Patent attributes
A stapling system comprising an anvil comprising an anvil ledge, a channel comprising a channel ledge, a firing member, a replaceable unfired staple cartridge, and a locking member is disclosed. The firing member comprises a first projection configured to engage the anvil ledge and a second prosection configured to engage the channel ledge. The firing member is movable distally during a staple firing stroke. The replaceable unfired staple cartridge comprises staples, a vertical slot configured to receive the firing member during the staple firing stroke, and a sled comprising a central portion configured to slide within the vertical slot. The locking member is movable vertically and spring-biased into a locked configuration which inhibits the firing member from being advanced through the staple firing stroke when a previously-fired staple cartridge is assembled to the stapling system instead of the replaceable unfired staple cartridge.
