Needle transfer arrangement in a machine for the automated packaging of needles and attached sutures

US5987848A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon, Inc. · US

Inventors

• John F. Blanch · Tinton Falls, US
• David Demarest · Parsippany, US
• Robert A. Daniele · Flemington, US
• Anthony Esteves · Somerville, US
• William F. Smith · Ringoes, US
• George Horst Reinemuth · Glen Mills, US
• Richard Paul Branco · Collegeville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 6, 1998
• Grant date: Nov 23, 1999
• Expiry date: Feb 6, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B17/06133
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A machine for the automated packaging of armed sutures or; in effect, surgical needles having sutures attached thereto and, more particularly, a needle gripper and transfer arrangement in an automated machine for the high-speed individualized packaging into trays of single or individual surgical needles each having an attached suture and a detachable cover providing a suture package utilized for the packaging of the individual or single needles and attached sutures. The machine includes vertically adjustable frame structure so as to adjust the elevation thereof relative to the needle transfer arrangement to facilitate the packaging of differently sized needles in a single size of packaging tray.