Patent attributes
A tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly pivotally secured to the cartridge assembly and movable between open and clamped positions. The cartridge assembly includes a channel member, a staple cartridge supported in the channel member, and an actuation sled positioned within the staple cartridge. The actuation sled is movable from a first position to a second position to eject staples from the staple cartridge. The tool assembly further includes a drive assembly having a clamping member movable from an initial position to an advanced position to move the actuation sled from the first position to the second position, and a lockout member secured to the channel member and moveable between a relaxed condition and a flexed condition. Movement of the actuation sled from the first position towards the second position causes the lockout member to move to the flexed condition to permit advancement of the drive assembly.
