US Patent 8141763 Anvil assembly with improved cut ring

An anvil assembly for use with a surgical stapler is provided. The anvil assembly includes a cut ring assembly having a body and a cover. The cover has a first layer of material having a first hardness to allow penetration by a knife of a surgical stapler and at least one additional layer of material having a second hardness greater than the first hardness to minimize penetration of the cover by a knife of a surgical stapler.