US005465895A
`5,465,895
`{11} Patent Number:
`119
`United States Patent
`
`Knodelet al.
`145] Date of Patent:
`Novy. 14, 1995
`
`ONY AR AAA
`
`[54]
`
`[75]
`
`[73]
`
`SURGICAL STAPLER INSTRUMENT
`
`Inventors: Bryan D. Knodel, Cincinnati; Richard
`P. Nuchols; Warren P. Williamson,
`IV,both of Loveland,all of Ohio
`.
`.
`Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.,
`Cincinnati, Ohio
`
`.
`
`11/1993 Trumbullet al.
`5,263,629
`1/1994 Schulzeet.al. .
`5,275,323
`5/1994 Olson etal. .
`5,307,976
`7/1994 Green et al. wesssssssssenssnseeeseen 227/19
`5,318,221
`9/1994 Esposito et al.
`.....sssseeeseeseee 227/902
`5,350,400
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4/1980 USSR.
`728848
`Primary Examiner—Scott A. Smith
`
`[21]
`
`[22]
`
`[51]
`[52]
`[58]
`
`[56]
`
`Appl. No.: 191,412
`.
`Filed:
`
`Feb. 3, 1994
`
`‘
`Tint. (yo eeeeceecesseccseesstesetansstenssones AG6IB 17/068
`TLS. C1. ceccccceescestseees 227/176; 227/180; 227/19
`Field of Search ...0........ccccecee 227/19, 902, 175,
`227/176, 178,180
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(57]
`ABSTRACT
`A surgical stapler instramentis provided for applying lateral
`lines of staples to tissue while cutting the tissue between
`those staple lines. The instrument includes a handle portion,
`an implementportion, a reciprocating section, a drive mem-
`ber and a movableactuator. The implementportion includes
`a staple cartridge and an anvil. The reciprocating section is
`adapted to move back and forth along an axis of the
`implement portion. The movable actuator is associated with
`the handle portion and is engaged with the drive member
`such that motion of the actuator causes the drive member to
`7/1985 Green .
`4,530,453
`move back and forth between first and second drive posi-
`2/1986 Green .
`4,568,009
`
`
`
`4,573,622 tions separated byafirst distance. A multiplier is further3/1986 Greenet al. .
`4,589,582
`5/1986 Bilotti .
`providedandis associated with the reciprocating section and
`
`4,596,351.6/1986 Fedotovet al. . . ° : . .
`
`
`
`
`4,605,001
`8/1986 Rothfuss etal. .
`the drive member for causing the reciprocating section to
`4,607,636
`8/1986 Kula et al. .
`move back and forth betweenfirst and second reciprocating
`4,633,861
`1/1987 Chowetal. .
`positions in response to movementof the drive member. The
`4,633,874
`1/1987 Chow etal. .
`reciprocating section includes a work portion which, when
`4,915,100
`4/1990 Green .......sesecescsescsesseecneeneeeese 227/178
`moved distally, effects the firing of staples in the staple
`4,978,049 12/1990 Green .
`cartridge toward the anvil. The work portion is also provided
`5,014,899
`5/1991 Presty etal. .
`with a reciprocating knife. Thefirst and second reciprocating
`at uy1002 aren é v .
`positions are separated by a second distance which differs
`5,156,614 10/1992 Green et al.
`.
`from the first distance.
`5,170,925
`12/1992 Maddenetal. .
`5,180,092
`1/1993 Crainich .
`15 Claims, 16 Drawing Sheets
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 14, 1995
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`Sheet 14 of 16
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`Nov. 14, 1995
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`

`1
`SURGICAL STAPLER INSTRUMENT
`
`BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION
`
`5,465,895
`
`2
`SUMMARYOFTHE INVENTION
`
`In accordance with the present invention, an improved
`surgical stapler instrumentis provided. The improvedinstru-
`ment includes a plurality of wedges and a pusher block
`whichareintegrally formed as a single wedge work member.
`The wedge work member is formed from a liquid crystal
`polymer, which material results in a reduced coefficient of
`friction between the wedges and the drivers during staple
`firing over that found in the prior art. An improved cam
`surface profile on the wedges is also provided. The instru-
`mentalso includes a multiplier to vary the motion generated
`by the firing trigger to impart either increased or decreased
`motion to the wedges. The multiplier of the present inven-
`tion is easily modifiable for use in stapler instruments having
`different staple line lengths and/orstaple firing force require-
`ments so as to permit, for a given instrument, the length of
`the strokeofthe firing trigger and the force required to move
`it to be set at ergonomically preferred values. An improved
`method for forming a staple instrument anvil is also pro-
`vided.
`
`10
`
`20
`
`The presentinvention relates in general to surgical stapler
`instruments which are capable of applyinglinesof staples to
`tissue while cutting the tissue between thosestaple lines and,
`more particularly, to improvementsrelating to stapler instru-
`ments and improvements in processes for forming various
`components of such stapler instruments.
`to
`Surgical staplers have been used in the prior art
`simultaneously make a longitudinal incision in tissue and
`apply lines of staples on opposingsidesof the incision. Such
`instruments commonly include a pair of cooperating jaw
`members which,if the instrumentis intended for endoscopic
`or laparoscopic applications, are capable of passing through
`a cannula passageway. One of the jaw membersreceives a
`staple cartridge havingat least two laterally spaced rows of
`staples. The other jaw member defines an anvil having
`staple-forming pockets aligned with the rowsof staples in
`the cartridge. The instrument includes a plurality of recip-
`rocating wedges which, when driven distally, pass through
`openingsin the staple cartridge and engage drivers support-
`ing the staples to effect the firing of the staples toward the
`anvil.
`
`In accordancewith a first aspect of the present invention,
`a surgical instrament is provided and comprises: a handle
`portion; an implement portion including first and second
`implements capable of performing a function during a
`surgical procedure; a reciprocating section adapted to move
`back and forth along an axis of the implement portion, a
`The wedges are commonly formed from metal and
`drive member; a movable actuator associated with the
`assembled in a pusher block to form a single component.
`handle portion and engaged with the drive member suchthat
`Since a number of individual parts must be assembled to
`motion of the actuator causes the drive member to move
`form this component, it is costly to manufacture. Also, such
`back and forth between first and second drive positions
`components, because they are comprised of a number of
`separated by a first distance; and, a multiplier associated
`individual parts, oftentimes have less than optimumstability.
`with the reciprocating section and the drive member for
`Further, it has been found that use of metal wedges results
`causing the reciprocating section to move back and forth
`in a high coefficient of friction between the wedges and the
`betweenfirst and second reciprocating positions in response
`drivers during staple firing.
`35
`to movementof the drive member. The reciprocating section
`The prior art wedges generally includeastraight, single-
`includes a work portion which, when moved distally, is
`angle cam surface. The cam surface is designed to provide
`capable of causing the first and second implements to
`sufficient force for bending over ends of the staples. While
`perform the function. The first and second reciprocating
`the cam design performsthe desired operation,it also results
`positions are separated by a second distance which differs
`in an undesirable increase in the overall
`length of the
`from thefirst distance.
`instrument.
`
`25
`
`30
`
`40
`
`The multiplier may comprise first and second integral
`Prior art mechanisms for driving wedges distally into a
`pinion gears. The first pinion gear is engaged with the
`staple cartridge commonly includea firing mechanism and
`reciprocating section and the second pinion gear is engaged
`a motion transfer mechanism. The firing mechanism is
`with the drive member. The first pinion gear hasafirst
`45
`engaged by a surgeonto effect staple firing. Most currently
`- diameter and the second pinion gear has a second diameter
`available motion transfer mechanisms, whichare interposed
`which is smaller than the first diameter. Alternatively, the
`between the firing mechanism and the pusherblock, are not
`first diameter of the first pinion may be smaller than the
`easily modifiable for use in stapler instruments having
`second diameter of the second pinion.
`different staple line lengths and/orstaple firing force require-
`The implement portion comprises: a staple cartridge hav-
`ments so as to permit, for a given instrument, the length of
`ing a plurality of staples and at Jeast one slot for receiving
`the stroke of the firing mechanism and the force required to
`a distal end of the work portion; an elongated channel
`moveit to be set at ergonomically preferred values.
`extending from the handle portion and having a distal end
`Accordingly,
`there is a need for an improved stapler
`which is adapted to receive the staple cartridge; an anvil
`instrument. Preferably, such an instrument would have
`mounted on the elongated channel for pivotable movement
`wedges integrally formed as a single unit. Also,
`the
`toward and away from the cartridge; and meansforeffecting
`improved stapler instrument would have wedges which are
`pivotable movement of the anvil. The staple cartridge
`formed from an improved material such that the coefficient
`defines the first implement. The anvil defines the second
`of friction between the wedges and the drivers during staple
`implement. The work portion causes the staples to fire
`firing is reduced over that found in the prior art. The
`toward the anvil upon movement of the distal end of the
`improved stapler would also have wedges provided with a
`work portion into the cartridge.
`more efficient cam surfaceprofile. There is further a need for
`The meansfor effecting pivotable movementof the anvil
`an improved motion transfer mechanism which is easily
`comprises: a closure tube having distal and proximal ends;
`adaptable for use in various stapler instruments having
`a closure trigger having a handle section and a gear segment
`different staple line lengths and/orstaplefiring force require-
`section; and, a closure yoke having distal and proximal ends.
`ments so as to permit, for a given instrument, the length of
`The distal end of the closure tube is adapted to engage the
`the stroke of the firing mechanism and the force required to
`anvil for effecting pivotable movement of the anvil. The
`moveit to be set at ergonomically preferred values.
`
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`5,465,895
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`4
`3
`sequentially engage the driver supporting the staple to effect
`distal end of the yoke is connected to the proximal end of the
`closure tube and the proximal end ofthe yoke hasa gear rack
`the firing of the staple. The first cam surface formsafirst
`which is adapted to engage the gear segment section, such
`angle with a first plane and the second cam surface forms a
`that movementofthe closuretrigger effects movementof the
`second angle with a second plane. Thefirst plane is generally
`closure tube.
`parallel with the second plane andthefirst angle is different
`The anvil is provided with a stop andthe distal end of the
`from the second angle. Preferably, the first angle is greater
`closure tube is provided with a tab engageable with the stop,
`than the second angle.
`such that movement of the closure trigger away from the
`In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention,
`handle portion causes the tab to engage the stop and pivot
`a methodis provided for forming an anvil adapted foruse in
`the anvil away from the cartridge.
`a surgical stapler. The method comprises the steps of:
`The work portion comprises: a pusher block; a plurality of
`forming a wax pattern having an anvil shape and including
`wedges connected to the pusher block; and a reciprocating
`a plurality of pockets therein; dipping the wax pattern into
`knife. The wedges define the distal end of the work portion.
`a slurry of material to form an outer shell about the wax
`The knife includes a boss at its proximal end and the pusher
`pattern; heating the outer shell causing the wax in the outer
`block is provided with a recess for receiving the boss. The
`shell to melt and leave the outer shell; filling the outer shell
`recess is defined by front, rear and side surfaces formed in
`with molten metal to form a metal casting of the anvil within
`the pusher block. The pusher block effects movementof the
`the outer shell; removing the outer shell from the metal
`knife upon engagementof the boss with one of the front and
`casting; and removing surface irregularities from within
`rear surfaces. Preferably, the pusher block and the plurality
`each of the plurality of pockets in the casting to form a
`of wedges are integrally molded from a liquid crystal
`finished casting. The finished casting defines the anvil.
`polymer.
`Accordingly,
`it is an object of the present invention to
`In accordance with a second aspect of the present inven-
`provide an improved surgical stapler instrument.It is further
`tion, a surgical instrument is provided and comprises: a
`an object of the present invention to provide a wedge work
`handle portion; an implement portion having first and sec-
`member for use in a surgical stapler instrument which
`ond implements adapted to perform a function during a
`comprises a plurality of wedges and a pusher block which
`surgical procedure; a reciprocating section adapted to move
`are integrally formed as a single unit. It is another object of
`back and forth along an axis of the implement portion; a
`the present invention to provide wedges for use in a stapler
`movable actuating mechanism associated with the handle
`instrument which are formed from a liquid crystal polymer.
`portion; and, a multiplier engaged with the actuating mecha-
`It is still further an object of the present invention to provide
`nism and the reciprocating section such that motion of the
`wedges for use in a stapler instrament which are provided
`actuating mechanism causes the multiplier to effect multi-
`with an improved cam surface profile. It is still another
`plied motion of the reciprocating section. The reciprocating
`object of the present invention to provide a multiplier for use
`section includes a work portion capable of causing the first
`in an instrument to effect multiplied motion of a work
`and second implements to perform the function. The recip-
`portion of the instrument. It is yet further an object of the
`rocating section further includesafirst drive member.
`present invention to provide an improved method for form-
`The actuating mechanism comprises a second drive mem-
`ing a surgical instrument anvil. These and other objects and
`ber and an actuator associated with the second drive member
`advantages of the present invention will be apparent from
`the following description, the accompanying drawings and
`for causing the second drive memberto reciprocate back and
`forth between first and second drive positions.
`the appended claims.
`The multiplier comprises first and second integral pinion
`gears. The first pinion gear is engaged with the first drive
`member and the second pinion gear is engaged with the
`second drive member. The first pinion gear has a first
`diameter and the second pinion gear has a second diameter
`which is smaller than the first diameter.
`
`10
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`20
`
`25
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`40
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`45
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical stapler instru-
`mentof the present invention;
`FIG.2 is an exploded view of an implementportion of the
`instrument shownin FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the handle portion,
`the firing trigger, the closure trigger, the spring, the motion
`transfer mechanism, the yoke and the release button of the
`instrument in FIG. 1;
`FIG. 4 is a side view of the instrument shown in FIG. 1
`with the anvil in its tissue-clamping position;
`FIG.5 is a side view of the instrument shown in FIG. 1
`with the firing trigger positioned directly adjacent to the
`closuretrigger;
`FIG. 6 is a side view, partially in cross-section, of a
`proximal portion of the instrument shown in FIG.1 prior to
`tissue clamping;
`HIG. 7 is a side view, partially in cross-section, of the
`implement portion prior to tissue clamping;
`FIG. 7a is a view taken along line 7a—7a in FIG.7;
`FIG. 8a is a side view of the anvil of the instrument in
`FIG. 1;
`FIG. 8b is a view of the lower surface of the anvil shown
`in FIG. 8a;
`
`In accordance with a third aspectof the present invention,
`a wedge work member is provided for use in a surgical
`stapler having a staple cartridge provided with drivers
`supporting staples. The wedge work member comprises: a
`pusher block and a plurality of wedges formed from a liquid
`crystal polymer. The wedges are adapted to pass through
`openings in the staple cartridge to engage the drivers to
`effectthe firing of the staples. Preferably, the wedges and the
`pusher block are integrally formed as a single unit. The
`liquid crystal polymer may comprise a fiber reinforced
`liquid crystal polymer. The fiber reinforced liquid crystal
`polymeris preferably selected from the group consisting of
`carbon fiber reinforced copolyesters and carbon fiberrein-
`forced copolyester-amides.
`In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present inven-
`tion, a wedge work memberis provided for use in a surgical
`stapler having a staple cartridge provided with at least one
`driver supporting at
`least one staple. The wedge work
`member comprises: a pusher block and at least one wedge
`having an elongated portion and a camming portion. The
`camming portion has first and second cam surfaces which
`
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`5,465,895
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`FIG. 9 is a side view, partially in cross-section, of the
`implementportion with the anvil shown in its tissue-clamp-
`ing position;
`FIG. 10 is a front side view, partially in cross-section, of
`a proximal portion of the instrument shown in FIG. 1 with
`the closure trigger movedto its tissue-clamping position;
`FIG. 10a is a back side view of the closure trigger, the
`firing trigger, the spring, a portion of the yoke, a portion of
`the closure tube and a portion of the channel with those
`elements positioned as shown in FIG. 10;
`FIG.11is a cross-sectional view of the implement portion
`with the wedge work memberand the knife in their distal-
`most positions;
`FIG, 11ais an enlarged top view of a portion of the staple
`cartridge of the instrument shown in FIG,1;
`FIG. 11b is a view taken along section line 11b—11b in
`FIG. lla;
`FIG. 12 is a side view, partially in cross-section, of a
`proximal portion of the instrument with the firing trigger
`shown positioned adjacent to the closure trigger;
`FIG.13 is a side view of the knife of the instrument shown
`in FIG.1;
`-
`FIG. 14a is a side view, partially in cross-section, of a
`portion of the staple cartridge including the lockout member
`and a portion of the knife;
`FIG. 14d is a view similar to FIG. 14a with the lockout
`member pushed downward beneath a guide memberof the
`cartridge;
`FIG. 15a is a side view of a camming portion of a wedge
`formed in accordance with a first embodimentof the present
`invention;
`FIG. 155 is a side view of a camming portion of a wedge
`formed in accordance with a second embodiment of the
`present invention;
`FIG. 16a is a top view of the wedge guide of the
`instrument shown in FIG. 1;
`FIG.16b is a side view of the wedge guide shownin FIG.
`16a;
`FIG. 16c is an end view of the wedge guide shownin FIG.
`16a;
`FIG. 17ais a side view ofthe first channel section of the
`instrument shown in FIG.1; and,
`FIG. 17bis a plan view ofthefirst channel section shown
`in FIG. 17a.
`
`_
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
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`Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which illustrates a
`surgical stapler and severing instrument 100 formed in
`accordance with the present invention. The stapler instru-
`ment 100 includes an implement portion 110 having an
`’ elongated channel 112 and an anvil 114,see also FIGS. 2 and
`3. A distal end 112a of the elongated channel 112 releasably
`receives a staple cartridge 120. Housed within the staple
`cartridge 120 are a plurality of drivers 122a—122d, each
`supporting one or more staples 124, see FIGS. 11a and 11b.
`The anvil 114 is mounted on the channel 112 for pivotable
`movement toward and away from the distal end 112a of the
`channel 112. The instrument 100 further includes a handle
`portion 130, a firing trigger 140, a closure trigger 150, and
`a knife 161. As will be discussed more explicitly below, by
`grasping the closure trigger 150 and movingit to a position
`directly adjaccntto a base section 130a of the handle portion
`
`60
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`6
`the anvil 114 is caused to pivot to a
`130, see FIG. 4,
`tissue-clamping position, suchthatit is essentially parallel to
`and spaced from an upper surface 120a of the staple car-
`tridge 120. A pin 121 is provided on the cartridge 120 and
`is engaged by the anvil 114 when the anvil 114 is in its
`tissue-clamping
`position. After
`tissue
`clamping has
`occurred, the firing trigger 140 can then be moved toward
`the base section 130a, see FIG. 5, to cause stapling and
`severing oftissue 200 engaged between the anvil 114 and the
`staple cartridge 120.
`The handle portion 130 is comprised of first and second
`base sections 132 and 134, see FIG. 3, which are molded
`from a polymeric material suchas a glass-filled polycarbon-
`ate. The first section 132 is provided with a plurality of
`cylindrical-shaped pins (not shown). The secondscction 134
`includes a plurality of extending members 134a, each hav-
`ing a hexagonal-shaped opening 134b,see also FIG. 6. The
`pins are received within the openings 134b and arefriction-
`ally held therein for maintainingthe first and second sections
`132 and 134 in assembly.
`The staple cartridge 120 is divided by a central, elongated
`slot 125 which extends from the proximal end 120b ofthe
`cartridge 120 towards its tapered outer tip 120c, see FIGS.
`2 and 7a. A plurality of staple receiving pockets 126a—126f
`are formed within the staple cartridge 120 and are arranged
`in six laterally spaced longitudinal rows, see FIGS. 11a and
`11b. An opening 126g extends between every two adjacent
`pockets 126a and 126b. An opening 126g also extends
`between every two adjacent pockets 126e and 126f. Posi-
`tioned within the pockets 126a—126f are the staples 124.
`The cartridge 120 further includes four laterally spaced
`longitudinal rows ofstaple drivers 122a—122d. Drivers 122a
`are slidably mounted within the pockets 126a and 126b such
`that each driver 122a supports two staples 124, one in a
`pocket 126a and one in a pocket 126b. Thedrivers 122d are
`slidably received within the pockets 126c. The drivers 122c
`are slidably received within the pockets 126d. Each of the
`drivers 122b and 122c supports a single staple 124. Each of
`the drivers 122b and 122cis provided with a lateral rib 123
`for guiding and stabilizing the driver as it moves within its
`respective pocket. The drivers 122d are slidably mounted
`within the pockets 126e and 126f such that each driver 122d
`supports two staples 124, one in a pocket 126e and one ina
`pocket 126f
`The cartridge 120 further includes four longitudinal slots
`129 extending from its proximal end 120b to its tapered
`outer tip 120c, see FIG. 7a. Wedges 162b provided at the
`distal end of a wedge work member 162 pass through the
`slots 129 and engage the drivers 122a—122d to effect the
`firing of the staples 124 toward the anvil 114, see FIG. 11b.
`Grooves 112a' are provided in the distal end 112a of the
`elongated channel 112 for receiving, guiding and stabilizing
`the wedges 162b as they move through the slots 129, see
`FIG. 175.
`
`As shown in FIG. 2, the elongated channel 112 is com-
`prised offirst and second channel sections 1126 and 112c. In
`the illustrated embodiment, the first channel section 112bis
`formed from metal and the second section 112c is formed
`from a polymeric material, such as a carbon-fiber filled
`polycarbonate. The staple cartridge 120 is snapped in place
`at the distal end ofthe first section 112b, which end defines
`the distal end 112a of the elongated channel 112. Alignment
`tabs 120d provided on thestaple cartridge 120 are received
`in slots 1125'in the first section 112, see FIGS. 7 and 17a.
`The distal end 112d of the second section 112c snaps onto
`the proximal end 112eofthefirst section 112. The proximal
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`end 112f of the second section 112c is provided with a
`circumferential notch 112g which is engaged by opposing
`channel securement members extending from the base sec-
`tions 132 and 134. Only channel securement member 134c
`of section 134 is shown, see FIG. 3. The channel securement
`members extending from the base sections 132 and 134
`serve to secure the channel 112 to the handle portion 130
`such that the channel 112 does not move longitudinally
`relative to the handle portion 130.
`The anvil 114 includes first and second laterally posi-
`tioned pins 114a and 114d,see FIGS. 2, 8A and 8B. Thepins
`114a and 114b are received respectively within slots 113a
`and 13) provided in the first channel section 112b.
`Referring again to FIG. 2, a closure tube 152 is provided
`which moves longitudinally with respect
`to the handle
`portion 130 to effect pivotal movementof the anvil 114. The
`closure tube 152 has the first and second channel sections
`112b and 112c extending through it. The closure tube 152is
`also capable of rotating with respect to the handle portion
`130 via a rotating knob 135.
`The rotating knob 135 has a bore 135a extending com-
`pletely through it, see FIG. 3. The knob 135 includes a
`protruding boss 135b extending from its inner sidewall
`135c. The boss 135d is received within a slot 152f provided
`in the closure tube 152 such that rotation of the knob 135
`effects rotation of the closure tube 152. The clongated
`channel 112,the cartridge 120 and the anvil 114 rotate with
`the closure tube 152.
`
`An external tube 156, shown only in FIGS. 2 and 4,is
`received over the closure tube 152 and seals with a sealing
`member (not shown) provided within a trocar cannula (not
`shown) through which the instrument 100 passes when used
`during an endoscopic procedure. In the illustrated embodi-
`ment, the external tube 156 is formed from a polymeric
`material, such as polypropylene. The closure tube 152 is
`permitted to rotate with respect to the external tube 156.
`Provided at the distal end 152a of the closure tube 152 is
`a tab 1525, see FIGS. 2 and 7. A stop 114cis provided at the
`proximal end of the anvil 114, see FIG. 8A. Upon proximal
`movementof the closure tube 152,the tab 152b engages the
`stop 114c to pivot the anvil 114 away from the distal end
`1122 of the channel 112, see FIG. 7. The outer distal edge
`152c of the closure tube 152 defines a camming surface.
`When the closure tube 152 movesdistally, the distal edge
`152c engages an upper portion 114d ofthe anvil 114 causing
`the anvil 114 to pivot toward the distal end 112a of the
`channel 112 to its tissue-clamping position, see FIGS. 4 and
`9.
`
`Referring again to FIG. 3, the closure trigger 150 has a
`handle section 150a, a gear segment section 150b, and an
`intermediate section 150c. A bore 150d extends through the
`intermediate section 150c. A cylindrical support member
`134d extending from the second base section 134 passes
`through the bore 150d for pivotably mounting the closure
`trigger 150 on the handle portion 130. A hexagonal opening
`134e is provided in the support member 134dfor receiving
`a securement pin (not shown) extending from the first base
`section 132. Aclosure yoke 154 is housed within the housing
`portion 130 for reciprocating movement therein and serves
`to transfer motion from the closure trigger 150 to the closure
`tube 152. Support members 134f extending from the second
`base section 134 and securement member 134c, which
`extends through a recess 154g (see also FIG.6) in the yoke
`154, support the yoke 154 within the housing portion 130.
`The proximal end 152dofthe closure tube 152 is provided
`with a flange 152e which is snap-fitted into a receiving
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`recess 154a formed in the distal end 154d of the yoke 154,
`see FIGS. 3 and 6. The proximal end 154c of the yoke 154
`has a gear rack 154d which is engaged by the gear segment
`section 150d of the closure trigger 150, see also FIG. 10a.
`When the closure trigger 150 is moved toward the base
`section 130a of the handle portion 130, the yoke 154 and,
`hence, the closure tube 152 movedistally. Distal movement
`of the closure tube 152 effects pivotal movementofthe anvil
`114 toward thedistal end 112a ofthe channel 112, see FIGS.
`4 and 9. Movement ofthe closure trigger 150 away from the
`base section 130a effects proximal movementofthe closure
`tube 152 causing the tab 152) on the tube 152 to engage the
`stop 114c on the anvil 114 and pivot the anvil 114 away from
`the distal end 112a of the channel 112, see FIG.7.
`The yoke 154 is provided with a second recess 154e, see
`FIGS. 3 and 6, which is capable of receiving a flange of a
`closure tube (not shown) having a size that differs from the
`oneillustrated in FIG. 2. Thus, the yoke 154 shownin FIG.
`3 can be used in the manufacture ofthe illustrated stapler
`instrument or a stapler instrament (not shown) having a
`closure tube with a flange of a different size.
`A firing trigger return spring 136 is located within the
`handle portion 130. The spring 136 has opposed ends
`attached to a pin 134g extending from the second base
`section 134 and a pin 140a onthefiring trigger 140. The
`spring 136 applies a return force to the pin 140a for biasing
`the firing trigger 140 in a direction away from the base
`section 130a of the handle portion 130.
`Thefiring trigger 140 has an engaging surface 140b which
`is adapted to engage with a front surface 150e on the closure
`trigger 150, see FIGS. 3 and 10a.Astheclosure trigger 150
`is moved towardthe base section 130a,its front surface 150e
`engages with the engaging surface 140b onthe firing trigger
`140 causing the firing trigger 140 to moveio its “firing”
`position. Whenin its firing position, the firing trigger 140 is
`located at an angle of approximately 45° to the base section
`130a, see FIGS. 4, 10 and 10a. After staple firing, the spring
`136 causes the firing trigger 140 to return to its initial
`position, see FIGS. 1 and 6. During the return movementof
`the firing trigger 140,
`its engaging surface 140b pushes
`against the front surface 150¢ of the closure trigger 150
`causing the closure trigger 150 to retum toits initial posi-
`tion. A stop member 134h extends from the second base
`section 134 to prevent the closuretrigger 150 from rotating
`beyondits initial position, see FIG. 6.
`A telease button 138 is pivotably mounted on extending
`member134i of the second section 134 and is provided with
`upper and lower latch arms 138a and 138). A spring arm
`138c is also provided on the release but