Ethicon, Gmbh

3M Innovative Properties Company

Ronald R VanOverloop

Edward A Rhad

Darrel M Powell

Matthew R Otten

Todd J Olson

Robert G Cook

Thomas Knodell

Gary Steed

Eric Huffman

Ralph Chen

Dan Meiser

Rudolph Henry Nobis

Michael D Cronin

Steven W Hamblin

David M Snively

Kathleen E Allen

Stephen C Robinson

Doug M Reinert

Apparatus and methods for mounting an optical element to a mounting plate in an optical system. The optical element is adhesively bonded with a surface on the mounting plate by a radiation-curable adhesive and a radiation-transmissive member that provides an unobstructed optical path in the mounting plate for curing the radiation-curable adhesive. The adhesive accommodates differences in thermal expansion between the material forming the mounting plate and the material forming the optical element so as to maintain the position and angular orientation of the optical element relative to the mounting plate and so as to prevent damage to the optical element. The formulation of the adhesive forming the adhesive couplings may incorporate spacer elements operative for maintaining the spacing and parallelism between the optical element and the mounting plate.

Apparatus and methods for mounting an optical element in an optical system

A stapler mechanism is described which contains a stapling assembly, and anvil assembly, firing means and knife means. These means are activated by a firing trigger. The anvil assembly is closed upon the stapling assembly by means of a closure trigger. The firing trigger is inoperable until the closure trigger has been activated. Another mechanism in the stapler is capable of locking the closure trigger after use so it does not spring open inadvertently before use of the firing trigger. Additionally, the stapler mechanism allows forward motion of both triggers and also is capable of allowing reverse motion of the closure trigger to open the mechanism.

Linear stapling mechanism with cutting means

A stapler mechanism is described which contains a stapling assembly, and anvil assembly, firing means and knife means. These means are activated by a firing trigger. The anvil assembly is closed upon the stapling assembly by means of a closure trigger. The firing trigger is inoperable until the closure trigger has been activated. Another mechanism in the stapler is capable of locking the closure trigger after use so it does not spring open inadvertently before actuation of the firing trigger. Additionally, the stapler mechanism allows forward motion of both triggers and also is capable of allowing reverse motion of the closure trigger to open the mechanism. Furthermore, the stapler mechanism contains means for obstructing the flow of insufflation gasses or bodily fluid from the surgical site through the instrument during endoscopic surgery.

A fast closure mechanism for a linear surgical stapling device as described. This comprises a double four-bar linkage which operates to both place a retaining pin into an anvil and properly and quickly approximate the staple cartridge to the anvil. Thereafter, a gap-setting screw is used so that the proper gap is set between the anvil and the cartridge. Firing is accomplished only after the gap is properly set and within the appropriate gap described pre-determined for the instrument. After firing, opening of the stapler may be accomplished with a similar fast opening motion.

Fast closure device for linear surgical stapling instrument

Growing community of inventors

West Chester, OH, United States of America

Ronald R VanOverloop