Patent ID: 8708213

Claim:
A status module for use with a surgical stapler, the surgical stapler comprising an end effector having an anvil, wherein the end effector includes a member movable between a first proximal position and a second distal position relative to the anvil, and wherein the member includes one of a cutting member and a staple deploying member, a plurality of sensors including a first sensor, wherein the first sensor is configured to detect the presence of the member in the first proximal position, and a second sensor, wherein the second sensor is configured to detect the presence of the member in the second distal position, the status module comprising: a housing structured and arranged to releasably connect to the surgical stapler; a first contact, wherein the first contact is structured and arranged to be in electrical communication with the first sensor when the housing is connected to the surgical stapler; a second contact, wherein the second contact is structured and arranged to be in electrical communication with the second sensor when the housing is connected to the surgical stapler; a circuit in electrical communication with at least one of the first and second contacts; and a firing progress indicator comprising: a first indicator configured to indicate when the member is in the first position; and a second indicator configured to indicate when the member is in the second position, wherein at least one of the first and second indicators is in electrical communication with the circuit.