system, a first RFID tag affixed to the cartridge body, and a second RFID tag affixed to the sled. The first RFID reader is configured to detect a first signal from the first RFID tag and the second RFID reader is configured to detect a second signal from the second RFID tag. The controller is in communication with the first RFID reader, the second RFID reader, and the staple firing system, wherein the controller verifies the presence of the staple cartridge in the staple cartridge channel upon receiving the first signal from the first RFID tag, and wherein the controller verifies that the staple cartridge is an unfired staple cartridge upon receiving the second signal from the second RFID tag. 
     Example 2. The surgical instrument of Example 1, wherein the controller is configured to disable the staple firing system if the controller receives the first signal but not the second signal. 
     Example 3. The surgical instrument of Examples 1 and 2, wherein the controller is configured to unlock the staple firing system when the controller receives the first signal and the second signal. 
     Example 4. The surgical instrument of Examples 1-3, wherein the first RFID tag comprises a first operational range and the second RFID tag comprises a second operational range, and wherein the first operational range and the second operational range do not overlap when the sled is in the proximal unfired position. 
     Example 5. The surgical instrument of Examples 1-4, wherein the first RFID reader comprises a first operational range and the second RFID reader comprises a second operational range, and wherein the first operational range and the second operational range do not overlap. 
     Example 6. The surgical instrument of Examples 1-5, further comprising a third RFID reader in communication with the controller, and wherein the third RFID reader is configured to detect the second signal from the second RFID tag when the sled is in the distal fired position. 
     Example 7. The surgical instrument of Example 6, wherein the second RFID reader is unable to detect the second signal when the sled is in the distal fired position, and wherein the third RFID reader is unable to detect the second signal when the sled is in the proximal unfired position. 
     Example 8. The surgical instrument of Examples 1-7, wherein the controller comprises a set of data stored in a memory device, wherein the controller is configured to compare data from the first signal and the second signal to a set of data, wherein the controller is configured to disable the staple firing system if data from one of the first signal and the second signal is inconsistent with the set of data. 
     Example 9. The surgical instrument of Examples 1-8, wherein the staple cartridge further comprises a removable cover releasably attached to the cartridge body, wherein the removable cover comprises a third RFID tag affixed thereto, wherein the third RFID tag is configured to emit a third signal, wherein the surgical instrument further comprises a third RFID reader configured to receive the third signal when the removable cover is attached to the cartridge body, and wherein the third RFID reader is unable to receive the third signal when the removable cover is detached from the cartridge body. 
     Example 10. The surgical instrument of Examples 1-9, wherein the first RFID tag comprises an active RFID tag, and wherein the second RFID tag comprises an active RFID tag. 
     Example 11. The surgical instrument of Examples 1-9, wherein the first RFID tag comprises a passive RFID tag, and wherein the second RFID tag comprises a passive RFID tag. 
     Example 12. A surgical instrument comprises a staple firing system, an end effector, a first RFID reader, a second RFID reader, and a controller. The end effector comprises an anvil, a staple cartridge support, and a staple cartridge positioned in the staple cartridge support. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a longitudinal slot, staple cavities defined in the cartridge body, and staples removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cartridge also comprises a sled movable between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position by the staple firing system, a first RFID tag mounted to the cartridge body, and a second RFID tag mounted to the sled. The first RFID reader is configured to receive a first signal from the first RFID tag. The second RFID reader is configured to receive a second signal from the second RFID tag. The controller is in communication with the first RFID reader, the second RFID reader, and the staple firing system, wherein the controller verifies the presence of the staple cartridge in the staple cartridge channel upon receiving the first signal from the first RFID tag, and wherein the controller verifies that the staple cartridge is an unfired staple cartridge upon receiving the second signal from the second RFID tag. 
     Example 13. A surgical instrument comprises a staple firing system, an end effector, a first RFID reader, a second RFID reader, and a controller. The end effector comprises an anvil, a staple cartridge channel, and a staple cartridge positioned in the staple cartridge channel. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a longitudinal slot, staple cavities defined in the cartridge body, and staples removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cartridge also comprises a removable cover releasably attached to the cartridge body, a sled movable between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position by the staple firing system, a first RFID tag affixed to the cartridge body, and a second RFID tag affixed to the removable cover. The first RFID reader is configured to detect a first signal from the first RFID tag. The second RFID reader is configured to detect a second signal from the second RFID tag. The controller in communication with the first RFID reader, the second RFID reader, and the staple firing system, wherein the controller verifies the presence of the staple cartridge in the staple cartridge channel upon receiving the first signal from the first RFID tag, and wherein the controller verifies that the staple cartridge is an unspoiled staple cartridge upon receiving the second signal from the second RFID tag. 
     Example 14. The surgical instrument of Example 13, wherein the controller is configured to disable the staple firing system if the controller receives the first signal but not the second signal. 
     Example 15. The surgical instrument of Examples 13 and 14, wherein the controller is configured to unlock the staple firing system when the controller receives the first signal and the second signal. 
     Example 16. The surgical instrument of Examples 13-15, wherein the first RFID tag comprises a first operational range and the second RFID tag comprises a second operational range, and wherein the first operational range and the second operational range do not overlap when the cover is attached to the cartridge body. 
     Example 17. The surgical instrument of Examples 13-16, wherein the first RFID reader comprises a first operational range and the second RFID reader comprises a second operational range, and wherein the first operational range and the second operational range do not overlap. 
     Example 18. The surgical instrument of Examples 13-17, wherein the controller comprises a set of data stored in a memory device, wherein the controller is configured to compare data from the first signal and the second signal to a set of data, wherein the controller is configured to disable the staple firing system if data from one of the first signal and the second signal is inconsistent with the set of data. 
     Example Set 4 
     Example 1. A surgical instrument comprises an end effector and a RFID reader. The end effector comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The end effector also comprises an anvil, a staple cartridge channel, and a staple cartridge positioned in the staple cartridge channel. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a longitudinal slot, a removable cover releasably attached to the cartridge body, and staple cavities defined in the cartridge body. The staple cartridge also comprises staples removably stored in the staple cavities, a sled movable relative to the longitudinal slot during a staple firing stroke, and a RFID tag mounted to the staple cartridge in a tag plane. The RFID reader comprises an induction coil receiver, wherein the induction coil receiver is mounted to a sidewall of the staple cartridge channel in a receiver plane, wherein the receiver plane is substantially parallel to the tag plane, and wherein the receiver plane is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. 
     Example 2. The surgical instrument of Example 1, wherein the RFID tag is mounted to the cartridge body. 
     Example 3. The surgical instrument of Examples 1 and 2, wherein the cartridge body comprises a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a deck extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, wherein the staple cavities are defined in the deck, and wherein the RFID tag is mounted to the first sidewall. 
     Example 4. The surgical instrument of Example 3, wherein the RFID tag is mounted to an outer surface of the first sidewall. 
     Example 5. The surgical instrument of Example 3, wherein the RFID tag is mounted to an inner surface of the first sidewall. 
     Example 6. The surgical instrument of Example 3, wherein the RFID tag is embedded in the first sidewall. 
     Example 7. The surgical instrument of Example 6, wherein the RFID tag is integrally-molded into the first sidewall. 
     Example 8. The surgical instrument of Example 3, wherein the first sidewall comprises a recess defined therein, and wherein the RFID tag is seated in the recess. 
     Example 9. The surgical instrument of Example 8, wherein the recess defines a recess perimeter, and wherein the RFID tag comprises a tag perimeter that matches the recess perimeter. 
     Example 10. The surgical instrument of Example 1, wherein the RFID tag is mounted to the sled. 
     Example 11. The surgical instrument of Example 10, wherein the sled comprises a longitudinal portion positioned in the longitudinal slot, and wherein the RFID tag is affixed to the longitudinal portion. 
     Example 12. The surgical instrument of Example 11, wherein the RFID tag is integrally-molded into the longitudinal portion. 
     Example 13. The surgical instrument of Example 10, wherein the longitudinal portion comprises a recess defined therein, and wherein the RFID tag is seated in the recess. 
     Example 14. The surgical instrument of Example 13, wherein the recess defines a recess perimeter, and wherein the RFID tag comprises a tag perimeter that matches the recess perimeter. 
     Example 15. The surgical instrument of Example 10, wherein the sidewall comprises a bottom sidewall extending between a first lateral sidewall and a second lateral sidewall. 
     Example 16. The surgical instrument of Example 10, wherein the sidewall comprises a lateral sidewall extending from a bottom sidewall. 
     Example 17. The surgical instrument of Example 10, further comprising staple drivers movably positioned within the staple cavities, wherein the sled comprises rails configured to engage the staple drivers to eject the staples from the staple cavities during the staple firing stroke, wherein the RFID tag is mounted to one of the rails. 
     Example 18. The surgical instrument of Example 1, wherein the RFID tag is affixed to the removable cover. 
     Example 19. The surgical instrument of Example 18, wherein the removable cover extends over the staple cavities, wherein the removable cover comprises latches releasably engaged with the cartridge body and a longitudinal fin positioned in the longitudinal slot, and wherein the RFID tag is mounted to the longitudinal fin. 
     Example 20. The surgical instrument of Example 19, wherein the RFID tag is integrally-molded into the longitudinal fin. 
     Example 21. The surgical instrument of Example 18, wherein the longitudinal fin comprises a recess defined therein, and wherein the RFID tag is seated in the recess. 
     Example 22. The surgical instrument of Example 21, wherein the recess defines a recess perimeter, and wherein the RFID tag comprises a tag perimeter that matches the recess perimeter. 
     Example 23. The surgical instrument of Examples 1-22, wherein the RFID tag comprises a base, a microchip mounted to the base, and a chip antenna mounted to the base, wherein the chip antenna is substantially parallel to a receiver antenna of the induction coil receiver. 
     Example 24. The surgical instrument of Examples 1-23, wherein the chip antenna is circumferential about a chip antenna axis, wherein the receiver antenna is circumferential about a receiver antenna axis, and wherein the chip antenna axis and the receiver antenna axis are collinear. 
     Example 25. The surgical instrument of Examples 1-23, wherein the chip antenna is circumferential about a chip antenna axis, wherein the receiver antenna is circumferential about a receiver antenna axis, and wherein the chip antenna axis and the receiver antenna axis are orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. 
     Example 26. A surgical instrument comprises an end effector and a RFID reader. The end effector comprises a staple cartridge support and a staple cartridge positioned in the staple cartridge support. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a longitudinal slot, staple cavities defined in the cartridge body, and staples removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cartridge also comprises a RFID tag mounted to the staple cartridge, wherein the RFID tag comprises a base and a tag antenna mounted to the base, and wherein the tag antenna is defined in a tag plane. The RFID reader comprises an induction coil receiver, wherein the induction coil receiver is mounted to the staple cartridge support in a receiver plane, wherein the receiver plane is substantially parallel to the tag plane. 
     Example 27. An end effector of a surgical instrument comprises a staple cartridge support, a staple cartridge, and a RFID reader. The staple cartridge is positioned in the staple cartridge support and comprises a cartridge body comprising a longitudinal slot and staple cavities defined in the cartridge body. The staple cartridge also comprises staples removably stored in the staple cavities and a RFID tag mounted to the staple cartridge, wherein the RFID tag comprises a tag antenna defined in a tag plane. The RFID reader comprises a receiver antenna, wherein the receiver antenna is mounted to the staple cartridge support in a receiver plane, wherein the receiver plane is parallel to the tag plane. 
     Example Set 5 
     Example 1. A surgical system comprises a surgical instrument, a replaceable staple cartridge, a retainer, an RFID scanner, a controller. The surgical instrument comprises an elongate shaft and an end effector extending from the elongate shaft, wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The replaceable staple cartridge is configured to be seated in the first jaw, wherein the replaceable staple cartridge is stored in a packaging prior to being seated in the first jaw, wherein the packaging comprises a first RFID tag, wherein the first RFID tag comprises a first set of encrypted information, and wherein the replaceable staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a cartridge deck, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, a sled configured to drive the staples out of the cartridge body during a staple firing stroke, and a second RFID tag comprising a second set of encrypted information. The retainer is releasably attached to the replaceable staple cartridge, wherein the retainer extends over the cartridge deck, and wherein the retainer comprises a third RFID tag comprising a third set of encrypted information. The RFID scanner is configured to receive the first set of encrypted information, the second set of encrypted information, and the third set of encrypted information. The controller is configured to perform a decryption protocol, wherein the controller comprises a first internal key, wherein the controller uses the first internal key to decrypt the first set of encrypted information, wherein the controller releases a second internal key if the first set of encrypted information is recognized by the controller, wherein the controller uses the second internal key to decrypt the second set of encrypted information, wherein the controller releases a third internal key if the second set of encrypted information is recognized by the controller, wherein the controller uses the third internal key to decrypt the third set of encrypted information, and wherein the controller prevents the surgical instrument from performing the staple firing stroke if at least one of the first set of encrypted information, the second set of encrypted information, and the third set of encrypted information is unable to be recognized. 
     Example 2. The surgical system of Example 1, wherein the controller prevents the surgical instrument from performing the staple firing stroke if the controller is unable to decrypt at least one of the first set of encrypted information, the second set of encrypted information, and the third set of encrypted information. 
     Example 3. The surgical system of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the RFID scanner is configured to receive the first set of encrypted information in response to a first interrogation signal. 
     Example 4. The surgical system of Example 3, wherein the controller prevents the surgical instrument from performing the staple firing stroke if the RFID scanner does not receive the first set of encrypted information in response to the first interrogation signal. 
     Example 5. The surgical system of Examples 3 or 4, wherein the RFID scanner is configured to receive the second set of encrypted information in response to a second interrogation signal. 
     Example 6. The surgical system of Example 5, wherein the RFID scanner does not transmit the second interrogation signal if the controller is unable to recognize the first set of encrypted information. 
     Example 7. The surgical system of Examples 5 or 6, wherein the RFID scanner is configured to receive the third set of encrypted information in response to a third interrogation signal. 
     Example 8. The surgical system of Example 7, wherein the RFID scanner does not transmit the third interrogation signal if the controller is unable to recognize the second set of encrypted information. 
     Example 9. The surgical system of any one of Examples 1-8, wherein the RFID scanner comprises reading capabilities and writing capabilities. 
     Example 10. A surgical system comprises a surgical instrument, a replaceable staple cartridge, a retainer releasably attached to the replaceable staple cartridge, a first RFID tag comprising a first set of encrypted information, a second RFID tag comprising a second set of encrypted information, an RFID scanner configured to receive the first set of encrypted information and the second set of encrypted information, and a controller comprising a first internal key. The surgical instrument comprises an elongate shaft and an end effector extending from the elongate shaft, wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The replaceable staple cartridge is configured to be seated in the first jaw, wherein the replaceable staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a cartridge deck, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a sled configured to drive the staples out of the cartridge body during a staple firing stroke. The retainer extends over the cartridge deck. The controller uses the first internal key to decrypt the first set of encrypted information, wherein the controller releases a second internal key if the first set of encrypted information is recognized by the controller, wherein the controller uses the second internal key to decrypt the second set of encrypted information, and wherein the controller prevents the surgical instrument from performing an operational function if at least one of the first set of encrypted information and the second set of encrypted information is unable to be recognized. 
     Example 11. The surgical system of Example 10, wherein the operational function comprises the staple firing stroke. 
     Example 12. The surgical system of Examples 10 or 11, wherein the controller comprises a memory, wherein a set of compatible information is stored in the memory, wherein the controller prevents the surgical instrument from performing the operational function if at least one of the first set of encrypted information and the second set of encrypted information does not correspond to the set of compatible information. 
     Example 13. The surgical system of any one of Examples 10-12, wherein the first RFID tag is positioned on the replaceable staple cartridge. 
     Example 14. The surgical system of any one of Examples 10-13, wherein the second RFID tag is positioned on the retainer. 
     Example 15. The surgical system of any one of Examples 10-14, wherein the RFID scanner is configured to receive the first set of encrypted information in response to a first interrogation signal. 
     Example 16. The surgical system of Example 15, wherein the controller prevents the surgical instrument from performing the staple firing stroke if the RFID scanner does not receive the first set of encrypted information in response to the first interrogation signal. 
     Example 17. The surgical system of Examples 15 or 16, wherein the RFID scanner is configured to receive the second set of encrypted information in response to a second interrogation signal. 
     Example 18. The surgical system of Example 17, wherein the RFID scanner does not transmit the second interrogation signal if the controller is unable to recognize the first set of encrypted information. 
     Example 19. The surgical system of any one of Examples 10-18 further comprising a third RFID tag, wherein the replaceable staple cartridge is stored within a packaging prior to being seated in the first jaw, and wherein the third RFID tag is positioned on the packaging. 
     Example 20. A surgical system comprises a surgical instrument, a replaceable staple cartridge, a retainer releasably attached to the replaceable staple cartridge, an RFID scanner, and a controller comprising a first internal key. The surgical instrument comprises an elongate shaft and an end effector extending from the elongate shaft, wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The replaceable staple cartridge is configured to be seated in the first jaw, wherein the replaceable staple cartridge is stored in a packaging prior to being seated in the first jaw, wherein the packaging comprises a first RFID tag, wherein the first RFID tag comprises a first set of encrypted information, and wherein the replaceable staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a cartridge deck, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, a sled configured to drive the staples out of the cartridge body during a staple firing stroke, and a second RFID tag comprising a second set of encrypted information. The retainer extends over the cartridge deck and comprises a third RFID tag comprising a third set of encrypted information. The RFID scanner is configured to receive the first set of encrypted information, the second set of encrypted information, and the third set of encrypted information. The controller uses the first internal key to decrypt the first set of encrypted information, wherein the controller releases a second internal key if the controller determines that the first set of encrypted information is compatible for use with the surgical system, wherein the controller uses the second internal key to decrypt the second set of encrypted information, wherein the controller releases a third internal key if the controller determines that the second set of encrypted information is compatible for use with the surgical system, wherein the controller uses the third internal key to decrypt the third set of encrypted information, and wherein the surgical instrument is inoperable if at least one of the first set of encrypted information, the second set of encrypted information, and the third set of encrypted information is incompatible for use with the surgical system. 
     Example Set 6 
     Example 1. A surgical system comprises a surgical instrument, an RFID scanner, a controller, and a remote storage system. The surgical instrument comprises an end effector, a replaceable staple cartridge, and a retainer. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The replaceable staple cartridge is configured to be seated in the first jaw, wherein the replaceable staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a cartridge deck, staples removably positioned in the cartridge body, a first RFID tag comprising a first set of information, and a sled comprising a second RFID tag comprising a second set of information, wherein the sled is configured to drive the staples out of the cartridge body during a staple firing stroke. The retainer is removably attached to the replaceable staple cartridge, wherein the retainer is positioned adjacent to the cartridge deck, wherein the retainer comprises a third RFID tag comprising a third set of information, wherein the first set of information, the second set of information, and the third set of information collectively form a unique combination, and wherein the unique combination is representative of the replaceable staple cartridge. The RFID scanner is configured to receive the first set of information, the second set of information, and the third set of information. The controller is in communication with the RFID scanner. The remote storage system comprises a set of compatible combinations, wherein the controller compares the unique combination to the set of compatible combinations to determine if the replaceable staple cartridge is compatible for use with the surgical instrument, and wherein the controller prevents at least one operation of the surgical instrument if the controller determines that the unique combination is not compatible for use with the surgical instrument. 
     Example 2. The surgical system of Example 1, wherein the set of compatible combinations comprises a list of unique combinations associated with replaceable staple cartridges. 
     Example 3. The surgical system of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the set of compatible combinations comprises recall information, wherein the controller prevents the at least one operation of the surgical instrument if at least one of the replaceable staple cartridge and the retainer are recalled. 
     Example 4. The surgical system of any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the at least one operation of the surgical system comprises the staple firing stroke. 
     Example 5. The surgical system of any one of Examples 1-4, wherein the replaceable staple cartridge is stored in a packaging prior to being seated in the first jaw, and wherein the unique combination is displayed on the packaging in an encrypted form. 
     Example 6. The surgical system of Example 5, wherein the remote storage system comprises a decryption protocol configured to decrypt the encrypted form of the unique combination. 
     Example 7. The surgical system of Examples 5 or 6, wherein the encrypted form of the unique combination is printed on the packaging. 
     Example 8. The surgical system of any one of Examples 1-7, wherein the first RFID tag, the second RFID tag, and the third RFID tag comprise encrypted information. 
     Example 9. The surgical system of Example 8, wherein the remote storage system comprises a decryption protocol configured to decrypt the encrypted information comprised on the first RFID tag, the second RFID tag, and the third RFID tag. 
     Example 10. The surgical system of any one of Examples 1-9, wherein the RFID scanner is configured to receive the first set of information in response to a first interrogation signal. 
     Example 11. The surgical system of any one of Examples 1-10, wherein the controller is positioned on the surgical instrument. 
     Example 12. The surgical system of any one of Examples 1-10, wherein the controller is positioned remotely with respect to the surgical instrument. 
     Example 13. A surgical system comprises a surgical instrument, a replaceable staple cartridge, a retainer, a first RFID tag, a second RFID tag, a third RFID tag, an RFID scanner, a controller, and a remote storage system. The replaceable staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a cartridge deck, staples removably positioned in the cartridge body, and a sled configured to drive the staples out of the cartridge body during a staple firing stroke. The retainer is removably attached to the replaceable staple cartridge, wherein the retainer is positioned adjacent to the cartridge deck. The first RFID tag comprises a first set of information, the second RFID tag comprises a second set of information, and the third RFID tag comprises a third set of information, wherein the first set of information, the second set of information, and the third set of information collectively form a unique combination. The RFID scanner is configured to receive the first set of information, the second set of information, and the third set of information. The controller is in communication with the RFID scanner. The remote storage system comprises a set of compatible combinations, wherein the controller compares the unique combination to the set of compatible combinations to determine if the replaceable staple cartridge is compatible for use with the surgical system, and wherein the controller prevents at least one operation of the surgical system if the controller determines that the replaceable staple cartridge is not compatible for use with the surgical system. 
     Example 14. The surgical system of Example 13, wherein the set of compatible combinations comprises a list of unique combinations associated with individual replaceable staple cartridges. 
     Example 15. The surgical system of Examples 13 or 14, wherein the set of compatible combinations comprises recall information, wherein the controller prevents the at least one operation of the surgical instrument if the replaceable staple cartridge is recalled. 
     Example 16. The surgical system of any one of Examples 13-15, wherein the at least one operation of the surgical system comprises the staple firing stroke. 
     Example 17. The surgical system of any one of Examples 13-16, wherein the replaceable staple cartridge is stored in a packaging prior to being seated in a first jaw of the surgical instrument, and wherein the unique combination is displayed on the packaging in an encrypted form. 
     Example 18. The surgical system of any one of Examples 13-17, wherein the first RFID tag, the second RFID tag, and the third RFID tag comprise encrypted information. 
     Example 19. The surgical system of Example 18, wherein the remote storage system comprises a decryption protocol configured to decrypt the encrypted information comprised on the first RFID tag, the second RFID tag, and the third RFID tag. 
     Example 20. A surgical system comprises a surgical instrument, a replaceable staple cartridge, an RFID scanner, a controller, and a remote storage system. The replaceable staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a cartridge deck, staples removably positioned in the cartridge body, a first RFID tag comprising a first set of encrypted information, and a sled comprising a second RFID tag comprising a second set of encrypted information, wherein the sled is configured to drive the staples out of the cartridge body during a staple firing stroke, wherein the first set of encrypted information and the second set of encrypted information collectively form a unique combination, and wherein the unique combination is representative of the replaceable staple cartridge. The RFID scanner is configured to receive the first set of encrypted information and the second set of encrypted information. The controller is in communication with the RFID scanner. The remote storage system comprises a decryption protocol and a set of compatible combinations, wherein the remote storage system decrypts the unique combination and compares the decrypted unique combination to the set of compatible combinations to determine if the replaceable staple cartridge is compatible for use with the surgical instrument, and wherein the controller prevents at least one operation of the surgical instrument if the controller determines that the replaceable staple cartridge is not compatible for use with the surgical instrument. 
     Example Set 7 
     Example 1. A surgical stapling instrument comprises an elongate shaft, an end effector, a replaceable staple cartridge, an RFID scanner, a controller, a lockout member, and a solenoid. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The replaceable staple cartridge is configured to be seated in the first jaw, wherein the replaceable staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a cartridge deck, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, a sled configured to drive the staples out of the cartridge body during a staple firing stroke, wherein the sled comprises a proximal portion, and an RFID tag comprising stored information. The RFID scanner is configured to communicate with the RFID tag as the replaceable staple cartridge is being seated in the first jaw. The lockout member comprises a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the lockout member contacts the proximal portion of the sled as the replaceable staple cartridge is seated in the first jaw. The solenoid is configurable in an active configuration and an inactive configuration, wherein the solenoid comprises a housing, a bolt, a resilient member, and an inductive coil, wherein the controller places the solenoid in the active configuration when the controller determines the replaceable staple cartridge is compatible for use with the surgical stapling instrument, wherein the bolt and the resilient member are positioned entirely within the housing when the solenoid is in the active configuration, wherein the controller places the solenoid in the inactive configuration when the RFID scanner receives a signal from the RFID tag indicative that the replaceable staple cartridge is incompatible for use with the surgical stapling instrument, wherein a portion of the bolt extends outside of the housing when the solenoid is in the inactive configuration, wherein the portion of the bolt prevents proximal movement of the lockout member when the solenoid is in the inactive configuration, and wherein the lockout member pushes the sled distally as the replaceable staple cartridge is seated in the first jaw and the solenoid is in the inactive configuration. 
     Example 2. The surgical stapling instrument of Example 1, wherein the surgical stapling instrument is unable to perform the stapling firing stroke when the controller determines that the replaceable staple cartridge is incompatible with the surgical stapling instrument. 
     Example 3. The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 1 or 2, wherein distal movement of the sled caused by the lockout member prevents the surgical stapling instrument from performing the staple firing stroke. 
     Example 4. The surgical stapling instrument of any one of Examples 1-3, further comprising a firing member configured to translate the sled along a firing path during the staple firing stroke. 
     Example 5. The surgical stapling instrument of Example 4, wherein the proximal end of the lockout member comprises a lateral projection, wherein a portion of the lateral projection engages the firing member. 
     Example 6. The surgical stapling instrument of any one of Examples 1-5, wherein channels are defined within the cartridge body, and wherein the distal end of the lockout member is sized to be received within one of the channels. 
     Example 7. The surgical stapling instrument of any one of Examples 1-6, wherein the solenoid is in the inactive configuration until a compatible staple cartridge is detected by the controller. 
     Example 8. The surgical stapling instrument of any one of Examples 1-7, wherein the solenoid is in the inactive configuration when the replaceable staple cartridge is not seated in the first jaw. 
     Example 9. The surgical stapling instrument of any one of Examples 1-8, further comprising an electric motor and a power source, wherein the power source is prevented from supplying power to the electric motor when the solenoid is in the inactive configuration. 
     Example 10. A surgical instrument comprises an elongate shaft, an end effector, a replaceable staple cartridge, an RFID scanner, a controller, a lockout member, and a blocking bolt system. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The replaceable staple cartridge is configured to be seated in the first jaw, wherein the replaceable staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a cartridge deck, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, a sled configured to drive the staples out of the cartridge body during a staple firing stroke, wherein the sled comprises a proximal portion, and an RFID tag comprising stored information. The RFID scanner is configured to communicate with the RFID tag as the replaceable staple cartridge is being seated in the first jaw. The lockout member comprises a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the lockout member contacts the proximal portion of the sled as the replaceable staple cartridge is seated in the first jaw, wherein the lockout member is configured to translate proximally along a path when the controller determines that the replaceable staple cartridge is compatible for use with the surgical instrument. The blocking bolt system comprises a housing, a bolt, a resilient member, and an inductive coil, wherein the controller places the blocking bolt system in an active configuration when the controller determines that the replaceable staple cartridge is compatible for use with the surgical instrument, wherein the bolt is positioned outside of the path of the lockout member when the blocking bolt system is in the active configuration, wherein the controller places the blocking bolt system in an inactive configuration when the controller determines that the replaceable staple cartridge is incompatible for use with the surgical instrument, wherein the bolt is positioned within the path of the lockout member when the blocking bolt system is in the inactive configuration, wherein the bolt prevents the proximal translation of the lockout member when the blocking bolt system is in the inactive configuration, and wherein the lockout member pushes the sled distally as the replaceable staple cartridge is seated in the first jaw and the blocking bolt system is in the inactive configuration. 
     Example 11. The surgical instrument of Example 10, wherein the controller determines that the replaceable staple cartridge is incompatible for use with the surgical instrument when the RFID scanner fails to receive a signal from the RFID tag. 
     Example 12. The surgical instrument of Example 10, wherein the controller determines that the replaceable staple cartridge is incompatible for use with the surgical instrument when the RFID scanner receives a signal from the RFID tag comprising data representative of an incompatible staple cartridge. 
     Example 13. The surgical instrument of Example 12, wherein the incompatible staple cartridge comprises a spent staple cartridge. 
     Example 14. The surgical instrument of any one of Examples 10-13, wherein the surgical instrument is unable to perform the stapling firing stroke when the controller determines that the replaceable staple cartridge is incompatible with the stapling instrument. 
     Example 15. The surgical instrument of any one of Examples 10-14, wherein distal movement of the sled caused by the lockout member prevents the surgical instrument from performing the staple firing stroke. 
     Example 16. The surgical instrument of any one of Examples 10-15, further comprising a firing member configured to translate the sled along a firing path during the staple firing stroke, wherein the proximal end of the lockout member comprises a lateral projection, and wherein a portion of the lateral projection engages the firing member. 
     Example 17. The surgical instrument of any one of Examples 10-16, wherein channels are defined within the cartridge body, and wherein the distal end of the lockout member is sized to be received within one of the channels. 
     Example 18. The surgical instrument of any one of Examples 10 or 12-17, wherein the RFID scanner transmits an interrogation signal to the RFID tag, and wherein the blocking bolt system is in the inactive configuration when the RFID scanner fails to receive a response signal to the interrogation signal. 
     Example 19. The surgical instrument of any one of Examples 10-18, further comprising an electric motor and a power source, wherein the power source is prevented from supplying power to the electric motor when the blocking bolt system is in the inactive configuration. 
     Example 20. A replaceable staple cartridge for use with a surgical instrument, wherein the replaceable staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a cartridge deck, staples removably positioned within the cartridge body, a sled configured to drive the staples out of the cartridge body during a staple firing stroke, and an RFID tag comprising stored information, wherein the RFID tag is in communication with an RFID scanner of the surgical instrument as the replaceable staple cartridge is being attached to the surgical instrument, wherein the sled is advanced distally within the replaceable staple cartridge when a controller of the surgical instrument determines that the replaceable staple cartridge is incompatible for use with the surgical instrument, and wherein the controller prevents the surgical instrument from performing the staple firing stroke when the determined incompatible staple cartridge is attached to the surgical instrument. 
     Example Set 8 
     Example 1. A surgical system comprises a surgical instrument comprising an end effector, a replaceable staple cartridge, an RFID tag, an RFID scanner, and a controller. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The replaceable staple cartridge is configured to be seated in the first jaw, wherein the replaceable staple cartridge comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a cartridge body comprising a cartridge deck, an elongate slot extending from the proximal end toward the distal end, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a sled configured to translate along the elongate slot and drive the staples out of the cartridge body during a staple firing stroke. The RFID tag comprises stored information, wherein the RFID tag is inoperable after a predefined action of the surgical instrument. The RFID scanner is configured to transmit a first signal to the RFID tag, wherein the RFID scanner is configured to receive a second signal from the RFID tag in response to the first signal. The controller prevents at least one operation of the surgical instrument when the RFID scanner does not receive the second signal from the RFID tag in response to the first signal. 
     Example 2. The surgical system of Example 1, wherein the at least one operation of the surgical instrument comprises the staple firing stroke. 
     Example 3. The surgical system of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the predefined action of the surgical instrument comprises commencement of the staple firing stroke. 
     Example 4. The surgical system of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the predefined action of the surgical instrument comprises distal movement of the sled. 
     Example 5. The surgical system of any one of Examples 1-4, wherein the controller prevents the at least one operation of the surgical instrument when the controller determines that the stored information of the second signal corresponds to an incompatible replaceable staple cartridge. 
     Example 6. The surgical system of any one of Examples 1-5, wherein the RFID tag comprises a portion that traverses the elongate slot, wherein the sled transects the portion during the staple firing stroke, and wherein the RFID tag is unable to communicate with the RFID scanner after the portion is transected. 
     Example 7. The surgical system of any one of Examples 1-6, wherein the RFID scanner is configured to transmit a third signal to the RFID tag, wherein the third signal is transmitted at a power level that exceeds a threshold power level of the RFID tag, and wherein the third signal renders the RFID tag inoperable. 
     Example 8. The surgical system of Example 7, wherein at least a portion of the RFID tag melts in response to the third signal. 
     Example 9. The surgical system of any one of Examples 1-8, further comprising a retainer releasably attached to the replaceable staple cartridge, wherein the retainer extends along the cartridge deck, wherein the RFID tag is positioned on the retainer, and wherein the RFID tag is rendered inoperable as the retainer is removed from the replaceable staple cartridge. 
     Example 10. The surgical system of Example 9, wherein the RFID tag is physically destroyed as the retainer is removed from the replaceable staple cartridge. 
     Example 11. A replaceable staple cartridge for use with a surgical instrument, wherein the replaceable staple cartridge comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a cartridge body comprising a cartridge deck, an elongate slot extending from the proximal end toward the distal end, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, a sled configured to translate along the elongate slot and drive the staples out of the cartridge body during a staple firing stroke, an RFID tag comprising stored information relevant to the replaceable staple cartridge, wherein the RFID tag is rendered inoperable after a predefined action of the surgical instrument, and an RFID scanner in communication with a controller of the surgical instrument, wherein the RFID scanner transmits a first signal to the RFID tag, wherein the RFID scanner is configured to receive a second signal from the RFID tag in response to the first signal, wherein the controller prevents at least one operation of the surgical instrument when the RFID tag is inoperable. 
     Example 12. The replaceable staple cartridge of Example 11, wherein the RFID tag comprises a first antenna comprising a first communication range, wherein the RFID scanner is positioned outside the first communication range. 
     Example 13. The replaceable staple cartridge of Example 12, further comprising a second antenna comprising a second communication range, wherein the second antenna is in communication with the RFID tag, and wherein the RFID scanner is positioned within the second communication range. 
     Example 14. The replaceable staple cartridge of Example 13, wherein a portion of the second antenna traverses a proximal portion of the elongate slot, wherein the sled destroys the portion of the second antenna as the sled translates distally through the elongate slot, and wherein the RFID tag is unable to communicate with the RFID scanner after the portion of the second antenna is destroyed. 
     Example 15. The replaceable staple cartridge of any one of Examples 11-14, further comprising a retainer, wherein the retainer is replaceably attached to the cartridge body, wherein the retainer extends along the cartridge deck, and wherein the RFID tag is rendered inoperable as the retainer is removed from the replaceable staple cartridge. 
     Example 16. The replaceable staple cartridge of any one of Examples 11-15, wherein the at least one operation of the surgical instrument comprises the staple firing stroke. 
     Example 17. The replaceable staple cartridge of any one of Examples 11-16, wherein the predefined action of the surgical instrument comprises commencement of the staple firing stroke. 
     Example 18. The replaceable staple cartridge of any one of Examples 11-16, wherein the predefined action of the surgical instrument comprises distal movement of the sled. 
     Example 19. The replaceable staple cartridge of any one of Examples 11-18, wherein the controller of the surgical instrument prevents the at least one operation of the surgical instrument when the controller determines that the stored information of the second signal corresponds to an incompatible replaceable staple cartridge. 
     Example 20. A surgical system comprises a surgical instrument, a replaceable staple cartridge, an RFID tag, an RFID scanner, and a controller. The surgical instrument comprises an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The replaceable staple cartridge is configured to be seated in the first jaw, wherein the replaceable staple cartridge comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a cartridge body comprising a cartridge deck, an elongate slot extending from the proximal end toward the distal end, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a sled configured to translate along the elongate slot and drive the staples out of the cartridge body during a staple firing stroke. The RFID tag is inoperable after a predefined action of the surgical instrument. The RFID scanner is configured to transmit a first signal to the RFID tag, wherein the RFID scanner is configured to receive a second signal from the RFID tag in response to the first signal. The controller prevents at least one operation of the surgical instrument when the controller determines that the second signal comprises information corresponding to an incompatible replaceable staple cartridge. 
     Example Set 9 
     Example 1. A replaceable staple cartridge for use with a surgical instrument, wherein the replaceable staple cartridge is stored in a packaging prior to being attached to the surgical instrument, wherein the packaging comprises a first layer, a second layer, and an RFID system. The first layer and the second layer form a seal around the replaceable staple cartridge. The RFID system comprises an RFID tag and an insulator. The RFID tag is attached to the first layer, wherein the RFID tag comprises an integrated battery, a tag antenna, and an RFID chip comprising stored information. The insulator is attached to the second layer, wherein the insulator electrically decouples the integrated battery from the RFID chip, wherein the insulator is configured to detach from the integrated battery when the seal is broken between the first layer and the second layer, and wherein the RFID tag becomes active and transmits the stored information to an RFID scanner of the surgical instrument when the insulator is detached from the integrated battery. 
     Example 2. The replaceable staple cartridge of Example 1, wherein a controller of the surgical instrument compares the transmitted stored information from the RFID tag to a set of compatible information, and wherein the controller prevents the surgical instrument from performing at least one function if the transmitted stored information is not found in the set of compatible information. 
     Example 3. The replaceable staple cartridge of Example 2, wherein the at least one function of the surgical instrument comprises a staple firing stroke. 
     Example 4. The replaceable staple cartridge of Example 1, wherein a controller of the surgical instrument prevents the surgical instrument from performing at least one function if the controller does not recognize the transmitted stored information from the RFID tag. 
     Example 5. The replaceable staple cartridge of Example 4, wherein the at least one function of the surgical instrument comprises a staple firing stroke. 
     Example 6. The replaceable staple cartridge of any one of Examples 1-5, wherein the RFID tag is configured to continuously transmit the stored information when the insulator is detached from the integrated battery. 
     Example 7. The replaceable staple cartridge of any one of Examples 1-6, wherein the RFID tag comprises encrypted information. 
     Example 8. The replaceable staple cartridge of any one of Examples 1-7, wherein the RFID tag is positioned within an ionizing radiation proof barrier, and wherein the RFID tag is gamma sterilization resistant. 
     Example 9. The replaceable staple cartridge of any one of Examples 1-8, wherein the stored information of the RFID chip comprises an expiration date, and wherein a controller of the surgical instrument prevents the surgical instrument from performing at least one function if the controller determines that the replaceable staple cartridge is expired. 
     Example 10. A replaceable staple cartridge for use with a surgical instrument, wherein the replaceable staple cartridge is stored in a packaging prior to being attached to the surgical instrument, wherein the packaging comprises a first layer, a second layer, an RFID tag, and an insulator. The replaceable staple cartridge is positioned in between the first layer and the second layer. The RFID tag comprises a battery, a tag antenna, and an RFID chip comprising stored information. The insulator electrically decouples the battery from the RFID chip when the first layer is pulled apart from the second layer, and wherein the RFID tag becomes active and transmits the stored information to an RFID scanner of the surgical instrument when the insulator is decoupled from the battery. 
     Example 11. The replaceable staple cartridge of Example 10, wherein a controller of the surgical instrument compares the transmitted stored information from the RFID tag to a set of compatible information, and wherein the controller prevents the surgical instrument from performing at least one function if the transmitted stored information is not found in the set of compatible information. 
     Example 12. The replaceable staple cartridge of Example 11, wherein the at least one function of the surgical instrument comprises a staple firing stroke. 
     Example 13. The replaceable staple cartridge of Example 10, wherein a controller of the surgical instrument prevents the surgical instrument from performing at least one function if the controller does not recognize the transmitted stored information from the RFID tag. 
     Example 14. The replaceable staple cartridge of Example 13, wherein the at least one function of the surgical instrument comprises a staple firing stroke. 
     Example 15. The replaceable staple cartridge of any one of Examples 10-14, wherein the RFID tag is configured to continuously transmit the stored information when the insulator is detached from the battery. 
     Example 16. The replaceable staple cartridge of any one of Examples 10-15, wherein the RFID tag comprises encrypted information. 
     Example 17. The replaceable staple cartridge of any one of Examples 10-16, wherein the RFID tag is positioned within an ionizing radiation proof barrier, and wherein the RFID tag is gamma sterilization resistant. 
     Example 18. The replaceable staple cartridge of any one of Examples 10-17, wherein the stored information of the RFID chip comprises an expiration date, and wherein a controller of the surgical instrument prevents the surgical instrument from performing at least one function if the controller determines that the replaceable staple cartridge is expired. 
     Example 19. A replaceable staple cartridge for use with a surgical instrument, wherein the replaceable staple cartridge is stored in a packaging prior to being attached to the surgical instrument, wherein the packaging comprises a first layer, a second layer, an RFID tag, and an insulator. The first layer and the second layer form a seal around the replaceable staple cartridge. The RFID tag is attached to the replaceable staple cartridge, wherein the RFID tag comprises an integrated power source, a tag antenna, and an RFID chip comprising stored information. The insulator is attached to the second layer of the packaging, wherein the insulator electrically decouples the integrated power source from the RFID chip, wherein the insulator is configured to detach from the integrated power source when the first layer is removed from the second layer, and wherein the RFID tag becomes active and transmits the stored information to an RFID scanner of the surgical instrument when the insulator is detached from the integrated power source. 
     Example 20. The replaceable staple cartridge of Example 19, wherein a controller of the surgical instrument compares the transmitted stored information from the RFID tag to a set of compatible information, and wherein the controller prevents the surgical instrument from performing at least one function if the transmitted information is not found in the set of compatible information. 
     Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are motivated by an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated in any suitable manner. In various instances, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated by a manually-operated trigger, for example. In certain instances, the motors disclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a robotically controlled system. Moreover, any of the end effectors and/or tool assemblies disclosed herein can be utilized with a robotic surgical instrument system. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, for example, discloses several examples of a robotic surgical instrument system in greater detail 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.