Patent ID: 8608046

Claim:
A surgical instrument, comprising: a surgical tool configured to supply at least one actuation motion to an end effector, wherein the surgical tool is configured to perform an intended surgical function, and wherein the end effector is configured to retain a staple cartridge, the end effector comprising: a firing element configured to translate in response to the at least one actuation motion; and a lockout mechanism configured to prevent translation of the firing element; and a surgical test device releasably engaged to at least a portion of the surgical tool to prevent the end effector from retaining the staple cartridge, wherein the surgical test device comprises a static element configured to permanently overcome the lockout mechanism and permit the surgical tool to supply the at least one actuation motion to the firing element while permanently preventing the surgical tool from performing the intended surgical function when the surgical test device is engaged with the surgical instrument, wherein the static element remains configured to overcome the lockout mechanism without being reset, wherein the surgical test device does not comprise deployable fasteners, and wherein the surgical test device comprises: a body comprising at least two side walls and a bottom wall, wherein the side walls extend from the bottom wall, wherein the side walls and the bottom wall define a cavity, and wherein the cavity is releasably engaged to the end effector; wherein the surgical instrument further comprises an articulation pivot adjacent to the end effector, wherein the surgical test device further comprises a panel hingedly mounted to the body and configured to cover the articulation pivot when in a closed position.