Abstract: The present invention is directed to a seed cartridge assembly including a cartridge body, a seed drawer slideably disposed within the cartridge body, a radiation shield slideably disposed around the cartridge body and a seed retainer in the seed drawer. Further embodiments of the present invention include a seed cartridge assembly as described above including a gravity lock between the seed drawer and the cartridge body. Further embodiments of the present invention include a seed cartridge assembly as described above, wherein the cartridge body includes a magnification lens positioned above the seed drawer. Further embodiments of the present invention include a seed cartridge assembly as described above wherein a seed channel extends axially along the seed drawer and a plurality of vents extending from the seed channel to an exterior surface of the seed drawer.

Abstract: A needle or cylindrical element position lock includes a disposable template assembly having front and back templates halves which define an array of close-fitting through-holes to guide needles therethrough. A series of lock slides locks the positions of columns of needles positioned within the template. Each lock slide locks the position of one or more needles inserted into one or more series of the through- holes in the template, with a preferred embodiment locking two series of needles. Each lock slide has the capability of locking one or more series of needles inserted into through-holes in the needle guide template by an axial motion applied by a lock lever or cam. When the lock slide is moved axially, a locking function is provided by a wedge/clamp which engages an inserted needle. For a typical template arrangement, six lock slides are used to lock twelve columns of needles inserted into through-holes in the template assembly.

Abstract: A needle or cylindrical element position lock includes a disposable template assembly having front and back templates halves which define an array of close-fitting through-holes to guide needles therethrough. A series of lock slides locks the positions of columns of needles positioned within the template. Each lock slide locks the position of one or more needles inserted into one or more series of the through-holes in the template, with a preferred embodiment locking two series of needles. Each lock slide has the capability of locking one or more series of needles inserted into through-holes in the needle guide template by an axial motion applied by a lock lever or cam. When the lock slide is moved axially, a locking function is provided by a wedge/clamp which engages an inserted needle. For a typical template arrangement, six lock slides are used to lock twelve columns of needles inserted into through-holes in the template assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a seed cartridge assembly including a cartridge body, a seed drawer slideably disposed within the cartridge body, a radiation shield slideably disposed around the cartridge body and a seed retainer in the seed drawer. Further embodiments of the present invention include a seed cartridge assembly as described above including a gravity lock between the seed drawer and the cartridge body. Further embodiments of the present invention include a seed cartridge assembly as described above, wherein the cartridge body includes a magnification lens positioned above the seed drawer. Further embodiments of the present invention include a seed cartridge assembly as described above wherein a seed channel extends axially along the seed drawer and a plurality of vents extending from the seed channel to an exterior surface of the seed drawer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a seed cartridge assembly including a cartridge body, a seed drawer slideably disposed within the cartridge body, a radiation shield slideably disposed around the cartridge body and a seed retainer in the seed drawer. Further embodiments of the present invention include a seed cartridge assembly as described above including a gravity lock between the seed drawer and the cartridge body. Further embodiments of the present invention include a seed cartridge assembly as described above, wherein the cartridge body includes a magnification lens positioned above the seed drawer. Further embodiments of the present invention include a seed cartridge assembly as described above wherein a seed channel extends axially along the seed drawer and a plurality of vents extending from the seed channel to an exterior surface of the seed drawer.

Abstract: A surgical tissue fastening device for fastening and transecting tissue includes a handle having a cartridge assembly connected the handle. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners. An anvil assembly is connected to the handle and includes an anvil surface that is positionable adjacent the cartridge. The anvil surface receives and forms the fasteners ejected from the cartridge upon firing of the instrument. Tissue that is desired to be fastened and transected is placed between the anvil and the cartridge. The instrument also includes a knife blade which is movable between the cartridge and the anvil for cutting the tissue. The knife blade has a knife edge having a plurality of pairs of cutting tips for piercing the tissue and a notch located between each pair of cutting tips for capturing foreign objects, such as staples, in the notch.

Abstract: A surgical stapler for effecting simultaneous cutting and stapling of tissue includes a frame and a staple cartridge positionable in the frame. The stapler includes a knife blade mounted for movement distally of the staple cartridge, the knife blade having a retraction lock feature including a locking portion for abutment to a roof member of a spacer carried on the frame in a locked position, to prevent movement of the knife blade, unless the stapler is fitted with a fresh, unused staple cartridge. The locking portion is spring loaded by a leaf spring into the locked position. The knife blade includes a spring notch which coacts with the leaf spring to mechanically lift and pivotally thrust the knife blade to the locked position when the knife blade is retracted after use. The lift or thrust feature clears out tissue accumulation which enhances the ability of the knife to restore to its full elevated return position.