Abstract: A surgical staple is made from highly flexible material and has at least two piercing projections or points spaced from each other a first predetermined linear distance in a generally unstressed, neutral and inoperative condition of the staple. The staple is stressed in a selected fashion causing the piercing projections to be spaced from each other a second predetermined linear distance greater than the first predetermined linear distance. While the piercing projections are spaced from each other, the second predetermined linear distance under the induced forces, the staple is implanted by penetrating the skin with the piercing projections at opposite sides of an associated wound or incision. The forces are then removed from the surgical staple which inherently rebounds to its generally unstressed condition which in turn automatically draws opposite margins of the wound toward each other.

Abstract: A surgical fastener for fastening layers of body tissue as in skin grafting procedures. The fastener comprises a backspan and at least two barbed prongs. The barbs are flat, triangular and are coplanar with respect to each other, as well as being in parallel alignment with the axis of the backspan. The surgical fastener is made of bioabsorbable material to eliminate the need for removal.

Abstract: A star shaped fastener having at least three fins radiating from a central core with the fin-included angle in a five finned embodiment being between 72 to 98 degrees which configuration reduces the fabricated material by 50% and increases the surface area by 15%-85% compared to a common round nail of equal radius.

Abstract: A hose coupling or pipe connection (10) has detachable parts (20, 22) which are releasably locked together by two U-shaped cotter pins or locking staples (18) in accordance with the invention, the cotter pins or locking staples being of laminated form and comprising two or more joined-together leaves or plies (26, 28).

Abstract: An adjustable surgical staple for use in joining together two pieces of human or animal tissue. The staple has a spine and two legs, with the spine being slotted along its length so as to divide the spine into two separate cross members. Bending the cross members towards or away from one another alters the distance between the leg portions of the staple, thereby allowing precise adjustment of the tension of the joinder between the tissues being joined.

Abstract: A clamp with a U-shaped head and nail-like legs is provided with embossments pressed out of the material in that portion of the head which is in alignment with the nail-like leg, the embossments protruding to at least the height of the top of the U-shaped head.

Abstract: A star shaped fastener having at least five spaced vertical cups and edges about a central core with the included angle being 90.degree. reducing the fabricated material by 50% and increasing the surface area by 15% compared to a common round nail of equal radius. The holding power is significantly enhanced by compression laterally and vertically into cups, shoulders therein and/or a taper of less than 14.degree..

Abstract: A staple for installation in a wood support having a U-shaped body defined by a pair of rod-like legs in fixed parallel spaced-apart relationship terminating at one end with the opposite ends of an arcuate member and each leg terminating its respective other end in a chamfered, cut-away point. Each leg is further provided with a notched barb outwardly extending beyond the surface of each leg defining a rounded ramp on its side nearest the point and a step on its other side. A sleeve of insulative material is disposed on the inside of the staple adjacent to the arcuate member.

Abstract: Sterile surgical staples for use with a stapling instrument with the surface of the staple coated with a low molecular weight fluorocarbon polymer.