#$%^&*AU2007219293B220120913.pdf#####SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INCLUDING A LOCKING ASSEMBLY ABSTRACT A surgical instrument (500) including a handle portion, a body portion (512), an articulating tool assembly (17) and a locking assembly (600) is disclosed. The handle 5 portion (510) includes a movable handle (516). The body portion (512) extends distally from the handle portion (510) and defines a first longitudinal axis. The articulating tool assembly (17) defines a second longitudinal axis and is movable from a first position where the second longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the first longitudinal axis to at least a second position where the second longitudinal axis is at an angle to the first 1o longitudinal axis. The locking assembly (600) includes a member that is advanceable distally with respect to the body portion (512). The member engages the articulating tool assembly (17) upon manipulation of the movable handle (516) to move an anvil (20) and a cartridge (18) assembly in approximation with one another to help maintain the articulating tool assembly (17) in its first position.1/28 Co
