Patent ID: 6264456
Filing Date: 2001-07-24
Classification: A61B,B21G,B26D,B65H,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for cutting a flexible indefinite length suture strand to uniform lengths for subsequent threading and swaging to a surgical needle having a suture receiving opening formed therein, said apparatus comprising:(a) a drawing frame, said frame having at least one longitudinal member and defining a drawing axis parallel to said at least one longitudinal member;(b) feeding means for feeding said indefinite length suture strand to said drawing axis for drawing and cutting;(c) first and second gripping means for gripping said indefinite length suture strand and drawing it along said drawing axis, said first gripping means mounted for reciprocal movement on said at least one longitudinal member;(d) means for cutting said indefinite length suture strand;(e) first vacuum means for temporarily restraining the cut end of said suture strand after cutting; and(f) said second gripping means is mounted for reciprocal movement on said frame and is moved downwardly to a start position along said drawing axis located below said cutting means, while said first gripping means is drawing said indefinite length suture strand upwardly to a predetermined distance above said cutting means, andsaid first gripping means further advancing said indefinite length suture strand for insertion within said suture receiving end of said needle and cut to a predetermined length by said cutting means after said second gripping means has gripped said indefinite length suture strand at said start position.