Abstract: A multi-staple cartridge for surgical staplers in which individual staples are retained and driven by separate but commonly actuated staple retaining units. Each of the units includes a movable staple carrier and a staple driving head. All units are actuated by a cartridge contained driving press so that the driving head and carrier are first moved together under a limited or yieldable force transmitting means tending to retain them in their initial relative position. The force transmitting means operative between the common driving press then advances the driving head relative to the carrier to set the staple. Final movement of the carrier and driving head is by direct abutting engagement with the driving press for all staples not previously clinched by the force of the yieldable force transmitting means. Tissue thickness variation is thus accommodated by each individual staple.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for removing cellular tissue from the body cavities arranged to shape a loop easily by using an elongated cable. The cable is folded essentially in the middle intermediate the ends thereof. The thusly folded cable is positioned internally of an elongated open ended sheath. Manipulative structure is provided at the proximal end for selectively reciprocatively sliding one or both of end portions of the cable whereby a loop may be formed externally of the other end of the sheath. The structure when manipulated provides a controlled configuration of the loop.

Abstract: There is disclosed an incentive spirometer for measuring, as desired, the inspiratory breathing capacity and/or the expiratory breathing capacity including a freely floating piston positioned within a chamber. The piston is responsive to an inspired breath inhaled from one end of the chamber and also responsive to an exhaled breath introduced into the other end of the chamber. A novel rolling seal is provided which causes extremely minute friction losses during movement and which effectively seals the area between the external perimeter of the piston and the internal surface of the chamber.