Patent attributes
A stapling system comprising an anvil, a channel, a firing member, a lock recess, a replaceable staple cartridge, and an articulation joint is disclosed. The firing member comprises a lock shoulder and a coupling portion configured to couple the anvil and the channel. The replaceable staple cartridge comprises staples and a sled movable between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position during a firing stroke of the firing member to eject the staples. The lock shoulder is engageable with the lock recess when the sled is not in the proximal unfired position to block the firing stroke from being performed. The sled prevents engagement between the lock shoulder and the lock recess when the sled is in the proximal unfired position to permit the firing stroke to be performed. The staple cartridge is attached to the stapling system distal to the articulation joint.
