Patent ID: 6206677
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: A61B,B21G,B26D,B65H,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for cutting an indefinite length of suture to uniform lengths for subsequent threading and swaging to surgical needles having a suture receiving opening formed therein, comprising:(a) a drawing frame having at least one longitudinal member and defining a drawing axis parallel thereto;(b) a heater disposed on the drawing frame for heating a predetermined small length of suture to enable stiffening of the small length of suture after subsequent cooling thereof;(c) cutting means for cutting said indefinite length suture at the stiffened small length to provide uniform lengths of suture;(d) first and second gripping means for gripping said indefinite length suture and alternately drawing it along said drawing axis, said first and second gripping means being mounted for reciprocal movement on said at least one longitudinal member such that the first and second gripping means are used alternately to draw suture through the apparatus and feed the cut stiffened small length of suture into the suture receiving opening of one of the needles; and(e) suture handling means for providing a predetermined long length of suture travel between the heater and the cutting means for enabling a predetermined degree of cooling of the stiffened small length of suture to allow setting and stiffening of the small length of suture prior to cutting.