Abstract: A microsurgical stapling system for suturing delicate tissue. The system comprises a staple magazine and a stapler. The magazine has a framework to which a plurality of pre-formed staples are integrally attached in parallel, spaced-apart formation. The stapler comprises a housing, a staple support and ram assembly, a driver body and a driver assembly. The magazine is disposed within the housing and is advanced toward the staple support and ram assembly. The staple support and ram assembly comprises a front wall that engages the front edge of the leading staple in the magazine and a rear wall that engages the trailing edge of the leading staple, whereby the leading staple can be captivated between the front and rear walls. The front wall may not be movable; the rear wall is movable so that it can move down to engage the rear side of a staple which has just passed beneath the rear wall.

Abstract: A stapler system for surgical suturing comprising a novel stapler and novel precurved staples designed for use with the stapler. Staples stored on a magazine are implanted by a ram mounted for reciprocal movement on the body of the stapler. The ram is moved to firing position by a handle pivotally mounted to the stapler body. As the handle is pivoted, a flat spring coupled to the ram is biased. When the ram reaches its firing position, the handle slips from engagement with the ram, thus permitting the biased spring to drive the ram downward so as to implant a staple into the incised tissue. The legs of the staple enter the tissue along a curved path. During implantation the staple is bent around an anvil causing the legs of the staple to penetrate the tissue along a curved path. Insertion of the staple legs along this curved path draws adjacent portions of incised tissue together.

Abstract: A surgical microstapler is disclosed which does not require the use of a staple bending anvil that must be retracted after the staple is implanted. The surgical microstapler utilizes a stapler head comprising a staple magazine that consists of a series of staples attached to and supported by a plurality of frame members. The stables have a predetermined shape characterized by a spine portion and two opposite legs. The staples and frame members are formed as part of a sheet metal continuum and are joined by a plurality of tabs which coact with the frame members to hold the staples in proper spaced relationship within the magazine. The stapler head also comprises means for advancing the magazine so as to position its leading staple in a predetermined dispensing position in line with an ejection slot through which the staple is ejected and inserted into tissue, and staple driving means for implanting the leading staple.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing faulty knitting needles includes two needle sensors that are supported in predetermined relation for concurrently sensing different portions of the same needle. An indicator produces an output indicating that a sensed needle is defective in response to a differential change indicative of a faulty needle in the output indications of the two needle sensors.