Patent ID: 9333015
Filing Date: 2016-05-10
CPC Classification: A61B

Claim Text:
1. An apparatus for affixing a fastener to body tissue comprising: a tool body with hammer channel defined therein a hammer, the hammer channel having upper and lower ends and a central axis; a hammer positioned within the hammer channel; a hammer motor configured to provide a force tending to move the hammer toward the lower end of the hammer channel; a hammer canter configured to bias hammer at an angle with respect to the central axis; a hammer opening configured to prevent the hammer from moving downward unless hammer is substantially aligned with the central axis; an alignment device, connected to the tool body and configured so that relative movement between the tool body and the hammer will cause alignment device to contact the hammer and force the hammer toward alignment with the central axis; and a fastener impact device configured so that movement of the hammer past the hammer opening will transfer energy from the hammer or hammer motor to a fastener.