Jaw-operated locking mechanism for preventing the firing member from advancing within the surgical end effector unless an unfired cartridge is installed in the end effector

摘要

A first jaw configured to operatively support the surgical staple cartridge therein; and a second jaw movably supported relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position. A surgical end effector. The firing member is supported for axial movement within the first jaw between a start position and an end position along a shaft axis. The firing member lockout system includes a first unfired staple cartridge including an unlocked position in which the firing member lockout system is out of engagement with the firing member and a cam assembly located in an unfired position. The firing member lockout system is movable between a locked position and a firing member lockout system configured to prevent the firing member from advancing distally from the starting position unless supported within the jaws of the firing member. The firing member lockout system is configured to move from the unlocked position to the locked position when the second jaw is moved to the closed position.