| abstract |
A stapling device utilizes heat recoverable material (the driver) having shape memory to drive staples through materials to be joined and in one embodiment, against an anvil for crimping the ends of the staples. The heat recoverable material, preferably a metal such as Nitinol, may have heat applied by a heater mounted on at least one surface thereof or by induction or other method of heating. If a heater is mounted on a surface of the driver, upon insertion of the driver into the staple device, the heater makes electrical connection with terminals for connection to a supply circuit. In a specific embodiment staples may be provided, fabricated from heat recoveralbe metal so that each staple may carry its own heat recoverable, staple driving element. The staple tines may have a heat recoverable shape with the ends of the tines directed toward one another so that staple closure occures as heat migrates from the staple driving region to the tines thereof. Alternatively, the heat recoverable staple may complete a circuit through the staple upon contact with the anvil, thus heating the staple. Alternatively, the staples may have a heat recovered state with the ends parallel to one another so that the application of heat will open the staples and permit ready removal. |