US Patent 11864759 Articulated stapling with fire lock

A loading unit for a surgical apparatus includes a shaft assembly, an end effector extending from the shaft assembly, an articulation rod, and a fire lock assembly. The articulation rod positioned to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft assembly between an unarticulated position and an articulated position. The fire lock assembly movable in response to movement of the articulation rod. The fire lock assembly configured to selectively prevent the end effector from firing.