Abstract: An ambidextrous locking clamp system for providing a user the ability to use the right or left hand to engage and disengage a ratcheting means on the clamp. The clamp has hingedly connected first and second elongated members each with a finger engaging member arm, a finger engaging member, a working head, and a latching member featuring ratcheting teeth. The teeth face each other in a direction parallel with a longitudinal axis of the clamp. The teeth are engaged by moving the finger engaging members toward each other in an engaging motion, and are disengaged by sliding them in a disengaging motion perpendicular to the engaging motion with opposing force applied to the finger engaging members. A space is defined between the finger engaging member arms and the finger engaging members. The latching members extend into the space from where the finger engaging members transition from their corresponding finger engaging member arms.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge assembly for use with a surgical end effector. The fastener cartridge assembly can comprise a cartridge body having fastener cavities, fasteners removably positioned in the fastener cavities, a layer of material releasably secured relative to the cartridge body, a connector configured to secure the layer of material to the cartridge body at a location distal to at least one fastener cavity, and an actuator. The layer of material can be a tissue thickness compensator. When actuated, the actuator can overcome the connector, and can overcome the connector prior to the removal of the fasteners from the fastener cavities. The actuator can be actuated at a location proximal to at least one fastener cavity, and can extend distally past at least one fastener cavity toward the connector.

Abstract: A hand-held drive-in tool for driving in fastening elements includes a drive-in ram (13), a drive (30) for driving the drive-in ram (13) and having a driving spring member (31) for displacing the drive-in ram (13), a device (70) for preloading the driving spring member (31), a locking device (50) having a locking position (54) in which the locking device (50) retains the driving spring member (31) in its preloaded position and a release position (55) into which the locking device (50) is displaced upon actuation of an actuation switch (19) of the drive-in tool (10), and a mechanical blocking device (60) operating independently of the actuation switch (19) and having an active position (68) in which the blocking device (60) retains the locking device (50) in its locking position (54), and a passive position (69) in which the locking device (50) can be displaced in its release position (55).

Abstract: A clearance is set between a nail feeder and an outer profile portion so that the nail feeder can turn. A pin as a first restriction member that inhibits movement of the nail feeder to an ejection portion by engaging with the nail feeder and can release the engagement with the rotation of the nail feeder is provided to the outer profile portion. The position at which the nail feeder and a spring engage is set in deviation from the position at which the nail feeder and the pin engage, in a reciprocating direction of the nail feeder and in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A trigger valve includes a valve base, a valve rod, a sliding portion and a shuttle valve. The valve base is disposed at a gun body of the nail gun between a compressed chamber and a main air valve of the nail gun. The valve rod is capable of being driven by a trigger of the nail gun to move so as to open or close high pressure air from the compressed chamber into the valve base. The sliding portion is capable of being driven by high pressure air to move to cause a safety slide rod of the nail gun producing a displacement along a hitting-nail direction. The shuttle valve is capable of being driven to move under control of the displacement of the sliding portion so as to open or close high pressure air from the valve base into the main air valve.

Abstract: A fastening tool can include a housing and a motor assembly in the housing. The motor assembly can include an output member and a motor for translating the output member. A contact trip assembly can include a contact trip slidably disposed relative to the housing between an advanced position and a retracted position. The contact trip assembly can be operable to activate a contact trip switch in the retracted position. A lock-out mechanism can include a paddle rotatably fixed relative to the housing between a disengaged position wherein the contact trip is permitted to slide between the advanced and retracted position and an engaged position wherein the contact trip abuts the paddle thereby precluding movement of the contact trip to the advanced position.

Abstract: A clearance is set between a nail feeder and an outer profile portion so that the nail feeder can turn. A pin as a first restriction member that inhibits movement of the nail feeder to an ejection portion by engaging with the nail feeder and can release the engagement with the rotation of the nail feeder is provided to the outer profile portion. The position at which the nail feeder and a spring engage is set in deviation from the position at which the nail feeder and the pin engage, in a reciprocating direction of the nail feeder and in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A driving tool in a form of a combustion type nail driving machine 1 for injecting a nail by combustion gas is provided. The driving tool includes a lower pusher which is arranged at a distal end in a projecting direction of a nose through which the nail passes, formed with an elongated hole, and adapted to come into contact with a wood, an upper pusher which is urged by the lower pusher, and an extending-contracting mechanism interposed between the lower pusher and the upper pusher. The extending-contracting mechanism includes a bush which is in contact with the upper pusher and formed with a threaded hole, and a screwing part which can be screwed into the threaded hole after passing through the elongated hole. The screwing part includes a bolt which connects the lower pusher and the bush, and a lever.

Abstract: A contact safety and trigger mechanism for use with a pneumatic fastener in order to permit efficient pneumatic fastener actuation mode selection. A rotating rod is included in a contact safety assembly which is constructed to slide toward/away from a driver housing, defining a piston for securing a fastener disposed within the piston's path of travel. The rotating rod includes a first shoulder or ledge and a second shoulder which is off-set from the first shoulder. The rod may be rotated in order to orientate the selected shoulder, to function as a stop for a pivoting trigger assembly, which is constructed to contact a pneumatic valve, to initiate a fastening event in-which a fastener is driven into a workpiece.

Abstract: A nail stapler includes a magazine, a nozzle and a hammering device. The magazine stores nails. The nozzle prevents jamming via allowing only a leading one of the nails to the hammering device. The hammering device is capable of hammering the leading one of the nails more than once until it hammers the leading nail completely into an object.

Abstract: An anti-reversing device in the feed channel of a staple magazine containing staple blanks (ii), which magazine is accommodated in a stapler, wherein the staple blanks advance along a feed channel having channel guides (22) which support the staple blanks and wherein the supporting channel guides are equipped with stops (26) which prevent a staple blank which has advanced past the stops from moving in the direction opposite to the direction of feed.

Abstract: A stapler, optionally used for flat-clinch stapling or for external and internal stapling, includes a stapling plate with stampings and a slit-like perforation for flat-clinch stapling. The stapling plate is rotatable or slidable or divided. The stapling plate has projecting outer gripping edges. The stapling plate folding part is pivotably connected to the base plate and includes a clip connection. The stapler upper part is slidingly and pivotably mounted. The sliding pivoting mount is a connecting pivot and a bearing block having a slot, the bearing block slidingly and pivotably mounted in the slot on the connecting pivot. The distance of the two end positions of the connecting pivot corresponds to the distance between the slit-like perforation and the stampings. The base plate is connected to the upper part by a yaw pivot bearing and the slit-like perforation and the shaped stampings are in line with each other, the pivoting upper part adapted to engage a staple with both.

Abstract: The end-to-end anastomosis apparatus is provided with a mounting means which can receive a trocar for making holes in tissue and, subsequently, an anvil shaft for the mounting of an anvil assembly for stapling purposes. The anvil shaft is provided with splines which cooperate with splines on a shell liner within the housing of the apparatus to align the buckets on the anvil assembly with the staples in a cartridge secured in the apparatus. In addition, the anvil assembly is provided with a spring for locking of the anvil housing on the anvil shaft.

Abstract: A surgical stapler having a trigger attached to a ratcheting mechanism for preventing the refiring of the stapler trigger with a staple loaded within a forming mechanism. In addition, the mechanism contains driver buffering means to prevent the sharp reduction in opposing force driving formation of a staple. The staples are constantly maintained in proper orientation during transfer from a track to the forming site, and are self-centering on the former, and have an oversized crown so that cold-worked areas on each staple do not hinder forming.

Abstract: The end-to-end anastomosis apparatus is provided with a mounting means which can receive a trocar for making holes in tissue and, subsequently, an anvil shaft for the mounting of an anvil assembly for stapling purposes. The anvil shaft is provided with splines which cooperate with splines on a shell liner within the housing of the apparatus to align the buckets on the anvil assembly with the staples in a cartridge secured in the apparatus. In addition, the anvil assembly is provided with a spring for locking of the anvil housing on the anvil shaft.

Abstract: A surgical stapler which closes a staple during the downstroke of the former and strips the closed staple during the upstroke of the anvil by pressing the crossarm of the closed staple against a bevelled cam surface.

Abstract: The fascia stapler has a pistol-shaped housing from which two-piece clips can be ejected for closing an incision. The retainers for the clips and the straps for the clips are held in respective cartridges within the nose of the housing and can be ejected individually upon actuation of the stapler. A pusher assembly within the housing causes an individual strap to be expelled for passage through one end of a strap, piercing through the tissue and securement in the other end of the strap. Approximators with tissue engaging teeth are also used to bunch up the tissue about the incision during a stapling operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved reciprocating jaw type hemostatic clip applier or ligator. The improved apparatus is provided with an improved camming mechanism which interfaces with the jaws to cam the jaws closed and which is designed to maintain its alignment with respect to the jaws to prevent misalignment of the jaws during closure and malformation of clips. The improved apparatus is also provided with a lockout mechanism which prevents the jaws from being closed once the last clip has been formed and released from the instrument.

Abstract: An improved surgical stapling apparatus containing a locking mechanism to prevent reactuation of the apparatus, the locking mechanism comprising a resilient clip having a hook which is engagable with a locking notch on the cam bar retainer. The resilient clip is initially held in a non-engagable position by means of a movable chock. When the stapler is actuated for the first time, the cam bar retainer pushes the chock into a subsequent position where the chock no longer blocks the resilient clip. The resilient clip then moves to a position where the hook is engagable with the locking notch. Once the cam bar retainer is retracted it can no longer be reactuated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing, dispensing, and applying surgical staples includes a pistol-like tool having a handle portion with a manually movable trigger lever, and a rotatable barrel portion with a staple track for storing staples in parallel, stacked, column fashion, the axis of the column extending generally colinearly with the barrel axis. The staples are urged distally in the track, and the distal track portion is curved out of axial alignment so that the distal staples are urged into points-first alignment. A form tool is slidably disposed in the barrel portion and adapted to advance and urge the distal-most staple against an anvil tool to crimp the staple. The form tool includes a drag spring which engages the distal-most staple in the staple track as the form tool retracts after a crimping cycle, pulling the distal-most staple from the track into a dispensing position for the next dispensing cycle.

Abstract: A surgical stapler which closes a staple during the downstroke of the former and strips the closed staple during the upstroke of the anvil by pressing the crossarm of the closed staple against a bevelled cam surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-purpose safety device which can be used in conventional nailing operations to guide the nail to be driven safely, conveniently and quickly at a desired angle and which can be used for measuring angles and inclinations as well as levelling. The invention includes a driving member disposed in a sleeve which in turn mounted on an upper side of a housing, a nail advancing plate at one side of the housing for advancing nails, and a nail guiding body below the sleeve for guiding and positioning a nail beneath the driving member whereby the nail can be driven into an object by the driving member. An angle meter is further mounted in the housing for measuring angles as well as indicating a desired angle by which the nail has to be driven.

Abstract: A foot-operated press includes a ratchet mechanism operatively connecting a foot pedal and a punch of the press for preventing backward movement of the foot pedal until after the punch has fully been lowered to ensure that a pair of fastener elements can be assembled together in properly clinched condition, with a garment fabric disposed between the two fastener elements.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a moving driver and an anvil moving in the same direction as the driver to pick off a staple from a supply, and to transport it to a forming station. The anvil is there stopped, but the driver continues to move forwardly forming the staple about the anvil. The anvil is locked against retraction until the driver is partially retracted in order to facilitate staple ejection. A drive linkage includes a four-bar linkage and a trigger mounted cam drive for dispersing required input forces over the trigger movement and minimizing force variations and maximum input. Modular features and construction provide use and manufacturing advantages. Methods are included.

Abstract: A stapler apparatus which is provided with a needle feeding mechanism for feeding needles continuously formed in a band-like shape in succession to a driving-in station and which can prevent the band-like needles from moving backward and reliably feed the needles forwardly even if a backwardly moving force acts on the band-like needles in a state in which the leading needle is not bent.

Abstract: Drive-in apparatus for fastening means such as staples, nails, etc.

Abstract: A skin stapler having a plurality of staples comprising a frame structure, with a nose section for directing the staple at a wound site, including a housing therein having an anvil, a staple ejector, a driver for deforming the staple about the anvil, and a staple follower for continually urging the staples against a release member. Means are also provided for actuating the driver in a substantially translatable direction; and the actuating means comprises a toggle mechanism. In addition, the stapler is provided with means for restoring the driver to its unactivated position, and means are provided for preventing the double loading of the staples in said surgical stapler. The skin stapler is lightweight and of the disposable type as it is generally small and relatively compact.

Abstract: A surgical stapler, preferably in a single use disposable form, comprises a combination of a staple feeding mechanism and a staple forming mechanism secured in a frame and an actuating trigger functionally connected to both the staple feeding mechanism and the staple forming mechanism, wherein the staple feeding mechanism includes a rail to guide contained staples serially to a staple forming position and a shuttle in association with the rail as a movable staple retaining cover, the shuttle being functionally connected to the trigger for movement in the same direction and the same time as the staples. This structure provides a reliable surgical stapler in which staples are not likely to jam the staple feeding mechanism.

Abstract: A stapler having a pistol grip which can be entirely formed as a one-piece molding, without need for separate springs, connectors or other parts. The main springs are not stressed until the trigger is pulled for the first time. Staples of a special configuration are closed by a driver having a specially shaped forming end.

Abstract: A stapler, particularly for suturing skin wounds or incisions, is disclosed which comprises a channel in which a driver is advanced by a slide in the direction of an anvil surface. A staple magazine which extends substantially parallel with the driver includes a curved section which opens into the channel to deliver staples into the channel for engagement by the driver. During forward displacement of the driver, a projection on the driver presses a leaf spring to which the anvil surface is connected. The anvil surface at the forward end of the leaf spring is thereby brought into its operating position and is automatically moved back into its retracted position upon release of the spring after the driver is retracted. The curved section in the staple magazine enables the stapler to have a slim profile which does not obscure the working area during a stapling operation. After completion of a stapling operation, the anvil surface is automatically retracted from a closed, implanted staple.

Abstract: A portable electric stapler wherein a bladelike impeller is reciprocable by the armature of an electromagnet which is energizable a selected number of times so that a staple which is introduced into a housing channel in front of the impeller is gradually driven into a workpiece. The magazine for staples and that part of the housing which defines the channel are movable relative to the impeller between a first position in which a pusher can expel a staple from the magazine into the channel and a second position whereby the impeller separates the foremost staple from the stack of coherent staples in the magazine. The impeller blocks the outlet of the magazine during the intervals between successive energizations of the electromagnet to thus prevent entry of a fresh staple into the channel before the driving of the preceding staple into the workpiece is completed. The rearward movements of the armature and the impeller are braked by a pneumatic brake or by a shock absorber.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic tacker, which can carry out a limited number of driving strokes when its main switch is actuated, has a staple magazine pivotal between a blocking position and an operating position. In the operating position of the staple magazine, a staple blocking member blocks the front staple located in the staple magazine and, in the blocking position of the staple magazine, releases this staple for entry into a staple output channel. A coupling element connected to the staple magazine has an engagement portion which, in the switched-on position of an actuator element of the main switch, is in engagement with this. In this switched-on position, the actuator element holds the staple magazine in the operating position via the coupling element, so that the tacker can be lifted off from a workpiece, while at the same time the operating position of the staple magazine and the blocking action of the staple blocking member are maintained.

Abstract: A bone stapler including a staple cartridge that, when removed from the stapler, insures that no staple can remain in the stapler, and is held in place by a rotatable locking member that in one position can pass through an opening in a wall of the stapler and can then be rotated to hold the cartridge in place.

Abstract: A bone stapler including a housing in which stapler can be driven by a driver along a passageway from an inlet to an outlet opening by activation of an operated drive means. Pointed projections are provided to locate bone portions to be stapled, manually releasable safety means is provided to prevent inadvertent driving of a staple, and the drive means is adapted to exhaust air at a location remote from the bone portion being stapled. Also a staple cartridge is provided that, when removed from the stapler, insures that no staple can remain in the stapler, and the stapler will accept different parts that receive the cartridge and define the passageway so that staples of different sizes may be driven.

Abstract: A stapler, particularly for suturing skin wounds or incisions, is disclosed which comprises a channel in which a driver is advanced by a slide in the direction of an anvil surface. A staple magazine which extends substantially parallel with the driver includes a curved section which opens into the channel to deliver staples into the channel for engagement by the driver. During forward displacement of the driver, a projection on the driver presses a leaf spring to which the anvil surface is connected. The anvil surface at the forward end of the leaf spring is thereby brought into its operating position and is automatically moved back into its retracted position upon release of the spring after the driver is retracted. The curved section in the staple magazine enables the stapler to have a slim profile which does not obscure the working area during a stapling operation. After completion of a stapling operation, the anvil surface is automatically retracted from a closed, implanted staple.

Abstract: A skin stapler having a plurality of staples comprising a frame structure, with a nose section for directing the staple at a wound site, including a housing therein having an anvil, a staple ejector, a driver for deforming the staple about the anvil, and a staple follower for continually urging the staples against a release member. Means are also provided for actuating the driver in a substantially translatable direction; and the actuating means comprises a toggle mechanism. In addition, the stapler is provided with means for restoring the driver to its unactivated position, and means are provided for preventing the double loading of the staples in said surgical stapler. The skin stapler is lightweight and of the disposable type as it is generally small and relatively compact.

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 bone stapler including a housing in which stapler can be driven by a driver along a passageway from an inlet to an outlet opening by activation of an operated drive means. Pointed projections are provided to locate bone portions to be stapled, manually releasable safety means is provided to prevent inadvertent driving of a staple, and the drive means is adapted to exhaust air at a location remote from the bone portion being stapled. Also a staple cartridge is provided that, when removed from the stapler, insures that no staple can remain in the stapler, and the stapler will accept different parts that receive the cartridge and define the passageway so that staples of different sizes may be driven.

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 surgical stapling control means has been invented. The control means comprises a handle; a trigger pivotally attached and on compression internal to said handle; a staple forming means contained in the forward portion of said handle; a pad contained on the rearward portion of said handle; a retainer attached to the rearward portion of said trigger to coordinate with said pad; at least one guide pin attached to the initial end of said retainer; and guide means adjacent the rearward portion of said handle to coordinate with and provide tension to said guide pin.

Abstract: A surgical stapling control means has been invented. The control means are contained in a surgical instrument comprising a handle; a trigger pivotally attached and on compression internal to said handle; and staple forming means contained in the forward portion of the handle.The control means comprise a mult-toothed ratchet on the rearward portion of the trigger; at least one guide pin attached to the initial end of the ratchet; a nonpivoting pawl attached to the rearward portion of the handle to coordinate with the ratchet; guide means adjacent the rearward portion of the handle to coordinate with and provide tension to the guide pins.On partially compressing the trigger, the guide means provide tension on the guide pins and the ratchet engages the pawl. On completely compressing the trigger, the guide pins cross over the top of the guide means causing the ratchet to be disengaged from the pawl.

Abstract: A device for forcing railroad car deck planks downward against a support and sidewards against a stop to aid in tying the plank to the support with a clip-like tie member. The device includes an anchor member for being fixedly attached to the support, a body member attached to and extending upward from the anchor member, an engagement member for engaging a portion of the plank, and a jack member for selectively causing the engagement member to force the plank downwards and sidewards relative to the body member.

Abstract: Dispensing of attachment members, each formed by a filament with a head at one end and a cross bar at the other end, using an ejector with forward and return strokes. Each attachment member is dispensed during the forward stroke of the ejector and an antijam mechanism is operated for assuring completion of the return stroke of the ejector and prevention of premature operation.

Abstract: A non jamming head for power operated fastener driving tools having a driveway extended through a nose with a driving plane offset from a magazine supply of fasteners individually delivered through the driveway by a driver blade, and characterized by a back plate comprised of a pair of parallel side members defining a fastener receiving opening devoid of any obstruction ahead of the fastener, the driver blade and fastener driveway being defined by said side members, a front cover plate and an opposing parallel face at the front of the magazine rail to guide the crown of the fastener and the driver blade, the height of the extended nose from the points of the magazine supply of fasteners to the driving plane of the head not exceeding and less than the length of the individual fasteners driven into work at the said driving plane.

Abstract: A manually powered surgical stapling instrument for applying sterilized staples to the disunited skin or fascia of a patient for effecting a joining of the skin or fascia. The instrument is adapted to associate with a staple carrying cartridge having an anvil at one end thereof and adapted to house a plurality of staples therein. A pusher element slidably mounted in the cartridge is provided for advancing the staples in the cartridge, for ejecting the staples from the cartridge and for forming the staples around the anvil. The surgical stapling instrument comprises a main body portion adapted for mounting the staple carrying cartridge, a thrust bar mounted to reciprocate in the main body portion for driving the pusher element forward to advance, eject and form the staples, a handle arrangement for receiving a manually applied force, and a linkage arrangement for directly transmitting the manually applied force to the thrust bar to advance the thrust bar and thereby advance, eject and form the staples.

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 ejected and 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, will leave the ram across the outlet opening to prevent another staple from being fed into the channel if manual activation of the stapler is discontinued before the staple is ejected, and will couple the ram to the drive mechanism when the ram reaches its eject position so that the ram will subsequently be retracted with the drive mechanism. Also the stapler clicks when the ram reaches its eject position to provide both an audible and tactile indication that the staple has been fully closed.

Abstract: An improvement in an injection planting tool of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,031,832. The improvement is a detent mechanism on the tool that is manually operable to grasp the plant container being injection planted by a person with the tool in the event a rock interfers with the attempted planting, so that the container can be retained in the tool for another attempted planting.

Abstract: A cartridge for feeding pairs of clips simultaneously in laterally spaced apart relation between a pair of clamping jaws whereby the outermost pair of clips are clamped onto an elongate member such as a vessel, in which the cartridge is formed with a pair of laterally spaced apart slots for holding a plurality of clips and a slide for endwise displacement of the clips within the slots and a spring clip for permitting the slide to move forwardly in feeding relation while resisting backward displacement.

Abstract: A lightweight portable hand-held tool for use in producing printed circuit assemblies is provided with a squeezable handle piston grip surmounted by an incrementally detented ejection mechanism. The tool is topped by a rearwardly raked loading "snorkel" engaging and holding "dipstick" storage tubes for dual in line package or "DIP" integrated circuit assemblies, aligned end to end therein for lengthwise sliding, dispensing movement. A squeezable trigger-handgrip actuates a rack and pinion ejector ram-slider provided with a spring biased detent, producing forward feed movement of each DIP in turn from the snorkel magazine through an ejection portal, pausing with the DIP's terminals protruding for alignment with the mounting holes in the printed circuit board, followed by ejection of the DIP from the portable tool for insertion, produced by further squeezing movement of the trigger-handgrip.

Abstract: A bone stapler including a staple cartridge that, when removed from the stapler, insures that no staple can remain in the stapler, and is held in place by a rotatable locking member that in one position can pass through an opening in a wall of the stapler and can then be rotated to hold the cartridge in place.