#$%^&*AU2013234372A120131017.pdf#####ARTICULATION MECHANISM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ABSTRACT A method of preventing articulation in a surgical instrument (10), comprising moving a rod (216) having an actuating surface (250) thereon, so that the actuating surface (250) engages an articulation locking assembly (260), the articulation locking assembly (260) having a flexible member (262) that is cammed laterally to engage at least one articulation drive member (21 Oa, 210b).