US5330087A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rotating head skin stapler
Assignee: Ethicon Inc
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Filing: 1993-05-14
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Granted: 1994-07-19
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Expires: 2013-05-14
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael A. Murray
- 👤 John F. Love
- 👤 James D. Hughett
- 👤 Randy R. Stephens
- 👤 Richard F. Schwemberger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 11:22
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/068; A61B17/0682; A61B17/0684
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
A stapler comprising: a base containing a trigger for actuating a mechanism for closing staples, said trigger moving in a path defining a stroke having a beginning and an end; a stapling mechanism extending from said base, said stapling mechanism capable of causing staples to be closed; and located in said base, opposing means for acting on said trigger at the end of said stroke during the formation of staples, said opposing means comprising a stop on said base; said trigger comprising a drive block moved along a travel axis in said base, said drive block having buffer means which engage said stop on said base to oppose said trigger; and wherein said buffer means does not engage said stop at the beginning of said stroke and thereafter said buffer means engages said stop after the beginning of said stroke and during the closing of staples by said stapling mechanism, and remains engaged with said stop until the end of said stroke.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
A stapler comprising: a base containing a trigger for actuating a mechanism for closing staples, said trigger moving in a path defining a stroke having a beginning and an end; a stapling mechanism extending from said base, said stapling mechanism capable of causing staples to be closed; and located in said base, opposing means for acting on said trigger at the end of said stroke during the formation of staples, said opposing means comprising a stop on said base; said trigger comprising a drive block moved along a travel axis in said base, said drive block having buffer means which engage said stop on said base to oppose said trigger; and wherein said buffer means does not engage said stop at the beginning of said stroke and thereafter said buffer means engages said stop after the beginning of said stroke and during the closing of staples by said stapling mechanism, and remains engaged with said stop until the end of said stroke.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The stapler of claim 1 further comprising release means located on said stapling mechanism and for releasing a closed staple, and wherein said stop and said buffer means remain engaged with one another on said base until said release means have released a closed staple from said stapling mechanism.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-07-18 | 1998-01-17 | 1998-07-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-07-18 | 2002-01-17 | 2002-07-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-07-18 | 2006-01-17 | 2006-07-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |