Staple cartridge
View Patent ↗A staple cartridge comprising a mechanism configured to overcome an empty/missing cartridge lockout is disclosed.
1. A replaceable staple cartridge for actuation by a firing bar of a surgical instrument, wherein the surgical instrument comprises an empty and missing cartridge lockout for inhibiting actuation of the firing bar, wherein the firing bar includes a cutting portion for transecting tissue, and wherein the replaceable staple cartridge comprises:
a cartridge body, comprising:
a plurality of staple apertures defined in said cartridge body;
a proximal end;
a distal end; and
a longitudinal slot defined in said cartridge body extending from said proximal end toward said distal end;
a plurality of staples removably positioned in said staple apertures;
a plurality of staple drivers supporting said plurality of staples, wherein each said staple driver comprises a drive surface;
a sled configured to translate longitudinally from said proximal end toward said distal end, wherein said sled comprises a plurality of wedges configured to drivingly engage said drive surfaces of said staple drivers; and
a mechanism configured to overcome the empty and missing cartridge lockout.