Abstract: A tool for driving a nail or other fastener is actuated by a caseless propellant charge formed of combustible material that is transported into a combustion chamber on a strip. The propellant charge is ignited by striking a sensitizer portion of the charge at an oblique angle. The ignition member intermixes the sensitizer material with an oxidizer layer of the surface of the propellant charge, resulting in combustion of the charge. When ignited, the propellant charge is compressingly interposed between an orifice plate and a movable portion of the combustion chamber. The orifice plate includes a pedestal with an annular compression surface that separates the surface of the ignition area from the remaining surfaces of the charge, insuring that ignition gases are forced through the charge. An annular C-shaped ring is interposed between the orifice plate and the movable portion of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A tool for driving a nail or other fastener is actuated by a caseless propellant charge formed of combustible material that is transported into a combustion chamber on a strip. The propellant charge is ignited by striking a sensitizer portion of the charge at an oblique angle. The ignition member intermixes the sensitizer material with an oxidizer layer of the surface of the propellant charge, resulting in combustion of the charge. When ignited, the propellant charge is compressingly interposed between an orifice plate and a movable portion of the combustion chamber. The orifice plate includes a pedestal with an annular compression surface that separates the surface of the ignition area from the remaining surfaces of the charge, insuring that ignition gases are forced through the charge. An annular C-shaped ring is interposed between the orifice plate and the movable portion of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An anvil attachment for the nose portion of a surgical stapling instrument of the type utilizing a replaceable cartridge of surgical staples. The anvil attachment is generally "L-shaped". A first leg of the anvil attachment is adapted to lie along and to be affixed to the nose portion of the surgical instrument with the second leg of the anvil attachment extending laterally of the surgical instrument nose portion. Near the juncture of the first and second anvil attachment legs, the second anvil attachment leg is provided on its upper surface with an upstanding wedge-shaped lug which, in cooperation with an adjacent relief on the first anvil attachment leg, engages and maintains the lower end of the staple cartridge in proper position against the nose portion of the surgical stapling instrument. The second anvil attachment leg has a first anvil portion adjacent the wedge-shaped lug and providing a first anvil surface adapted to abut and support the crown of a staple during a staple forming operation.