A method is used to manufacture a frame of a curved surgical stapler. The method includes manufacturing a first portion of the frame of the curved surgical stapler separate from the first portion. The first portion includes a first curvilinear portion of an end effector and a first alignment feature. The method also includes manufacturing a second portion of the frame of the curved surgical stapler. The second portion includes a second alignment feature. The method also includes manufacturing a third portion of the frame of the curved surgical stapler separate from either of the first or second portions. The third portion includes a C-shaped track. The method also includes aligning the first and second portions portion with the second portion by aligning the first and second alignment features. The method also includes coupling the first and second portions of the frame of the curved surgical stapler together.

A method is used to manufacture a frame of a curved surgical stapler. The method includes manufacturing a first portion of the frame of the curved surgical stapler separate from the first portion. The first portion includes a first curvilinear portion of an end effector and a first alignment feature. The method also includes manufacturing a second portion of the frame of the curved surgical stapler. The second portion includes a second alignment feature. The method also includes manufacturing a third portion of the frame of the curved surgical stapler separate from either of the first or second portions. The third portion includes a C-shaped track. The method also includes aligning the first and second portions portion with the second portion by aligning the first and second alignment features. The method also includes coupling the first and second portions of the frame of the curved surgical stapler together.

A method is used to manufacture a surgical instrument configured to apply a surgical clip to a patient. The surgical instrument includes a jaw retaining assembly. The jaw retaining assembly includes a shaft and opposing first and second jaws. The method includes metal injection molding a first metallic portion of the jaw retaining assembly. The method also includes metal injection molding, stamping, and/or laser cutting a second metallic portion of the jaw retaining assembly, wherein the second metallic portion is separately formed from the first metallic portion. The method also includes fixably coupling the first and second metallic portions of the jaw retaining assembly together.

A method is used to manufacture a surgical instrument configured to apply a surgical clip to a patient. The surgical instrument includes a jaw retaining assembly. The jaw retaining assembly includes a shaft and opposing first and second jaws. The method includes metal injection molding a first metallic portion of the jaw retaining assembly. The method also includes metal injection molding, stamping, and/or laser cutting a second metallic portion of the jaw retaining assembly, wherein the second metallic portion is separately formed from the first metallic portion. The method also includes fixably coupling the first and second metallic portions of the jaw retaining assembly together.

The various embodiments disclosed and pictured illustrate a hammer for comminuting various materials. The embodiments pictured and described herein are primarily for use with a rotatable hammermill assembly. The hammer includes a connector end having a rod hole therein, a contact end for delivery of energy to the material to be comminuted, and a neck affixing the connector end to the contact end. The neck is formed with at least one neck recess therein. In other embodiments, one or more shoulders are positioned around the periphery of the rod hole for added strength. In still other embodiments, the contact end is configured with more than one contact surface.

A method is used to manufacture an anvil of a surgical circular stapler. The anvil includes a head and a shank extending proximally from the head. The method includes forming the head of a surgical circular stapler using a metal injection molding process. The method also includes forming an annular array of staple forming pockets in the head. The method also includes machining the shank of the surgical circular stapler. The method also includes coupling together the head and the shank of the surgical circular stapler that were separately manufactured.

A method is used to manufacture an anvil of a surgical circular stapler. The anvil includes a head and a shank extending proximally from the head. The method includes forming the head of a surgical circular stapler using a metal injection molding process. The method also includes forming an annular array of staple forming pockets in the head. The method also includes machining the shank of the surgical circular stapler. The method also includes coupling together the head and the shank of the surgical circular stapler that were separately manufactured.

A surgical stapler includes a first stapler half a second stapler half configured to releasably couple together. The second stapler half includes a first elongate member, a second elongate member, and a polymeric body that encapsulates at least a portion of each of the first elongate member and the second elongate member. One of the first stapler half or the second stapler half includes a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge, and the other of the first stapler half or the second stapler half includes a distal portion having a plurality of staple-forming pockets.

A method is used to manufacture an end effector of a surgical instrument. The end effector includes first and second opposing jaws. The first jaw includes a body and an elongate cap. The method includes providing the elongate cap and the body of the first jaw of the end effector. The body includes an elongate channel and at least one alignment feature. The method also includes aligning the elongate cap with the elongate channel that extends completely through the body using the at least one alignment feature of the body that is disposed adjacent the elongate channel. The method also includes welding the elongate cap onto the body to at least partially enclose the elongate channel.

A method is used to manufacture an end effector of a surgical instrument. The end effector includes first and second opposing jaws. The first jaw includes a body and an elongate cap. The method includes providing the elongate cap and the body of the first jaw of the end effector. The body includes an elongate channel and at least one alignment feature. The method also includes aligning the elongate cap with the elongate channel that extends completely through the body using the at least one alignment feature of the body that is disposed adjacent the elongate channel. The method also includes welding the elongate cap onto the body to at least partially enclose the elongate channel.