Patent ID: 7934629

Claim:
A stapler comprising: a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end; a jaw assembly positioned at the distal end of the shaft, the jaw assembly comprising: a first jaw; a second jaw arranged to receive a staple cartridge; and a staple pusher movable within the second jaw; wherein the second jaw is movable along the longitudinal axis from an open position spaced apart from the first jaw towards the first jaw to a closed position wherein the second jaw is positioned adjacent the first jaw; and an actuator connected to the proximal end of the shaft, the actuator comprising: a stationary handle housing; and a movable trigger connected to the stationary handle housing, the trigger movable in a first stroke to move the second jaw from the open position to the closed position and in a second stroke to move the staple pusher within the second jaw; and a firing lever having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end pivotally connected to the actuator, and the second end operatively coupled to the staple pusher, wherein the firing lever is oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis during the first stroke of the trigger and wherein the firing lever is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis during the second stroke.