#$%^&*AU2018200839A120180913.pdf#####TOOL ASSEMBLY INCLUDING AXIALLY SPACED SPLINES ABSTRACT A tool assembly (40) includes a cartridge assembly (200), a shell (100), and an anvil assembly (300). The shell (100) houses the cartridge assembly (200) and defines a passage (110). The anvil assembly (300) includes an anvil (310) and a center rod (330) extending from the anvil (310). The center rod (330) defines a longitudinal rod axis and includes an alignment portion (350) that is sized to pass through the passage (110). The alignment portion (350) includes first and second splines (360, 370) that each extend in a direction parallel to the rod axis. The first spline (360) has a first leading portion (362) and the second spline (370) has a second leading portion (372). The first leading portion (362) is positioned along the rod axis proximal of the second leading portion (372).1/10 C...N C. ssN
