#$%^&*AU2008201927B220130926.pdf#####GEAR DRIVEN KNIFE DRIVE MECHANISM Abstract A surgical apparatus (10) includes a handle assembly (100), an elongated body portion (14) defining a first longitudinal axis, a tool assembly (17) pivotally supported on 5 the distal end of the elongated body portion (14) to form a pivot axis, and a flexible drive assembly (212) that includes a flexible drive member extending from a position proximal of the pivot axis to a position distal of the pivot axis. The drive member (266) has a distal end which is movable in relation to the tool assembly (17) and a gear drive assembly (355) to enable movement of the distal end of the flexible drive member. The flexible 1o drive assembly (212) includes a flexible knife drive beam (266) that advances or retracts via a primary drive gear meshing with the flexible knife drive beam (266) to effect movement of the flexible knife drive beam (266).1127 CC C4'2 C i
