Abstract: A linear stapler particularly adapted for open surgical procedures is disclosed. Staples are fired when tissue is clamped between the cartridge and anvil of the staple fastening assembly of the stapler, and the firing trigger is pivotally rotated in a counterclockwise direction from an unfired position to a fired position adjacent the hand grip of the frame of the stapler. Resistance to the pivotal rotation of the firing trigger independent of the staple fastening assembly is provided to inhibit the surgeon from inadvertently firing the staples or partially firing the staples from the cartridge against the anvil. The firing bar is sandwiched between two spacer plates secured to the firing bar, and a stationary slot pin must overcome the resistance of detents displayed on slots in the spacer plates when the firing bar is moved distally to fire the staples. An audible signal is also provided to alert the surgeon when staples have been fully fired.

Abstract: An improved process for the recovery of precious metal values is disclosed. By this process precious metals in the form of anionic complexes are contacted with a weak-base anion exchange resin capable of complexing with the anionic complex. Such weak-base anion exchange resins contain weak-base functionalities derived from linear or cyclic polyaminoalkylene amines which have more than 1 amine moiety and at least 3 carbon atoms in a 1,X-alkylene moiety or moieties separating at least 1 amine moiety from a second amine moiety (i.e., X is an integer greater than 2).