Patent ID: 7044353

Claim:
A surgical stapler comprising: a) a handle assembly including a stationary handle and a pivotable handle mounted for manipulation through an actuating stroke; b) an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis; c) a staple cartridge supported adjacent the distal end of the elongated body and containing a plurality of staples; d) an anvil pivotally mounted in relation to the cartridge adjacent the distal end of the elongated body, the anvil having a fastener forming surface thereon and being mounted for pivotal movement in relation to the cartridge between an open position having a distal end spaced from the staple cartridge and a closed position in close cooperative alignment with the staple cartridge; e) an actuation sled supported within the cartridge, the actuation sled being movable to urge the plurality of staples from the cartridge; f) a drive assembly including a body having a working end and a cam member supported on the working end, the cam member being positioned to translate relative to the anvil to maintain the anvil in the closed position during firing of the stapler, the pivotable handle being operably connected to the drive assembly such that manipulation of the pivotable handle through its actuating stroke effects manual translation of the cam member relative to the anvil; g) a channel for supporting the staple cartridge; and h) a flange member supported on the working end of the body of the drive assembly, the flange member being positioned to translate relative to an exterior surface of the channel to balance the clamping forces generated by the cam member as the anvil is progressively clamped.