Abstract: A coupling in the drive train between a sewing machine motor and mechanism for driving the sewing instrumentalities of the machine is provided with resilient bumpers. The coupling is further provided with tangs which interface with the bumpers in a manner that is effective to render the spring rate of the coupling variable and reduce both vibrational effects and impact forces in the machine.

Abstract: A basting stitch mechanism in which a latch is carried on the side of the needle bar carrier and is fashioned with a front portion extending in front of the needle bar terminating in a wedge, which wedge fits into a notch in a driving stud hinge pin extending about the needle bar and slidable thereon. The latch wedge connection to the driving stud eliminates the requirement for establishing a clearance between the needle bar carrier and the driving stud carrying the driving stud hinge pin. An extension spring connected between the sewing machine frame and a rear portion of the latch operates to increase the latching force as the needle bar is moved downwardly. By proper design of the wedge on the latch and the notch on the driving stud hinge pin, separation of the driving stud hinge pin from the latch may take place at some force designed to avoid breakage of the sewing needle.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for controlling the operation of a three-stage staple-carrying cartridge adapted to ligate, suture and divide organic tubular structures such as blood vessels. The instrument also operates in three-stages to positively control the ligating, suturing and dividing operations of the cartridge. The cartridge actuating mechanism takes the form of three saddles which are in turn controlled by the operating mechanism of the instrument. A two-link mechanical toggle positively controls the operation of two of the three cartridge-actuating saddles. The third saddle is, in turn, controlled by a shifter dog mechanism. The instrument is also equipped with a mechanism which ensures the completion of a ligating, suturing and dividing cycle to avoid jamming the staple-carrying cartridge.