Abstract: A surgical stapler including an anvil, a staple cartridge, and a buttress material removably retained to the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the staple cartridge can include at least one staple removably stored therein which can, when deployed, or fired, therefrom, contact the buttress material and remove the buttress material from the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, the anvil can include at least one lip and/or groove configured to removably retain the buttress material to the anvil until deformable members extending from the surgical staple are bent by the anvil and are directed toward and contact the buttress material.

Abstract: A dental instrument with a large injection molded plastic handle has an elongated generally cylindrical symmetrical shape with first and second spaced apart ends. Anti-slip peripheral groves or slots are molded into the handle adjacent the first and second ends. Subsequent to the molding process, knurls are applied adjacent the first and second ends to improve the anti-slip characteristics of the handle. At least some of the knurling is positioned between the peripherally located grooves or slots. Stainless steel cones are affixed to the respective ends of the handle, either by ultrasonic welding or by positioning the cones in the molds, as inserts, and directly molding the plastic around retaining ends of the cones. Tips or points are press-fit and/or adhesively bonded into channels in the cones of the instrument. A single ended instrument carries a smooth, closed, cap at one of the ends.