Patent ID: 7604150

Claim:
A surgical instrument, comprising: an end effector, comprising: a channel configured to receive a staple cartridge; an anvil movably coupled to said channel; and a cutting member operably supported within said channel; a closure drive configured to generate a closing motion, wherein said anvil is operably engaged with said closure drive and is responsive to said closing motion; and a firing drive, comprising: a firing member operably engaged with said cutting member, wherein said firing drive is configured to advance said firing member toward said end effector and to move said cutting member relative to said anvil; a reel; a band operably connected to said firing member, wherein at least a portion of said band is configured to be wound around said reel, and wherein said firing member is configured to unwind said band from said reel when said firing member is advanced; and a brake, wherein said brake is configured to apply a braking force to at least one of said band and said reel.