Patent attributes
In various embodiments, a surgical instrument for use with a robotic surgical system is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a mounting portion, an elongate shaft, and an end effector. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a staple cartridge, a closure member, a drive screw, a thrust bearing, a coupling member, and a sled. The closure member is configured to move the second jaw from an open position toward a closed position in response to an output motion. The drive screw is configured to apply a distal force to the coupling member when the drive screw is rotated. The coupling member is configured to engage the second jaw and retain the second jaw at a distance relative to the first jaw during a firing stroke. The sled ejects staples from the staple cartridge when the sled is moved by the coupling member during the firing stroke.
