#$%^&*AU2009213097B220140828.pdf#####KNIFE BAR FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT Abstract A surgical instrument (100) for surgically joining tissue includes a handle s assembly (160), an elongate member (120) extending distally from the handle assembly (160), an end effector (154) disposed adjancent a distal portion (124) of the elongate member (120), and an actuation assembly (180) operatively associated with the handle assembly (160). The actuation mechanism (180) includes a thrust bar (200) disposed at least partially within the elongate member (120) and a distal slide member. The thrust bar 1o (200) has a proximal portion (202), a distal portion (204), a first lateral side (206) and a second lateral side (208) and is configured to move between proximal and distal portions with respect to the handle assembly (160). The distal slide member (220) is positioned adjacent the first lateral side (206) of the thrust bar (200) and is adjacent the distal portion (204) of the thrust bar (200). The proximal portion (202) of the distal slide member (220) is is adapted to slide relative to the thrust bar (200) when thrust bar (200) moves in a curvilinear direction.1/4 co c,2 S2 C14, C:)' cco // ,114 0/
