An end effector apparatus for a surgical instrument is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first jaw mounted on a first revolute joint, the first jaw having a manipulating portion extending forwardly from the first revolute joint and a lever arm projecting rearwardly from the first revolute joint. The apparatus also includes a second jaw having a manipulating portion generally opposing the manipulating portion of the first jaw, and a coupler having an actuation end disposed overlapping the lever arm of the first jaw, the first and second jaws being laterally spaced apart to provide clearance for the actuation end of the coupler. The apparatus further includes a linkage extending rearwardly between the actuation end of the coupler and the lever arm of the first jaw, the linkage being operable to cause opening and closing movements of the first jaw about the first revolute joint in response to reciprocating movement of the coupler.
