Patent attributes
Systems, instruments, and methods for operating a surgical instrument are disclosed. The instrument may include a drive shaft axially aligned with a central axis of the surgical instrument. The drive shaft may include a first mating end and be rotatably supported within a drive housing having a contoured interior supporting the first mating end. The instrument may include an outer shaft having an outer receiver interface configured to selectively couple and uncouple to a connecting portion of a receiver. The instrument may also include a plunger that is axially aligned with the central axis and having a second mating end disposed within the contoured interior of the drive housing. In various embodiments, the second mating end may be axially aligned with and in contact with the first mating end. In various embodiments, the plunger may be configured to linearly translate along the central axis upon rotation of the drive shaft.