Patent ID: 7644848

Claim:
A surgical cutting and stapling instrument comprising: an end effector comprising: a channel; an anvil pivotally attached to the channel; a moveable cutting instrument for cutting an object positioned between the anvil and the channel; and a staple cartridge configured for removable receipt by the channel, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a sled that is engaged by the cutting instrument during a cutting stroke; a handle comprising: a pistol grip portion; a closure trigger comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first end of the closure trigger is pivotably attached to the handle such that the closure trigger is retractable toward the pistol grip portion, and wherein retraction of the closure trigger toward the pistol grip portion causes the end effector to clamp the object positioned between the anvil and the channel; a firing trigger, separate from the closure trigger, wherein retraction of the firing trigger toward the pistol grip portion enables operation of a motor for actuating the cutting instrument via a main drive shaft assembly; and a closure trigger locking assembly for releasably connecting the second end of the closure trigger to the pistol grip portion when the closure trigger is retracted; a first electronic circuit for enabling initiation of motor operation based upon a position of the staple cartridge; and a second electronic circuit for preventing the closure trigger locking assembly from disconnecting the second end of the closure trigger from the pistol grip portion until movement of the cutting instrument stops.