Loading Unit Having Drive Assembly Locking Mechanism

Abstract

A disposable loading unit is provided which includes a tool assembly and a body portion. A drive assembly is movably positioned at least partly within the body portion and is operably associated with the tool assembly to operate the tool assembly. A locking mechanism is provided for maintaining the drive assembly in a prefired position prior to and during attachment of a DLU to a surgical instrument. The locking mechanism includes a locking member and a locking member actuator. The locking member actuator is movable to move the locking member to an unlocked position in response to linear insertion of an insertion tip of the DLU into a surgical instrument.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A disposable loading unit comprising:
 a body portion adapted to releasably engage a surgical instrument, the body portion including an outer sleeve a first inner housing half, and a second inner housing half;   a tool assembly supported on a distal end of the body portion; and   a drive assembly supported within the body portion and being movable in relation to the tool assembly to effect actuation of the tool assembly;   wherein the first inner housing half includes a raised projection and the outer sleeve includes a cutout dimensioned and configured to receive the raised projection, the raised projection being positioned within the cutout to prevent movement of the inner housing in relation to the outer sleeve.   
     
     
         15 . A disposable loading unit according to  claim 14 , wherein the inner housing is formed from upper and lower half-sections. 
     
     
         16 . A disposable loading unit according to  claim 14 , wherein the raised projection is substantially rectangular. 
     
     
         17 . A disposable loading unit according to  claim 16 , wherein the raised projection has a greater axial dimension than lateral dimension. 
     
     
         18 . A disposable loading unit according to  claim 17 , wherein the raised projection includes a proximal ramped surface.