Needle transporting apparatus
US5542523A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 1995 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB24B41/06
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for transporting surgical needles includes a needle holding apparatus having a movable jaw structure. The jaw structure is releasably biased in a closed position for holding needles in a predetermined position. The jaw structure may include laterally movable first and second sections for rotating a needle therebetween. The needle holding apparatus may be removably positionable on a work surface such that the needle holding apparatus may interface with a needle loading apparatus. The needle loading apparatus provides accommodating means capable of containing a multiplicity of needles. A needle advancing structure, such as a movable track, advances the needles in a predetermined fashion from the accommodating means. The needle advancing structure positions needles such that said jaw structure of the holding apparatus can selectively grasp the needles and transport the needle to another location. An alternative embodiment of a needle holding apparatus includes first and second independently movable jaw structures. The jaw structures are selectively and independently actuable into open and closed positions. The first jaw structure may include laterally movable first and se…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.