Patent ID: 8091755

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 first recessed region formed therein, the recessed region being configured and dimensioned to retain the plurality of vertically stacked fasteners therein, the second half-section includes a flat side having a second recessed region formed therein; a fastener positioning spring attached to and flush with the first recessed region, wherein the fastener positioning spring is biased to extend beyond the first recessed region and the flat side of the first half-section; and a stop spring housed within the second recessed region, wherein the stop spring is biased such that when unrestrained the stop spring extends beyond the second recessed region and into the first recessed region.