United States Patent [19] [ii] Patent Number: 4,566,620
Green et al. [45] Date of Patent: Jan. 28, 1986
4,488,523 12/1984 Shichman 128/334 R
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
869527 3/1953 Fed. Rep. of Germany .
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
"Instructions for Use, Proximate TM Flexible Linear
Stapler", Ethicon, Inc., 1983.
Primary Examiner—Anton O. Oechsle
Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Robert R. Jackson; John E.
Nathan
[57] ABSTRACT
In apparatus including a distal surgical fastener applying assembly operatively connected to a proximal actuator assembly by a longitudinal shaft assembly, the shaft assembly includes an articulation for allowing the fastener applying assembly to be placed in any of a wide range of rotational orientations relative to the actuator assembly.
32 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures
