Stapling device clamp and deployment lockout safety apparatus and method

A stapling device, comprising:

• an end-effector with an upper jaw member and a lower jaw member;
• a control member to operate at least one of the upper jaw member and the lower jaw member;
• a safety lockout member to selectively prevent the control member from operating at least one of the upper jaw member or the lower jaw member;
• and
• a cutting member that is movable along a transection line to divide tissue,
• the control member being selectively movable over the safety lockout member to a forward position to place the at least one of the upper jaw member and the lower jaw member in an open position,
• the control member also being selectively movable over the safety lockout member to a retracted position to place the at least one of the upper jaw member and the lower jaw member in a fully closed position,
• the safety lockout member being movable to a passive mode, in which the safety lockout member permits the control member to ride over the safety lockout member and into the retracted position to place the at least one of the upper jaw member and the lower jaw member in the fully closed position, and
• the safety lockout member being movable to an active mode, in which the safety lockout member engages with the control member to prevent the control member from riding over the safety lockout member and into the retracted position, preventing the at least one of the upper jaw member and the lower jaw member from being placed in the fully closed position.