Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
230 words
A stapler firing assembly adapted for use in a surgical stapler comprising first and second handle parts having first and second sides, and first and second jaw parts, an anvil positioned along the second jaw part, and a plurality of staples positioned along the first jaw part in opposition to the anvil, said firing assembly comprising: a pusher having a longitudinal axis and first and second longitudinally spaced end portions, said pusher being adapted to move longitudinally along the first jaw part with said second end portion sequentially pressing the staples against the anvil to engage and close the staples in tissues between the jaw parts with said first end portion moving between said handle parts, a firing handle body having opposite end portions; means mounting said handle body on the first end portion of said pusher for movement relative to said pusher between a first position at which one of said end portions of said handle body projects from the first side of said handle parts, and a second position at which the other of said end portions of said handle body projects from the second side of said handle parts so that the firing handle body can be positioned to be manually engaged on either side of the handle parts to move the second end of the pusher along the first jaw to eject and close the staples.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
230 words
A stapler firing assembly adapted for use in a surgical stapler comprising first and second handle parts having first and second sides, and first and second jaw parts, an anvil positioned along the second jaw part, and a plurality of staples positioned along the first jaw part in opposition to the anvil, said firing assembly comprising: a pusher having a longitudinal axis and first and second longitudinally spaced end portions, said pusher being adapted to move longitudinally along the first jaw part with said second end portion sequentially pressing the staples against the anvil to engage and close the staples in tissues between the jaw parts with said first end portion moving between said handle parts, a firing handle body having opposite end portions; means mounting said handle body on the first end portion of said pusher for movement relative to said pusher between a first position at which one of said end portions of said handle body projects from the first side of said handle parts, and a second position at which the other of said end portions of said handle body projects from the second side of said handle parts so that the firing handle body can be positioned to be manually engaged on either side of the handle parts to move the second end of the pusher along the first jaw to eject and close the staples.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
92 words
A stapler firing assembly according to claim 1 wherein said firing handle body has first and second end portions, and said mans mounting said handle body on the first end portion of said pusher mounts said handle body for slidable, lateral movement relative to said pusher between said first position at which said first end portion of said handle body projects from the first side of said handle parts and said second position at which said second end portion of said handle body projects from the second side of said handle parts.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
A stapler firing assembly according to claim 2 wherein said handle body and said means mounting said handle body on the first end portion of said pusher include detent means for releasably retaining said handle body in said first and second positions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
A stapler firing assembly according to claim 3 wherein said detent means further includes means for releasably positioning said handle body at a middle position midway between said first and second positions at which parts of said first and second end portions of said handle body project beyond both the firs and second sides of said handle parts.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A stapler firing assembly according to claim 1 wherein said firing handle body includes means for preventing a user's digits from sliding laterally off the firing handle body.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
187 words
A stapler firing assembly adapted for use in a surgical stapler comprising firs and second handle parts having first and second sides, and first and second jaw parts, an anvil positioned along the second jaw part, and a plurality of staples positioned along the first jaw part in opposition to the anvil, said firing assembly comprising; a pusher having a longitudinal axis and first and second longitudinally spaced end portions, said pusher being adapted to move longitudinally along the first jaw part with said second end portion sequentially pressing the staples against the anvil to engage and close the staples in tissues between the jaw parts with said first end portion moving between said handle parts, a firing handle body having opposite end portions; means mounting said handle body on the first end portions of said pusher for positing said handle body on either side of said handle parts so that the firing handle body can be positioned to be manually engaged on either side of the handle parts to move the second end of the pusher along the first jaw to eject and close the staples.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
187 words
A stapler firing assembly adapted for use in a surgical stapler comprising firs and second handle parts having first and second sides, and first and second jaw parts, an anvil positioned along the second jaw part, and a plurality of staples positioned along the first jaw part in opposition to the anvil, said firing assembly comprising; a pusher having a longitudinal axis and first and second longitudinally spaced end portions, said pusher being adapted to move longitudinally along the first jaw part with said second end portion sequentially pressing the staples against the anvil to engage and close the staples in tissues between the jaw parts with said first end portion moving between said handle parts, a firing handle body having opposite end portions; means mounting said handle body on the first end portions of said pusher for positing said handle body on either side of said handle parts so that the firing handle body can be positioned to be manually engaged on either side of the handle parts to move the second end of the pusher along the first jaw to eject and close the staples.