Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and automatically dispensing and applying surgical staples in serial fashion includes a pistol-like tool having means for storing a large plurality of staples in parallel, stacked column fashion aligned along the longitudinal (barrel) axis of the tool. A form tool and an anvil tool extend longitudinally parallel to the axis, and are advanced in synchronism by actuation of a trigger lever. The form tool includes a pair of arms which impinge upon and rotate the legs of the staple about the web portion thereof to dispose the staple in a points-first dispensing orientation. The form tool advances the staple to the distal dispensing end of the tool, where it drives the staple into a portion of the anvil and crimps the staple thereabout. Release of the trigger causes an elevator member to separate the next distal staple inthe column from its column alignment into postion to be engaged by the anvil tool and form tool at the start of the subsequent dispensing cycle.

Abstract: A skin clip remover for removing skin clips or staples which have been placed into the skin across a wound to close and retain the wound in a closed and healing position comprises a handle element and a trigger element joined together at a pivot point to form a hand operated tool capable of gripping and deforming the crown of a skin clip when the proximal ends of the two elements are forced toward each other to bring together into such gripping and deforming attitude the opposing faces of the distal ends of such two elements which are in the form of a pair of parallel anvil feet at an obtuse angle on the distal end of the handle element and a hawk bill projection at an obtuse angle on the distal end of the trigger element, such obtuse angles opposing each other to form a diamond shaped pocket to entrap the crown of a skin clip for deformation and removal.

Abstract: A surgical stapler, preferably in a single use disposable form, comprises a combination of a staple feeding mechanism and a staple forming mechanism secured in a frame and an actuating trigger functionally connected to both the staple feeding mechanism and the staple forming mechanism, wherein the staple feeding mechanism includes a rail to guide contained staples serially to a staple forming position and a shuttle in association with the rail as a movable staple retaining cover, the shuttle being functionally connected to the trigger for movement in the same direction and the same time as the staples. This structure provides a reliable surgical stapler in which staples are not likely to jam the staple feeding mechanism.

Abstract: A power switching circuit for providing variable pulse width drive signals for a laser in response to pulsed control signals. The power switching circuit includes a transformer circuit and a power transistor output circuit. The transformer circuit comprises a first pair of primary windings coupled to input terminals through a switch and an associated pair of secondary windings coupled to the output circuit to apply switching signals thereto. The transformer circuit further includes a second pair of primary windings coupled through a resistor to the input terminals with a polarity opposite that of the first pair. Control signals having a pulse width and repetition rate associated therewith are applied to the switch. During inter pulse intervals the voltage applied to the second pair of primary windings biases the transformer into saturation in a direction opposite to that of the first pair.

Abstract: A skin clip applier for placing skin clips to close a wound comprises a handle assembly including an actuating element and a cartridge assembly adapted to be affixed to said handle assembly and including skin clip-deforming jaw elements which are actuated by operation of the handle assembly to place and deform preformed skin clips, delivered individually to said deforming jaws, to close a wound.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip cartridge is formed of a base and cover to contain a plurality of pre-formed U-shaped hemostatic clips in a column which is spring-biased to move along a track in the base and toward a delivery station which is shaped to make individual clips available to a hand held forceps type clip applier.