Multi-axis pivot joints for surgical instruments and methods for manufacturing same

A universally movable drive shaft for a surgical instrument, wherein said universally movable drive shaft comprises:

• a first movable joint comprising:
• a first joint spine defining a first axis and a second axis that is transverse to said first axis;
• a first U-shaped bridge movably and non-removably journaled on said first joint spine for pivotal travel relative thereto about said first axis;
• and
• a second U-shaped bridge movably and non-removably journaled on said first joint spine for pivotal travel relative thereto about said second axis, wherein said second U-shaped bridge further comprises a third U-shaped bridge of a second movable joint, wherein said second movable joint comprises:
• a second joint spine defining a third axis and a fourth axis that is transverse to said third axis, wherein said third U-shaped bridge is movably and non-removably journaled on said second joint spine for pivotal travel relative thereto about said fourth axis;
• and
• a fourth U-shaped bridge movably and non-removably journaled on said second joint spine for pivotal travel relative thereto about said third axis.