Abstract: A surgical stapler instrument includes a stapling head assembly that receives a plurality of staples. The staples are configured with features that allow the staples to expand after deployment so that an anastomosis created by the instrument can increase in size after forming. In some versions the staples expand automatically after deployment, and in other versions the staples expand in response to tissue forces imparted upon the staples after deployment. In some versions the staples are configured to be deployed in various patterns that promote expandability of the circular staple line.

Abstract: Bone fixation systems include various combinations of stabilizing members, dynamic elements, fasteners, and locking mechanisms. Bone plates receive dynamic bone staples and bone screws. Other dynamic elements include elbow pegs, straight pegs, and wire pegs.

Abstract: A panelized lath and drainage plane panel and system is disclosed. A panel comprises a patterned polymer board providing a continuous drainage plane and a metallic lath affixed to the patterned polymer board, such that a first pair of adjacent edges include an exposed surface of the patterned polymer board. The panel may also include a second pair of adjacent edges, opposite the first pair of adjacent edges include an overhang of metallic lath. The system provides an open-air space between the exterior of the structure and the polymer board to allow the egress of liquid water and water vapor. A wall system using such panels is also disclosed. Typically, a manmade or natural stone veneer or a stucco is applied over the system.

Abstract: A construction product described herein includes a fiber core that includes a plurality of entangled glass fibers. The fiber core also includes a binder that bonds the plurality of entangled glass fibers together and an Aerogel material that is homogenously or uniformly disposed within the fiber core. In some instances, the fiber core includes between 40 and 80 weight percent of the Aerogel material. The construction product has an R-value of at least 6.5 per inch, a flame spread index of no greater than 5, and a smoke development index of no greater than 20 as measured according to the ASTM E-84 tunnel test.

Abstract: A circular stapler apparatus for stapling tissue includes a staple and pledget assembly and a circular staple head operable to drive staples toward an anvil. A staple of the staple and pledget assembly has a pair of legs disposed substantially perpendicular to a crown of the staple in a first position. The pair of legs is operable to advance against a pocket in the anvil to form a staple with bent legs. The staple and pledget assembly includes the staple and a pledget configured to receive the pair of legs of the staple. The pledget comprises a bioabsorbable material. The pledget is configured to advance distal ends of the pair of legs to a position in which the distal ends are laterally offset from a plane in which the crown of the staple is disposed.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a tubular body portion and a cartridge assembly disposed at a distal end of the body portion for expelling an annular array of staples. Each of the staples of the annular array of staples has a generally bent backspan. An anvil member disposed at the distal end of the tubular body portion is positioned opposite the cartridge assembly to clinch the staples in tissue upon expulsion of the staples from the cartridge assembly. The anvil member has a corresponding annular array of staple forming buckets. Each of the buckets is configured to accommodate the generally bent configuration of the staples to facilitate formation thereof.

Abstract: A construction product described herein includes a fiber core that includes a plurality of entangled glass fibers. The fiber core also includes a binder that bonds the plurality of entangled glass fibers together and an Aerogel material that is homogenously or uniformly disposed within the fiber core. In some instances, the fiber core includes between 40 and 80 weight percent of the Aerogel material. The construction product has an R-value of at least 6.5 per inch, a flame spread index of no greater than 5, and a smoke development index of no greater than 20 as measured according to the ASTM E-84 tunnel test.

Abstract: An improved lath is disclosed having a water drainage layer provided in association with the lath. The water drainage layer serves to remove water that might otherwise build up between the lath and wall structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a versatile nail magazine for a nailing gun. In certain embodiments, the versatile nail magazine includes an elongated nail magazine body for loading nails. The nail magazine body includes: a front end connected to a nailing head of the nailing gun, and a rear end for reloading various types of nails, a nail shank track having a lower end, and an upper end, a nail head track disposed on the upper end of the nail shank track, and one or more nail head positioning protrusions disposed between the upper end of the nail shank track and the nail head track for securing the plurality of nails. The nail shank track, and the nail head track extend lengthwise along nail magazine body. Nails in a nail strip are loaded in the nail head track, and the nail shank track from rear end of nail magazine body.

Abstract: An automatic fastening device includes a driving mechanism for driving a double-headed fastener and a magazine for receiving and delivering the double-headed fastener to the driving mechanism. The magazine includes a first channel that receives a first head of the fastener and a second channel that receives a second head of the same fastener. The first and second channels guide the fastener along the magazine and toward an actuation component of the driving mechanism for driving the fastener into an object. A plurality of double-headed fasteners are inserted into the magazine, guided by the magazine to the driving mechanism, and driven one at a time into an object such that the first head of the fasteners extends from the object for easy removal of the fasteners.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a biomechanical fastener is provided and includes a backspan defining an upper surface, a lower surface and a pair of side surfaces; at least a pair of legs depending from the backspan; and at least one contact pad extending from the lower surface to the upper surface of the backspan. At least one of the pair of legs contacts at least one of the contact pads upon a formation thereof.

Abstract: Consistent with embodiments described herein, a one-piece staple for affixing electrical or communications wires or staples includes a body portion and at least three leg elements extending from the body portion. The first leg element and the second leg element define a first cable receiving area, and the second leg element and the third leg element define a second cable receiving area. The at least three leg elements are configured for secure insertion into a structural support element.

Abstract: A surgical staple comprising a first deformable leg, a second deformable leg and a backspan having first and second transverse portions spaced apart to create a gap therebetween. The backspan further includes a third transverse portion spaced distally from the first and second transverse portions and distally of the gap. A first non-linear backspan portion extends between the first transverse portion and the first end portion of the third transverse portion and a second non-linear backspan portion extends between the second transverse portion and the second end portion of the third transverse portion.

Abstract: A manufacturing method and device for supporting conductors. Using a non-metallic insulating material extending beyond one or both parallel legs of a staple the thumb and forefinger may grip this extension while the staple is being driven into a supporting structure. This finger grip allows for a small, insulated staple to be held with increased safety to thumb and forefinger during penetration of staple into support.

Abstract: The present invention includes various embodiments directed to apparatus and methods surrounding a fastener device. In particular embodiments, the fastener device is a quick charging and discharging device that includes a solenoid, a fastener striker, a flash capacitor, and a control circuit. Other novel features of the fastener device exist. In particular embodiments, the present invention also includes apparatus and methods related to deforming staples for securing conduit and the like, and staple insulation and insulated staples that may be discharged by the fastener device. The insulation may be provided in an ordinary staple strip for use in the fastener device. Each insulation form may include deformation voids to assist the adaptation of the insulation about a target object that is being secured by the insulated staple.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting and fastening a wire to a mounting object includes a molded unibody having a first section connected to a second section, wherein the first section includes a surface that operates to receive a fastener, such as a staple, therethrough to secure the wire in place against the mounting object, and the second section protrudes from the surface of the first section and extends away from the surface of the first section for a user to safely hold the first section in place as the user mounts the apparatus and the wire to the mounting object.

Abstract: Consistent with embodiments described herein, a one-piece staple for affixing electrical or communications wires or staples includes a body portion and at least three leg elements extending from the body portion. The first leg element and the second leg element define a first cable receiving area, and the second leg element and the third leg element define a second cable receiving area. The at least three leg elements are configured for secure insertion into a structural support element.

Abstract: A fastening device for attaching wire, cable, pipe and conduit to structural members of a building having separated legs and a connecting portion which connecting portion has means for progressively enlarging the size thereof to accommodate varying sizes of such wire, pipe, etc. so as to reduce the number of specifically sized devices to accomplish the connecting task.

Abstract: Materials for use in installing a deck include a plurality of decking tiles, each of the tiles having an outside corner angle with a hole at a predetermined location with respect to the corner and a plurality of decking tile connectors. Each of the connectors includes a plate, spacer flanges upstanding from the plate arranged to divide the plate into quadrants defined by angles that are the same as the corner angles of the tiles, and Christmas tree fasteners upstanding in the quadrants at locations to align with the holes in the tiles.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting and retaining a wire includes a molded body forming a passage adapted to receive and retain the wire between the molded body and a mounting structure. The apparatus also includes at least three apertures through the molded body where at least one aperture is positioned on an opposite side of the passage. At least one fastener is adapted to mount the molded body to the mounting structure while the molded body is adapted to prevent the at least one fastener from abutting the wire.

Abstract: Connectors configured for providing composite wall structures with high composite action. In one embodiment, the connectors comprise a body having two spaced-apart sidewalls and a web portion extending therebetween, having a thickness that is less than the diameter or width of the sidewalls in the same dimension. The body also includes a tapered end comprising a single elongate edge or a plurality of spaced-apart edges or pointed ends at one end for facilitating penetration of the connector through layers of the composite wall during manufacture. An orienting protrusion orients the connector at a predetermined depth within the layers of the composite wall during manufacture. One or more structures anchoring anchor the connectors of the invention to layers of structural material placed on opposing sides of an insulation layer of the composite wall.

Abstract: A pinch clamp for clamping or drawing together building materials is disclosed having an elongated connecting bar having first and second ends, and first and second pyramidal prongs. Each prong has a triangular base, a distal tip, an inner flat tapered side and two outer sides defining a wedge shape, the base of the first prong connected at the base to the first end of the connecting bar the base of the second prong connected at the base to the second end of the connecting bar with the inner tapered sides facing each other.

Abstract: A fastening device comprises a “U” shaped spacer wherein the recess of the “U” shape is captured by the upper cross bar of a staple when the staple is used to fasten a protective sheeting to an item to be stored or transported. The spacer has a flat bottom surface and a flat side surface. The flat bottom surface increases the surface area of the staple in contact with the item during transport thereby reducing the chances that the protective sheeting may become torn from the item. The flat side surface increases the surface area of the standard staple during removal of the plastic sheeting because the spacer rotates about the crossbar of the staple. This rotation of the spacer reduces frictional contact between the spacer and the protective sheeting so that when the plastic sheeting is pulled from the lumber, the plastic sheeting will pull the spacer and the staple therefrom.

Abstract: According to the present invention, it is possible to produce an article-fixing device at low cost and in large quantity and also to drive a pin unit in accurate and assured manner, and to firmly mount an object to be fixed.

Abstract: An extractable fastener system is disclosed using a staple configured to secure various pliant, planar and three-dimensional materials to a substrate, which staple has a retention base including a retention arch for positioning and securing three-dimensional linear retention material to secure pliant materials to the substrate, the staple also includes an integral extraction arch or arches thereon to facilitate access for an extraction tool to facilitate removal of the staple from the work.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing highly insulating connector rods and highly insulating composite wall structures using such connector rods. The connector rods are highly insulating and are injection molded in a single step from an appropriate resinous material or moldable plastic. Discontinuous fibers may be impregnated within the resinous material or other moldable plastic. The single-step molding method yields connector rods having pointed ends for facilitating entry through an insulating layer and a first structural layer not yet cured, and also an enlarged head for receiving an impact from a hammer or mallet or for facilitating gripping by the installer. The enlarged head also provides an anchoring effect within a second structural layer upon curing. The connector rods are manufactured to include a ridge or flange to limit the depth of penetration by the connector rod when inserted into the insulating material when forming the composite wall structure.

Abstract: A hanger for hanging on a rod and holding clothes thereon. The hanger has a pair of spaced vertical downwardly extension portions forming a garment holder. The extension portions are secured to the hanger by angled ends fixed into the bottom of the hanger providing ends which can be quickly and easily forced into the hanger bottom and keep the garment holder from rotating with respect to the hanger.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing one log to another during a log machining process. The apparatus has a main body which is shaped in the form of an essentially flat disk. Each side of the disk has at least two protrusions or prongs which are oriented perpendicular to the disk and terminate in a tapered end allowing the protrusion to be driven into a log. The protrusions taper down to a base which is attached to the main body. The main body and protrusions are sized and configured to provide a striking surface between the protrusions to allow a blunt instrument such as a small sledge hammer to be applied to the device to drive it into a log. The device may be further provided with a raised surface portion in the striking surface area, and preferably between the protrusions, to provide a standoff distance between the log and the main body such that the apparatus may be pried loose from the log.

Abstract: Multi-pronged insulating connectors used in manufacturing insulative composite wall structures. At least a substantial portion of the connector is injection molded in a single step from an appropriate resinous material or moldable plastic. One or more prongs of the connector have a substantially pointed end for facilitating penetration of the connector through an insulating layer and an unhardened structural material, such as concrete. The opposite end, or gripping segment, includes a bridging structure for connecting the multiple prongs together and structure for facilitating gripping of the connector during placement in the insulating layer and first unhardened structural layer. The connectors include structures for helping to anchor the connectors within the structural layers upon hardening.

Abstract: A staple assembly 10 for use in a stapling tool (not shown) for fixing an elongate member such as a cable C onto a substrate such as a wooden beam. The staple assembly 10 comprises a staple 12 having a back 14 and legs 16 depending from opposite ends of the back 14. Also included is a saddle 18 for receiving the staple 12. The saddle comprises a body 20 and two posts 22 which depend from opposite ends of the body 20 in a parallel manner. The body 20 end posts 22 define a receptacle 24 for receiving the cable C. A groove 26 is formed along the outer surface of posts 22 and body 20 for seating the staple 18. A protuberance 28 is formed on the body 20 and extends into the receptacle 24 for engaging the cable C.In one embodiment, the staple 12 is provided with barbs 36 on the inside of legs 16 for engaging an under surface 38 of the posts 22. This prevents the staple 12 from separating from the saddle 18 during transportation and use.

Abstract: A staple with parallel legs and two parallel cross pieces therebetween comprising a pair of parallel legs, the legs being formed with upper ends and lower ends, the lower edges being bevelled to facilitate movement into the surface to which the staple is to be secured; an upper first cross piece formed as an integral extension of the legs and extending therebetween at the upper end of the legs; and an intermediate second lower cross piece positioned parallel with the first upper cross piece at a location intermediate the ends of the legs and integrally formed therebetween, the entire staple including its legs and its first cross piece and its second cross piece being integrally formed of a rigid material.

Abstract: A wire clamping clip for mounting on a stucco wall is constructed as a block member having a workpiece engaging surface and an exposed top surface. A recess is formed in the workpiece engaging surface for receiving a wire. A throughbore is formed in the block adjacent to the recess and a plastic bushing having a cross sectional dimension of the same shape and slightly smaller than the cross sectional dimension of the throughbore is positioned in the throughbore. A hardened pin with a sharpened end is slidingly received in a tight frictional engagement through the center of the plastic bushing and has an enlarged head for abutting against the top end of said bushing and having a length longer than said bushing so that its sharpened end extends beyond the lower end of said bushing.

Abstract: A web strip with penetration stoppers are placed transversely along one or both longitudinal edges. The stoppers are designed to abut the flange surface when the strip has been pressed into the desired depth to inhibit further penetration.

Abstract: A novel combination of a bone implant, e.g. a bone staple, and a tissue retention element in sliding relation therewith is disclosed. The tissue retention element is provided with a multiplicity of teeth capable of piercing and holding in place adjacent soft tissue when the implant is driven into the bone structure of a patient. Since the tissue retention element is separable from the implant, the same element can be used in combination with different bone implants.