Patent ID: 7641094

Claim:
A fastening apparatus for use in endoscopic surgery comprising: a handle portion; a triggering mechanism at least partially positioned in the handle; a plurality of vertically stacked fasteners; and a fastener applicator connectable to the handle portion, the fastener applicator including: a first half-section and a second half-section, the first half-section includes a flat side having a recessed region formed therein, the recessed region being configured and dimensioned to retain the plurality of vertically stacked fasteners arranged in a linear configuration therein and to slidably receive a pusher therein, the second half-section includes a flat side having a recessed portion formed therein, the recessed portion being configured and dimensioned to slidably receive a slide therein; a fastener positioning spring attached to and flush with the recessed region of the first half-section, wherein the fastener positioning spring is biased to extend beyond the recessed region and the flat side of the first half-section; and a stop spring housed within the recessed portion of the second half-section, the stop spring being biased such that when unrestrained the stop spring extends beyond the recessed portion of the second half-section and into the recessed region of the first half-section, wherein a distal end of the stop spring engages a fastener adjacent to a distal most fastener.