Abstract: The specification discloses a forming die or ram movable along a guideway or track by a pair of toggle-joint linkages to move from a column of staples a staple having a downwardly bowed central portion into engagement with an anvil, then bend outer portions down over the anvil to drive pointed legs into the flesh and bring the legs into alignment with each other. The column of staples is pressed by a spring arm and a follower toward the track and is laterally supported in a staple magazine. Each toggle-joint linkage is a one-piece member with two rigid arms connected by an undulating spring portion. The magazine is detachably connected to the track by spring latches or clips. Another stapler has a hook-like anvil, and the bowed central portion of the staple as it is pressed against the anvil by a forming die or ram, is first straightened and then bent legs are bent from the central portion, thus giving a "soft" initial feel to the stapling.

Abstract: The specification discloses an improved multiple suture stapler in which two rows of staples are pushed by a comb-like ram out of a magazine of a frame and are clinched by an anvil releasably latched to the frame. The frame is of one-piece plastic construction and includes a pair of handles hinged to the magazine and having forwardly projecting, hinged arms welded to a push rod connected to the ram. One of the handles has a thumb grip used when the anvil is closed on the magazine. A stapler forming an alternate embodiment of the invention includes a latching rod splined to a frame with a thumb grip serving to push the latching rod into a latch mechanism of an anvil, and also adapted to be manually turned to turn the rod to a latch releasing position.

Abstract: The specification discloses a forming die or ram movable along a guideway or track by a pair of toggle-joint linkages to move from a column of staples a staple having a downwardly bowed central portion into engagement with an anvil, then bend outer portions down over the anvil to drive pointed legs into the flesh and bring the legs into alignment with each other. The column of staples is pressed by a spring arm and a follower toward the track and is laterally supported in a staple magazine. Each toggle-joint linkage is a one-piece member with two rigid arms connected by an undulating spring portion. The magazine is detachably connected to the track by spring latches or clips. Another stapler has a hook-like anvil, and the bowed central portion of the staple as it is pressed against the anvil by a forming die or ram, is first straightened and then bent legs are bent from the central portion, thus giving a "soft" initial feel to the stapling.