Patent ID: 10258333

Abstract:
In various embodiments, a surgical fastening apparatus comprising a motorized drive system and an end effector is disclosed. The end effector comprises a channel and a rotary drive shaft. The channel is configured to support a removable staple cartridge including staples that are ejected from the removable staple cartridge as an ejector therein is moved from a starting position to an ending position. The rotary drive shaft defines an axis and is supported by the channel for movement in directions transverse to the axis between an engaged position wherein the rotary drive shaft is rotatable by the motorized drive system and a disengaged position wherein said rotary drive shaft is not rotatable by the motorized drive system. The rotary end effector drive shaft is retained in the disengaged position unless the removable staple cartridge has been operably installed within the channel and the ejector is in the starting position.