US Patent 9364230 Surgical stapling instruments with rotary joint assemblies

A rotary support joint assembly for coupling a first portion of a surgical instrument to a second portion of a surgical instrument. In various forms the joint assembly includes a first annular race in the first portion and a second annular race in the second portion. The second race is configured for substantial registration with the first annular race when the second portion is joined with the first portion. A ring-like bearing is supported within the registered first and second annular races.