Automated needle loader
US9370354B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jun 21, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/0608
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for loading suture needles into a surgical instrument comprises a body, a first movable member, an engagement feature, and a needle. The body has a channel configured to receive a surgical instrument. The engagement feature is configured to open a cover of a surgical instrument upon insertion of a surgical instrument into the channel of the body. The first movable member is configured to deliver the suture needle to a surgical instrument after a surgical instrument has been inserted into the channel and the cover has been opened. The apparatus may further comprise a second movable member configured to facilitate delivery of the needle to a surgical instrument in conjunction with the first movable member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.