Abstract: A disposable loading unit for operable attachment to a surgical stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may have a carrier that supports a staple cartridge and an anvil assembly that is movable coupled to the carrier. The various embodiments may further have an axial drive assembly that is configured to impart a closing motion to the anvil assembly and also supports a cutting blade thereon. The axial drive assembly is configured to receive firing motions and retraction motions from the surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments have an anvil release assembly that enables the anvil assembly to be released from a clamping orientation in the event that the cutting blade becomes jammed during operation.

Abstract: A disposable loading unit for operable attachment to a surgical stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may have a spent cartridge indication system for providing an indication of whether the loading unit has been previously fired. Other embodiments are disclosed that employ a blade monitoring system for providing feedback to the user concerning the amount of strain being experienced by the blade during cutting and stapling.

Abstract: A reusable surgical stapling apparatus that is configured for use with disposable loading units. Various embodiments include a first handle segment and a second handle segment that is detachably coupled to the first handle segment to form a handle housing. A firing assembly may be removably supported in the handle housing as a lift out removable unit for sterilization purposes. Various sterilization methods are disclosed.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an anvil of a disposable loading unit including a first member having staple pockets for deforming staples, a first cover plate secured to the first member, and a second cover plate secured to at least one of the first member and the first cover plate, wherein the first and second cover plates can be configured to support the first member. In at least one embodiment, an anvil can include a first member inserted into a second member, where at least one of the first and second members can be deformed to retain one to the other. In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a disposable loading unit comprising a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a sleeve, wherein the sleeve can be configured to be slid relative to the staple cartridge and the anvil to hold the anvil in a closed position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus for use with a disposable loading unit. Various embodiments include an elongated body assembly that comprises a distal body segment and a proximal body segment that are operably coupled together by an intermediate articulation joint such that the proximal body segment and the distal body segment define a longitudinal axis. The intermediate articulation joint may be configured to facilitate articulation of the distal body segment about an intermediate articulation axis that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. The elongated body assembly may be configured to transfer actuation motions from an actuation shaft housed in a handle assembly to the disposable loading unit. In various embodiments, the intermediate articulation joint may be adjacent to the handle assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a shaft, an end effector, and a joint, wherein the end effector can be moved relative to the shaft about the joint. In various embodiments, the joint can include a cover configured to be positioned intermediate the end effector and the shaft. In at least one embodiment, the cover can be connected to at least one of the end effector and the shaft and can be configured to at least partially surround the joint in order to prevent soft tissue positioned adjacent to the joint from being pulled into and/or pinched by the joint.

Abstract: A mobile support unit such as an IV stand or the like coupled to a mobile hospital bed, gurney or wheelchair by a latch mechanism which provides hands free operation thereby avoiding the need for a nurse or care provider to manually manipulate the latch to secure the units together for tandem transport. Further, the latch mechanism according to this invention includes a clutch which prevents relative movement of the IV stand or support unit with respect to the hospital bed during transport up to a specific adjustable torque level thereby avoiding the problem of the IV stand or support unit swinging freely relative to the bed during movement. Further, the clutch permits movement of the IV stand or support unit through an arc relative to the bed when a specified force is applied as required by the nurse or care provider to reposition the stand or support unit relative to the bed and provide increased access to the patient or the like.

Abstract: A mobile support unit such as an IV stand or the like coupled to a mobile hospital bed, gurney or wheelchair by a latch mechanism which provides hands free operation thereby avoiding the need for a nurse or care provider to manually manipulate the latch to secure the units together for tandem transport. Further, the latch mechanism according to this invention includes a clutch which prevents relative movement of the IV stand or support unit with respect to the hospital bed during transport up to a specific adjustable torque level thereby avoiding the problem of the IV stand or support unit swinging freely relative to the bed during movement. Further, the clutch permits movement of the IV stand or support unit through an arc relative to the bed when a specified force is applied as required by the nurse or care provider to reposition the IV stand or support unit relative to the bed and provide increased access to the patient or the like.

Abstract: A one-piece lightweight personal flotation device which is aerodynamic and form-fitting for a male or female wearer includes an inflatable bladder having front and rear panels, the front panel having generally concave longitudinal side edges to create an hourglass shape suitable for a conforming and comfortable fit by a male or female wearer, and the rear panel defined by two sections separated by a vertical seam. The bladder is held to the torso of the wearer by lightweight elastic fabric side panels, to enhance the torso-conforming fit, particularly at the arm-holes and around the waist, so that the device fits the wearer similar to a relatively tight vest. Bladder inflation components are located at accessible positions adjacent the outer surface of the bladder, and held within covers or pockets made of stretchable material, thereby to minimize aerodynamic drag, optimize comfort and to reduce the possibility of inadvertent filling of the bladder.