Patent ID: 7048171
Filing Date: 2006-05-23
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical stapler comprising: a. a disposable staple cartridge, wherein said disposable staple cartridge having a staple feeding mechanism, wherein said staple feeding mechanism having a rail to guide staples contained within said disposable staple cartridge, and wherein said staple feeding mechanism having a window opening in a housing tower which engages a forming tool; b. a handle assembly, wherein said handle assembly having a staple forming mechanism utilizing a forming tool to lock said disposable staple cartridge into said handle assembly, and wherein said handle assembly having a pivot screw to connect said handle assembly with an actuating trigger; c. an actuating trigger, wherein said actuating trigger is pivotally connected in combination to said staple forming mechanism and said staple feeding mechanism secured in a frame, and wherein said actuating trigger is designed to operate in three main positions: d. a trigger release mechanism, wherein said actuating trigger release mechanism having a leaf spring, wherein said actuating trigger release mechanism having two latches with two release buttons and two snap features, made out of a resilient plastic which are heat staked or ultrasonically welded to said leaf spring, wherein said trigger release mechanism allows engagement and disengagement of said actuating trigger with said handle housing, wherein pressing-in on said release buttons allows said snap features to disengage with a lip on said handle assembly housing allowing said actuating trigger to fully open permitting the discharge of an empty disposable cartridge, wherein said snap features when engaged with a lip on said handle assembly housing prevents said actuating trigger from fully opening in said ready to use position; and wherein said snap features during said closing motion do not restrict movement of said actuating trigger.