Abstract: By providing two cooperating, pivotable clamping arms, each of which incorporates an elongated, movement controlling plastic portion securely affixed to a die-cast metal or powdered metal section having a clamping face formed therein, a uniquely constructed, pivotable, jaw-clamping surgical instrument is attained. By employing die-cast metal or powdered metal sections, close tolerances and high quality is attained, while the expense of manufacture is substantially reduced. In addition, the integration of the die-cast metal or powdered metal sections with the elongated, movement controlling plastic arms achieves a trouble-free, dependable, inexpensive, disposable surgical instrument wherein the inherent advantages of both materials are optimized.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive membrane and its cooperating, protective, underlying coated release paper are provided with retaining means and the membrane and paper layer are then formed into and maintained as a substantially cylindrical, rolled configuration, creating a unique easily handled, readily employable membrane dispensing assembly. In one embodiment, the retaining means comprises an adhesive which is applied to the non-release coated surface of the paper layer, thereby assuring maintenance of the rolled configuration while enhancing the deployability and the efficacy of the membrane. In another embodiment, a retaining band is affixed about the cylindrical, rolled pressure sensitive adhesive membrane in order to maintain the membrane in the desired rolled configuration.

Abstract: A unique, surgical stapling instrument is attained by incorporating staple guiding and supporting cam means positioned in active, cooperating relationship to the legs of the staple during its formation. In this way, unwanted angular pitching or wobbling of the staple during formation is substantially eliminated. In the preferred embodiment, staple tip positioning means are also provided in cooperative association with the staple being formed to assure controlled movement of the staple into the desired forming orientation, thereby substantially preventing jamming or double staple formation. In addition, the staple forming plate incorporates a unique construction which assures complete staple formation prior to exiting through the cooperating housing portal, while also providing a staple tip entry zone, allowing the tips of the next staple to be formed to be positioned in the desired plane prior to the crown portion thereof.