#$%^&*AU2010212395B220150416.pdf#####SAFETY METHOD FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS Abstract The present disclosure provides for a surgical instrument (10). The surgical instrument (10) includes a handle portion and a body portion (140) extending distally s from the handle portion and defining a first longitudinal axis (A-A). The surgical instrument (10) includes an articulating tool assembly (160) defining a second longitudinal axis (B-B) and having a proximal end. The articulating tool assembly (160) is disposed at a distal end of the body portion (140) and is configured to be articulated with respect to the body portion (140), namely, the articulating tool assembly (160) is 10 movable from a first position in which the second longitudinal axis (B-B) is substantially aligned with the first longitudinal axis (A-A) to at least a second position in which the second longitudinal axis (B-B) is disposed at an angle with respect to the first longitudinal axis (A-A). The surgical instrument (10) also includes an articulation mechanism configured to articulate the articulating tool assembly (160).
