Patent Publication Number: US-10772629-B2

Title: Surgical anvil arrangements

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various arrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staple cartridges for use therewith that are designed to staple and cut tissue. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various features of the embodiments described herein, together with advantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows: 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a surgical system comprising a handle assembly and multiple interchangeable surgical tool assemblies that may be used therewith; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies of  FIG. 1  operably coupled to the handle assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded assembly view of portions of the handle assembly and interchangeable surgical tool assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another one of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded assembly view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of  FIGS. 4-6 ; 
         FIG. 7A  is an enlarged top view of a portion of an elastic spine assembly of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded assembly view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of  FIGS. 4-7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional perspective view of a surgical end effector portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of  FIGS. 4-8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded assembly view of the surgical end effector portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly depicted in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view, a side elevational view and a front elevational view of a firing member that may be employed in the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of  FIGS. 4-10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an anvil that may be employed in the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of  FIGS. 4-11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the anvil of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom view of the anvil of  FIGS. 12 and 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a portion of a surgical end effector and shaft portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of  FIG. 4  with an unspent surgical staple cartridge properly seated within an elongate channel of the surgical end effector; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the surgical end effector and shaft portion of  FIG. 15  after the surgical staple cartridge has been fired during a staple firing stroke and a firing member being retracted to a starting position after the staple firing stroke; 
         FIG. 17  is another cross-sectional side elevational view of the surgical end effector and shaft portion of  FIG. 16  after the firing member has been fully retracted back to its starting position; 
         FIG. 18  is a top cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector and shaft portion depicted in  FIG. 15  with the unspent surgical staple cartridge properly seated with the elongate channel of the surgical end effector; 
         FIG. 19  is another top cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector of  FIG. 15  with a fired surgical staple cartridge mounted therein illustrating the firing member retained in a locked position; 
         FIG. 20  is a partial cross-sectional view of portions of the anvil and elongate channel of the interchangeable tool assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 21  is an exploded side elevational view of portions of the anvil and elongate channel of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a rear perspective view of an anvil mounting portion of an anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 23  is a rear perspective view of an anvil mounting portion of another anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 24  is a rear perspective view of an anvil mounting portion of another anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 26  is an exploded perspective view of the anvil of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional end view of the anvil of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of another anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 29  is an exploded perspective view of the anvil embodiment of  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a top view of a distal end portion of an anvil body portion of the anvil of  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a top view of a distal end portion of an anvil body portion of another anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 32  is a cross-sectional end perspective view of the anvil of  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional end perspective view of another anvil in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 34  provides a comparison between a first embodiment of an anvil and a second embodiment of an anvil; 
         FIG. 35  is a cross-sectional view of an end effector comprising the second anvil embodiment of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a partial cross-sectional view of the first anvil embodiment of  FIG. 34  and a firing member configured to engage the first anvil embodiment; 
         FIG. 37  is a partial elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 38  is an illustration depicting stress concentrations in the first anvil embodiment of  FIG. 34  and the firing member of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 39  is an another illustration depicting stress concentrations in the firing member of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 40  is a perspective view of a firing member in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 41  is a side elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 42  is a front elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 43  is a partial perspective view of a firing member in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 44  is a partial side elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 43 ; 
         FIG. 45  is a partial front elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 43 ; 
         FIG. 46  is a partial perspective view of a firing member in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 47  is a partial side elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 46 ; 
         FIG. 48  is a partial front elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 46 ; 
         FIG. 49  is a partial perspective view of a firing member in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 50  is a partial side elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 49 ; 
         FIG. 51  is a partial front elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 49 ; 
         FIG. 52  is a partial perspective view of a firing member in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 53  is a partial side elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 54  is a partial front elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 55  is a partial perspective view of a firing member in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 56  is a partial side elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 55 ; 
         FIG. 57  is a partial front elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 55 ; 
         FIG. 58  is a partial perspective view of a firing member in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 59  is a partial side elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 58 ; 
         FIG. 60  is a partial front elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 58 ; 
         FIG. 61  is a partial perspective view of a firing member in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 62  is a partial side elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 61 ; 
         FIG. 63  is a partial front elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 61 ; 
         FIG. 64  is a partial perspective view of a firing member in accordance with at least one embodiment; 
         FIG. 65  is a partial side elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 64 ; 
         FIG. 66  is another partial perspective view of the firing member of  FIG. 64 ; 
         FIG. 67  is a partial front elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 64 ; 
         FIG. 68  is a schematic depicting the energy needed to advance firing members disclosed herein through staple firing strokes; 
         FIG. 69  is a detail view of a lateral projection extending from the firing member of  FIG. 43  schematically illustrating the interaction between the lateral projection and an anvil in a flexed condition; 
         FIG. 70  is a detail view of a lateral projection extending from the firing member of  FIG. 58  schematically illustrating the interaction between the lateral projection and an anvil in a flexed condition; 
         FIG. 71  is a detail view of a lateral projection extending from the firing member of  FIG. 58  schematically illustrating the interaction between the lateral projection and an anvil another flexed condition; 
         FIG. 72  is a perspective view of an anvil of a surgical stapling instrument comprising an anvil body and an anvil cap; 
         FIG. 73  is an exploded view of the anvil of  FIG. 72 ; 
         FIG. 74  is a partial, cross-sectional view of a welded, anvil comprising vertical welding surfaces; 
         FIG. 75  is a partial, cross-sectional view of a welded, anvil comprising horizontal welding surfaces; 
         FIG. 76  is a partial, cross-sectional view of a welded, anvil comprising angular welding surfaces; 
         FIG. 77  is a cross-sectional view an anvil comprising an anvil body and an anvil cap, wherein the anvil body and the anvil cap are welded to each other; 
         FIG. 78  is a micrograph of a surgical stapling anvil comprising a first anvil member and a second anvil member, wherein the first anvil member and the second anvil member are welded to each other; 
         FIG. 79  is a cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling anvil comprising an anvil body and an anvil cap; 
         FIG. 80  is a chart representing four different surgical stapling anvil arrangements subject to two different load scenarios comprising deflection and stress data for a first scenario and stress data for a second scenario; 
         FIG. 81  is a perspective view of an anvil comprising a first anvil member and a second anvil member, wherein the anvil members comprise a weld configuration configured to increase overall weld depth; 
         FIG. 82  is a cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling anvil of  FIG. 81  prior to welding taken along line  82 - 82  in  FIG. 81 ; 
         FIG. 83  is a cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling anvil of  FIG. 81  after welding taken along line  83 - 83  in  FIG. 81 ; 
         FIG. 84  is a cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling anvil comprising a first anvil member and a second anvil member welded to each other; 
         FIG. 85  is a partial cross-sectional, partially exploded view of the surgical stapling anvil of  FIG. 84 ; 
         FIG. 86  is a cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling anvil comprising a first anvil member and a second anvil member welded to each other, wherein the anvil members comprise interlocking features; 
         FIG. 87  is a cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling anvil comprising a first anvil member and a second anvil member welded to each other, wherein the anvil members comprise interlocking features; 
         FIG. 88  is a perspective view of an end effector assembly illustrated in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 89  is a perspective view of the end effector assembly of  FIG. 88  illustrated in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 90  is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector assembly of  FIG. 88  taken along line  90 - 90  in  FIG. 88 ; 
         FIG. 91  is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector assembly of  FIG. 88  taken along line  91 - 91  in  FIG. 89 ; 
         FIG. 92  is a cross-sectional view of the end effector assembly of  FIG. 88  taken along line  92 - 92  in  FIG. 89 ; 
         FIG. 93  is a perspective view of a staple cartridge channel comprising a channel body and a channel cap welded thereto; 
         FIG. 94  is an exploded view of the staple cartridge channel of  FIG. 93 ; 
         FIG. 95  is a cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge channel comprising a first channel member and a second channel member welded to each other; 
         FIG. 96  is a perspective view of a firing member for use with a surgical instrument, wherein the firing member comprises a first jaw-coupling member and a second jaw-coupling member; 
         FIG. 97  is a perspective view of another firing member for use with a surgical instrument, wherein the firing member comprises a first jaw-coupling member and a second jaw-coupling member; 
         FIG. 98  is a front view of the firing member of  FIG. 96 ; 
         FIG. 99  is an elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 96 ; 
         FIG. 100  is a front view of the firing member of  FIG. 97 ; 
         FIG. 101  is an elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 97 ; 
         FIG. 102  is a partial elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 96 ; 
         FIG. 103  is a partial elevational view of the firing member of  FIG. 97 ; 
         FIG. 104  is a cross-sectional view of a stapling system comprising the firing member of  FIG. 97 ; 
         FIG. 105  is a cross-sectional view of a stapling system comprising the firing member of  FIG. 96 ; 
         FIG. 106  is a partial cross-sectional view of an anvil and the firing member of the stapling system of  FIG. 105 ; 
         FIG. 107  is a partial cross-sectional view of an anvil and the firing member of the stapling system of  FIG. 104 ; and 
         FIG. 108  is a stress analysis of the anvil of the stapling system of  FIG. 105 . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate various 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. 27, 2017 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:
         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,024, entitled SURGICAL ANVIL MANUFACTURING METHODS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0368839;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,046, entitled SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0368841;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,054, entitled SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0368842;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,068, entitled SURGICAL FIRING MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0368843;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,076, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0368844;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,090, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0368845;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,099, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ANVILS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0368846;   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,117, entitled ARTICULATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0368847;       

     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,185, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,230, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,221, entitled LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,209, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,198, entitled LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,240, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,939, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,941, entitled SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,943, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,950, entitled SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,945, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,946, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,951, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,953, entitled METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,954, entitled FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,955, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,948, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,956, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,958, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,947, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,896, entitled METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,898, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,899, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,901, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,902, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,904, entitled STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,905, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,907, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,908, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,909, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,920, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,913, entitled ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914, entitled METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,893, entitled BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,929, entitled CLOSURE MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,927, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,917, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,900, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,931, entitled NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,915, entitled FIRING MEMBER PIN ANGLE; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,897, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET 
     ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,922, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,924, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,912, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT A FIXED AXIS AND INCLUDE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,910, entitled ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,906, entitled FIRING MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,188, entitled STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,192, entitled STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,206, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,226, entitled DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,222, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,236, entitled CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,887, entitled METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,889, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,890, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,891, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,892, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,894, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,895, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,916, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,918, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,919, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,921, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,923, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,925, entitled JAW ACTUATED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF A FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNLESS AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,926, entitled AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,928, entitled PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOVABLE JAW AND ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,930, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,932, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,933, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,934, entitled ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,935, entitled LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,936, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,775, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,807, entitled STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,834, entitled STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,788, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,818, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties: 
     U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,218, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER; 
     U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,227, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER; 
     U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,259, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE; and 
     U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,264, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 1, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325, entitled METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,321, entitled MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,326, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,263, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,262, entitled ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,296, entitled INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,258, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,300, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,210, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,324, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,339, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,253, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,304, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,331, entitled ANVIL MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,336, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,312, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,309, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,349, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL. 
     Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. Patent Applications identified below which were filed on Dec. 31, 2015 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,488, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,525, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS. 
     Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. Patent Applications identified below which were filed on Feb. 9, 2016 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,206, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATION SYSTEMS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS. 
     Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. Patent Applications identified below which were filed on Feb. 12, 2016 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,254, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,259, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,275, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Jun. 18, 2015 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367256; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367248; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,914, entitled MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367255; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,900, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367254; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885, entitled DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367246; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876, entitled PUSH/PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367245. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 6, 2015 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,746, entitled POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256184; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,795, entitled MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/02561185; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832, entitled ADAPTIVE TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256154; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935, entitled OVERLAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256071; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,831, entitled MONITORING SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256153; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859, entitled TIME DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256187; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,817, entitled INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256186; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844, entitled CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256155; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,837, entitled SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256163; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765, entitled SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256160; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,799, entitled SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256162; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256161. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Feb. 27, 2015, and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249919; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249915; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,560, entitled SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249910; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,566, entitled CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249918; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555, entitled SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249916; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542, entitled REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249908; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548, entitled POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249909; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,526, entitled ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249945; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,541, entitled MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249927; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,562, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249917. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Dec. 18, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174977; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174969; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,139, entitled DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174978; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,148, entitled LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174976; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,130, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174972; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,143, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174983; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174975; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,154, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174973; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174970; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,500, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174971. 
     Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 1, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246471; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323, entitled ROTARY POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246472; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338, entitled THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0249557; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,499, entitled ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,358,003; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460, entitled MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,554,794; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358, entitled JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,326,767; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481, entitled SENSOR STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,438; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518, entitled CONTROL METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375, entitled ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,398,911; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,986. 
     Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 14, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263542; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,193, entitled CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,332,987; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053, entitled INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263564; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210, entitled SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263538; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148, entitled MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263554; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066, entitled DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,623; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117, entitled ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,726; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,130, entitled DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,727; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0277017. 
     Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent application that was filed on Mar. 7, 2014 and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111, entitled CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,629. 
     Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 26, 2014 and are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106, entitled POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272582; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,099, entitled STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272581; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094, entitled VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272580; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117, entitled POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272574; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,075, entitled MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272579; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,093, entitled FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272569; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,116, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272571; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,071, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272578; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,097, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272570; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,126, entitled INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272572; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133, entitled MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272557; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,081, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0277471; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,076, entitled POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280424; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272583; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280384. 
     Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Sep. 5, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,103, entitled CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066912; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,119, entitled ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066914; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,908, entitled MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066910; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,895, entitled MULTIPLE SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR&#39;S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066909; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110, entitled POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066915; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,098, entitled SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066911; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,115, entitled MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066916; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,108, entitled LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066913. 
     Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 9, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590, entitled MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305987; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,649,110; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,595, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305988; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,588, entitled POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309666; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,591, entitled TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305991; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,584, entitled MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305994; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,587, entitled POWERED SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309665; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586, entitled DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305990; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,607, entitled MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305992. 
     Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 16, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety: 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,365, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,376, entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,382, entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,385, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL; and 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,372, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR. 
     Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and illustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. 
     The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. 
     The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician and the term “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute. 
     Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures and applications including, for example, in connection with open surgical procedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, the reader will further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. The working portions or end effector portions of the instruments can be inserted directly into a patient&#39;s body or can be inserted through an access device that has a working channel through which the end effector and elongate shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced. 
     A surgical stapling system can comprise a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which a staple cartridge is not removable from, or at least readily replaceable from, the first jaw. The second jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system further comprises an articulation joint configured to permit the end effector to be rotated, or articulated, relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments are envisioned which do not include an articulation joint. 
     The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck. Thereafter, staples removably stored in the cartridge body can be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein wherein staples are removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of a longitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple cavities and staples may be possible. 
     The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between a first, or unfired position, and a second, or fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cavities. The drivers are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer which extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient members configured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer to the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between their unfired positions and their fired positions by a sled. The sled is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled comprises a plurality of ramped surfaces configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, and the staples supported thereon, toward the anvil. 
     Further to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled toward the distal end. The longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member further comprises a first cam which engages the first jaw and a second cam which engages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, the first cam and the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap, between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firing member also comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue captured intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for the knife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the ramped surfaces such that the staples are ejected ahead of the knife. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a motor-driven surgical system  10  that may be used to perform a variety of different surgical procedures. As can be seen in that Figure, one example of the surgical system  10  includes four interchangeable surgical tool assemblies  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and  1000  that are each adapted for interchangeable use with a handle assembly  500 . Each interchangeable surgical tool assembly  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and  1000  may be designed for use in connection with the performance of one or more specific surgical procedures. In another surgical system embodiment, the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies may be effectively employed with a tool drive assembly of a robotically controlled or automated surgical system. For example, the surgical tool assemblies disclosed herein may be employed with various robotic systems, instruments, components and methods such as, but not limited to, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates one form of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly  100  that is operably coupled to the handle assembly  500 .  FIG. 3  illustrates attachment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  100  to the handle assembly  500 . The attachment arrangement and process depicted in  FIG. 3  may also be employed in connection with attachment of any of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and  1000  to a tool drive portion or tool drive housing of a robotic system. The handle assembly  500  may comprise a handle housing  502  that includes a pistol grip portion  504  that can be gripped and manipulated by the clinician. As will be briefly discussed below, the handle assembly  500  operably supports a plurality of drive systems that are configured to generate and apply various control motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and/or  1000  that is operably attached thereto. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the handle assembly  500  may further include a frame  506  that operably supports the plurality of drive systems. For example, the frame  506  can operably support a first or closure drive system, generally designated as  510 , which may be employed to apply closing and opening motions to the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and  1000  that is operably attached or coupled to the handle assembly  500 . In at least one form, the closure drive system  510  may include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger  512  that is pivotally supported by the frame  506 . Such an arrangement enables the closure trigger  512  to be manipulated by a clinician such that, when the clinician grips the pistol grip portion  504  of the handle assembly  500 , the closure trigger  512  may be pivoted from a starting or “unactuated” position to an “actuated” position and more particularly to a fully compressed or fully actuated position. In various forms, the closure drive system  510  further includes a closure linkage assembly  514  that is pivotally coupled to the closure trigger  512  or otherwise operably interfaces therewith. As will be discussed in further detail below, the closure linkage assembly  514  includes a transverse attachment pin  516  that facilitates attachment to a corresponding drive system on the surgical tool assembly. To actuate the closure drive system, the clinician depresses the closure trigger  512  towards the pistol grip portion  504 . As described in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,142, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, the closure drive system is configured to lock the closure trigger  512  into the fully depressed or fully actuated position when the clinician fully depresses the closure trigger  512  to attain the full closure stroke. When the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger  512  to permit the closure trigger  512  to be biased to the unactuated position, the clinician simply activates a closure release button assembly  518  which enables the closure trigger to return to unactuated position. The closure release button  518  may also be configured to interact with various sensors that communicate with a microcontroller  520  in the handle assembly  500  for tracking the position of the closure trigger  512 . Further details concerning the configuration and operation of the closure release button assembly  518  may be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575. 
     In at least one form, the handle assembly  500  and the frame  506  may operably support another drive system referred to herein as a firing drive system  530  that is configured to apply firing motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly that is attached thereto. As was described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, the firing drive system  530  may employ an electric motor (not shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ) that is located in the pistol grip portion  504  of the handle assembly  500 . In various forms, the motor may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum speed 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. The motor may be powered by a power source  522  that in one form may comprise a removable power pack. The power pack may support a plurality of Lithium Ion (“LI”) or other suitable batteries therein. A number of batteries may be connected in series may be used as the power source  522  for the surgical system  10 . In addition, the power source  522  may be replaceable and/or rechargeable. 
     The electric motor is configured to axially drive a longitudinally movable drive member  540  in distal and proximal directions depending upon the polarity of the voltage applied to the motor. For example, when the motor is driven in one rotary direction, the longitudinally movable drive member  540  the will be axially driven in the distal direction “DD”. When the motor is driven in the opposite rotary direction, the longitudinally movable drive member  540  will be axially driven in a proximal direction “PD”. The handle assembly  500  can include a switch  513  which can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor by the power source  522  or otherwise control the motor. The handle assembly  500  can also include a sensor or sensors that are configured to detect the position of the drive member  540  and/or the direction in which the drive member  540  is being moved. Actuation of the motor can be controlled by a firing trigger  532  ( FIG. 1 ) that is pivotally supported on the handle assembly  500 . The firing trigger  532  may be pivoted between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger  532  may be biased into the unactuated position by a spring or other biasing arrangement such that, when the clinician releases the firing trigger  532 , the firing trigger  532  may be pivoted or otherwise returned to the unactuated position by the spring or biasing arrangement. In at least one form, the firing trigger  532  can be positioned “outboard” of the closure trigger  512  as was discussed above. As discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, the handle assembly  500  may be equipped with a firing trigger safety button to prevent inadvertent actuation of the firing trigger  532 . When the closure trigger  512  is in the unactuated position, the safety button is contained in the handle assembly  500  where the clinician cannot readily access the safety button and move it between a safety position preventing actuation of the firing trigger  532  and a firing position wherein the firing trigger  532  may be fired. As the clinician depresses the closure trigger  512 , the safety button and the firing trigger  532  pivot downwardly where they can then be manipulated by the clinician. 
     In at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member  540  may have a rack of teeth formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear arrangement that interfaces with the motor. Further details regarding those features may be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575. In at least one form, the handle assembly  500  also includes a manually-actuatable “bailout” assembly that is configured to enable the clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member  540  should the motor become disabled. The bailout assembly may include a lever or bailout handle assembly that is stored within the handle assembly  500  under a releasable door  550 . The lever is configured to be manually pivoted into ratcheting engagement with the teeth in the drive member  540 . Thus, the clinician can manually retract the drive member  540  by using the bailout handle assembly to ratchet the drive member  5400  in the proximal direction “PD”. 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, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses bailout arrangements that may also be employed with the various surgical tool assemblies disclosed herein. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  100  includes a surgical end effector  110  that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. In one arrangement, the first jaw comprises an elongate channel  112  that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge  116  therein. The second jaw comprises an anvil  114  that is pivotally supported relative to the elongate channel  112 . The interchangeable surgical tool assembly  100  also includes a lockable articulation joint  120  which can be configured to releasably hold the end effector  110  in a desired position relative to a shaft axis SA. Details regarding various constructions and operation of the end effector  110 , the articulation joint  120  and the articulation lock are set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. As can be further seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  100  can include a proximal housing or nozzle  130  and a closure tube assembly  140  which can be utilized to close and/or open the anvil  114  of the end effector  110 . As discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, the closure tube assembly  140  is movably supported on a spine  145  which supports an articulation driver arrangement  147  configured to apply articulation motions to the surgical end effector  110 . The spine  145  is configured to, one, slidably support a firing bar  170  therein and, two, slidably support the closure tube assembly  140  which extends around the spine  145 . In various circumstances, the spine  145  includes a proximal end that is rotatably supported in a chassis  150 . See  FIG. 3 . In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end of the spine  145  is attached to a spine bearing that is configured to be supported within the chassis  150 . Such an arrangement facilitates the rotatable attachment of the spine  145  to the chassis  150  such that the spine  145  may be selectively rotated about a shaft axis SA relative to the chassis  150 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  100  includes a closure shuttle  160  that is slidably supported within the chassis  150  such that the closure shuttle  160  may be axially moved relative to the chassis  150 . As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , the closure shuttle  160  includes a pair of proximally-protruding hooks  162  that are configured to be attached to the attachment pin  516  that is attached to the closure linkage assembly  514  in the handle assembly  500 . A proximal closure tube segment  146  of the closure tube assembly  140  is rotatably coupled to the closure shuttle  160 . Thus, when the hooks  162  are hooked over the pin  516 , actuation of the closure trigger  512  will result in the axial movement of the closure shuttle  160  and, ultimately, the closure tube assembly  140  on the spine  145 . A closure spring may also be journaled on the closure tube assembly  140  and serves to bias the closure tube assembly  140  in the proximal direction “PD” which can serve to pivot the closure trigger  512  into the unactuated position when the shaft assembly  100  is operably coupled to the handle assembly  500 . In use, the closure tube assembly  140  is translated distally (direction DD) to close the anvil  114  in response to the actuation of the closure trigger  512 . The closure tube assembly  140  includes a distal closure tube segment  142  that is pivotally pinned to a distal end of a proximal closure tube segment  146 . The distal closure tube segment  142  is configured to axially move with the proximal closure tube segment  146  relative to the surgical end effector  110 . When the distal end of the distal closure tube segment  142  strikes a proximal surface or ledge  115  on the anvil  114 , the anvil  114  is pivoted closed. Further details concerning the closure of anvil  114  may be found in the aforementioned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541 and will be discussed in further detail below. As was also described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, the anvil  114  is opened by proximally translating the distal closure tube segment  142 . The distal closure tube segment  142  has a horseshoe aperture  143  therein that defines a downwardly extending return tab that cooperates with an anvil tab  117  formed on the proximal end of the anvil  114  to pivot the anvil  114  back to an open position. In the fully open position, the closure tube assembly  140  is in its proximal-most or unactuated position. 
     As was also indicated above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  100  further includes a firing bar  170  that is supported for axial travel within the shaft spine  145 . The firing bar  170  includes an intermediate firing shaft portion that is configured to be attached to a distal cutting portion or knife bar that is configured for axial travel through the surgical end effector  110 . In at least one arrangement, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  100  includes a clutch assembly which can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the articulation driver to the firing bar  170 . Further details regarding the clutch assembly features and operation may be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. As discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, distal movement of the firing bar  170  can move the articulation driver arrangement  147  distally and, correspondingly, proximal movement of the firing bar  170  can move the articulation driver arrangement  147  proximally when the clutch assembly is in its engaged position. When the clutch assembly is in its disengaged position, movement of the firing bar  170  is not transmitted to the articulation driver arrangement  147  and, as a result, the firing bar  170  can move independently of the articulation driver arrangement  147 . The interchangeable surgical tool assembly  100  may also include a slip ring assembly which can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the end effector  110  and/or communicate signals to and/or from the end effector  110 . Further details regarding the slip ring assembly may be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552 is incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the chassis  150  has one or more tapered attachment portions  152  formed thereon that are adapted to be received within corresponding dovetail slots  507  formed within a distal end of the frame  506 . Each dovetail slot  507  may be tapered or, stated another way, may be somewhat V-shaped to seatingly receive the tapered attachment portions  152  therein. As can be further seen in  FIG. 3 , a shaft attachment lug  172  is formed on the proximal end of the firing shaft  170 . When the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  100  is coupled to the handle assembly  500 , the shaft attachment lug  172  is received in a firing shaft attachment cradle  542  formed in the distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member  540 . The interchangeable surgical tool assembly  100  also employs a latch system  180  for releasably latching the shaft assembly  100  to the frame  506  of the handle assembly  500 . In at least one form, the latch system  180  includes a lock member or lock yoke  182  that is movably coupled to the chassis  150 , for example. The lock yoke  182  includes two proximally protruding lock lugs  184  that are configured for releasable engagement with corresponding lock detents or grooves  509  in the distal attachment flange of the frame  506 . In various forms, the lock yoke  182  is biased in the proximal direction by spring or biasing member. Actuation of the lock yoke  182  may be accomplished by a latch button  186  that is slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly that is mounted to the chassis  150 . The latch button  186  may be biased in a proximal direction relative to the lock yoke  182 . As will be discussed in further detail below, the lock yoke  182  may be moved to an unlocked position by biasing the latch button  186  the in distal direction DD which also causes the lock yoke  182  to pivot out of retaining engagement with the distal attachment flange of the frame  506 . When the lock yoke  182  is in retaining engagement with the distal attachment flange of the frame  506 , the lock lugs  184  are retainingly seated within the corresponding lock detents or grooves  509  in the distal end of the frame  506 . Further details concerning the latching system may be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. 
     To attach the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  100  to the handle assembly  500  A clinician may position the chassis  150  of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  100  above or adjacent to the distal end of the frame  506  such that the tapered attachment portions  152  formed on the chassis  150  are aligned with the dovetail slots  507  in the frame  506 . The clinician may then move the surgical tool assembly  100  along an installation axis IA that is perpendicular to the shaft axis SA to seat the tapered attachment portions  152  in operable engagement with the corresponding dovetail receiving slots  507  in the distal end of the frame  506 . In doing so, the shaft attachment lug  172  on the firing shaft  170  will also be seated in the cradle  542  in the longitudinally movable drive member  540  and the portions of pin  516  on the closure link  514  will be seated in the corresponding hooks  162  in the closure shuttle  160 . 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 carry out their intended action, function, and/or procedure. 
     Returning now to  FIG. 1 , the surgical system  10  includes four interchangeable surgical tool assemblies  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and  1000  that may each be effectively employed with the same handle assembly  500  to perform different surgical procedures. The construction of an exemplary form of interchangeable surgical tool assembly  100  was briefly discussed above and is discussed in further detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. Various details regarding interchangeable surgical tool assemblies  200  and  300  may be found in the various U.S. Patent Applications which have been incorporated by reference herein. Various details regarding interchangeable surgical tool assembly  1000  will be discussed in further detail below. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , each of the surgical tool assemblies  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and  1000  includes a pair of jaws wherein at least one of the jaws is movable to capture, manipulate, and/or clamp tissue between the two jaws. The movable jaw is moved between open and closed positions upon the application of closure and opening motions applied thereto from the handle assembly or the robotic or automated surgical system to which the surgical tool assembly is operably coupled. In addition, each of the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assemblies includes a firing member that is configured to cut tissue and fire staples from a staple cartridge that is supported in one of the jaws in response to firing motions applied thereto by the handle assembly or robotic system. Each surgical tool assembly may be uniquely designed to perform a specific procedure, for example, to cut and fasten a particular type of and thickness of tissue within a certain area in the body. The closing, firing and articulation control systems in the handle assembly  500  or robotic system may be configured to generate axial control motions and/or rotary control motions depending upon the type of closing, firing, and articulation system configurations that are employed in the surgical tool assembly. In one arrangement, one of the closure system control components moves axially from an unactuated position to its fully actuated position when a closure control system in the handle assembly or robotic system is fully actuated. The axial distance that the closure tube assembly moves between its unactuated position to its fully actuated position may be referred to herein as its “closure stroke length”. Similarly, one of the firing system control components moves axially from its unactuated position to its fully actuated or fired position when a firing system in the handle assembly or robotic system is fully actuated. The axial distance that the longitudinally movable drive member moves between its unactuated position and its fully fired position may be referred to herein as its “firing stroke length”. For those surgical tool assemblies that employ articulatable end effector arrangements, the handle assembly or robotic system may employ articulation control components that move axially through an “articulation drive stroke length”. In many circumstances, the closure stroke length, the firing stroke length, and the articulation drive stroke length are fixed for a particular handle assembly or robotic system. Thus, each of the surgical tool assemblies must be able to accommodate control movements of the closure, firing, and/or articulation components through each of their entire stroke lengths without placing undue stress on the surgical tool components which might lead to damage the surgical tool assembly. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 4-10 , the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  1000  includes a surgical end effector  1100  that comprises an elongate channel  1102  that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge  1110  therein. The end effector  1100  may further include an anvil  1130  that is pivotally supported relative to the elongate channel  1102 . The interchangeable surgical tool assembly  1000  may further include an articulation joint  1200  and an articulation lock  1210  ( FIGS. 5 and 8-10 ) which can be configured to releasably hold the end effector  1100  in a desired articulated position relative to a shaft axis SA. Details regarding the construction and operation of the articulation lock  1210  may be found in in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Additional details concerning the articulation lock may also be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, filed Feb. 9, 2016, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. As can be seen in  FIG. 7 , the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  1000  can further include a proximal housing or nozzle  1300  comprised of nozzle portions  1302 ,  1304  as well as an actuator wheel portion  1306  that is configured to be coupled to the assembled nozzle portions  1302 ,  1304  by snaps, lugs, and/or screws, for example. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly  1000  can further include a closure tube assembly  1400  which can be utilized to close and/or open the anvil  1130  of the end effector  1100  as will be discussed in further detail below. Primarily referring now to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  1000  can include a spine assembly  1500  which can be configured to support the articulation lock  1210 . The spine assembly  1500  comprises an “elastic” spine or frame member  1510  which will be described in further detail below. A distal end portion  1522  of the elastic spine member  1510  is attached to a distal frame segment  1560  that operably supports the articulation lock  1210  therein. As can be seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the spine assembly  1500  is configured to, one, slidably support a firing member assembly  1600  therein and, two, slidably support the closure tube assembly  1400  which extends around the spine assembly  1500 . The spine assembly  1500  can also be configured to slidably support a proximal articulation driver  1700 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 10 , the distal frame segment  1560  is pivotally coupled to the elongate channel  1102  by an end effector mounting assembly  1230 . In one arrangement, the distal end  1562  of the distal frame segment  1560  has a pivot pin  1564  formed thereon, for example. The pivot pin  1564  is adapted to be pivotally received within a pivot hole  1234  formed in pivot base portion  1232  of the end effector mounting assembly  1230 . The end effector mounting assembly  1230  is attached to the proximal end  1103  of the elongate channel  1102  by a spring pin  1108  or other suitable member. The pivot pin  1564  defines an articulation axis B-B that is transverse to the shaft axis SA. See  FIG. 4 . Such an arrangement facilitates pivotal travel (i.e., articulation) of the end effector  1100  about the articulation axis B-B relative to the spine assembly  1500 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 10 , the articulation driver  1700  has a distal end  1702  that is configured to operably engage the articulation lock  1210 . The articulation lock  1210  includes an articulation frame  1212  that is adapted to operably engage a drive pin  1238  on the pivot base portion  1232  of the end effector mounting assembly  1230 . In addition, a cross-link  1237  may be linked to the drive pin  1238  and articulation frame  1212  to assist articulation of the end effector  1100 . As indicated above, further details regarding the operation of the articulation lock  1210  and the articulation frame  1212  may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. Further details regarding the end effector mounting assembly and a crosslink may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, filed Feb. 9, 2016, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. In various circumstances, the elastic spine member  1510  includes a proximal end  1514  which is rotatably supported in a chassis  1800 . In one arrangement, the proximal end  1514  of the elastic spine member  1510  has a thread  1516  formed thereon for threaded attachment to a spine bearing that is configured to be supported within the chassis  1800 , for example. Such an arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of the elastic spine member  1510  to the chassis  1800  such that the spine assembly  1500  may be selectively rotated about a shaft axis SA relative to the chassis  1800 . 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 7 , the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  1000  includes a closure shuttle  1420  that is slidably supported within the chassis  1800  such that the closure shuttle  1420  may be axially moved relative to the chassis  1800 . In one form, the closure shuttle  1420  includes a pair of proximally-protruding hooks  1421  that are configured to be attached to the attachment pin  516  that is attached to the closure linkage assembly  514  of the handle assembly  500  as was discussed above. A proximal end  1412  of a proximal closure tube segment  1410  is rotatably coupled to the closure shuttle  1420 . For example, a U-shaped connector  1424  is inserted into an annular slot  1414  in the proximal end  1412  of the proximal closure tube segment  1410  and is retained within vertical slots  1422  in the closure shuttle  1420 . See  FIG. 7 . Such an arrangement serves to attach the proximal closure tube segment  1410  to the closure shuttle  1420  for axial travel therewith while enabling the closure tube assembly  1400  to rotate relative to the closure shuttle  1420  about the shaft axis SA. A closure spring is journaled on the proximal end  1412  of the proximal closure tube segment  1410  and serves to bias the closure tube assembly  1400  in the proximal direction PD which can serve to pivot the closure trigger  512  on the handle assembly  500  ( FIG. 3 ) into the unactuated position when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  1000  is operably coupled to the handle assembly  500 . 
     As indicated above, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly  1000  includes an articulation joint  1200 . Other interchangeable surgical tool assemblies, however, may not be capable of articulation. As can be seen in  FIG. 10 , upper and lower tangs  1415 ,  1416  protrude distally from a distal end of the proximal closure tube segment  1410  which are configured to be movably coupled to an end effector closure sleeve or distal closure tube segment  1430  of the closure tube assembly  1400 . As can be seen in  FIG. 10 , the distal closure tube segment  1430  includes upper and lower tangs  1434 ,  1436  that protrude proximally from a proximal end thereof. An upper double pivot link  1220  includes proximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in the upper tangs  1415 ,  1434  of the proximal closure tube segment  1410  and distal closure tube segment  1430 , respectively. Similarly, a lower double pivot link  1222  includes proximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in the lower tangs  1416  and  1436  of the proximal closure tube segment  1410  and distal closure tube segment  1430 , respectively. As will be discussed in further detail below, distal and proximal axial translation of the closure tube assembly  1400  will result in the closing and opening of the anvil  1130  relative to the elongate channel  1102 . 
     As mentioned above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  1000  further includes a firing member assembly  1600  that is supported for axial travel within the spine assembly  1500 . The firing member assembly  1600  includes an intermediate firing shaft portion  1602  that is configured to be attached to a distal cutting portion or knife bar  1610 . The firing member assembly  1600  may also be referred to herein as a “second shaft” and/or a “second shaft assembly”. As can be seen in  FIGS. 7-10 , the intermediate firing shaft portion  1602  may include a longitudinal slot  1604  in the distal end thereof which can be configured to receive a tab on the proximal end of the knife bar  1610 . The longitudinal slot  1604  and the proximal end of the knife bar  1610  can be sized and configured to permit relative movement therebetween and can comprise a slip joint  1612 . The slip joint  1612  can permit the intermediate firing shaft portion  1602  of the firing member assembly  1600  to be moved to articulate the end effector  1100  without moving, or at least substantially moving, the knife bar  1610 . Once the end effector  1100  has been suitably oriented, the intermediate firing shaft portion  1602  can be advanced distally until a proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot  1604  comes into contact with the tab on the knife bar  1610  to advance the knife bar  1610  and fire the staple cartridge  1110  positioned within the elongate channel  1102 . As can be further seen in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the elastic spine member  1520  has an elongate opening or window  1525  therein to facilitate the assembly and insertion of the intermediate firing shaft portion  1602  into the elastic spine member  1520 . Once the intermediate firing shaft portion  1602  has been inserted therein, a top frame segment  1527  may be engaged with the elastic spine member  1520  to enclose the intermediate firing shaft portion  1602  and knife bar  1610  therein. Further description of the operation of the firing member assembly  1600  may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. 
     Further to the above, the interchangeable tool assembly  1000  can include a clutch assembly  1620  which can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the articulation driver  1700  to the firing member assembly  1600 . In one form, the clutch assembly  1620  includes a lock collar, or sleeve  1622 , positioned around the firing member assembly  1600  wherein the lock sleeve  1622  can be rotated between an engaged position in which the lock sleeve  1622  couples the articulation driver  1700  to the firing member assembly  1600  and a disengaged position in which the articulation driver  1700  is not operably coupled to the firing member assembly  1600 . When the lock sleeve  1622  is in its engaged position, distal movement of the firing member assembly  1600  can move the articulation driver  1700  distally and, correspondingly, proximal movement of the firing member assembly  1600  can move the articulation driver  1700  proximally. When the lock sleeve  1622  is in its disengaged position, movement of the firing member assembly  1600  is not transmitted to the articulation driver  1700  and, as a result, the firing member assembly  1600  can move independently of the articulation driver  1700 . In various circumstances, the articulation driver  1700  can be held in position by the articulation lock  1210  when the articulation driver  1700  is not being moved in the proximal or distal directions by the firing member assembly  1600 . 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 7 , the lock sleeve  1622  can comprise a cylindrical, or an at least substantially cylindrical, body including a longitudinal aperture  1624  defined therein configured to receive the firing member assembly  1600 . The lock sleeve  1622  can comprise diametrically-opposed, inwardly-facing lock protrusions  1626 ,  1628  and an outwardly-facing lock member  1629 . The lock protrusions  1626 ,  1628  can be configured to be selectively engaged with the intermediate firing shaft portion  1602  of the firing member assembly  1600 . More particularly, when the lock sleeve  1622  is in its engaged position, the lock protrusions  1626 ,  1628  are positioned within a drive notch  1605  defined in the intermediate firing shaft portion  1602  such that a distal pushing force and/or a proximal pulling force can be transmitted from the firing member assembly  1600  to the lock sleeve  1622 . When the lock sleeve  1622  is in its engaged position, the second lock member  1629  is received within a drive notch  1704  defined in the articulation driver  1700  such that the distal pushing force and/or the proximal pulling force applied to the lock sleeve  1622  can be transmitted to the articulation driver  1700 . In effect, the firing member assembly  1600 , the lock sleeve  1622 , and the articulation driver  1700  will move together when the lock sleeve  1622  is in its engaged position. On the other hand, when the lock sleeve  1622  is in its disengaged position, the lock protrusions  1626 ,  1628  may not be positioned within the drive notch  1605  of the intermediate firing shaft portion  1602  of the firing member assembly  1600  and, as a result, a distal pushing force and/or a proximal pulling force may not be transmitted from the firing member assembly  1600  to the lock sleeve  1622 . Correspondingly, the distal pushing force and/or the proximal pulling force may not be transmitted to the articulation driver  1700 . In such circumstances, the firing member assembly  1600  can be slid proximally and/or distally relative to the lock sleeve  1622  and the proximal articulation driver  1700 . The clutching assembly  1620  further includes a switch drum  1630  that interfaces with the lock sleeve  1622 . Further details concerning the operation of the switch drum and lock sleeve  1622  may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, and Ser. No. 15/019,196. The switch drum  1630  can further comprise at least partially circumferential openings  1632 ,  1634  defined therein which can receive circumferential mounts  1305  that extend from the nozzle halves  1302 ,  1304  and permit relative rotation, but not translation, between the switch drum  1630  and the proximal nozzle  1300 . See  FIG. 6 . Rotation of the nozzle  1300  to a point where the mounts reach the end of their respective slots  1632 ,  1634  in the switch drum  1630  will result in rotation of the switch drum  1630  about the shaft axis SA. Rotation of the switch drum  1630  will ultimately result in the movement of the lock sleeve  1622  between its engaged and disengaged positions. Thus, in essence, the nozzle  1300  may be employed to operably engage and disengage the articulation drive system with the firing drive system in the various manners described in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, which have each been herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety. 
     In the illustrated arrangement, the switch drum  1630  includes a an L-shaped slot  1636  that extends into a distal opening  1637  in the switch drum  1630 . The distal opening  1637  receives a transverse pin  1639  of a shifter plate  1638 . In one example, the shifter plate  1638  is received within a longitudinal slot that is provided in the lock sleeve  1622  to facilitate the axial movement of the lock sleeve  1622  when engaged with the articulation driver  1700 . Further details regarding the operation of the shifter plate and shift drum arrangements may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/868,718, filed Sep. 28, 2015, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH SHAFT RELEASE, POWERED FIRING AND POWERED ARTICULATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0086823, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     As also illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the interchangeable tool assembly  1000  can comprise a slip ring assembly  1640  which can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the end effector  1100 , and/or communicate signals to and/or from the end effector  1100 , back to a microprocessor in the handle assembly or robotic system controller, for example. Further details concerning the slip ring assembly  1640  and associated connectors may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196 which have each been herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety as well as in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. As also described in further detail in the aforementioned patent applications that have been incorporated by reference herein, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  1000  can also comprise at least one sensor that is configured to detect the position of the switch drum  1630 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 7 , the chassis  1800  includes one or more tapered attachment portions  1802  formed thereon that are adapted to be received within corresponding dovetail slots  507  formed within the distal end portion of the frame  506  of the handle assembly  500  as was discussed above. As can be further seen in  FIG. 7 , a shaft attachment lug  1605  is formed on the proximal end of the intermediate firing shaft  1602 . As will be discussed in further detail below, the shaft attachment lug  1605  is received in a firing shaft attachment cradle  542  that is formed in the distal end of the longitudinal drive member  540  when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  1000  is coupled to the handle assembly  500 . See  FIG. 3 . 
     Various interchangeable surgical tool assemblies employ a latch system  1810  for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  1000  to the frame  506  of the handle assembly  500 . In at least one form, as can be seen in  FIG. 7 , the latch system  1810  includes a lock member or lock yoke  1812  that is movably coupled to the chassis  1800 . The lock yoke  1812  has a U-shape with two spaced downwardly extending legs  1814 . The legs  1814  each have a pivot lug formed thereon that are adapted to be received in corresponding holes  1816  formed in the chassis  1800 . Such an arrangement facilitates the pivotal attachment of the lock yoke  1812  to the chassis  1800 . The lock yoke  1812  may include two proximally protruding lock lugs  1818  that are configured for releasable engagement with corresponding lock detents or grooves  509  in the distal end of the frame  506  of the handle assembly  500 . See  FIG. 3 . In various forms, the lock yoke  1812  is biased in the proximal direction by a spring or biasing member  1819 . Actuation of the lock yoke  1812  may be accomplished by a latch button  1820  that is slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly  1822  that is mounted to the chassis  1800 . The latch button  1820  may be biased in a proximal direction relative to the lock yoke  1812 . The lock yoke  1812  may be moved to an unlocked position by biasing the latch button  1820  the in distal direction which also causes the lock yoke  1812  to pivot out of retaining engagement with the distal end of the frame  506 . When the lock yoke  1812  is in retaining engagement with the distal end of the frame  506 , the lock lugs  1818  are retainingly seated within the corresponding lock detents or grooves  509  in the distal end of the frame  506 . 
     In the illustrated arrangement, the lock yoke  1812  includes at least one and preferably two lock hooks  1824  that are adapted to contact corresponding lock lug portions  1426  that are formed on the closure shuttle  1420 . When the closure shuttle  1420  is in an unactuated position, the lock yoke  1812  may be pivoted in a distal direction to unlock the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  1000  from the handle assembly  500 . When in that position, the lock hooks  1824  do not contact the lock lug portions  1426  on the closure shuttle  1420 . However, when the closure shuttle  1420  is moved to an actuated position, the lock yoke  1812  is prevented from being pivoted to an unlocked position. Stated another way, if the clinician were to attempt to pivot the lock yoke  1812  to an unlocked position or, for example, the lock yoke  1812  was in advertently bumped or contacted in a manner that might otherwise cause it to pivot distally, the lock hooks  1824  on the lock yoke  1812  will contact the lock lugs  1426  on the closure shuttle  1420  and prevent movement of the lock yoke  1812  to an unlocked position. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 10 , the knife bar  1610  may comprise a laminated beam structure that includes at least two beam layers. Such beam layers may comprise, for example, stainless steel bands that are interconnected by, for example, welds and/or pins at their proximal ends and/or at other locations along the length of the bands. In alternative embodiments, the distal ends of the bands are not connected together to allow the laminates or bands to splay relative to each other when the end effector is articulated. Such an arrangement permits the knife bar  1610  to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate articulation of the end effector. Various laminated knife bar arrangements are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245. As can also be seen in  FIG. 10 , a middle support member  1614  is employed to provide lateral support to the knife bar  1610  as it flexes to accommodate articulation of the surgical end effector  1100 . Further details concerning the middle support member and alternative knife bar support arrangements are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245. As can also be seen in  FIG. 10 , a firing member or knife member  1620  is attached to the distal end of the knife bar  1610 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates one form of a firing member  1660  that may be employed with the interchangeable tool assembly  1000 . The firing member  1660  comprises a body portion  1662  that includes a proximally extending connector member  1663  that is configured to be received in a correspondingly shaped connector opening  1614  in the distal end of the knife bar  1610 . See  FIG. 10 . The connector  1663  may be retained within the connector opening  1614  by friction, welding, and/or a suitable adhesive, for example. Referring to  FIGS. 15-17 , the body portion  1662  protrudes through an elongate slot  1104  in the elongate channel  1102  and terminates in a foot member  1664  that extends laterally on each side of the body portion  1662 . As the firing member  1660  is driven distally through the surgical staple cartridge  1110 , the foot member  1664  rides within a passage in the elongate channel  1102  that is located under the surgical staple cartridge  1110 . As can be seen in  FIG. 11 , the firing member  1660  may further include laterally protruding central tabs, pins, or retainer features  1680 . As the firing member  1660  is driven distally through the surgical staple cartridge  1110 , the central retainer features  1680  ride on the inner surface  1106  of the elongate channel  1102 . The body portion  1662  of the firing member  1660  further includes a tissue cutting edge or feature  1666  that is disposed between a distally protruding shoulder  1665  and a distally protruding top nose portion  1670 . As can be further seen in  FIG. 11 , the firing member  1660  may further include two laterally extending top tabs, pins or anvil engagement features  1665 . See  FIGS. 13 and 14 . As the firing member  1660  is driven distally, a top portion of the body  1662  extends through a centrally disposed anvil slot  1138  ( FIG. 14 ) and the top anvil engagement features  1672  ride on corresponding ledges  1136  formed on each side of the anvil slot  1134 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 10 , the firing member  1660  is configured to operably interface with a sled  1120  that is supported within the body  1111  of the surgical staple cartridge  1110 . The sled  1120  is slidably displaceable within the surgical staple cartridge body  1111  from a proximal starting position adjacent the proximal end  1112  of the cartridge body  1111  to an ending position adjacent a distal end  1113  of the cartridge body  1111 . The cartridge body  1111  operably supports therein a plurality of staple drivers (not shown in  FIG. 10 ) that are aligned in rows on each side of a centrally disposed slot  1114 . The centrally disposed slot  1114  enables the firing member  1660  to pass therethrough and cut the tissue that is clamped between the anvil  1130  and the staple cartridge  1110 . The drivers are associated with corresponding pockets  1115  that open through the upper deck surface of the cartridge body. Each of the staple drivers supports one or more surgical staples or fasteners thereon. The sled  1120  includes a plurality of sloped or wedge-shaped cams  1122  wherein each cam  1122  corresponds to a particular line of fasteners or drivers located on a side of the slot  1114 . In the illustrated example, one cam  1122  is aligned with one line of “double” drivers that each support two staples or fasteners thereon and another cam  1122  is aligned with another line of “single” drivers on the same side of the slot  1114  that each support a single surgical staple or fastener thereon. Thus, in the illustrated example, when the surgical staple cartridge  1110  is “fired”, there will be three lines of staples on each lateral side of the tissue cut line. However, other cartridge and driver configurations could also be employed to fire other staple/fastener arrangements. The sled  1120  has a central body portion  1124  that is configured to be engaged by the shoulder  1665  of the firing member  1660 . When the firing member  1660  is fired or driven distally, the firing member  1660  drives the sled  1120  distally as well. As the firing member  1660  moves distally through the cartridge  1110 , the tissue cutting feature  1666  cuts the tissue that is clamped between the anvil assembly  1130  and the cartridge  1110  and, also, the sled  1120  drives the drivers upwardly in the cartridge which drive the corresponding staples or fasteners into forming contact with the anvil assembly  1130 . 
     In embodiments where the firing member includes a tissue cutting surface, it may be desirable for the elongate shaft assembly to be configured in such a way so as to prevent the inadvertent advancement of the firing member unless an unspent staple cartridge is properly supported in the elongate channel  1102  of the surgical end effector  1100 . If, for example, no staple cartridge is present at all and the firing member is distally advanced through the end effector, the tissue would be severed, but not stapled. Similarly, if a spent staple cartridge (i.e., a staple cartridge wherein at least some of the staples have already been fired therefrom) is present in the end effector and the firing member is advanced, the tissue would be severed, but may not be completely stapled, if at all. It will be appreciated that such occurrences could lead to undesirable results during the surgical procedure. U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,649 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,352 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,380,695 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,933, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS SPENT OR MISSING each disclose various firing member lockout arrangements. Each of those references is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
     An “unfired”, “unspent”, “fresh” or “new” fastener cartridge  1110  means that the fastener cartridge  1110  has all of its fasteners in their “ready-to-be-fired positions”. The new cartridge  1110  is seated within the elongate channel  1102  and may be retained therein by snap features on the cartridge body that are configured to retainingly engage corresponding portions of the elongate channel  1102 .  FIGS. 15 and 18  illustrate a portion of the surgical end effector  1100  with a new or unfired surgical staple cartridge  1110  seated therein. As can be seen in  FIGS. 15 and 18 , the sled  1120  is in its starting position. To prevent the firing system from being activated and, more precisely, to prevent the firing member  1660  from being distally driven through the end effector  1110  unless an unfired or new surgical staple cartridge has been properly seated within the elongate channel  1102 , the interchangeable surgical tool assembly  1000  employs a firing member lockout system generally designated as  1650 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10 and 15-19 , the firing member lockout system  1650  includes a movable lock member  1652  that is configured to retainingly engage the firing member  1660  when a new surgical staple cartridge  1110  is not seated properly within the elongate channel  1102 . More specifically, the lock member  1652  comprises at least one laterally moving locking portion  1654  that is configured to retainingly engage a corresponding portion of the firing member  1660  when the sled  1120  is not present within the cartridge  1110  in its starting position. In fact, the lock member  1652  employs two laterally moving locking portions  1654  which each engage a laterally extending portion of the firing member  1660 . Other lockout arrangements can be used. 
     The lock member  1652  comprises a generally U-shaped spring member where each laterally movable leg or locking portion  1654  extends from a central spring portion  1653  and is configured to move in lateral directions represented by “L” in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . It will be appreciated that the term “lateral directions” refers to directions that are transverse to the shaft axis SA ( FIG. 2 ). The spring or lock member  1652  may be fabricated from high strength spring steel and/or a similar material, for example. The central spring portion  1653  is seated within a slot  1236  in the end effector mounting assembly  1230 . See  FIG. 10 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 15-17 , each of the laterally movable legs or locking portions  1654  has a distal end  1656  with a locking window  1658  therein. When the locking member  1652  is in a locked position, the central retainer feature  1680  on each lateral side of the firing member  1660  extends into corresponding locking windows  1658  defined in the locking portions  1654  to retainingly prevent the firing member from being distally, or axially, advanced. 
     Operation of the firing member lock out system will be explained with reference to  FIGS. 15-19 .  FIGS. 15 and 18  illustrate a portion of the surgical end effector  1100  with a new unfired cartridge  1110  properly installed therein. As can be seen in  FIGS. 15 and 18 , the sled  1120  includes an unlocking feature  1126  that corresponds to each of the laterally movable locking portions  1654 . An unlocking feature  1126  is provided on or extends proximally from each of the central wedge-shaped cams  1122 . In alternative arrangements, the unlocking feature  1126  may comprise a proximally protruding portion of the corresponding wedge-shaped cam  1122 . As can be seen in  FIG. 18 , the unlocking features  1124  engage and bias the corresponding locking portions  1654  laterally in a direction that is transverse to the shaft axis SA ( FIG. 2 ) when the sled  1120  is in its starting position. When the locking portions  1654  are in such unlocked orientations, the central retainer features  1680  are not in retaining engagement with the locking windows  1658 . In such instances, the firing member  1660  may be distally, or axially, advanced (fired). However, when a cartridge is not present in the elongate channel  1102  or the sled  1120  has been moved out of its starting position (meaning the cartridge is partially or completely fired), the locking portions  1654  spring laterally into retaining engagement with the firing member  1660 . In such instances, referring to  FIG. 19 , the firing member  1660  cannot be moved distally. 
       FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate the retraction of the firing member  1660  back to its starting, or unfired, position after performing a staple firing stroke as discussed above.  FIG. 16  depicts the initial reengagement of the retaining features  1680  into their corresponding locking windows  1658 .  FIG. 17  illustrates the retaining feature in its locked position when the firing member  1660  has been fully retracted back to its starting position. To assist in the lateral displacement of the locking portions  1654  when they are contacted by the proximally moving retaining features  1680 , each of the retaining features  1680  may be provided with a proximally-facing, laterally-tapered end portion. Such a lockout system prevents the actuation of the firing member  1660  when a new unfired cartridge is not present or when a new unfired cartridge is present, but has not been properly seated in the elongate channel  1102 . In addition, the lockout system may prevent the clinician from distally advancing the firing member in the case where a spent or partially fired cartridge has been inadvertently properly seated within the elongate channel. Another advantage that may be provided by the lockout system  1650  is that, unlike other firing member lock out arrangements that require movement of the firing member into and out of alignment with the corresponding slots/passages in the staple cartridge, the firing member  1660  remains in alignment with the cartridge passages while in the locked and unlocked positions. The locking portions  1654  are designed to move laterally into and out of engagement with corresponding sides of the firing member. Such lateral movement of the locking portions or portion is distinguishable from other locking arrangements that move in vertical directions to engage and disengage portions of the firing member. 
     Returning to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the anvil  1130  includes an elongate anvil body portion  1132  and a proximal anvil mounting portion  1150 . The elongate anvil body portion  1132  includes an outer surface  1134  that defines two downwardly extending tissue stop members  1136  that are adjacent to the proximal anvil mounting portion  1150 . The elongate anvil body portion  1132  also includes an underside  1135  that defines an elongate anvil slot  1138 . In the illustrated arrangement shown in  FIG. 14 , the anvil slot  1138  is centrally disposed in the underside  1135 . The underside  1135  includes three rows  1140 ,  1141 ,  1142  of staple forming pockets  1143 ,  1144  and  1145  located on each side of the anvil slot  1138 . Adjacent each side of the anvil slot  1138  are two elongate anvil passages  1146 . Each passage  1146  has a proximal ramp portion  1148 . See  FIG. 13 . As the firing member  1660  is advanced distally, the top anvil engagement features  1632  initially enter the corresponding proximal ramp portions  1148  and into the corresponding elongate anvil passages  1146 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the anvil slot  1138 , as well as the proximal ramp portion  1148 , extend into the anvil mounting portion  1150 . Stated another way, the anvil slot  1138  divides or bifurcates the anvil mounting portion  1150  into two anvil attachment flanges  1151 . The anvil attachments flanges  1151  are coupled together at their proximal ends by a connection bridge  1153 . The connection bridge  1153  supports the anvil attachment flanges  1151  and can serve to make the anvil mounting portion  1150  more rigid than the mounting portions of other anvil arrangements which are not connected at their proximal ends. As can also be seen in  FIGS. 12 and 14 , the anvil slot  1138  has a wide portion  1139  to accommodate the top portion including the top anvil engagement features  1632 , of the firing member  1660  when the firing member  1660  is in its proximal unfired position. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 13 and 20-24 , each of the anvil attachment flanges  1151  includes a transverse mounting hole  1156  that is configured to receive a pivot pin  1158  ( FIGS. 10 and 20 ) therethrough. The anvil mounting portion  1150  is pivotally pinned to the proximal end  1103  of the elongate channel  1102  by the pivot pin  1158  which extends through mounting holes  1107  in the proximal end  1103  of the elongate channel  1102  and the mounting hole  1156  in anvil mounting portion  1150 . Such an arrangement pivotally affixes the anvil  1130  to the elongate channel  1102  s that the anvil  1130  can be pivoted about a fixed anvil axis A-A which is transverse to the shaft axis SA. See  FIG. 5 . The anvil mounting portion  1150  also includes a cam surface  1152  that extends from a centralized firing member parking area  1154  to the outer surface  1134  of the anvil body portion  1132 . 
     Further to the above, the anvil  1130  is movable between an open position and closed positions by axially advancing and retracting the distal closure tube segment  1430 , as discussed further below. A distal end portion of the distal closure tube segment  1430  has an internal cam surface formed thereon that is configured to engage the cam surface  1552 , or cam surfaces formed on the anvil mounting portion  1150 , and move the anvil  1130 .  FIG. 22  illustrates a cam surface  1152   a  formed on the anvil mounting portion  1150  so as to establish a single contact path  1155   a  with the internal cam surface  1444 , for example, on the distal closure tube segment  1430 .  FIG. 23  illustrates a cam surface  1152   b  that is configured relative to the internal cam surface  1444  on the distal closure tube segment to establish two separate and distinct arcuate contact paths  1155   b  between the cam surface  1152  on the anvil mounting portion  1150  and internal cam surface  1444  on the distal closure tube segment  1430 . In addition to other potential advantages discussed herein, such an arrangement may better distribute the closure forces from the distal closure tube segment  1430  to the anvil  1130 .  FIG. 24  illustrates a cam surface  1152   c  that is configured relative to the internal cam surface  1444  of the distal closure tube segment  1430  to establish three distinct zones of contact  1155   c  and  1155   d  between the cam surfaces on the anvil mounting portion  1150  and the distal closure tube segment  1430 . The zones  1155   c ,  1155   d  establish larger areas of camming contact between the cam surface or cam surfaces on the distal closure tube segment  1430  and the anvil mounting portion  1150  and may better distribute the closure forces to the anvil  1130 . 
     As the distal closure tube segment  1430  cammingly engages the anvil mounting portion  1150  of the anvil  1130 , the anvil  1130  is pivoted about the anvil axis AA ( FIG. 5 ) which results in the pivotal movement of the distal end of the end  1133  of elongate anvil body portion  1132  toward the surgical staple cartridge  1110  and the distal end  1105  of the elongate channel  1102 . As the anvil body portion  1132  begins to pivot, it contacts the tissue that is to be cut and stapled which is now positioned between the underside  1135  of the elongate anvil body portion  1132  and the deck  1116  of the surgical staple cartridge  1110 . As the anvil body portion  1132  is compressed onto the tissue, the anvil  1130  may experience considerable amounts of resistive forces and/or bending loads, for example. These resistive forces are overcome as the distal closure tube  1430  continues its distal advancement. However, depending upon their magnitudes and points of application to the anvil body portion  1132 , these resistive forces could tend to cause portions of the anvil  1130  to flex away from the staple cartridge  1110  which may generally be undesirable. For example, such flexure may cause misalignment between the firing member  1660  and the passages  1148 ,  1146  within the anvil  1130 . In instances wherein the flexure is excessive, such flexure could significantly increase the amount of firing force required to fire the instrument (i.e., drive the firing member  1660  through the tissue from its starting to ending position). Such excessive firing force may result in damage to the end effector, the firing member, the knife bar, and/or the firing drive system components, for example. Thus, it may be advantageous for the anvil to be constructed so as to resist such flexure. 
       FIGS. 25-27  illustrate an anvil  1130 ′ that includes features that improve the stiffness of the anvil body and its resistance to flexure forces that may be generated during the closing and/or firing processes. The anvil  1130 ′ may otherwise be identical in construction to the anvil  1130  described above except for the differences discussed herein. As can be seen in  FIGS. 25-27 , the anvil  1130 ′ has an elongate anvil body  1132 ′ that has an upper body portion  1165  that and anvil cap  1170  attached thereto. The anvil cap  1170  is roughly rectangular in shape and has an outer cap perimeter  1172 , although the anvil cap  1170  can have any suitable shape. The perimeter  1172  of the anvil cap  1170  is configured to be inserted into a correspondingly-shaped opening  1137  formed in the upper body portion  1165  and positioned against axially extending internal ledge portions  1139  formed therein. See  FIG. 27 . The internal ledge portions  1139  are configured to support the corresponding long sides  1177  of the anvil cap  1170 . In an alternative embodiment, the anvil cap  1170  may be slid onto the internal ledges  1139  through an opening in the distal end  1133  of the anvil body  1132 ′. In yet another embodiment, no internal ledge portions are provided. The anvil body  1132 ′ and the anvil cap  1170  may be fabricated from suitable metal that is conducive to welding. A first weld  1178  may extend around the entire cap perimeter  1172  of the anvil cap  1170  or it may only be located along the long sides  1177  of the anvil cap  1170  and not the distal end  1173  and/or proximal end  1175  thereof. The first weld  1178  may be continuous or it may be discontinuous or intermittent. In those embodiments where the first weld  1178  is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may be equally distributed along the long sides  1177  of the anvil cap  1170 , more densely spaced closer to the distal ends of the long sides  1177 , and/or more densely spaced closer to the proximal ends of the long sides  1177 . In certain arrangements, the weld segments may be more densely spaced in the center areas of the long sides  1177  of the anvil cap  1170 . 
       FIGS. 28-30  illustrate an anvil cap  1170 ′ that is configured to be mechanically interlocked to the anvil body  1132 ′ as well as welded to the upper body portion  1165 . In this embodiment, a plurality of retention formations  1182  are defined in the wall  1180  of the upper body portion  1165  that defines opening  1137 . As used in this context, the term “mechanically interlocked” means that the anvil cap will remain affixed to the elongate anvil body regardless of the orientation of the elongate anvil body and without any additional retaining or fastening such as welding and/or adhesive, for example. The retention formations  1182  may protrude inwardly into the opening  1137  from the opening wall  1180 , although any suitable arrangement can be used. The retention formations  1182  may be integrally formed into the wall  1180  or otherwise be attached thereto. The retention formations  1182  are designed to frictionally engage a corresponding portion of the anvil cap  1170 ′ when the anvil cap  1170 ′ is installed in the opening  1137  to frictionally retain the anvil cap  1170 ′ therein. The retention formations  1182  protrude inwardly into the opening  1137  and are configured to be frictionally received within a correspondingly shaped engagement area  1184  formed in the outer perimeter  1172 ′ of the anvil cap  1170 ′. The retention formations  1182  only correspond to the long sides  1177 ′ of the anvil cap  1170 ′ and are not provided in the portions of the wall  1180  that correspond to the distal end  1173  or proximal end  1175  of the anvil cap  1170 ′. In alternative arrangements, the retention formations  1182  may also be provided in the portions of the wall  1180  that correspond to the distal end  1173  and proximal end  1175  of the anvil cap  1170 ′ as well as the long sides  1177 ′ thereof. In still other arrangements, the retention formations  1182  may only be provided in the portions of the wall  1180  that correspond to one or both of the distal and proximal ends  1173 ,  1175  of the anvil cap  1170 ′. In still other arrangements, the retention formations  1182  may be provided in the portions of the wall  1180  corresponding to the long sides  1177 ′ and only one of the proximal and distal ends  1173 ,  1175  of the anvil cap  1170 ′. It will be further understood that the retention protrusions in all of the foregoing embodiments may be alternatively formed on the anvil cap with the engagement areas being formed in the elongate anvil body. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 28-30 , the retention formations  1182  are equally spaced or equally distributed along the wall portions  1180  of the anvil cap  1170 ′. In alternative embodiments, the retention formations  1182  may be more densely spaced closer to the distal ends of the long sides  1177 ′ or more densely spaced closer to the proximal ends of the long sides  1177 ′. Stated another way, the spacing between those retention formations adjacent the distal end, the proximal end or both the distal and proximal ends may be less than the spacing of the formations located in the central portion of the anvil cap  1170 ′. In still other arrangements, the retention formations  1182  may be more densely spaced in the center areas of the long sides  1177 ′ of the anvil cap  1170 ′. In some alternative embodiments, the correspondingly shaped engagement areas  1184  may not be provided in the outer perimeter  1172 ′ or in portions of the outer perimeter  1172 ′ of the anvil cap  1170 ′. In other embodiments, the retention formations and correspondingly-shaped engagement areas may be provided with different shapes and sizes. In alternative arrangements, the retention formations may be sized relative to the engagement areas so that there is no interference fit therebetween. In such arrangements, the anvil cap may be retained in position by welding, and/or an adhesive, for example. 
     In the illustrated example, a weld  1178 ′ extends around the entire perimeter  1172 ′ of the anvil cap  1170 ′. Alternatively, the weld  1178 ′ is located along the long sides  1177 ′ of the anvil cap  1170 ′ and not the distal end  1173  and/or proximal end  1175  thereof. The weld  1178 ′ may be continuous or it may be discontinuous or intermittent. In those embodiments where the weld  1178 ′ is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may be equally distributed along the long sides  1177 ′ of the anvil cap  1170 ′ or the weld segments may be more densely spaced closer to the distal ends of the long sides  1177 ′ or more densely spaced closer to the proximal ends of the long sides  1177 ′. In still other arrangements, the weld segments may be more densely spaced in the center areas of the long sides  1177 ′ of the anvil cap  1170 ′. 
       FIGS. 31 and 32  illustrate another anvil arrangement  1130 ″ that has an anvil cap  1170 ″ attached thereto. The anvil cap  1170 ″ is roughly rectangular in shape and has an outer cap perimeter  1172 ″; however, the anvil cap  1170 ″ can comprise of any suitable configuration. The outer cap perimeter  1172 ″ is configured to be inserted into a correspondingly-shaped opening  1137 ″ in upper body portion  1165  of the anvil body  1132 ″ and received on axially extending internal ledge portions  1139 ″ and  1190 ″ formed therein. See  FIG. 32 . The ledge portions  1139 ″ and  1190 ″ are configured to support the corresponding long sides  1177 ″ of the anvil cap  1170 ″. In an alternative embodiment, the anvil cap  1170 ″ is slid onto the internal ledges  1139 ″ and  1190 ″ through an opening in the distal end  1133 ″ of the anvil body  1132 ′. The anvil body  1132 ″ and the anvil cap  1170 ″ may be fabricated from metal material that is conducive to welding. A first weld  1178 ″ may extend around the entire perimeter  1172 ″ of the anvil cap  1170 ″ or it may only be located along the long sides  1177 ″ of the anvil cap  1170 ″ and not the distal end  1173 ″ and/or proximal end thereof. The weld  1178 ″ may be continuous or it may be discontinuous or intermittent. It will be appreciated that the continuous weld embodiment has more weld surface area due to the irregularly shape perimeter of the anvil cap  1170 ″ as compared to the embodiments with a straight perimeter sides such as the anvil caps shown in  FIG. 26 , for example. In those embodiments where the weld  1178 ″ is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may be equally distributed along the long sides  1177 ″ of the anvil cap  1170 ″ or the weld segments may be more densely spaced closer to the distal ends of the long sides  1177 ″ or more densely spaced closer to the proximal ends of the long sides  1177 ″. In still other arrangements, the weld segments may be more densely spaced in the center areas of the long sides  1177 ″ of the anvil cap  1170 ″. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 31 and 32 , the anvil cap  1170 ″ may be additionally welded to the anvil body  1132 ″ by a plurality of second discrete “deep” welds  1192 ″. For example, each weld  1192 ″ may be placed at the bottom of a corresponding hole or opening  1194 ″ provided through the anvil cap  1170 ″ so that a discrete weld  1192 ″ may be formed along the portion of the anvil body  1132 ″ between the ledges  1190 ″ and  1139 ″. See  FIG. 32 . The welds  1192 ″ may be equally distributed along the long sides  1177 ″ of the anvil cap  1170 ″ or the welds  1192 ″ may be more densely spaced closer to the distal ends of the long sides  1177 ″ or more densely spaced closer to the proximal ends of the long sides  1177 ″. In still other arrangements, the welds  1192 ″ may be more densely spaced in the center areas of the long sides  1177 ″ of the anvil cap  1170 ″. 
       FIG. 33  illustrates another anvil cap  1170 ′″ that is configured to be mechanically interlocked to the anvil body  1132 ′″ as well as welded to the upper body portion  1165 . In this embodiment, a tongue-and-groove arrangement is employed along each long side  1177 ′″ of the anvil cap  1170 ″. In particular, a laterally extending continuous or intermittent tab  1195 ′″ protrudes from each of the long sides  1177 ′″ of the anvil cap  1170 ″. Each tab  1195 ″ corresponds to an axial slot  1197 ′″ formed in the anvil body  1132 ″. The anvil cap  1170 ′″ is slid in from an opening in the distal end of the anvil body  1132 ′″ to “mechanically” affix the anvil cap to the anvil body  1132 ″. The tabs  1195 ′″ and slots  1197 ′″ may be sized relative to each other to establish a sliding frictional fit therebetween. In addition, the anvil cap  1170 ′″ may be welded to the anvil body  1132 ″. The anvil body  1132 ′″ and the anvil cap  1170 ′″ may be fabricated from metal that is conducive to welding. The weld  1178 ′″ may extend around the entire perimeter  1172 ′″ of the anvil cap  1170 ′″ or it may only be located along the long sides  1177 ′″ of the anvil cap  1170 ″. The weld  1178 ′″ may be continuous or it may be discontinuous or intermittent. In those embodiments where the weld  1178 ′″ is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may be equally distributed along the long sides  1177 ′″ of the anvil cap  1170 ′″ or the weld segments may be more densely spaced closer to the distal ends of the long sides  1177 ′″ or more densely spaced closer to the proximal ends of the long sides  1177 ″. In still other arrangements, the weld segments may be more densely spaced in the center areas of the long sides  1177 ′″ of the anvil cap  1170 ″. 
     The anvil embodiments described herein with anvil caps may provide several advantages. One advantage for example, may make the anvil and firing member assembly process easier. That is, the firing member may be installed through the opening in the anvil body while the anvil is attached to the elongate channel. Another advantage is that the upper cap may improve the anvil&#39;s stiffness and resistance to the above-mentioned flexure forces that may be experienced when clamping tissue. By resisting such flexure, the frictional forces normally encountered by the firing member  1660  may be reduced. Thus, the amount of firing force required to drive the firing member from its starting to ending position in the surgical staple cartridge may also be reduced. 
       FIG. 34  provides a side-by-side comparison of two anvils. A portion of a first anvil  2030  of an end effector  2000  is depicted in the right half of  FIG. 34  and a portion of a second anvil  2030 ′ of an end effector  2000 ′ is depicted in the left half of  FIG. 34 . The anvil  2030  comprises a first longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   a , a second longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   b , and a third longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   c . The anvil  2030  further comprises a longitudinal slot  2033  which is configured to receive a firing member, such as firing member  2040 , for example, as the firing member is advanced through a staple firing stroke. The first longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   a  is positioned intermediate the longitudinal slot  2033  and the second longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   b , and the second longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   b  is positioned intermediate the first longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   a  and the third longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   c . As a result, the first longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   a  comprises an inner row, the third longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   c  comprises an outer row, and the second longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   b  comprises a middle or intermediate row. 
     Similar to the above, the anvil  2030 ′ comprises a first longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   a , a second longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   b , and a third longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   c . The anvil  2030 ′ further comprises a longitudinal slot  2033 ′ which is configured to receive a firing member, such as firing member  2040 ′, for example, as the firing member is advanced through a staple firing stroke. The first longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   a  is positioned intermediate the longitudinal slot  2033 ′ and the second longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   b , and the second longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   b  is positioned intermediate the first longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   a  and the third longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   c . As a result, the first longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   a  comprises an inner row, the third longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   c  comprises an outer row, and the second longitudinal row of forming pockets  2032   b  comprises a middle or intermediate row. 
     The anvil  2030  comprises a flat, or an at least substantially flat, tissue engaging surface  2031 . The forming pockets  2032   a ,  2032   b , and  2032   c  are defined in the flat surface  2031 . The flat surface  2031  does not have steps defined therein; however, embodiments are envisioned in which the anvil  2030  can comprise a stepped tissue engaging surface. For instance, the anvil  2030 ′ comprises a stepped tissue engaging surface  2031 ′. In this embodiment, the forming pockets  2032   a  and  2032   b  are defined in a lower step and the forming pockets  2032   c  are defined in an upper step. 
     The firing member  2040 ′ comprises a coupling member  2042 ′ including a cutting portion  2041 . The cutting portion  2041  is configured and arranged to incise tissue captured between the anvil  2030 ′ and a staple cartridge  2010  ( FIG. 35 ), for example. The firing member  2040 ′ is configured to push a sled having inclined surfaces distally during a staple firing stroke. The inclined surfaces are configured to lift staple drivers within the staple cartridge  2010  to form staples  2020  against the anvil  2030 ′ and eject the staples  2020  from the staple cartridge  2010 . The coupling member  2042 ′ comprises projections, or cams,  2043 ′ extending laterally therefrom which are configured to engage the anvil  2030 ′ during the staple firing stroke. Referring to  FIG. 37 , the projections  2043 ′ are comprised of longitudinally elongate shoulders extending from the coupling member  2042 ′. In other embodiments, the projections  2043 ′ comprise a cylindrical pin which extends through the coupling member  2042 ′. In any event, the projections  2043 ′ have flat lateral sides, or ends,  2047 ′. 
     The longitudinal slot  2033 ′ comprises lateral portions  20331 ′ extending laterally from a central portion  2033   c  ′ which are configured to receive the projections  2043 ′. As illustrated in  FIG. 34 , the lateral portions  20331 ′ of the longitudinal slot  2033 ′ have a rectangular, or at least substantially rectangular, configuration having sharp corners. Each lateral portion  20331 ′ of the slot  2033 ′ comprises a longitudinal cam surface  2035 ′ configured to be engaged by the projections  2043 ′ during the staple firing stroke. Each longitudinal cam surface  2035 ′ is defined on the upper side of a ledge  2037 ′ which extends longitudinally along the slot  2033 ′. Each longitudinal ledge  2037 ′ comprises a beam including a fixed end attached to the main body portion of the anvil  2030 ′ and a free end configured to move relative to the fixed end. As such, each longitudinal ledge  2037 ′ can comprise a cantilever beam. 
     The coupling member  2042 ′ further comprises a foot, or cam,  2044  ( FIG. 35 ) configured to engage the staple cartridge  2010 , or a jaw supporting the staple cartridge  2010 , during the staple firing stroke. Moreover, the projections  2043 ′ and the foot  2044  co-operate to position the anvil  2030 ′ and the staple cartridge  2010  relative to one another. When the anvil  2030 ′ is movable relative to the staple cartridge  2010 , the coupling member  2042 ′ can cam the anvil  2030 ′ into position relative to the staple cartridge  2010 . When the staple cartridge  2010 , or the jaw supporting the staple cartridge  2010 , is movable relative to the anvil  2030 ′, the coupling member  2042 ′ can cam the staple cartridge  2010  into position relative to the anvil  2030 ′. 
     Further to the above, the firing member  2040  comprises a coupling member  2042  including a cutting portion  2041 . The cutting portion  2041  is configured and arranged to incise tissue captured between the anvil  2030  and a staple cartridge  2010  ( FIG. 35 ). The firing member  2040  is configured to push a sled having inclined surfaces distally during a staple firing stroke. The inclined surfaces are configured to lift staple drivers within the staple cartridge  2010  to form staples  2020  against the anvil  2030  and eject the staples  2020  from the staple cartridge  2010 . The coupling member  2042  comprises projections, or cams,  2043  extending laterally therefrom which are configured to engage the anvil  2030  during the staple firing stroke. The projections  2043  have curved, or rounded, lateral sides, or ends,  2047 . The lateral ends  2047  of the projections  2043  are entirely curved or fully-rounded. Each lateral end  2047  comprises an arcuate profile extending between a top surface of a projection  2043  and a bottom surface of the projection  2043 . In other embodiments, the lateral ends  2047  of the projections  2043  are only partially curved. 
     The longitudinal slot  2033  comprises lateral portions  20331  extending laterally from a central portion  2033   c  which are configured to receive the projections  2043 . Each lateral portion  20331  of the slot  2033  comprises a longitudinal cam surface  2035  configured to be engaged by the projections  2043  during the staple firing stroke. Each longitudinal cam surface  2035  is defined on the upper side of a ledge  2037  which extends longitudinally along the slot  2033 . Each longitudinal ledge  2037  comprises a beam including a fixed end attached to the main body portion of the anvil  2030  and a free end configured to move relative to the fixed end. As such, each longitudinal ledge  2037  can comprise a cantilever beam. As illustrated in  FIG. 34 , the lateral portions of the longitudinal slot  2033  comprise a curved, or rounded, profile which match, or at least substantially match, the curved ends  2047  of the projections  2043 . 
     The coupling member  2042  further comprises a foot, or cam,  2044  ( FIG. 35 ) configured to engage the staple cartridge  2010 , or a jaw supporting the staple cartridge  2010 , during the staple firing stroke. Moreover, the projections  2043  and the foot  2044  co-operate to position the anvil  2030  and the staple cartridge  2010  relative to one another. When the anvil  2030  is movable relative to the staple cartridge  2010 , the coupling member  2042  can cam the anvil  2030  into position relative to the staple cartridge  2010 . When the staple cartridge  2010 , or the jaw supporting the staple cartridge  2010 , is movable relative to the anvil  2030 , the coupling member  2042  can cam the staple cartridge  2010  into position relative to the anvil  2030 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 34 , the lateral portions  20331 ′ of the longitudinal slot  2033 ′ extend a distance  2034 ′ from a centerline CL of the anvil  2030 ′. The lateral portions  20331 ′ extend over, or behind, the forming pockets  2032   a  in the anvil  2030 ′. As illustrated in  FIG. 34 , the lateral ends of the lateral portions  20331 ′ are aligned with the outer edges of the forming pockets  2032   a . Other embodiments are envisioned in which the lateral portions  20331 ′ extend laterally beyond the forming pockets  2032   a , for example. That said, referring to  FIG. 36 , the ledges  2037 ′ of the anvil  2030 ′ are long and, in certain instances, the ledges  2037 ′ can deflect significantly under load. In some instances, the ledges  2037 ′ can deflect downwardly such that a large portion of the drive surfaces  2045 ′ defined on the bottom of the projections  2043 ′ are not in contact with the cam surfaces  2035 ′. In such instances, the contact between the projections  2043 ′ and the cam surfaces  2035 ′ can be reduced to a point, such as point  2047 ′, for example. In some instances, the contact between the projections  2043 ′ and the cam surfaces  2035 ′ can be reduced to a longitudinally extending line, which may appear to be a point when viewed from the distal end of the end effector, as illustrated in  FIG. 36 . 
     Moreover, referring again to  FIG. 34 , the projections  2043 ′ extend over, or behind, the forming pockets  2032   a  in the anvil  2030 ′. The lateral ends of the projections  2043 ′ extend over a longitudinal centerline  2062   a  of the forming pockets  2032   a . Other embodiments are envisioned in which the lateral ends of the projections  2043 ′ are aligned with the longitudinal centerline  2062   a  of the forming pockets  2032   a . Certain embodiments are envisioned in which the lateral ends of the projections  2043 ′ do not extend to the longitudinal centerline  2062   a  of the forming pockets  2032   a . In any event, referring again to  FIG. 36 , the projections  2043 ′ can deflect upwardly, especially when the projections  2043 ′ are long, such that a large portion of the drive surfaces  2045 ′ of the projections  2043 ′ are not in contact with the cam surfaces  2035 ′. This condition can further exacerbate the condition discussed above in connection with the ledges  2037 ′. That being said, the projections  2043 ′ may be able to better control the staple formation process occurring in the forming pockets  2032   a , and/or the forming pockets  2032   b  and  2032   c , when the projections  2043 ′ extend to the outer edge of the forming pockets  2032   a  or beyond, for instance. 
     Further to the above, the ledges  2037 ′ and the projections  2043 ′ can deflect in a manner which causes the load flowing between the firing member  2040 ′ and the anvil  2030 ′ to be applied at the inner ends of ledges  2037 ′. As illustrated in  FIG. 36 , the contact points  2048 ′ are at or near the inner ends of the ledges  2037 ′. The deflection of the ledges  2037 ′, and the projections  2043 ′, is the same or similar to that of cantilever beams. As the reader should appreciate, the deflection of a cantilever beam is proportional to the cube of the beam length when the load is applied at the end of the cantilever beam. In any event, gaps between the ledges  2037 ′ and the projections  2043 ′ can be created when the ledges  2037 ′ and/or the projections  2043 ′ deflect. Such gaps between portions of the ledges  2037 ′ and the projections  2043 ′ means that the forces flowing therebetween will flow through very small areas which will, as a result, increase the stress and strain experienced by the ledges  2037 ′ and projections  2043 ′. This interaction is represented by stress risers, or concentrations,  2039 ′ and  2049 ′ in  FIGS. 38 and 39  where stress risers  2039 ′ are present in the ledges  2037 ′ and stress risers  2049 ′ are present at the interconnection between the projections  2043 ′ and the coupling member  2042 ′. Other stress risers, or concentrations, may be present but, as discussed below, it is desirable to reduce or eliminate such stress risers. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 34 and 35 , the lateral portions  20331  of the longitudinal slot  2033  each extend a distance  2034  from a centerline CL of the anvil  2030 . The distance  2034  is shorter than the distance  2034 ′. Nonetheless, the lateral portions  20331  extend over, or behind, the forming pockets  2032   a  in the anvil  2030 . As illustrated in  FIG. 34 , the lateral ends of the lateral portions  20331  are not aligned with the outer edges of the forming pockets  2032   a . Moreover, the lateral ends of the lateral portions  20331  do not extend beyond the outer edges of the forming pockets  2032   a ; however, the lateral portions  20331  extend over the longitudinal centerlines  2062   a  of the forming pockets  2032   a . Further to the above, the ledges  2037  are shorter than the ledges  2037 ′. As such, the ledges  2037  will experience less deflection, stress, and strain than the ledges  2037 ′ for a given force applied thereto. 
     Other embodiments are envisioned in which the lateral portions  20331  of the slot  2033  do not extend to the longitudinal centerline  2062   a  of the forming pockets  2032   a . In certain embodiments, the lateral portions  20331  do not extend laterally over or overlap the forming pockets  2032   a . Such shorter lateral portions  20331 , further to the above, can reduce the deflection, stress, and strain in the ledges  2037 . Owing to the reduced deflection of the ledges  2037 , the drive surfaces  2045  defined on the bottom of the projections  2043  can remain in contact with the cam surfaces  2035  of the ledges  2037 . In such instances, the contact area between the projections  2043  and the cam surfaces  2035  can be increased as compared to the contact area between the projections  2043 ′ and the cam surfaces  2035 ′. 
     Further to the above, the cross-sectional thickness of the ledges  2037  isn&#39;t constant, unlike the ledges  2037 ′ which have a constant cross-sectional thickness. The ledges  2037  have a tapered cross-sectional thickness where the base of each ledge  2037  is wider than its inner end owing to the rounded lateral ends of the lateral slot portions  20331 . Such a configuration can serve to stiffen or strengthen the ledges  2037  and reduce the deflection, stress, and strain of the ledges  2037  as compared to the ledges  2037 ′. In at least one instance, a portion of a ledge  2037  is tapered while another portion of the ledge  2037  has a constant cross-sectional thickness. In at least one other instance, the entirety of a ledge  2037  can be tapered such that none of the cross-sectional thickness is constant. 
     Moreover, referring again to  FIGS. 34 and 35 , the projections  2043  extend over, or behind, the forming pockets  2032   a  in the anvil  2030 . The lateral ends of the projections  2043  do not extend over the longitudinal centerline  2062   a  of the forming pockets  2032   a . Other embodiments are envisioned in which the lateral ends of the projections  2043  are aligned with the longitudinal centerline  2062   a  of the forming pockets  2032   a . Certain embodiments are envisioned in which the lateral ends of the projections  2043  do not extend over the forming pockets  2032   a  at all. In any event, the upward deflection of the projections  2043  may be less than the projections  2043 ′ and, as a result, a larger contact area can be present between the drive surfaces  2045  and the cam surfaces  2035 . 
     Further to the above, the ledges  2037  and the projections  2043  can deflect in a manner which causes the load flowing between the firing member  2040  and the anvil  2030  to be applied laterally along the lengths of the ledges  2037  instead of at a single point and/or at end of the ledges  2037 . As a result, the forces flowing therebetween will flow through larger areas which will, as a result, reduce the stress and strain experienced by the ledges  2037  and projections  2043  which can reduce or eliminate the stress risers discussed above in connection with the ledges  2037 ′ and the projections  2043 ′, for example. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 35 , the foot  2044  of the coupling member  2042  is wider than the projections  2033 . Stated another way, the lateral width of the foot  2044  is wider than the width between the lateral ends of the projections  2033 . In such instances, the foot  2044  can deflect or strain more than the projections and, as a result, the deflection of the projections  2033  can be reduced. Alternative embodiments are envisioned in which the lateral width of the foot  2044  is the same as or less than the width between the lateral ends of the projections  2033 ; however, such embodiments can be otherwise configured to provide the desired deflection and/or strain within the projections  2033 . 
     As discussed above, an end effector can comprise an anvil, for example, which is movable between an open position and a closed position. In some instances, the anvil is moved toward its closed position by a firing member, such as firing member  2040  or  2040 ′, for example, when the firing member is moved distally. In other instances, the anvil is moved toward its closed position prior to the firing member being advanced distally to perform a staple firing stroke. In either event, the anvil may not move into its entirely closed position until the firing member approaches or reaches the end of its staple firing stroke. As a result, the anvil is progressively closed by the firing member. In at least one such instance, the anvil may progressively close owing to thick tissue captured between the anvil and the staple cartridge. In some instances, the anvil may actually deflect or deform during the staple firing stroke of the firing member. Such circumstances are generally controlled, however, by the upper projections and the bottom foot of the firing member. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 37 , the drive surfaces  2045 ′ defined on the projections  2043 ′ are flat, or at least substantially flat. Moreover, the drive surfaces  2045 ′ are configured to flushingly engage the flat, or at least substantially flat, cam surfaces  2035 ′ defined on the anvil  2030 ′ when the anvil  2030 ′ is in a completely closed position. Stated another way, the drive surfaces  2045 ′ engage the cam surfaces  2035 ′ in a face-to-face relationship when the anvil  2030 ′ is in a completely flat orientation. A flat orientation of the anvil  2030 ′ is depicted in phantom in  FIG. 37 . In such instances, the drive surfaces  2045 ′ are parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the longitudinal path of the firing member  2040 ′ during the staple firing stroke. As discussed above, however, the anvil  2030 ′ may progressively close during the firing stroke and, as a result, the anvil  2030 ′ may not always be in an entirely closed position. As a result, the drive surfaces  2045 ′ may not always be aligned with the cam surfaces  2035 ′ and, in such instances, the projections  2043 ′ may gouge into the ledges  2037 ′ of the anvil  2030 .  FIG. 37  depicts such instances with solid lines. 
     Further to the above, the drive surfaces  2045 ′ of the projections  2043 ′ and/or the cam surfaces  2035 ′ defined on the ledges  2037 ′ can plastically deform if the firing member  2040 ′ has to progressively close the anvil  2030 ′ into its entirely closed position. In certain instances, the cam surfaces  2035 ′ can gall, for example, which can increase the force needed to complete the staple firing stroke. More specifically, plastic strain of the projections  2043 ′ and/or the anvil ledges  2037 ′ can cause energy losses as the metal is deformed beyond the plastic limits. At that point, galling occurs and the frictional co-efficient of the coupling increases substantially. The energy losses can be in the order of about 10%-30%, for example, which can increase the force needed to fire the firing member in the order of about 10%-30%. Moreover, the force needed to complete subsequent staple firing strokes with the end effector  2000 ′ may increase in such instances in the event that the end effector  2000 ′ is reused. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 40-42 , a firing member  2140  comprises a firing bar and a coupling member  2142  attached to the firing bar. The coupling member  2142  comprises a connector  2148  which connects the coupling member  2142  to the firing bar. The coupling member  2142  further comprises a cutting member  2041  configured to incise the tissue of a patient during a staple firing stroke. The coupling member  2142  also comprises projections  2143  configured to engage an anvil, such as anvil  2030  or  2030 ′, for example, and, in addition, a foot  2144  configured to engage a staple cartridge jaw during the staple firing stroke. Each projection  2143  comprises a drive surface  2145  defined on the bottom side thereof. Each projection  2143  further comprises a proximally-extending cam transition  2147  and a radiused-transition  2149  extending around the perimeter of the projection  2143 . The coupling member  2142  further comprises intermediate projections  2146  extending laterally therefrom which are configured to prevent the firing member  2140  from performing the staple firing stroke when an unspent staple cartridge is not positioned in front of the firing member  2140  at the outset of the staple firing stroke. 
     Further to the above, the drive surfaces  2145  of the projections  2143  are not parallel to the longitudinal path  2160  of the firing member  2140 . Rather, the drive surfaces  2145  extend transversely to the longitudinal path  2160 . In at least one instance, the distal end of each drive surface  2145  is positioned further away from the longitudinal path  2160  than the proximal end. Such an arrangement can reduce or eliminate the problems described above in connection with the progressive closure of the anvil  2130 . More specifically, in at least one instance, if the anvil  2130  will move through a range of motion between about 4 degrees and about 0 degrees with respect to the longitudinal path  2160  during the progressive closure, then the drive surface  2145  could be oriented at about 2 degrees with respect to the longitudinal path  2160 , for example, which represents the midpoint in the range of progressive closure. Other embodiments are possible. For instance, if the anvil  2130  will move through a range of motion between about 1 degree and about 0 degrees with respect to the longitudinal path  2160  during the progressive closure, then the drive surfaces  2145  could be oriented at about 1 degree with respect to the longitudinal path  2160 , for example, which represents the upper bound in the range of progressive closure. In various instances, the firing member  2140  may be required to progressively close the anvil  2130  through a 5 degree range of motion, for example. In other instances, the firing member  2140  may be required to progressively the anvil  2130  through a 10 degree range of motion, for example. In some instances, the anvil  2130  may not reach its completely closed position and, as a result, the progressive closure of the anvil  2130  may not reach 0 degrees. 
     Further to the above, the drive surface  2145  of the projection  2143  is not parallel to the drive surface of the foot  2144 . Referring primarily to  FIG. 41 , the drive surface  2145  extends along an axis  2183  and the drive surface of the foot  2144  extends along an axis  2184 . In at least one instance, the drive surface  2145  is oriented at an about 0.5 degree angle with respect to the drive surface of the foot  2144 , for example. Other instances are envisioned in which the drive surface  2145  is oriented at an about 1 degree angle with respect to the drive surface of the foot  2144 , for example. Certain instances are envisioned in which the drive surface  2145  is oriented between about 0.5 degrees and about 5 degrees with respect to the drive surface of the foot  2144 , for example. The drive surface of the foot  2144  is parallel to the longitudinal path  2160 ; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the drive surface of the foot  2144  is not parallel to the longitudinal path  2160 . 
     The examples provided above were discussed in connection with a movable anvil; however, it should be understood that the teachings of such examples could be adapted to any suitable movable jaw, such as a movable staple cartridge jaw, for example. Similarly, the examples provided elsewhere in this application could be adapted to any movable jaw. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 43-45 , a firing member  2240  comprises a firing bar and a coupling member  2242  attached to the firing bar. The coupling member  2242  comprises a connector  2148  which connects the coupling member  2242  to the firing bar. The coupling member  2242  further comprises a cutting member  2041  configured to incise the tissue of a patient during a staple firing stroke. The coupling member  2242  also comprises projections  2243  configured to engage an anvil, such as anvil  2030  or  2030 ′, for example, and, in addition, a foot  2144  configured to engage a staple cartridge jaw during the staple firing stroke. Each projection  2243  comprises a drive surface  2245  defined on the bottom side thereof. Each projection  2243  further comprises a radiused-transition  2249  extending around the perimeter thereof. The coupling member  2242  further comprises intermediate projections  2146  extending laterally therefrom which are configured to prevent the firing member  2240  from performing the staple firing stroke when an unspent staple cartridge is not positioned in front of the firing member  2240  at the outset of the staple firing stroke. 
     Further to the above, each projection  2243  comprises a leading, or proximal, end  2251  configured to engage the anvil and, in addition, a trailing end. The leading end of each projection  2243  is different than the lagging, or trailing, end of the projection  2243 . The leading end  2251  comprises a radius which extends from the bottom drive surface  2245  of the projection  2243  to a location positioned above a longitudinal centerline  2250  of the projection  2243 . The leading end  2251  comprises a single radius of curvature; however, the leading end  2251  can be comprised of more than one radius of curvature. Each projection  2243  further comprises a radiused edge  2259  between the radiused leading end  2251  and the top surface of the projection  2243 . The radius of curvature of the edge  2259  is smaller than the radius of curvature of the leading end  2251 . Other embodiments are envisioned in which the entirety of, or at least a portion of, the leading end  2251  is linear. In any event, the configuration of the leading end  2251  can shift the force, or load, transmitted between the firing member  2240  and the anvil away from the leading end  2251  toward the trailing end of the projection  2243 . Stated another way, the configuration of the leading end  2251  may prevent the leading end  2251  from becoming the focal point of the transmitted force between the firing member  2240  and the anvil. Such an arrangement can prevent or reduce the possibility of the firing member  2240  becoming stuck against the anvil and can reduce the force required to move the firing member  2240  distally. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 46-48 , a firing member  2340  comprises a firing bar and a coupling member  2342  attached to the firing bar. The coupling member  2342  comprises a connector  2148  which connects the coupling member  2342  to the firing bar. The coupling member  2342  further comprises a cutting member  2041  configured to incise the tissue of a patient during a staple firing stroke. The coupling member  2342  also comprises projections  2343  configured to engage an anvil, such as anvil  2030  or  2030 ′, for example, and, in addition, a foot  2144  configured to engage a staple cartridge jaw during the staple firing stroke. Each projection  2343  comprises a drive surface defined on the bottom side thereof. Each projection  2343  further comprises a radiused-transition  2349  extending around the perimeter thereof. The coupling member  2342  further comprises intermediate projections  2146  extending laterally therefrom which are configured to prevent the firing member  2340  from performing the staple firing stroke when an unspent staple cartridge is not positioned in front of the firing member  2340  at the outset of the staple firing stroke. 
     Further to the above, each projection  2343  comprises a radiused leading end  2351 . The leading end  2351  is similar to the leading end  2251  and comprises a curved surface which extends across the centerline  2350  of the projection  2343 . The leading end  2251  has a different configuration than the trailing end of the projection  2243 . Each projection  2343  further comprises a lateral side, or end,  2352 . Each lateral end  2352  comprises a flat surface which is positioned intermediate radiused, or curved, edges  2347 . A first radiused edge  2347  is positioned intermediate a top surface of the projection  2343  and the lateral end  2352  and, in addition, a second radiused edge  2347  is positioned intermediate a bottom surface of the projection  2343  and the lateral end  2352 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 49-51 , a firing member  2440  comprises a firing bar and a coupling member  2442  attached to the firing bar. The coupling member  2442  comprises a connector  2148  which connects the coupling member  2442  to the firing bar. The coupling member  2442  further comprises a cutting member  2041  configured to incise the tissue of a patient during a staple firing stroke. The coupling member  2442  also comprises projections  2443  configured to engage an anvil, such as anvil  2030  or  2030 ′, for example, and, in addition, a foot  2144  configured to engage a staple cartridge jaw during the staple firing stroke. Each projection  2443  comprises a drive surface  2445  defined on the bottom side thereof. Each projection  2443  further comprises a radiused-transition extending around the perimeter thereof. The coupling member  2442  further comprises intermediate projections  2146  extending laterally therefrom which are configured to prevent the firing member  2440  from performing the staple firing stroke when an unspent staple cartridge is not positioned in front of the firing member  2440  at the outset of the staple firing stroke. 
     Further to the above, the lateral sides, or ends, of each projection  2443  are defined by more than one radius of curvature. Each projection  2443  comprises a first radius of curvature  2447   a  extending from the bottom drive surface  2445  and a second radius of curvature  2447   b  extending from the top surface of the projection  2443 . The first radius of curvature  2447   a  is different than the second radius of curvature  2447   b . For instance, the first radius of curvature  2447   a  is larger than the second radius of curvature  2447   b ; however, the curvatures  2447   a  and  2447   b  can comprise any suitable configuration. Referring primarily to  FIG. 51 , the first radius of curvature  2447   a  extends upwardly past a centerline  2450  of the projection  2443 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 52-54 , a firing member  2540  comprises a firing bar and a coupling member  2542  attached to the firing bar. The coupling member  2542  comprises a connector  2148  which connects the coupling member  2542  to the firing bar. The coupling member  2542  further comprises a cutting member  2041  configured to incise the tissue of a patient during a staple firing stroke. The coupling member  2542  also comprises projections  2543  configured to engage an anvil, such as anvil  2030  or  2030 ′, for example, and, in addition, a foot  2144  configured to engage a staple cartridge jaw during the staple firing stroke. Each projection  2543  comprises a drive surface defined on the bottom side thereof. Each projection  2543  further comprises a radiused-transition extending around the perimeter thereof. The coupling member  2542  further comprises intermediate projections  2146  extending laterally therefrom which are configured to prevent the firing member  2540  from performing the staple firing stroke when an unspent staple cartridge is not positioned in front of the firing member  2540  at the outset of the staple firing stroke. 
     Further to the above, each projection  2543  comprises a lateral side, or end,  2552  which is flat, or at least substantially flat. Each projection  2543  further comprises a radiused transition  2547  extending around the lateral end  2552 . Each projection  2543  is symmetrical, or at least substantially symmetrical, about a longitudinal centerline which extends through the lateral end  2552 . Moreover, the top surface and the bottom surface of each projection  2543  are parallel to one another. 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 53 , the leading end  2551  of each projection  2543  is positioned distally with respect to a cutting edge  2042  of the cutting portion  2041 . The trailing end  2559  of each projection  2543  is positioned proximally with respect to the cutting edge  2042 . As a result, the projections  2043  longitudinally span the cutting edge  2042 . In such instances, the firing member  2540  can hold the anvil and the staple cartridge together directly at the location in which the tissue is being cut. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 55-57 , a firing member  2640  comprises a firing bar and a coupling member  2642  attached to the firing bar. The coupling member  2642  comprises a connector  2148  which connects the coupling member  2642  to the firing bar. The coupling member  2642  further comprises a cutting member  2041  configured to incise the tissue of a patient during a staple firing stroke. The coupling member  2642  also comprises projections  2643  configured to engage an anvil, such as anvil  2030  or  2030 ′, for example, and, in addition, a foot  2144  configured to engage a staple cartridge jaw during the staple firing stroke. Each projection  2643  comprises a drive surface  2645  defined on the bottom side thereof. Each projection  2643  further comprises a radiused-transition  2649  extending around the perimeter thereof. The coupling member  2642  further comprises intermediate projections  2146  extending laterally therefrom which are configured to prevent the firing member  2640  from performing the staple firing stroke when an unspent staple cartridge is not positioned in front of the firing member  2640  at the outset of the staple firing stroke. 
     Further to the above, each projection  2643  further comprises a lateral end  2652 , a bottom drive surface  2645 , and a top surface  2647 . The bottom drive surface  2645  is flat and is parallel to the longitudinal firing path  2660  of the firing member  2640 . Referring primarily to  FIG. 57 , the top surface  2647  is flat, but not parallel to the longitudinal firing path  2660 . Moreover, the top surface  2647  is not parallel to the bottom surface  2645 . As a result, each projection  2643  is asymmetrical. In fact, the orientation of the top surface  2647  shifts the moment of inertia of the projection  2643  above the lateral end  2652 . Such an arrangement can increase the bending stiffness of the projections  2643  which can reduce the deflection of the projections  2643 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 58-60 , a firing member  2740  comprises a firing bar and a coupling member  2742  attached to the firing bar. The coupling member  2742  comprises a connector  2148  which connects the coupling member  2742  to the firing bar. The coupling member  2742  further comprises a cutting member  2041  configured to incise the tissue of a patient during a staple firing stroke. The coupling member  2742  also comprises projections  2743  configured to engage an anvil, such as anvil  2030  or  2030 ′, for example, and, in addition, a foot  2144  configured to engage a staple cartridge jaw during the staple firing stroke. Each projection  2743  comprises a drive surface defined on the bottom side thereof. The coupling member  2742  further comprises intermediate projections  2146  extending laterally therefrom which are configured to prevent the firing member  2740  from performing the staple firing stroke when an unspent staple cartridge is not positioned in front of the firing member  2740  at the outset of the staple firing stroke. 
     Further to the above, each projection  2743  comprises a first, or leading, portion  2753   a  and a second, or lagging, portion  2753   b  positioned distally behind the leading portion  2753   a . The leading portion  2753   a  comprises a curved lead-in surface  2751  defined on the distal end thereof which is configured to initially engage the anvil. The leading portion  2753   a  further comprises a first, or leading, drive surface  2745   a  defined on the bottom side thereof. Similarly, the lagging portion  2753   b  comprises a second, or lagging, drive surface  2745   b  defined on the bottom side thereof. Each projection  2743  further comprises a transition  2752  defined between the leading portion  2753   a  and the lagging portion  2753   b.    
     As the firing member  2740  is advanced distally, further to the above, the drive surfaces  2745   a  and  2745   b  can co-operate to engage and position the anvil. In certain embodiments, the drive surfaces  2745   a  and  2745   b  define a drive plane which is parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the longitudinal path  2760  of the firing member  2740  during the staple firing stroke. In some instances, however, only the leading drive surface  2745   a  may engage the cam surface defined on the anvil. Such instances can arise when the firing member  2740  progressively closes the anvil, for example. 
     In other embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 69 and 71 , the leading drive surface  2745   a  is positioned above the lagging drive surface  2745   b . Stated another way, the leading drive surface  2745   a  is positioned further away from the longitudinal path  2760  than the lagging drive surface  2745   b  such that both drive surfaces  2745   a  and  2745   b  remain in contact with the anvil during the staple firing stroke. In at least one instance, the drive surfaces  2745   a  and  2745   b  can define a drive plane which is transverse to the longitudinal path  2760 . In certain instances, a 1 degree angle, for example, can be defined between the drive plane and the longitudinal path  2760 . In various instances, the leading drive surface  2745   a  is positioned vertically above the lagging drive surface  2745   b  by approximately 0.001″, for example. In other embodiments, the leading drive surface  2745   a  is positioned vertically above the lagging drive surface  2745   b  by approximately 0.002″, for example. In certain instances, the leading drive surface  2745   a  is positioned above the lagging drive surface  2745   b  a distance which is between about 0.001″ and about 0.002″, for example 
     In certain instances, referring again to  FIG. 70 , only the lagging drive surfaces  2745   b  may be in contact with the cam surfaces of the anvil when the firing member  2740  progressively closes the anvil. In such instances, the leading drive surfaces  2745   a  are not in contact with the cam surfaces of the anvil. Such an arrangement can reduce the plastic deformation of the projections  2743  and reduce to force needed to advance the firing member  2740  distally as compared to when only the leading drive surfaces  2745   a  are in contact with the cam surfaces of the anvil. When the anvil begins to flex owing to the staple forming load being applied to the anvil, in some instances, the anvil can flex upwardly into contact with the leasing drive surfaces  2745   a  as illustrated in  FIG. 71 . 
     The leading portion  2753   a  is thicker than the lagging portion  2753   b . Stated another way, the leading portion  2753   a  has a larger bending moment of inertia than the lagging portion  2753   b  which can resist the upward bending of the projection  2743 . As a result, the lagging portion  2753   b  can deflect upwardly more than the leading portion  2753   a . In such instances, it is more likely that both portions  2753   a  and  2753   b  of the projections  2743  can remain in contact with the anvil during the staple firing stroke even though the firing member  2740  is being used to progressively close the anvil. Moreover, the leading portion  2753   a  also has a larger shear thickness than the lagging portion  2753   b  which can better resist shear forces transmitted through the projections  2743 . The leading portion  2753   a  is often exposed to greater shear forces than the lagging portion  2753   b  and, as a result, can benefit from the increased shear thickness. If it is believed that the lagging portion  2753   b  may experience greater shear forces than the leading projection  2753   a , then the lagging portion  2753   b  can have a greater shear thickness than the leading portion  2753   a , for example. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 61-63 , a firing member  2840  comprises a firing bar and a coupling member  2842  attached to the firing bar. The coupling member  2842  comprises a connector  2148  which connects the coupling member  2842  to the firing bar. The coupling member  2842  further comprises a cutting member  2041  configured to incise the tissue of a patient during a staple firing stroke. The coupling member  2842  also comprises projections configured to engage an anvil, such as anvil  2030  or  2030 ′, for example, and, in addition, a foot  2144  configured to engage a staple cartridge jaw during the staple firing stroke. As described in greater detail below, each projection comprises a drive surface defined on the bottom side thereof. The coupling member  2842  further comprises intermediate projections  2146  extending laterally therefrom which are configured to prevent the firing member  2840  from performing the staple firing stroke when an unspent staple cartridge is not positioned in front of the firing member  2840  at the outset of the staple firing stroke. 
     Further to the above, each side of the coupling member comprises a first, or leading, projection  2843   d  and a second, or lagging, projection  2843   p  positioned behind the leading projection  2843   d . The leading projection  2843   d  comprises a curved lead-in surface  2851   d  defined on the distal end thereof which is configured to initially engage the anvil. The leading projection  2843   d  further comprises a first, or leading, drive surface  2845   d  defined on the bottom side thereof. Similarly, the lagging projection  2843   p  comprises a curved lead-in surface  2851   p  defined on the distal end thereof which is configured to engage the anvil. The lagging projection  2843   p  further comprises a second, or lagging, drive surface  2845   p  defined on the bottom side thereof. 
     As the firing member  2840  is advanced distally, further to the above, the drive surfaces  2845   d  and  2845   p  can co-operate to engage and position the anvil. In certain embodiments, the drive surfaces  2845   d  and  2845   p  define a drive plane which is parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the longitudinal path  2860  of the firing member  2840  during the staple firing stroke. In other embodiments, the leading drive surface  2845   d  is positioned above the lagging drive surface  2845   p . Stated another way, the leading drive surface  2845   d  is positioned further away from the longitudinal path  2860  than the lagging drive surface  2845   p . In at least one instance, the drive surfaces  2845   d  and  2845   p  can define a drive plane which is transverse to the longitudinal path  2860 . In certain instances, a 1 degree angle, for example, can be defined between the drive plane and the longitudinal path  2860 . 
     Further to the above, the leading projections  2843   d  and the lagging projections  2843   p  can move relative to each other. In various instances, a leading projection  2843   d  and a lagging projection  2843   p  on one side of the coupling member  2842  can move independently of one another. Such an arrangement can allow the projections  2843   d  and  2843   p  to independently adapt to the orientation of the anvil, especially when the firing member  2840  is used to progressively close the anvil. As a result, both of the projections  2843   d  and  2843   p  can remain engaged with the anvil such that forces flow between the firing member  2840  and the anvil at several locations and that the plastic deformation of the projections is reduced. 
       FIG. 68  depicts the energy required for a first firing member to complete a firing stroke, labeled as  2090 ′, and a second firing member to complete a firing stroke, labeled as  3090 . The firing stroke  2090 ′ represents a condition in which significant plastic deformation and galling is occurring. The firing stroke  3090  represents an improvement over the firing stroke  2090 ′ in which the deformation of the firing member and anvil ledge is mostly elastic. It is believed that, in certain instances, the plastic strain experienced by the firing member and/or anvil can be reduced by about 40%-60%, for example, by employing the teachings disclosed herein. 
     The various embodiments described herein can be utilized to balance the loads transmitted between a firing member and an anvil. Such embodiments can also be utilized to balance the loads transmitted between a firing member and a staple cartridge jaw. In either event, the firing member can be designed to provide a desired result but it should be understood that such a desired result may not be achieved in some circumstances owing to manufacturing tolerances of the stapling instrument and/or the variability of the tissue thickness captured within the end effector, for example. In at least one instance, the upper projections and/or the bottom foot of the firing member, for example, can comprise wearable features which are configured to allow the firing member to define a balanced interface with the anvil. 
     Further to the above, referring now to  FIGS. 64-67 , a firing member  2940  comprises lateral projections  2943 . Each projection  2943  comprises longitudinal ridges  2945  extending from the bottom thereof. The ridges  2945  are configured to plastically deform and/or smear when the firing member  2940  is advanced distally to engage the anvil. The ridges  2945  are configured to quickly wear in, or take a set, so as to increase the contact area between the projections  2943  and the anvil and provide better load balancing between the firing member  2940  and the anvil. Such an arrangement can be especially useful when the end effector is used to perform several staple firing strokes. In addition to or in lieu of the above, one or more wearable pads can be attached to the projections of the firing member which can be configured to plastically deform. 
       FIGS. 72 and 73  depict a surgical stapling anvil, or anvil jaw,  3100  for use with a surgical stapling instrument. The anvil  3100  is configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. The anvil  3100  comprises an anvil body  3101  and an anvil cap  3110 . The anvil body  3101  and the anvil cap  3110  are welded together. The anvil body  3101  comprises a proximal portion  3102  comprising a coupling portion  3103 . The coupling portion  3103  is configured to be assembled to an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument to permit rotation of the anvil jaw  3000  relative to a corresponding jaw such as, for example, a staple cartridge jaw. Embodiments are envisioned where the anvil jaw is fixed relative to the staple cartridge jaw and, in such instances, the staple cartridge jaw can rotate relative to the anvil jaw. The anvil body  3101  further comprises a distal tip portion  3104 , outer edges  3107 , and a planar, tissue-facing surface  3106 . The tissue-facing surface  3106  comprises staple-forming pockets defined therein configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. The anvil body  3101  further comprises a longitudinal cavity, or aperture,  3105  configured to receive the anvil cap  3110  therein. As discussed in greater detail below, the longitudinal cavity  3105  can comprise corresponding surfaces configured to mate with corresponding surfaces of the anvil cap  3110  during assembly. Certain surfaces may be configured for welding while others may be configured only for alignment during assembly. 
     The anvil cap  3110  comprises a proximal end  3111 , a distal end  3112 , and a continuous perimeter, or edge,  3113 . When the anvil body  3101  and the anvil cap  3110  are assembled and/or welded together, the edge  3113  may be flush, or substantially flush, with the top surface  3108  of the anvil body  3101  so as to provide a smooth upper surface of the surgical stapling anvil  3100  although a step in the seam therebetween may be possible. Further to the above, the anvil cap  3110  comprises a rounded upper surface  3114 . The upper surface  3114  can be contoured and/or rounded, for example, in order to provide a continuous, curved upper surface of the surgical stapling anvil  3100  when the anvil body  3101  and the anvil cap  3110  are welded together. In various instances, the continuous edge  3113  is a feature configured for welding, as discussed below. 
     The two-piece surgical stapling anvil  3100  can permit the polishing of internal surfaces within the anvil  3100  during manufacturing. Manufacturing these parts can include processes resulting in a less than desirable surface finish of various surfaces within the anvil. Improving the finish of various internal surfaces can reduce internal frictional forces between the anvil and a staple firing member passing therethrough. Reducing the internal frictional forces can reduce the force required for the firing member to move through its staple-firing stroke. Reducing the force required for a firing member to move through its staple-firing stroke can result in the reduction of the size of certain components resulting in the reduction of overall instrument size which is desirable. Such an arrangement can also reduce the number of instances of instrument failure. That said, there are challenges to a two-piece welded anvil. For example, a two-piece welded anvil may deflect more than a unitary anvil in some instances. In other words, a two-piece anvil may be less stiff than a unitary anvil and less resistant to bending. In addition, lateral deflection, or rotation, of the sides of an anvil away from a firing member or longitudinal instrument axis can cause staples to deform improperly. Such deflection can result in a vertical expansion of the overall system resulting formed staples with a formed height which is not the intended formed height. Moreover, such deflection may permit a firing member to vertically tear through an anvil of which it is camming. Also, transverse deflection, or rotation, may require more firing force to be applied to the firing member complete its firing stroke. For example, the distal portion of an anvil may deflect away from the staple cartridge due to the application of tissue-induced pressure. Minimizing this deflection can be important to create properly formed staples. The above being said, the presence of both transverse and lateral deflection can have a compounding effect. In fact, transverse deflection can induce lateral deflection of the anvil. 
       FIG. 74  depicts a portion of a surgical stapling anvil  3200  comprising an anvil body  3210  and an anvil cap  3220  welded to the anvil body  3210  with a weld  3201 . Although only a portion of the surgical stapling anvil  3200  is illustrated, it should be understood that a mirrored portion of the illustrated portion exists to complete the surgical stapling anvil  3200 . The illustrated and mirrored portions will be discussed concurrently going forward. The anvil body  3210  comprises a tissue-facing surface  3211  comprising a plurality of staple-forming pockets  3212  defined therein, ledges  3215  comprising camming surfaces  3216  configured the be contacted by the anvil-camming features of a firing member of a surgical stapling instrument, and a longitudinal slot  3213  configured to receive the firing member therethrough. The anvil body  3210  further comprises outer edges  3214 . The ledges  3215  are configured to bear, or support, a distributed load force  3231  applied by a firing member as the firing member moves through a staple-firing stroke. The anvil body  3210  further comprises a ledge  3217  configured to hold the anvil cap  3220  during welding. The ledge  3217  can aid in assembly and can ensure the proper alignment of the anvil cap  3220  and the anvil body  3210 . The ledge  3217  can also act as a feature to improve overall anvil stiffness. The anvil cap  3220  comprises an upper portion  3223 , a lower portion  3221 , and a ledge  3224  configured to rest on the ledge  3217  before, during, and after welding. 
     The upper portion  3223  of the anvil cap  3220  and the anvil body  3210  are welded together with the weld  3201 . Welding access is provided by beveled edges on one or both of the anvil body  3210  and the anvil cap  3220 . In this instance, the weld surfaces of the anvil body  3210  and the anvil cap  3220  are vertical and, as a result, the weld  3201  is vertical. The weld  3201  comprises a weld length, or depth, labeled by  3202 . The weld depth  3202  is about 0.030 inches, for example. Notably, the weld  3201  does not penetrate the anvil  3200  to the horizontal surfaces of the ledges  3217 ,  3224 . With this arrangement, the anvil body  3210  will tend to rotationally deflect about the pivot axis P owing to the combination of forces applied to the anvil body  3210  by the firing member and the tissue. As the firing member cams the surfaces  3216  by pressing on the ledges  3215 , represented by distributed load force  3231 , and the tissue and the cartridge push on the tissue-facing surface  3211 , represented by distributed load force  3232 , both sides of the anvil body  3210  (only one shown in  FIG. 74 ) may tend to rotate about a pivot axis P and deflect vertically and/or outwardly with respect to the firing member and the anvil cap  3220 . This deflection, represented by deflection  3233 , is permitted due to the lack of weld penetration from the provided weld arrangement. In some instances, the anvil body  3210  and the anvil cap  3220  may spread apart at an non-welded portion, or seam,  3204  having a length  3203 . 
       FIG. 75  depicts a portion of a surgical stapling anvil  3300  comprising an anvil body  3310  and an anvil cap  3320  welded to the anvil body  3310  with a weld  3301 . Although only a portion of the surgical stapling anvil  3300  is illustrated, it should be understood that a mirrored portion of the illustrated portion exists to complete the surgical stapling anvil  3300 . The illustrated and mirrored portions will be discussed concurrently going forward. The anvil body  3310  comprises a tissue-facing surface  3311  comprising a plurality of staple-forming pockets  3312  defined therein, ledges  3315  comprising camming surfaces  3316  configured to be contacted by the anvil-camming features of a firing member of a surgical stapling instrument, and a longitudinal slot  3313  configured to receive a firing member therethrough. The anvil body  3310  further comprises outer edges  3314 . The ledges  3315  are configured to bear, or support, a distributed load force  3331  applied by the firing member as the firing member moves through a staple-firing stroke. The anvil body  3310  further comprises an upper portion  3317  extending from the slot  3313  to the outer edge  3314 . The anvil cap  3320  comprises an upper portion  3323 , a lower portion  3321 , and a ledge  3224  configured to rest on the upper portion  3317  before, during, and after welding. 
     The ledge  3324  of the anvil cap  3320  and the upper portion  3317  of the anvil body  3310  are welded together with the weld  3301 . Welding access is provided by a beveled edge of the anvil cap  3320 . In this instance, the weld surfaces of the anvil body  3310  and the anvil cap  3320  are horizontal and, as a result, the weld  3301  is horizontal. The weld  3301  comprises a weld length, or depth, labeled by  3302 . The weld depth  3302  is about 0.030 inches, for example. Such a weld depth  3302 , however, creates a non-welded portion  3304  having a non-welded width  3303 . The non-welded width is about 0.080 inches, for example. With this arrangement, the anvil body  3310  will tend to rotationally deflect about the pivot axis P and the upper portion  3317  and the ledge  3324  will tend to compress during deflection. However, a non-welded width  3303  extends between the slot  3313  and beyond the second row of staple-forming pockets  3312 . In various instances, the combination of forces applied to the anvil body  3310  by the firing member and the tissue can generate a deflection indicated by deflection  3333 . As the firing member cams the anvil  3300  toward the opposing staple cartridge by pressing on the ledges  3315 , represented by distributed load force  3331 , and as the tissue and the staple cartridge push on the tissue-facing surface  3311 , represented by distributed load force  3332 , both sides of the anvil body  3310  (only one shown in  FIG. 75 ) may tend to rotate and deflect vertically and/or outwardly with respect to the firing member. This deflection  3333  occurs due to the lack of weld penetration, the significant non-welded width  3304 , as well as the horizontal weld arrangement  3301 . 
       FIG. 76  depicts a portion of a surgical stapling anvil  3400  comprising an anvil body  3410  and an anvil cap  3420  welded to the anvil body  3410  with a weld  3401 . Although only a portion of the surgical stapling anvil  3400  is illustrated, it should be understood that a mirrored portion of the illustrated portion exists to complete the surgical stapling anvil  3400 . The illustrated and mirrored portions will be discussed concurrently going forward. The anvil body  3410  comprises a tissue-facing surface  3411  comprising a plurality of staple-forming pockets  3412  defined therein, ledges  3415  comprising camming surfaces  3416  configured to be contacted by the anvil-camming features of a firing member of a surgical stapling instrument, and a longitudinal slot  3413  configured to receive the firing member therethrough. The anvil body  3410  further comprises outer edges  3414 . The ledges  3415  are configured to bear, or support, a distributed load force  3431  applied by the firing member as the firing member moves through a staple-firing stroke. The anvil body  3410  further comprises a ledge  3417  configured to hold the anvil cap  3420  during welding. The ledge  3417  can aid in assembling the cap  3420  and the body  3410  and can ensure the proper alignment of the anvil cap  3420  and the anvil body  3410 . The ledge  3417  can also improve the overall anvil stiffness of the anvil  3400 . The anvil cap  3420  comprises an upper portion  3423 , a lower portion  3421 , and a ledge  3424  configured to rest on the ledge  3417  before, during, and after welding. 
     The upper portion  3423  of the anvil cap  3420  and the anvil body  3410  are welded together with the weld  3401 . Welding access is provided by beveled edges of on or both of the anvil body  3410  and the anvil cap  3420 . In this instance, the weld surfaces of the anvil body  3410  and the anvil cap  3420  are angled and, as a result, the weld  3401  is angled. The weld  3401  comprises a weld length, or depth, labeled by  3402 . The weld depth  3402  is about 0.030 inches, for example. Notably, the weld  3401  does not penetrate the anvil  3400  to the horizontal surfaces of the ledges  3417 ,  3424  and, with this arrangement, the anvil body  3410  will tend to rotationally deflect about the pivot axis P. Specifically, the combination of forces applied to the anvil body  3410  by the firing member and the tissue can generate deflection represented by deflection  3433 . As the firing member cams the anvil  3400  toward the opposing staple cartridge by pressing on the ledges  3415 , represented by distributed load force  3431 , and the tissue and the staple cartridge push on the tissue-facing surface  3411 , represented by distributed load force  3432 , both sides of the anvil body  3410  (only one shown in  FIG. 76 ) may tend to rotate about the pivot axis P. However, the angled weld surfaces will tend to compress as both sides of the anvil body  3410  rotate which may limit the amount of deflection that the anvil  3400  experiences. The anvil body  3410  and the anvil cap  3420  may tend to compress at a non-welded portion  3404  having a length  3403 , resulting in a very strong interconnection between the cap  3420  and the body  3410 . 
       FIG. 77  depicts a surgical stapling anvil  3500  for use with a surgical stapling instrument. The anvil  3500  comprises an anvil body  3510  and an anvil cap  3520 . The anvil body  3510  comprises a tissue-facing surface  3511  comprising a plurality of staple-forming pockets  3512  defined therein, ledges  3515  comprising camming surfaces  3516  configured to be engaged by anvil-camming features of a firing member of the surgical stapling instrument, and a longitudinal slot  3513  configured to receive a firing member therethrough. The ledges  3415  are configured to bear, or support, a distributed load force applied by a firing member as the firing member moves through a staple-firing stroke. The anvil body  3510  further comprises ledges  3517  configured to hold the anvil cap  3520  in place during welding. The ledge  3517  can aid in assembling the cap  3520  and the anvil body  3510  and can ensure the proper alignment of the anvil cap  3520  and the anvil body  3510 . The ledge  3517  can also improve the overall stiffness of the anvil  3500 . The anvil cap  3520  comprises an upper portion  3523 , a lower portion  3521 , and ledges  3524  configured to rest on the ledges  3517  before, during, and after welding. 
     The upper portion  3523  of the anvil cap  3520  and the anvil body  3510  are welded together with welds  3501 . Only one weld  3501  is illustrated to provide clarity of the relationship of the anvil body  3510  and the anvil cap  3520  before and after welding. In this instance, the weld surfaces of the anvil body  3510  and the anvil cap  3520  are angled and, as a result, the welds  3501  are angled. Each weld  3501  comprises a weld length, or depth, labeled by  3502 . The weld depth, or penetration,  3502  can be between about 0.015 inches and about 0.040 inches. In certain instances, the weld depth is 0.030 inches, for example. Notably, the welds  3501  penetrate the anvil  3500  to the horizontal surfaces of the ledges  3517 ,  3524 . Providing angled weld surfaces that are configured to match weld penetration depth can aid in preventing anvil deflection rotationally as well as vertically. In other words, having welds with a weld penetration depth equal to or greater than that of the length of the angled weld surfaces can increase the moment of inertia and the overall stiffness of the anvil  3500 . In other instances, the weld depth  3502  may be less than the length of the angled weld surfaces, or mated length. Suitable welding techniques are used to weld any of the anvils disclosed herein. In some instances a gap is present between adjacent weld surfaces which is configured to receive weld material. In some instances, a gap is not provided. In at least one such instance, the angled weld surfaces are laser welded. 
       FIG. 78  is a micrograph of an anvil  3600  comprising an anvil body portion  3610  and an upper anvil portion  3620 . The anvil body portion  3610  comprises a tissue-facing surface  3611  comprising a plurality of staple forming pockets  3612  defined therein, a longitudinal cavity  3613  configured to receive a firing member of a surgical instrument therethrough, and ledges  3615  configured to be engaged by a firing member during a staple firing stroke. The anvil body portion  3610  and the upper anvil portion  3620  are welded to each other with welds  3601 —each comprising a weld penetration length  3602 . Notably, the welds  3601  do not penetrate the anvil  3600  to the horizontal surfaces  3617  of the upper ledges  3616  of the anvil body portion  3610 . 
     The anvil  3600  comprises a massive non-welded width  3606  and, also, a massive a slot cavity width  3605 . The non-welded width  3606  is about 125% of the cavity width  3605 . The non-welded width  3606  is so wide, in fact, that the intermediate forming pocket rows  3612 B and the inner forming pocket rows  3612 A are defined within the non-welded width  3606 . Similarly, the inner forming pockets  3612 A and a portion of the intermediate forming pockets  3612 B are defined with the slot cavity width  3605 . Moreover, an inner boundary axis  3619  of the intermediate rows of forming pockets  3612 B is defined within both the non-welded width  3606  and the slot cavity width  3605 . Such an arrangement can significantly deflect the anvil  3600  when clamping tissue and/or as the firing member moves through its staple firing stroke. Such deflections can be a result of the lack of weld penetration depth as well as a relatively large non-welded width  3605  relative to the slot width  3606 . 
       FIG. 79  depicts an anvil  3700  comprising an anvil body portion  3710  and an anvil cap  3720 . The anvil body portion  3710  comprises a planar, tissue-facing surface  3711  including a plurality of staple-forming pockets comprising inner staple-forming pockets  3712 A, intermediate staple-forming pockets  3712 B, and outer staple-forming pockets  3712 C. The body portion  3710  further comprises a longitudinal cavity, or slot,  3713  configured to receive a firing member therethrough, anvil-camming ledges  3715  defining radial cam surfaces  3714  configured to be engaged by a firing member as the firing member moves through its staple-firing stroke, and ledges  3716  configured to hold the anvil cap  3730 . The slot  3713  comprises a first portion  3713 A configured to receive a cutting member of the firing member therethrough and a second portion  3713 B configured to receive an upper, camming portion of the firing member therethrough. The first portion  3713 A comprises a width that is less than the width of the second portion  3713 B. 
     The anvil cap  3720  comprises a Y-shaped cross section. The anvil cap  3720  comprises a lower portion  3721  configured to be received within the slot  3713  defining a first mating region and an upper portion  3723  configured to be welded to the anvil body  3710 . The upper portion  3723  comprises ledges, or shoulders,  3724  comprising horizontal alignment surfaces configured to rest on corresponding horizontal alignment surfaces of the ledges  3716 . This interface defines a second mating region which is perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the first mating region. The horizontal alignment surfaces are at least substantially parallel to the tissue-facing surface  3711 . The upper portion  3723  is flared with respect to the lower portion  3721  and comprises angled weld surfaces  3725  configured to be welded to corresponding angled weld surfaces  3717  of the anvil body  3710  defining a third mating region. The welds comprise weld penetration lengths equal to the length of the angled weld surfaces  3725 ,  3717 . 
     The anvil  3700  comprises a non-welded width  3706  and a slot width  3705 . The non-welded width  3706  is no greater than about 105% of the slot width  3705 . A central plane axis “CA” is defined as the geometric center of the anvil  3700 . The non-welded width  3706 , i.e., the width between the welds, defines an outer boundary axis  3731  which is a first distance  3731 D from the central axis CA. The inner staple-forming pockets  3712 A define a row axis  3732  which is a second distance  3732 D from the central axis CA. The second distance  3732 D is less than the first distance  3731 D. As a result, all, or at least a portion of, the inner staple-forming pockets  3712 A are defined within the non-welded width  3706 . In other instances, the inner staple-forming pockets  3712 A are positioned entirely outside of the non-welded width  3706 . In such instances, the first width  3731 D is less than the second width  3732 D. In certain instances, the outer boundary axis  3731  does not extend beyond an inner boundary axis of the inner staple forming pockets  3712 A. The inner staple-forming pockets  3712 A also define an outer boundary axis  3733  which is a third distance  3733 D from the central axis CA. The third distance  3733 D is greater than the first distance  3731 D and the second distance  3732 D. In other instances, the inner staple-forming pockets  3712 A are entirely positioned within the non-welded width  3706 . In such instances, the second distance  3732 D and the third distance  3733 D are less than the first distance  3731 D. 
     The intermediate staple-forming pockets  3712 B define an inner boundary axis  3734  which is a fourth distance  3734 D from the central axis. The fourth distance  3734 D is greater than the first distance  3731 D, the second distance  3732 D, and the third distance  3733 D. In other words, the non-welded width  3706  does not extend to the intermediate staple-forming pockets  3712 B. Minimizing the first distance  3731 D, or the distance that the outer boundary axis  3731 D extends from the central axis CA, can increase the overall stiffness of the anvil  3700  to reduce the longitudinal and rotational, or torsional, bending, or deflection, of the anvil  3700 . 
       FIG. 80  is a chart  3800  representing four different surgical stapling anvil arrangements subject to two different load scenarios. Model A is a one-piece, or mono-block, anvil. Model B is a two-piece anvil comprising an anvil body and an anvil cap welded to the anvil body. The anvil cap comprises an upper welded portion comprising a non-welded width wider than 105% of the slot width. Like Model B, Model C is a two-piece anvil comprising an anvil body and an anvil cap welded to the anvil body. The anvil cap comprises a non-welded width of about 105% of the slot width. However, the angle of the angular weld surfaces, which are defined between the anvil cap and the anvil body, of Model C prevents a weld depth from being formed that extends the entire length of the angular weld surfaces. In at least one instance, the weld depth is less than 0.03 inches, for example. Model D represents the anvil  3700 . The anvil cap comprises a non-welded width of about 105% of the slot width and the angle of the angular weld surfaces of Model D allows a weld depth to be created that fuses the entire length of the angular weld surfaces. In at least one instance, the weld depth is at least 0.03 inches, for example. As a result, the distal tip deflection of the anvil  3700  is less than the distal tip deflection of the anvils of Model A, Model B, and Model C. Also, the overall stress in the ledges of Model B, Model C, and Model D is less than the ledges of Model A. 
       FIGS. 81-83  depict an anvil  3900  for use with a surgical stapling instrument. The anvil  3900  is configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. The anvil  3900  comprises an anvil body  3910  and an anvil cap  3920 . The anvil body  3910  and the anvil cap  3920  are welded together. The anvil body  3910  comprises a proximal portion  3912  comprising a coupling portion configured to be assembled to an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument to permit rotation of the anvil jaw  3900  relative to a corresponding jaw such as, for example, a staple cartridge jaw. Embodiments are envisioned where the anvil jaw is fixed relative to the staple cartridge jaw and, in such instance, the staple cartridge jaw can rotate relative to the anvil jaw. The anvil body  3910  further comprises a distal tip portion  3914  and a planar, tissue-facing surface  3911 . The tissue-facing surface  3911  comprises staple-forming pockets  3912  defined therein which are configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. The anvil body  3910  comprises a longitudinal slot  3913  configured to receive a firing member of the surgical instrument therethrough. The anvil body  3910  further comprises camming features  3914  including radial camming surfaces  3915  configured to be engaged by anvil-camming portions of the firing member during its staple firing stroke. 
     Referring to  FIG. 81 , the anvil cap  3920  comprises a plurality of shallow-weld zones  3930  each comprising a zone length  3930 L, and a plurality of deep-weld zones  3940 , each comprising a zone length  3940 L. The zone lengths  3930 L,  3940 L are equal; however, in other instances, the zone lengths  3930 L,  3940 L are different. Each shallow-weld zone  3930  of the cap  3920  comprises an upper portion  3933  and a lower portion  3931 . The upper portions  3933  comprise flared body portions  3934  including welding surfaces  3935 . The flared body portions  3934  are configured to rest on alignment ledges  3916  of the anvil body  3910  while the welding surfaces  3935  are configured to engage, or mate, with corresponding angled welding surfaces  3917  of the anvil body  3910  ( FIG. 82 ). Each deep-weld zone  3940  comprises an upper portion  3943  and a lower portion  3941 . The lower portion  3941  is accessible via a window  3945  extending through the upper portion  3943  of the deep weld zone  3940 . The upper portions  3942  comprise alignment ledges  3944 , accessible via the weld access region  3945 , which are configured to rest on corresponding alignment ledges  3418  of the anvil body  3910 . The alignment ledges  3916  are first distance from the tissue-facing surface  3911  and the alignment ledges  3944  are a second distance from the tissue-facing surface  3911 . The first distance is greater than the second distance. In other instances, the first distance and the second distance are equal. 
     The welding surfaces  3935 ,  3917  discussed above are configured to be welded together to weld the shallow-weld zones  3930  to the anvil body  3910  with a weld  3936  comprising a weld root  3937  ( FIG. 83 ). The weld root  3937  is configured to penetrate at least to the horizontal surface of the ledge  3916 . The deep-weld zones  3940  are configured to be welded to the anvil body  3910  with a weld  3946  comprising a weld root  3947  ( FIG. 83 ). The weld access region  3945  permits a deep weld, welding the lower portion  3941  to the anvil body  3910 . During welding, the entire ledge  3946  may be fused with the anvil body  3910 . While the weld lengths  3938 ,  3948  may be similar, if not equal, the effective, or net, weld depth between the anvil cap  3920  and the anvil body  3910  increases by providing both shallow-weld zones  3930  and deep-weld zones  3940 . The weld depth can be defined as the distance between an edge  3921  of an upper surface  3901  of the anvil to the weld root of the respective weld. Alternating the shallow-weld zones  3930  and the deep-weld zones  3940  can permit shallow and deep welds on both sides of the anvil  3900  along the longitudinal length of the anvil  3900  and create a robust connection between the anvil cap  3920  and the anvil body  3910 . 
     The shallow-weld zones  3930  and the deep-weld zones  3940  are configured increase the overall weld depth along the length of the anvil  3900 . The location, longitudinal length, and quantity of shallow-weld zones  3930  and deep-weld zones  3940  can be varied to change, or tune, the stiffness of the anvil  3900  along its length. For example, the shallow-weld zones  3930  comprise a first stiffness and the deep-weld zones  3940  comprise a second stiffness which is different than the first stiffness. Such an arrangement can also permit the use of a single-depth welder to make the welds  3936 ,  3946 , which can simplify manufacturing. In addition to these welds, a filler weld may be applied to fill the access regions  3945  after the welds  3946  have been made to increase stiffness of the anvil  3900  and reduce the likelihood of rotational deflection within the anvil  3900 . Embodiments are envisioned where, instead of having longitudinally alternating zones having deep welds on both sides of the anvil and zones having shallow welds on both sides of the anvil ( FIG. 81 ), the anvil comprises a plurality of zones extending a length L where each zone comprises a shallow weld and a deep weld on opposite sides of the anvil. For example, each zone comprises a shallow weld extending along a length L of the zone on one side of the anvil and a deep weld extending along the length L of the zone on the other side of the anvil. Moreover, in addition to having different lengths, the plurality of zones may alternate which side the shallow weld and the deep weld are made. As a result, such an anvil would comprise of both a shallow weld and a deep weld along the entire length of the anvil. 
     Various surgical stapling anvils disclosed herein can be manufactured using a variety of processes. For example, the anvil body portion and/or the anvil cap portions can be manufactured using a metal injection molding process. The anvil body portion and/or the anvil cap portions can also be manufactured using a machining process. In at least one instance, one of the anvil body portion and the anvil cap is manufactured using a metal injection molding process and the other one of the anvil body portion and the anvil cap is entirely manufactured using a machining process. In certain instances, electrochemical machining processes may be used to form anvil body portion, the anvil cap portion, or both the anvil body portion and the anvil cap portion. Molding processes may permit fillets to be easily incorporated into the geometries of the anvil cap and/or anvil body. Such fillets can reduce stress concentrations at locations where otherwise distinct vertices, or corners, would exist. 
     A method for manufacturing a surgical stapling anvil such as those disclosed herein may comprise various steps. One step of manufacturing an anvil comprises manufacturing an anvil body portion and an anvil cap member. Another step of manufacturing an anvil comprises polishing anvil-camming surfaces of the anvil body portion. In various instances, any internal surface which may contact any portion of a firing member can be polished. Another step of manufacturing an anvil comprises welding the anvil body portion and the anvil cap member together. The welding step may comprise, for example, a laser welding process. Yet another step of manufacturing an anvil comprises stamping staple-forming, or fastener forming, pockets into a tissue-facing surface of the anvil body portion. 
     Further to the above, the polishing step can involve polishing various zones of the anvil-camming surfaces, or ledges. The ledges can comprise a first zone and a second zone, wherein the first zone is configured to be contacted by the anvil-camming portions of a firing member and the second zone extends laterally beyond the first zone. Under normal firing circumstances, the firing member would only contact the first ledge zone and not the second ledge zone. Under abnormal firing circumstances, however, a portion of the firing member may contact the second zone. Thus, it can be advantageous to ensure that both the first zone and the second zone of the ledges are polished to reduce the likelihood of galling on the ledges when contacted by the firing member. 
       FIGS. 84 and 85  depict an anvil  4000  comprising an anvil body  4010  and an anvil cap  4020 . The anvil body  4010  comprises a tissue-facing surface  4011  and a plurality of staple forming pockets  4012  defined in the tissue-facing surface  4011 . The anvil  4000  comprises a longitudinal cavity  4013  configured to receive a firing member of surgical instrument therethrough. The cavity  4013  comprises anvil-camming surfaces  4015  defined by ledges  4014  of the anvil body  4010 . The firing member is configured to cam the ledges  4014  as the firing member is moved through a firing stroke. The anvil cap  4020  is welded to the anvil body  4010 . A welder, such as a laser welder, for example, is permitted access to the anvil body  4010  and the anvil cap  4020  via welder access regions  4005 . The welder access regions  4005  comprise openings, or beveled edges, to provide space for a welder to access the location to be welded. Larger welder access regions can ensure deeper weld penetration depth. 
     The anvil  4000  comprises primary welds  4001  and a secondary filler weld  4003 . Although only one secondary filler weld  4003  is illustrated, the anvil  4000  may comprise secondary filler weld on top of, or above, all existing primary welds. The filler weld  4003  provides additional stiffness to the anvil  4000  over the longitudinal length of the anvil  4000  and also aids in preventing rotational skew, or torsional bending, or twist, of the anvil sides. Moreover, the filler weld  4003  increases the overall weld penetration depth into the anvil  4000  which increases the stiffness of the anvil  4000 . The primary welds  4001  fuse corresponding angular surfaces of the anvil body  4010  and the anvil cap  4020 . More specifically, the anvil body  4010  comprises a first angular surface  4019  configured to mate with a first angular surface  4029  of the anvil cap  4020 , a first horizontal surface  4018  configured to mate with a first horizontal surface  4028  of the anvil cap  4020 , a second angular surface  4017  configured to mate with a second angular surface  4027  of the anvil cap  4020 , and a second horizontal surface  4016  configured to mate with a second horizontal surface, or bottom surface,  4026  of the anvil cap  4020 . During manufacturing, a welder may be selected and configured to fuse the first angular surfaces  4019 ,  4029  together. 
     The additional angular surfaces  4017 ,  4027  and the horizontal surfaces  4016 ,  4018 ,  4026 ,  4028  are configured to aid the assembly of the anvil body  4010  and the anvil cap  4020  prior to welding during manufacturing. For example, when preparing the anvil body  4010  and the anvil cap  4020  for welding, the additional surfaces may aid in aligning the anvil body  4010  and the anvil  4020  for welding. The second horizontal surface  4016  provides a defined depth for the anvil cap  4020 . In other words, the second horizontal surface  4016  defines the lowest, seatable position that the bottom surface  4026  can sit relative to the anvil body  4010 . 
       FIG. 86  depicts an anvil  4100  comprising a first anvil member, or anvil body portion,  4110  and a second anvil member, or anvil cap,  4130 . The first anvil member  4110  comprises a tissue-facing surface  4111  comprising a plurality of staple-forming pockets  4112  defined therein. The first anvil member  4110  also comprises a longitudinal cavity  4113  configured to receive a firing member of a surgical instrument therethrough. The first anvil member  4110  further comprises anvil-camming ledges  4114  defining anvil-camming surfaces  4115  configured to be engaged by the firing member as the firing member moves through a firing stroke. 
     The first anvil member  4110  and the second anvil member  4130  comprise interlocking features configured to increase the overall stiffness of the anvil  4100  and reduce transverse, tissue-induced bending of the anvil  4100  away from an opposing staple cartridge when the anvil  4100  is clamped against the staple cartridge. The first anvil member  4110  comprises horizontally-extending interlocking features  4117  received within corresponding interlocking apertures  4137  of the second anvil member  4130 . The first anvil member  4110  also comprises vertically-extending interlocking features  4116  received within corresponding apertures  4136  of the second anvil member  4130 . In various instances, the interlocking features  4116 ,  4117  may require the anvil  4100  to be assembled in only a longitudinal direction prior to being welded together. For example, the second anvil member  4130  may be slid longitudinally relative to the first anvil member in a longitudinal direction to assemble the first anvil member  4110  and the second anvil member  4130 . 
     The first anvil member  4110  and the second anvil member  4130  are welded to each other with exterior welds  4101  and interior welds  4103 . Welds  4101 ,  4103  may comprise laser welds, for example. The exterior welds  4101  are located in the outer, lateral portions  4105  of the anvil  4100 . The interior welds  4103  are located in the longitudinal cavity  4113  which is defined by the first anvil member  4110  and the second anvil member  4130 . A laser welder, for example, can access the longitudinal cavity  4113  through the opening, or aperture, defined between the camming ledges  4114  to form the interior welds  4103 . In various instances, the opening defined by the camming ledges  4114  is sized to permit welder access specifically for the interior welds  4103 . Such an arrangement having interior welds, exterior welds, and interlocking features can increase the overall strength of an anvil as well as reduce transverse deflection and/or torsional deflection. The interlocking features can also provide a fixed holding surface so that, while one of the first anvil member and the second anvil member is grounded during the weld preparation process, the other one of the first anvil member and the second anvil member is limited to one plane of motion. Such an arrangement can ensure that the first anvil member and the second anvil member do not move relative to each other prior to, and/or during, the welding process. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 87 , an anvil  4200  comprises an anvil body  4210  and an anvil cap  4220 . The anvil body  4210  comprises a planar, tissue-contacting surface  4211  including a plurality of staple-forming pockets  4212  defined therein. The anvil body  4210  also comprises a longitudinal cavity  4213  configured to receive a firing member of a surgical instrument therethrough. The anvil body  4210  further comprises anvil-camming ledges  4214  defining anvil-camming surfaces  4215  configured to be engaged by the firing member as the firing member moves through a firing stroke. 
     The anvil cap  4220  is positioned within the longitudinal cavity  4213  and is welded to the anvil body  4210  with welds  4201 . The welds  4201  may comprise laser welds, for example. The anvil cap  4220  comprises lateral projections, or interlocking features,  4221  configured to be received within apertures  4216  of the anvil body  4210 . The welds  4201  comprise a weld depth that does not penetrate into the projections  4221 , however, embodiments are envisioned where the welds  4201  extend to the projections  4221  or into the projections  4221 . 
       FIGS. 88-92  depict a surgical stapling assembly  4300  comprising a welded anvil which employs another arrangement to aid in the prevention of, and/or the limiting of, the longitudinal bending of the welded anvil. The surgical stapling assembly  4300  comprises an anvil jaw  4340  comprising an anvil body  4350  and an anvil cap  4360 , a cartridge channel jaw  4330  configured to receive a staple cartridge within a cartridge-receiving aperture  4333  thereof, and a closure mechanism  4310  configured to pivot the anvil jaw  4340  relative to the cartridge channel jaw  4330  with a cam mechanism. That said, embodiments are envisioned where the cartridge channel jaw  4330  is pivoted relative to the anvil jaw  4340 . The anvil body  4350  comprises a tissue facing surface  4351  comprising a plurality of staple forming pockets defined therein which are configured to deform the staples ejected from a surgical staple cartridge. The stapling assembly  4300  further comprises a firing member  4370  configured to move longitudinally within a slot  4357  of the anvil jaw  4340  and within a slot  4331  of the cartridge channel jaw  4330  to deploy a plurality of staples stored within a staple cartridge and configured to cut tissue captured between the anvil jaw  4340  and the cartridge channel jaw  4330  during a firing stroke. 
     The surgical stapling assembly  4300  comprises means for improving the overall stiffness and strength of the anvil jaw  4340  by reducing the stiffness of the cartridge channel jaw  4330 . The cartridge channel comprises channel walls  4334  comprising proximal wall portions  4335  and distal wall portions  4337 . The anvil jaw  4340  is configured to hug, or surround the cartridge channel jaw  4330 , specifically the proximal wall portions  4335 , when the anvil jaw  4340  is pivoted toward the cartridge channel jaw  4330 . The anvil body  4350  comprises proximal surrounding portions  4352  configured to hug, or surround, the proximal wall portions  4335  as the anvil jaw  4340  is pivoted from an open configuration ( FIG. 88 ) into a closed configuration ( FIG. 89 ) by the closure mechanism  4310 . The proximal surrounding portions  4352  further comprise tissue stops  4359  configured to limit the proximal movement of tissue into the surgical stapling assembly  4300 . 
     The proximal surrounding portions  4352  comprise a lower portion  4354 , an upper portion  4353 , and a ledge  4356  defined therebetween. The lower portions  4354  are configured to overlap the proximal wall portions  4335  when the stapling assembly  4300  is in the closed configuration ( FIG. 91 , e.g.). The upper portions  4353  are thicker, or larger, than the lower portions  4354 ; however, the upper portions  4353  and the lower portions  4354  can have any suitable configuration. Collectively, the thicker upper portions  4353  and the lower portions  4354  are configured to increase the overall stiffness and moment of inertia of the anvil jaw  4340 . The ledges  4336  of the channel jaw  4330  face corresponding ledges  4356  of the proximal surrounding portions  4352  when the stapling assembly  4300  is in the closed configuration. 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 92 , the proximal wall portions  4335  comprise a cutout comprising a wall thickness that is less than that of the distal wall portions  4337 . The proximal wall portions  4335  also comprise a smaller height than distal wall portions  4337  ( FIG. 91 ). Providing thinner and smaller walls in the proximal portion of the cartridge channel jaw  4330  allows for more space for the proximal surrounding portion  4352  of the anvil jaw  4340  to be thicker and, overall, larger, thus increasing the stiffness of the anvil jaw  4340 . In previous designs, the cartridge channel jaw of a stapling assembly comprised a substantially greater stiffness than the anvil of the stapling assembly. The present arrangement sacrifices some of the stiffness of the cartridge channel jaw to stiffen the anvil jaw by removing material from the cartridge channel jaw and adding the material to the anvil jaw all while maintaining a desirable instrument diameter. In various instances, a desired instrument diameter can be 5 mm, 8 mm, or 12 mm, for example. As a result of the above, the proximal surrounding portions  4352  comprise a volume of material configured to occupy a void defined as the space beyond the proximal wall portions  4335  but within the instrument diameter. 
     Further to the above, the anvil jaw  4340  comprises a first stiffness and the cartridge channel jaw  4330  comprises a second stiffness. The stapling assembly  4300  comprises structural means for reducing the second stiffness to increase the first stiffness. In various instances, the first stiffness and the second stiffness comprise a ratio of between about 1:3 and about 1:1. In some instances, the first stiffness and the second stiffness comprise a ratio of about 1:3. In other instances, the first stiffness and the second stiffness comprise a ratio of about 1:1. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 93-95 , a cartridge channel jaw  4400  comprises a body portion  4410  and a cap portion  4430 . The body portion  4410  comprises a longitudinal cavity  4415  ( FIG. 94 ) configured to receive the cap portion  4430 . Such an arrangement can permit the polishing of various internal surfaces of the channel jaw  4400  during manufacturing to reduce the force to advance, or fire, a firing member through a surgical instrument. The cartridge channel jaw  4400  comprises a staple cartridge-receiving cavity  4401  defined by channel walls  4411  of the body portion  4410  which is configured to receive a staple cartridge therein, a proximal portion  4405  configured to be coupled to an instrument shaft, and a distal portion  4407 . A replaceable staple cartridge is configured to be inserted, or installed, into the cartridge channel jaw  4400 . Referring to  FIG. 95 , the body portion  4410  further comprises a longitudinal aperture  4413  configured to receive a portion of a firing member of a surgical instrument therethrough as the firing member moves through a staple firing stroke. 
     The longitudinal cavity  4415  of the body portion  4410  defines ledges  4413  ( FIG. 95 ) which are configured to hold the cap portion  4430  in place relative the body portion  4410  for welding. The cap portion  4430  comprises cap walls  4433  and is welded to the body portion  4410  with welds  4409 . The welds  4409  may comprise laser welds, for example. The cap portion  4430  and the ledges  4413  of the body portion  4410  define a longitudinal slot  4403  configured to slidingly receive a portion of the firing member. The longitudinal slot  4403  is polished prior to welding the cap portion  4430  to the body portion  4410 . In various instances, the entirety of the longitudinal slot  4403  is polished. For example, the internal surfaces of the cap portion  4430  as well as the ledges  4413  are polished. Polishing the ledges  4413  can be advantageous such that, as the firing member moves through its staple firing stroke, the polished ledges  4413  can reduce friction between the cartridge channel jaw  4400  and the firing member and, therefore, galling of the surfaces which would increase the force to fire the surgical instrument. In other instances, only certain surfaces of the cap portion  4430  are polished. In such instances, only the horizontal surface  4435  of the cap portion  4430  and the ledges  4413  may be polished. 
       FIGS. 96-107  compare two different firing members  4500 ,  4600  for use with surgical stapling systems  4800 ,  4700 , respectively. The firing member  4500  ( FIG. 96 ) comprises a body  4510  comprising a proximal connection portion  4512  and a cutting member  4511  configured to cut tissue during a staple-firing stroke. The firing member  4500  further comprises a channel jaw-coupling member  4520  and a anvil jaw-coupling member  4530  configured to hold an anvil jaw and a channel jaw relative to each other during a staple-firing stroke of the firing member  4500 . Similarly, the firing member  4600  ( FIG. 97 ) comprises a body  4610  comprising a proximal connection portion  4612 , a cutting member  4611  configured to cut tissue during a staple-firing stroke, and a lockout feature  4615 . The firing member  4600  further comprises a channel jaw-coupling member  4620  and a anvil jaw-coupling member  4630  configured to hold an anvil jaw and a channel jaw relative to each other during a staple-firing stroke of the firing member  4600 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 98 and 99 , the anvil jaw-coupling member  4530  of the firing member  4500  comprises lateral projections, or anvil-camming features,  4531  extending from lateral sides of the body  4510 . The projections are filleted relative to the body  4510  with fillets  4532 . The projections  4531  also comprise outer, rounded corners  4533 . The anvil, jaw-coupling member  4530  defines an upper, planar surface  4534 . Each projection  4531  comprises a lateral width, or thickness,  4545  and a vertical thickness  4541 . The lateral width  4545  is defined as the distance between the body  4510  and an outer edge  4536  of the projection  4531 . The lateral projections  4531  define a projection axis  4543  which is angled at about one degree relative to a horizontal surface of firing member  4500  such as, for example, an upper camming surface  4521  of the channel jaw-coupling member  4520 . Angling the projections  4531  may reduce galling of the contact surfaces. The lateral projections  4531  further comprise a longitudinal length  4542  ( FIG. 102 ) defined as the distance between a leading edge  4535  of the projection  4531  and a trailing edge  4537  of the projection  4531 . 
     The longitudinal length  4542  and the vertical thickness  4541  of the lateral projections  4531  comprise a ratio of between about 2.5:1 and about 20:1, for example. In certain instances, the longitudinal length  4542  and the vertical thickness  4541  comprise a ratio of between about 5:1 and about 10:1. In some instances, the longitudinal length  4542  and the vertical thickness  4541  comprise a ratio of about 5:1. In various instances, the vertical thickness  4541  and the lateral width  4545  comprise a ratio of between about 1:2 and about 1:1, for example. In certain instances, the vertical thickness  4541  and the lateral width  4545  comprise a ratio of about 1:1. These arrangements reduce ledge deflection and, in turn, reduce the deflection of the projections  4531  of the firing member  4500 . These arrangements also encourage pure shear as the main source of deflection which increases the ability of the projections to resist deformation. Arrangements where bending of the projections is the main source of deflection may result in a greater likelihood of plastic deformation of the projections. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 100 and 101 , the anvil jaw-coupling member  4630  comprises lateral projections, or anvil-camming features,  4631  extending from lateral sides of the body  4610 . Each projection  4631  comprises a lateral width, or thickness,  4645  and a vertical thickness  4641 . The lateral width  4645  is defined as the distance between the body  4610  and an outer edge  4636  of the projection  4631 . The lateral projections  4631  further comprise a longitudinal length  4642  ( FIG. 103 ) defined as the distance between a leading edge  4635  of the projection  4631  and a trailing edge  4637  of the projection  4631 . The longitudinal length  4542  is greater than the longitudinal length  4642 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 104 , a stapling system  4700  comprises an end effector for use with a surgical instrument which includes an anvil jaw  4750 , a cartridge channel jaw  4780 , and a staple cartridge  4710  installed within the cartridge channel jaw  4780 . The stapling system  4700  also comprises the firing member  4600 , discussed above. The staple cartridge  4710  comprises a plurality of staples removably stored within staple cavities  4712  of the staple cartridge  4710  configured to be fired by the firing member  4600 , a cartridge deck, or tissue-facing surface,  4711 , and a longitudinal slot  4713  configured to receive the firing member  4600  therethrough. The anvil jaw  4750  comprises a tissue-facing surface  4751  comprising a plurality of staple-forming pockets  4752  configured to deform the staples, an anvil slot  4753  configured to receive the jaw-coupling member  4630  of the firing member  4600  therethrough, and camming ledges  4755  configured to be engaged by the projections  4631  of the firing member  4600  as the firing member  4600  moves through its staple firing stroke. The channel  4780  comprises channel walls  4781 , a longitudinal slot, or cavity,  4785  configured to receive the jaw-coupling member  4620  therethrough, and camming ledges  4783  configured to be engaged by the jaw-coupling member  4620  as the firing member  4600  moves through its staple-firing stroke. In this scenario, the projections  4631  act as cantilever beams resulting in much less force required to bend the projections  4631  than in the system described below. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 105 , a stapling system  4800  comprises an end effector for use with a surgical instrument comprising the anvil jaw  3700 , the cartridge channel jaw  4400 , and a staple cartridge  4810  installed within the cartridge channel jaw  4400 . The system  4800  also comprises the firing member  4500 . The staple cartridge  4810  comprises a plurality of staples removably stored within staple cavities  4812  of the staple cartridge  4810  configured to be fired by the firing member  4500 , a cartridge deck, or tissue-facing surface,  4811 , and a longitudinal slot  4813  configured to receive the firing member  4500  therethrough. The anvil slot  3713  is configured to receive the jaw-coupling member  4530  of the firing member  4500  therethrough and the camming ledges  3715  are configured to be engaged by the projections  4531  as the firing member  4500  moves through its staple firing stroke. In such instances, the rounded edges  4533  of the projections  4531  are configured to engage the radiused portions  3714  of the camming ledges  3715 . The longitudinal slot  4403  of channel jaw  4400  is configured to receive the jaw-coupling member  4520  therethrough and the camming ledges  4413  are configured to be engaged by the jaw-coupling member  4520  as the firing member  4500  moves through its staple-firing stroke. In this scenario, the main source of deflection of the projections  4531  is caused by shear stress requiring a much greater force to deform the projections  4531  than the force required to deform the projections  4631  of the system  4700  illustrated in  FIG. 104 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 106 and 107 , a comparison of the deflection of the ledges of each stapling system  4700 ,  4800  is illustrated. An identical firing load is applied to the stapling systems  4700 ,  4800  illustrated in  FIGS. 106 and 107 . In  FIG. 106 , the system  4800  is illustrated with a deflection  4801 . In  FIG. 107 , the system  4700  is illustrated with a deflection  4701  which is greater than the deflection  4801 . This difference can be due, in part, to the lack of stiffness of the projections  4631 , the geometry of the ledges  4755  and their lack of ability to resist bending, the increased stiffness of the projections  4531 , and/or the geometry of the ledges  3715  and their ability to resist bending, among other things. For instance, the stapling system  4800  places the projections  4531  and the ledges  3715  primarily in shear increasing their ability to resist deformation. Moreover, rounding the projections and shortening the width of the projections of the firing member increases stiffness of the corresponding jaw-coupling member as well as the anvil due to the fact that more material of the anvil is permitted. 
     In certain instances, balancing the stiffnesses of the ledge  3715  and the projections  4531  will balance the magnitude of deflection of the ledge  3715  and the magnitude of deflection of the projection  4531  during a firing stroke of the firing member. As a result of such balanced deflections, neither the ledge nor the projection will dominate each other in terms of deflection and, thus, neither the ledge nor the projection will cause the other to plastically deform substantially more than the other and possibly not at all, during the firing stroke. In various instances, the stiffness of the ledge is equal to, substantially equal to, or less than the stiffness of the projection. In certain instances, the height, or vertical thickness, of the ledge is substantially similar to the height, or vertical thickness, of the projection. In addition to, or in lieu of, providing balanced geometries of the ledge and the projection, the materials of the ledge and the projection can be selected based on yield strength and/or hardness values, for example. Having materials with similar yield strengths and/or hardness values of the materials can encourage equal, or balanced, deflection of the ledge and the projection. 
       FIG. 108  is a stress and strain analysis  4900  of the anvil  3700  comprising a weld  3701  during the advancement of the firing member  4500 . As can be seen in  FIG. 108 , the combination of the application of a distributed load  4903  by the firing member  4500  to the ledges  3715  and the application of a distributed load  4905  by the tissue and cartridge  4810  to the tissue-facing surface  3711  results in a deflection  4901  and a stress profile as illustrated. The stress analysis shows low stress regions  4907 , medium stress regions  4908 , and high stress regions  4909 . Notably, the stress at and near the weld  3701  is evenly distributed and does not localize, or concentrate, at or near the weld  3701 . 
     In various designs, a T-shaped cutter bit is used to machine the slot in the anvil and/or channel that receives the jaw-coupling members of a firing member. This method of machining can cause bit chatter which can roughen the surface of the slots cut with the T-shaped cutter bit. In two-piece anvil and channel designs, a standard cutter bit can be used eliminating this issue to provide a better surface finish and resulting in a reduced force to fire the firing member. 
     Another way to reduce the force to fire may include coating at least the polished surfaces of the anvil with a material to reduce the coefficient of friction of those surfaces. Such a coating can comprise Medcoat 2000, for example. 
     During manufacturing of various welded anvil designs disclosed herein, x-ray techniques may be employed to verify weld depth and/or weld integrity to reduce faulty resultant welds from passing a quality control test lacking an x-ray step. Another quality control step may include a batch destructive test where an anvil is sliced and then analyzed to ensure proper weld depth and/or weld integrity. 
     Various materials to increase strength and/or provide desirable weld materials may be used in the manufacturing of various two-piece anvil designs disclosed herein. For example, a Tungsten-rhenium alloy may be used for the anvil cap material. In various instances, a W-3, W-5, W-25, or W-26 Tungsten-rhenium alloy may be used for the anvil cap material. In some instances, a silver-nickel clad may be used for the anvil cap and a 416 stainless steel or 17-4 stainless steel may be used for the anvil body, for example. 
     As discussed above, the anvil body and the anvil cap may comprise different materials. These materials can be selected based on weldability and/or strength, for example. In addition to weldability and strength, another material selection process may factor in hardness. This can be particularly important for the anvil-camming ledges of the anvil body. In some instances, the material selected for the anvil body can comprise of a hardness value which is greater than the hardness value of the anvil cap. The anvil-camming ledges may then be less resistant to galling than if the anvil body and the anvil cap were both manufactured using a softer material. 
     In certain instances, the rows of forming pockets may be stamped into the tissue-facing surface of the anvil. In such instances, a slit, or notch, may be cut into the tissue-facing surface to provide space for material to move toward, or into, during the stamping process. This may permit all of the forming pocket rows to comprise forming pockets having equal pocket depths where stamping the pockets without the precut slit may make equal pocket depths amongst the rows difficult. 
     EXAMPLES 
     Example 1 
     A surgical stapling anvil for use with a surgical instrument, wherein the surgical stapling anvil comprises an anvil body comprising a tissue-facing surface comprising a plurality of staple-forming pockets defined therein and a longitudinal cavity defined therein. The longitudinal cavity comprises a first cavity portion comprising a first width, wherein the first cavity portion is configured to receive at least a portion of a cutting edge of a firing member of the surgical instrument therethrough, a second cavity portion comprising a second width which is greater than the first width, wherein the second cavity portion is configured to receive an anvil-engaging portion of the firing member therethrough, and a third cavity portion comprising a third width which is greater than the second width, wherein the third cavity portion further comprises a first angular surface which flares outward relative to the second cavity portion. The anvil further comprises an anvil cap comprising a first section positioned within a portion of the second cavity portion and a second section positioned within the third cavity portion, wherein the second section comprises a second angular surface corresponding to the first angular surface, and wherein a mated portion of the first angular surface and the second angular surface define a mated depth. The anvil further comprises a weld welding the first angular surface and the second angular surface together, wherein the weld comprises a weld depth which is substantially equal to the mated depth. 
     Example 2 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Example 1, wherein the anvil cap comprises a Y-shaped cross section. 
     Example 3 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the weld depth is between about 0.015 inches and about 0.040 inches. 
     Example 4 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Example 3, wherein the weld depth is 0.030 inches. 
     Example 5 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the third cavity portion comprises a first ledge surface, wherein the second section comprises a second ledge surface corresponding to the first ledge surface, and wherein the first ledge surface and the second ledge surface are at least substantially parallel to the tissue-facing surface. 
     Example 6 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Example 5, wherein the weld extends into the ledge surfaces. 
     Example 7 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein the weld comprises a laser weld. 
     Example 8 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, wherein the weld depth is less than the mated depth. 
     Example 9 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, wherein the weld depth is greater than the mated depth. 
     Example 10 
     A surgical stapling anvil for use with a surgical instrument, wherein the surgical stapling anvil comprises a first anvil member comprising a tissue-facing surface comprising a plurality of staple-forming pockets defined therein and a longitudinal cavity. The longitudinal cavity comprises a first cavity portion comprising a first width, wherein the first cavity portion is configured to receive at least a portion of a cutting edge of a firing member of the surgical instrument therethrough, a second cavity portion comprising a second width which is greater than the first width, wherein the second cavity portion is configured to receive an anvil-engaging portion of the firing member therethrough, and a third cavity portion comprising a third width which is greater than the second width. The anvil further comprises a second anvil member comprising a first section positioned within the second cavity portion, a second section positioned within the third cavity portion, wherein the second section comprises a fourth width which is greater than the second width, and a transition edge, wherein the first section and the second section transition at the transition edge. The anvil further comprises a weld connecting the second section and the first anvil member together, wherein the weld extends at least to the transition edge. 
     Example 11 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Example 10, wherein the second section flares outwardly relative to the first section. 
     Example 12 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 10 or 11, wherein the second anvil member comprises a Y-shaped cross section. 
     Example 13 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 10, 11, or 12, wherein the weld comprises a weld depth of between about 0.015 inches and about 0.040 inches. 
     Example 14 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 10, 11, 12, or 13, wherein the transition edge comprises a ledge surface at least substantially parallel to the tissue-facing surface. 
     Example 15 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Example 14, wherein the weld extends into the ledge surface. 
     Example 16 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15, wherein the weld comprises a laser weld. 
     Example 17 
     A surgical stapling anvil comprising a first anvil member comprising a longitudinal slot configured to receive a firing member of a surgical instrument therethrough and a tissue-facing surface comprising a plurality of staple-forming pockets defined therein. The anvil further comprises a second anvil member and a weld welding the first anvil member and the second anvil member together, wherein the first anvil member and the second anvil member comprise first mating surfaces at least substantially perpendicular to the tissue-facing surface, and second mating surfaces angled relative to the tissue-facing surface, wherein the weld connects at least the second mating surfaces together. 
     Example 18 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Example 17, wherein the weld also connects at least a portion of the first mating surfaces together. 
     Example 19 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 17 or 18, wherein the first anvil member and the second anvil member further comprise third mating surfaces at least substantially parallel to the tissue-facing surface. 
     Example 20 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Example 19, wherein the second mating surfaces and the third mating surfaces are configured to aid in holding the second anvil member relative to the first anvil member for welding. 
     Example 21 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 19 or 20, wherein the weld also welds at least a portion of the third mating surfaces together. 
     Example 22 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 17, 18, 19, or 20, or 21, wherein the second mating surfaces comprise a mated depth which at least substantially matches a predetermined weld depth of a welder used to weld the second mating surfaces together. 
     Example 23 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, or 22, wherein the weld comprises a weld depth of between about 0.015 inches and about 0.040 inches. 
     Example 24 
     A surgical stapling anvil comprising an anvil body comprising a tissue-facing surface, a plurality of staple forming pockets defined in the tissue-facing surface, and a longitudinal slot. The longitudinal slot comprises a first portion comprising a first width, wherein the first portion is configured to receive a cutting edge of a firing member therethrough, and a second portion comprising a second width greater than the first width, wherein the second portion is configured to receive an anvil-camming portion of the firing member therethrough. The anvil further comprises an anvil cap welded to the anvil body, wherein the anvil cap comprises a welded portion and a non-welded portion, wherein the non-welded portion comprises a non-welded width, and wherein the non-welded width is less than or equal to about 105% of the second width. 
     Example 25 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Example 24, wherein the non-welded portion comprises a first non-welded portion configured to be received within the second portion of the longitudinal slot and a second non-welded portion comprising alignment surfaces configured to align the anvil cap to the anvil body for welding. 
     Example 26 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Example 25, wherein the tissue-facing surface defines a first plane, and wherein the alignment surfaces define a second plane at least substantially parallel to the first plane. 
     Example 27 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 24, 25, or 26, wherein the welded portion is flared with respect to the non-welded portion. 
     Example 28 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 24, 25, 26, or 27, wherein the welded portion comprises welded, angular surfaces corresponding to angular surfaces of the anvil body. 
     Example 29 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 24, 25, 26, 27, or 28, wherein the anvil cap comprises a Y-shaped cross-section. 
     Example 30 
     A surgical stapling anvil, comprising an anvil body comprising a longitudinal slot defining a slot axis, wherein the longitudinal slot comprises slot surfaces facing each other, and a tissue-facing surface. The tissue-facing surface comprises a first side and a second side defined by the longitudinal slot, and a plurality of staple-forming pockets arranged in a plurality of longitudinal rows of staple-forming pockets, wherein the plurality of longitudinal rows of staple-forming pockets comprises an inner-most row of staple-forming pockets closest to the longitudinal slot, wherein the inner-most row of staple-forming pockets defines a row axis a first distance from the slot axis and a first outer boundary axis a second distance from the slot axis which is greater than the first distance. The anvil further comprises an anvil cap welded to the anvil body. The anvil cap comprises a welded portion and a non-welded portion comprising an outer-most non-welded region defining a second outer boundary axis positioned a third distance from the slot axis, wherein the third distance is less than the second distance. 
     Example 31 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Example 30, wherein the third distance is greater than the first distance. 
     Example 32 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Example 30, wherein the third distance is less than the first distance. 
     Example 33 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 30, 31, or 32, wherein the anvil cap further comprises alignment surfaces configured to align the anvil cap to the anvil body for welding. 
     Example 34 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Example 33, wherein the tissue-facing surface defines a first plane, and wherein the alignment surfaces define a second plane at least substantially parallel to the first plane. 
     Example 35 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 30, 31, 32, 33, or 34, wherein the welded portion is flared with respect to the non-welded portion. 
     Example 36 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, or 35, wherein the welded portion comprises welded, angular surfaces corresponding to angular surfaces of the anvil body. 
     Example 37 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, or 36, wherein the anvil cap comprises a Y-shaped cross-section. 
     Example 38 
     An anvil for use with a surgical instrument, wherein the anvil comprises a first anvil member comprising a tissue-facing surface defining a datum plane and a plurality of staple forming pockets defined in the tissue-facing surface. The anvil further comprises a second anvil member welded to the first anvil member by at least one weld. The first anvil member and the second anvil member comprise a first mating region defining a first plane which is at least substantially parallel to the datum plane, a second mating region defining a second plane which is at least substantially perpendicular to the datum plane, and a third mating region defining a third plane which is angled relative to the datum plane, wherein the first anvil member and the second anvil member are welded by the at least one weld at the third mating region. 
     Example 39 
     The anvil of Example 38, wherein the third mating region comprises a length, and wherein the at least one weld comprises a weld penetration depth which is at least about equal to the length. 
     Example 40 
     The anvil of Example 39, wherein the weld penetration depth is greater than the length. 
     Example 41 
     The anvil of Examples 38, 39, or 40, wherein the first mating region comprises alignment surfaces configured to align the first anvil member and the second anvil member for welding. 
     Example 42 
     The anvil of Examples 38, 39, 40, or 41, wherein the second anvil member comprises a Y-shaped cross-section. 
     Example 43 
     The anvil of Examples 38, 39, 40, 41, or 42, wherein the at least one weld comprises a laser weld. 
     Example 44 
     A surgical stapling anvil comprising an anvil body comprising a longitudinal slot configured to receive a firing member therethrough and a tissue-facing surface comprising a plurality of staple-forming pockets defined therein. The anvil further comprises an anvil cap and a plurality of welds welding the anvil cap and the anvil body together, the welds comprise a shallow-welded zone comprising a first weld depth and a deep-welded zone comprising a second weld depth which is different than the first weld depth, wherein the shallow-welded zone and the deep-welded zone are configured to increase the net weld depth of the plurality of welds. 
     Example 45 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Example 44, wherein the anvil cap and the anvil body comprise corresponding alignment features configured to aid in aligning the anvil body and the anvil cap for welding. 
     Example 46 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Example 45, wherein the corresponding alignment features comprise a first alignment feature on a first side of the longitudinal slot positioned a first distance from the tissue-facing surface and a second alignment feature on a second side of the longitudinal slot positioned a second distance from the tissue-facing surface, and wherein the first distance and the second distance are different. 
     Example 47 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 44, 45, or 46, wherein the deep-welded zone comprises a first longitudinal length, wherein the shallow-welded zone comprises a second longitudinal length, and wherein the first longitudinal length and the second longitudinal length are different. 
     Example 48 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 44, 45, 46, or 47, wherein the deep-welded zone comprises a first longitudinal length, wherein the shallow-welded zone comprises a second longitudinal length, and wherein the first longitudinal length and the second longitudinal length overlap each other along a length of the surgical stapling anvil. 
     Example 49 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 44, 45, 46, 47, or 48, wherein the deep-welded zone comprises a welder access region. 
     Example 50 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Example 49, wherein the welder access region comprises a filler weld. 
     Example 51 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50, wherein the shallow-welded zone comprises a first stiffness, wherein the deep-welded zone comprises a second stiffness, and wherein the first stiffness and the second stiffness are different. 
     Example 52 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, or 51, wherein the anvil body and the anvil cap are manufactured using a metal injection molding process. 
     Example 53 
     A surgical stapling anvil comprising a first anvil member comprising a longitudinal slot configured to receive a firing member therethrough, a tissue-facing surface comprising a plurality of staple-forming pockets defined therein, and an upper anvil surface, wherein the upper anvil surface comprises an aperture defining an edge of the first anvil member. The anvil further comprises a second anvil member and a weld configuration welding the first anvil member and the second anvil member together. The weld configuration comprises a first weld comprising a first weld depth comprising a first weld root, wherein the first weld depth is defined as the distance between the edge and the first weld root, and a second weld comprising a second weld depth comprising a second weld root, wherein the second weld depth is defined as the distance between the edge and the second weld root, wherein the second weld depth and the first weld depth are different, and wherein the first weld and the second weld are configured to increase the net weld depth of the weld configuration. 
     Example 54 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Example 53, wherein the first anvil member and the second anvil member comprise corresponding alignment features configured to aid in aligning the first anvil member and the second anvil member for welding. 
     Example 55 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Example 54, wherein the corresponding alignment features comprise a first alignment feature on a first side of the longitudinal slot positioned a first distance from the tissue-facing surface and a second alignment feature on a second side of the longitudinal slot positioned a second distance from the tissue-facing surface, and wherein the first distance and the second distance are different. 
     Example 56 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 53, 54, or 55, wherein the first weld comprises a first longitudinal length, wherein the second weld comprises a second longitudinal length, and wherein the first longitudinal length and the second longitudinal length are different. 
     Example 57 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 53, 54, 55, or 56, wherein the first weld comprises a first longitudinal length, wherein the second weld comprises a second longitudinal length, and wherein the first longitudinal length and the second longitudinal length overlap each other along a length of the surgical stapling anvil. 
     Example 58 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 53, 54, 55, 56, or 57, further comprising a filler weld positioned on the first weld. 
     Example 59 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, or 58, further comprising a first stiffness along the first weld and a second stiffness along the second weld, wherein the first stiffness and the second stiffness are different. 
     Example 60 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, or 59, wherein the first anvil member and the second anvil member are manufactured using a metal injection molding process. 
     Example 61 
     A surgical stapling anvil comprising an anvil body comprising a tissue-facing surface comprising a plurality of staple-forming pockets, and an interlocking aperture. The anvil further comprises an anvil cap, wherein the anvil body and the anvil cap are welded together, and wherein the anvil cap comprises an interlocking feature configured to be receive within the interlocking aperture. 
     Example 62 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Example 61, wherein the anvil body further comprises a longitudinal slot configured to receive a firing member of a surgical instrument therethrough, wherein the longitudinal slot defines a longitudinal axis, and wherein the anvil body and the anvil cap can only be assembled along the longitudinal axis. 
     Example 63 
     The surgical stapling anvil of Examples 61 or 62, wherein the anvil body and the anvil cap are manufactured using a metal injection molding process. 
     Example 64 
     A surgical stapling assembly comprising a shaft defining a shaft axis, a first jaw comprising a staple cartridge channel, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein, and an anvil configured to deform the staples. The anvil comprises a tissue-facing surface, a plurality of staple-forming pockets defined in the tissue-facing surface, and a longitudinal slot. The anvil further comprises a firing member comprising a body portion comprising a first lateral side and a second lateral side, a cutting member, a channel-engaging portion configured to slidably engage the first jaw as the firing member moves through a staple-firing stroke, and an anvil-engaging portion configured to slidably engage the anvil as the firing member moves through a staple-firing stroke, wherein the anvil-engaging portion comprises lateral portions extending from the body portion, wherein the lateral portions define an anvil-engaging portion axis that is angled relative to the shaft axis, wherein the lateral portions comprise a longitudinal length and a vertical thickness, and wherein the longitudinal length and the vertical thickness comprise a ratio between about 2.5:1 and about 20:1. 
     Example 65 
     The surgical stapling assembly of Example 64, wherein the ratio is between about 5:1 and about 10:1. 
     Example 66 
     The surgical stapling assembly of Example 64, wherein the ratio is about 5:1. 
     Example 67 
     The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 64, 65, or 66, wherein each lateral portion and body portion comprise a fillet therebetween. 
     Example 68 
     The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 64, 65, 66, or 67, wherein the lateral portions comprise rounded outer ends. 
     Example 69 
     The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 64, 65, 66, 67, or 68, wherein the anvil-engaging portion comprises a planar upper surface. 
     Example 70 
     The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, or 69, wherein each lateral portion comprises a rounded leading edge. 
     Example 71 
     The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, or 70, wherein the anvil-engaging portion axis is angled at about one degree relative to the shaft axis. 
     Example 72 
     A surgical stapling assembly comprising a shaft defining a shaft axis, a first jaw comprising a staple cartridge channel, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein, and a second jaw comprising an anvil, wherein the anvil is configured to deform the staples. The anvil comprises a tissue-facing surface, a plurality of staple-forming pockets defined in the tissue-facing surface, and a longitudinal slot. The stapling assembly further comprises a firing member comprising a vertically extending body portion comprising two lateral sides, a first jaw engagement member configured to slidably engage the first jaw as the firing member moves through a staple-firing stroke, and a second jaw engagement member extending laterally from each lateral side of the body portion, wherein the second jaw engagement member is oriented at an angle relative to the shaft axis, wherein the second jaw engagement member is configured to slidably engage the second jaw as the firing member moves through the staple-firing stroke. The second jaw engagement member comprises a vertical thickness and a lateral width defined as the distance between the body portion and an outer edge of the second jaw engagement member, and wherein the vertical thickness and the lateral width comprise a ratio between about 1:2 and about 1:1. 
     Example 73 
     The surgical stapling assembly of Example 72, wherein the ratio is about 1:1. 
     Example 74 
     The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 72 or 73, wherein the second jaw engagement member and the body portion comprise a fillet therebetween. 
     Example 75 
     The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 72, 73, or 74, wherein the second jaw engagement member comprises rounded outer ends. 
     Example 76 
     The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 72, 73, 74, or 75, wherein the second jaw engagement member comprises a planar upper surface. 
     Example 77 
     The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 72, 73, 74, 75, or 76, wherein the second jaw engagement member comprises rounded leading edges. 
     Example 78 
     The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, or 77, wherein the second jaw engagement member is oriented at an angle of about one degree relative to the shaft axis. 
     Example 79 
     A surgical stapling assembly comprising a shaft defining a shaft axis, a first jaw comprising a staple cartridge channel, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein, and a second jaw comprising an anvil, wherein the anvil is configured to deform the staples. The anvil comprises a tissue-facing surface, a plurality of staple-forming pockets defined in the tissue-facing surface, and a longitudinal slot. The stapling assembly further comprises a firing member comprising a body portion comprising a first lateral side and a second lateral side, a cutting member, a first jaw-coupling member configured to slidably engage the first jaw as the firing member moves through a staple-firing stroke, and a second jaw-coupling member configured to slidably engage the anvil as the firing member moves through a staple-firing stroke, wherein the second jaw-coupling member comprises lateral portions extending from the first lateral side and the second lateral side and defining a planar upper surface, wherein the second jaw-coupling member is angled relative to the shaft axis, wherein the lateral portions and the lateral sides comprise fillets therebetween, and wherein the lateral portions comprise rounded outer ends. 
     Example 80 
     The surgical stapling assembly of Example 79, wherein each lateral portion comprises a rounded leading edge. 
     Example 81 
     The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 79 or 80, wherein the longitudinal slot comprises rounded slot edges defining an opening of the longitudinal slot, and wherein the fillets are configured to slidably engage the rounded slot edges. 
     Example 82 
     The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 79, 80, or 81, wherein the longitudinal slot comprises rounded, lateral slot portions, and wherein the rounded outer ends are configured to slidably engage the corresponding rounded slot portions. 
     Example 83 
     The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 79, 80, 81, or 82, wherein the second jaw-coupling member is angled at about one degree relative to the shaft axis. 
     Example 84 
     A surgical instrument assembly comprising a firing member comprising an anvil-camming portion comprising a first stiffness, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples configured to be ejected from the staple cartridge by the firing member, and an anvil. The anvil comprises a tissue-facing surface comprising a plurality of staple forming pockets configured to deform the staples, and an anvil ledge configured to be engaged by the anvil-camming portion of the firing member during a firing stroke, wherein the anvil ledge comprises a second stiffness, and wherein the second stiffness is substantially equal to the first stiffness such that the deflection of the anvil ledge would be substantially equal to the deflection of the anvil-camming portion. 
     Example 85 
     The surgical instrument assembly of Example 84, further comprising means for balancing the first stiffness and the second stiffness. 
     Example 86 
     The surgical instrument assembly of Example 85, wherein the means comprises an adjustment to at least one of a first geometry of the anvil-camming portion and a second geometry of the anvil ledge to provide substantially similar stiffnesses. 
     Example 87 
     The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 85 or 86, wherein the means further comprises adjusting at least one of a first height of the anvil-camming portion and a second height of the anvil ledge to provide substantially similar stiffnesses. 
     Example 88 
     The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 85, 86, or 87, wherein the means comprises substantially equating the yield strengths of the anvil-camming portion and the anvil ledge. 
     Example 89 
     The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 85, 86, 87, or 88, wherein the means comprises substantially equating the hardnesses of the anvil-camming portion and the anvil ledge. 
     Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are motivated by an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated in any suitable manner. In various instances, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated by a manually-operated trigger, for example. In certain instances, the motors disclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a robotically controlled system. Moreover, any of the end effectors and/or tool assemblies disclosed herein can be utilized with a robotic surgical instrument system. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, for example, discloses several examples of a robotic surgical instrument system in greater detail. 
     The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in connection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments are envisioned which deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks, for example. Moreover, various embodiments are envisioned which utilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For instance, an end effector in accordance with various embodiments can comprise electrodes configured to heat and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an end effector in accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrational energy to seal the tissue. 
     The entire disclosures of: 
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     U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on Feb. 21, 2006; 
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     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 15, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,411; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY, filed Dec. 24, 2009; now U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,688; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,461, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE, filed Sep. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,613; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, filed on Jun. 15, 2012; now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552; 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM, filed Jan. 31, 2006; and 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR, filed Apr. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     Although various devices have been described herein in connection with certain embodiments, modifications and variations to those embodiments may be implemented. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined in whole or in part, with the features, structures or characteristics of one ore more other embodiments without limitation. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoing description and following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations. 
     The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, a device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps including, but not limited to, the disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, and subsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, a reconditioning facility and/or surgical team can disassemble a device and, after cleaning and/or replacing particular parts of the device, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application. 
     The devices disclosed herein may be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument may be obtained and, when necessary, cleaned. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, and/or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam. 
     While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. 
     Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materials do not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.