Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a supply of staples which are fed one at a time to the discharge opening where a driver in the stapler housing bends the staple around the anvil, the anvil being retracted within the housing away from the discharge opening as the driver completes the bending operation.

Abstract: A device for removing fluids from a wound includes a housing and a resilient bellows inside the housing. The bellows can be collapsed and retained in a collapsed or activated state. Upon release from its activated state, the bellows is expanded so as to create a negative pressure therein whereupon fluids are automatically drawn into and collected within the bellows. Preferably the bellows is expanded by a variable force ribbon spring so that the resultant or combined restoring force provided by the resilient bellows and the variable force ribbon spring allows for the creation of a substantially constant level of negative pressure within the bellows so as to provide for a substantially constant level of suction of the device throughout the range of evacuation of fluids therein. The housing is preferably transparent with graduations provided thereon permitting the visible inspection and measurement of the fluids collected therein. A method for operating the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable, rotatable, multi-pointed, star-shaped enclosure for use in a centrifuge apparatus for the separation and washing of blood, into which fluids, such as blood containing unwanted constituents and wash agents are introduced and from which the washed blood, wash fluids and unwanted constituents are removed.

Abstract: A device for holding a transparent tube in an optical sensor while excluding light from external sources. The device is automatically positioned for excluding external light upon insertion of the tube into the optical sensor.

Abstract: The disclosure of this application is directed to a protective shielding assembly suitable for use in the loading of a hypodermic syringe with radioactive material. The protective shielding device receives and securely holds, at one end, a vial which contains the material to be loaded and at its opposite end a hypodermic syringe with the needle of the syringe approximately centered with respect to the septum of the vial. Penetration of the septum of the vial is effected by moving the slidable members of the protective shielding assembly toward the vial which in turn moves the hypodermic syringe causing the needle of the hypodermic syringe to rupture the vial septum and enter the vial.