Patent ID: 7128253

Claim:
A surgical stapler comprising: a) a handle assembly including a handle mounted for manipulation through an actuating stroke; b) an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis; c) an actuation member supported within the handle assembly and mounted for linear movement in response to movement of the handle through the actuation stroke; d) a staple cartridge supported by the elongated body and containing a plurality of staples, the plurality of staples defining at least one staple line having a first linear dimension; e) an anvil mounted adjacent the cartridge, the anvil having a fastener forming surface thereon, the anvil being movable in relation to the staple cartridge between an open position and a closed position; and f) an actuator operatively connected to the actuation member, the actuator being configured to move relative to the staple cartridge and anvil to effectuate sequential ejection of the staples from the cartridge in response to movement of the pivotable handle through the actuation stroke, wherein one said actuation stroke of the handle effects movement of the actuator over a second linear dimension which is less than the first linear dimension such that more than one said actuation stroke of the handle is required to eject the at least one staple line from the staple cartridge.