Abstract: A jaw piece is attachable to a base edge of the helmet. The jaw piece and a portion of the base edge of the helmet define a user viewing window. A first face shield is pivotable between an open position and a closed position extending across the viewing window. A seal is provided to engage with a perimeter of the viewing window when the first face shield is in the closed position. The attaching assembly for attaching the first face shield comprises a helmet cam having first helmet cam surfaces configured to releasably attach the first face shield to the protective helmet system and second helmet cam surfaces configured to releasably attach a second face shield to the protective helmet. The attaching assembly generates a first biasing force to bias the seal toward the perimeter of the viewing window when the first face shield is in the closed position.

Abstract: An ergonomic banded ear plug device includes a band having a connecting section and two legs configured for extending under the chin or behind the back of the head of the wearer. Plug retaining members are at the end of each of the legs for retaining resilient foam-type plug members that substantially block the ear canal of the wearer. In addition, each of the legs includes a resilient flexing section including a pair of parallel extending ribs with a slot formed therebetween. The ribs bendably flex outward and downward to provide a substantially constant force against the ear of the wearer over a broad range of sizes and rotatably flex for improved fit.

Abstract: A jaw piece is attachable to a base edge of the helmet. The jaw piece and a portion of the base edge of the helmet define a user viewing window. A first face shield is pivotable between an open position and a closed position extending across the viewing window. A seal is provided to engage with a perimeter of the viewing window when the first face shield is in the closed position. The attaching assembly for attaching the first face shield comprises a helmet cam having first helmet cam surfaces configured to releasably attach the first face shield to the protective helmet system and second helmet cam surfaces configured to releasably attach a second face shield to the protective helmet. The attaching assembly generates a first biasing force to bias the seal toward the perimeter of the viewing window when the first face shield is in the closed position and a second biasing force to bias the first face shield away from the jaw piece when in the open position.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing products such as liquid antimicrobials is described. The dispenser includes a bracket/actuator assembly and a container assembly. The dispenser includes a novel mechanism for attaching the container assembly to the bracket/actuator assembly and also includes a novel valve assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a staple cartridge assembly adapted for use in a surgical stapler having a cartridge retention portion and an anvil portion which are movable between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a staple cartridge assembly adapted for use in a surgical stapler having a cartridge retention portion and an anvil portion which are movable between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A package for a surgical device such as a stapler is described. The package includes a top portion, a bottom portion, sidewalls which define a cavity that receives the stapler, bearing surfaces to abut the stapler and a flexible cover. The package also includes a conformable member situated between the cover and the stapler which deforms about the stapler to hold the stapler relative to the package when the cover is attached to the top portion, and which is released from the stapler when the cover is removed from the top portion.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for expanding a vessel during a surgical procedure. The method utilizes a device comprising an expandable elastic portion and a flexible pipe portion. The pipe portion is situated at an angle relative to the elastic portion. The method includes the steps of cutting a stab incision in the vessel, inserting the expandable elastic portion into the vessel, and expanding the elastic portion.

Abstract: An unused open wire skin staple having a generally U-shaped central portion and outer portions terminating in sharp points that can be closed to a rectangular shape by straightening the central portion. The staple can be closed between an anvil having spaced support surfaces for spaced points along the outer curved surface of the central portion, and a ram with separable end parts that can apply both longitudinal and transverse forces to close the staple around the anvil.

Abstract: A medical stapler adapted to bend a staple closed around an anvil into a generally loop-like shape. The stapler includes a mechanism for retracting the anvil from within the closed staple as a ram that closed the staple moves away from the anvil.

Abstract: A medical stapler including a ram adapted to push a staple along a passageway from an inlet opening into which staples are fed, to an outlet opening where the staple is closed about an anvil portion. A manually activated drive mechanism is adapted to move the ram and staple from the inlet to the outlet opening, and a slidable and pivotable pawl adapted for ratcheting engagement with the ram is provided to prevent reverse movement of the ram until the ram is moved to close the staple.

Abstract: A cartridge which dispenses staples into a stapler from a track that has track portions which are not linearly aligned so that the cartridge can be shaped for minimum interference with the use of the stapler.

Abstract: A stapler comprising a ram adapted to engage a staple and move to a formed position so that an end portion of the ram bends the staple closed around the anvil. The stapler comprises latching means for stopping movement of the end portion of the ram away from the anvil at a predetermined position of the ram at which the ram presses the staple against the anvil and end portions of the staple project outwardly of the stapler on opposite sides of the anvil.

Abstract: A hand crimping tool having a first handle and a second handle connected to the first handle by a main pivot pin and a pair of jaws connected to the handles for movement together upon pivoting of the handles about the main pivot pin. A signal mechanism is provided to produce a sensory perception to the user of the completion of a predetermined crimping movement of the jaws.