US Patent 10206676 Surgical cutting and fastening instrument

A surgical stapling system comprising an end effector, an elongate shaft, a closure system, a motor configured to generate rotary motion, and a rotatable drive screw drivable by the motor is disclosed. The end effector comprises a frame, an anvil movable from an open position to a clamped position, and a staple cartridge. The anvil comprises staple deforming features and a channel comprising a blade receiving portion and a lateral portion. The staple cartridge comprises a deck, a slot, staple cavities, staples, staple drivers, and a firing member movable in response to a firing stroke. The firing member comprises an inclined surface, a cutting member, and a lateral member. The closure system is configured to place the anvil in the clamped position in response to a closure motion. The rotatable drive screw is operably coupled to the firing member such that the rotary motion is converted to the firing stroke.