Patent ID: 6820400
Filing Date: 2004-11-23
Classification: A61B,B65B

Abstract:
An apparatus for loading surgical needles into surgical suture packages, comprising:a machine frame; a needle block member having a top surface and a bottom surface, said needle block member slidably mounted to the frame; a plurality of needle guide members extending up from the top surface of the needle block member, said guide members spaced apart to receive at least one surgical needle, said needle guide members having contact surfaces, said guide members additionally spaced apart to receive at least one needle park; a shuttle member having a top, slidably mounted to the frame for engaging and moving a suture package; and, a pick-up head slidably mounted to the frame for picking up the package from the shuttle member, and contacting the package with the needle block member such that the needle park of the package is engaged between the needle guide members, wherein said pick-up head is moveable horizontally as well as vertically, and wherein said third rail is mounted to the frame.