Needle threading and swaging system
US5438746A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 1994 |
| Grant date | Aug 8, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/5142
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An automated machine for attaching a suture to a surgical needle comprises a first apparatus located at a first predetermined location for sorting a plurality of randomly oriented needles and orienting each needle for automatic handling at a first predetermined location, each of the needles having a suture receiving opening formed therein. A second apparatus located at a second predetermined location is provided for automatically cutting an indefinite length of suture material to a definite length suture strand and for automatically inserting an end of the definite length suture strand into the suture receiving opening formed in the needle. Also provided is a third apparatus for swaging the needle to close the suture receiving opening about the suture to secure said suture thereto and form therefrom a needle and suture assembly. An indexing device automatically receives each individual needle in a predetermined orientation at the first predetermined location and conveys the needle for sequential processing from the first to the second locations to form the needle-suture assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.