Abstract: The systems described herein include a surgical instrument having an elongate shaft member, a slide mounted thereon, a handle with two legs, a disengagement mechanism permitting the mounted slide to be removed from the elongate shaft member, and a lock mechanism preventing slide disengagement. In one embodiment, the handle comprises a first and a second handle leg, the second handle leg pivotable around the first handle leg, and the second handle leg having a proximal end bearing an axially directed slot that permits engagement with a cross-pin. In this embodiment, maximal spreading of the two handle legs inclines the slot in the proximal end of the second handle leg in a proximal direction, permitting the disengagement of the crosspin from the slot when the slide is retracted to its most proximal position. One embodiment of the apparatus described herein includes a lock mechanism comprising a mechanical stop that is capable of limiting the rotation of the second handle leg into a maximally spread position.

Abstract: An improved rotary end face seal assembly used singly or in combination with other seals, preventing escape of a contained pressurized medium, gas or liquid, through the annulus between a stationary housing and a rotating shaft, comprises a rotary assembly and a stationary assembly. One of either the rotary assembly or stationary assembly is axially movable and usually spring mounted. A rotor and stator component of the respective assemblies have sealing faces in close sliding proximity. One of either the rotor or stator is a composite ring comprising an interlocked pair of annular rings, an outermost of which constrains an innermost ring of dissimilar material. A protruding seal face extends axially from this innermost ring or from the mating seal ring of dissimilar material. Support rings for each of the rotor and stator are precisely matched with the corresponding seal ring to achieve precise control of the seal ring deformation.

Abstract: A method of producing a multi-ply metal bellows wherein the plies are telescoped together to form a multi-ply tube and annular grooves are inwardly rolled in the multi-ply tube at spaced intervals therealong while the tube is supported internally on either side of the grooves, as they are rolled, and is held against substantial deformation. Crest and root constraining dies are assembled around the multi-ply tube and in the grooves and then the tube is pressurized internally, while the dies are pushed together, so that the undeformed portions of the tube bulge outwardly into the dies. The bellows is then completed by removing the dies and putting spacing shims in between the bulged convolution crest portions and then pushing the ends of the tubes until the shims are lightly held between the bulges.