Abstract: An applicator for providing a cost effective and simple method of edging lawns and precisely applying liquids to narrow areas. The applicator includes a frame having at one end a handle adapted to be pushed by the hand of a user, and at opposite end a wheel rotatably attached to the frame. A reservoir is attached to the frame intermediate the handle and the wheel, for storing a volume of fluid therein. The reservoir having an orifice therein positioned in juxtaposition to the wheel from which the liquid stored in the reservoir is allowed to flow toward a nozzle or to land the outer surface of the wheel. The reservoir preferably comprises a user replaceable sealed container having a self-piercing end for allowing a safe refill of the applicator with chemicals that may be hazardous. In an alternative embodiment, a commercially available tank/pump and spray wand is adaptable to the rolling applicator of the invention.

Abstract: The specification discloses an automated apparatus and method for packaging surgical needles having sutures attached thereto wherein a bundle of needles and sutures are placed at a semi-automated separation station and an operator feeds the needles, one at a time, into a rotating needle feed wheel. As the feed wheel advances, the suture is tensioned and directed along a pre-determined path to separate it from the remaining sutures in the bundle. The apparatus has a plurality of individually rotatable tool nests which are sequentially spaced on a rotating or indexing turntable. These tool nests sequentially receive plastic packages for receiving the needle and suture at a first station. At a second station, a needle is inserted into the package by robotic fingers which have retrieved the needle and attached suture from the rotating needle feed wheel. The rotating needle feed wheel and the rotating tool nests are synchronized to step together as each advances.

Abstract: A suture package having a base, an upwardly extending wall, an inner dispensing wall, a suture channel between the walls, and a top friction plate member mounted therein. The package has a central needle park and a discharge opening in the friction plate for removing a needle and suture from the package.

Abstract: A suture package is designed to facilitate automated loading of multiple needles and sutures into the package. The package includes a tray, for containing the needles and sutures, and a cover. The sutures are contained in a peripheral channel of the tray and an array of resilient cantilevered fingers prevent the sutures from lifting up out of the channel. Needle parks retain the needles that are attached to the sutures. In another embodiment of the invention, a package for retaining a wound suture and attached needle includes a tray for containing the needle and suture, including cover-latching elements that each have two vertical surfaces. Tabs on the removable cover each contact a surface of a corresponding latching element and have a free element that engages a shoulder of the element.

Abstract: An easy loading suture package contains sutures in a channel near the periphery of the package. Resilient cantilevered fingers extend most of the way across the channel to prevent any part of the suture from coming up out of the channel either during or after loading of the suture into the package. A needle park retains a needle attached to one end of the suture. The package lends itself to fabrication by molding and is adapted for automated loading and convenient, reliable dispensing.

Abstract: A needle park for a package that holds one or more surgical needles and sutures has a generally planar base. A cantilevered arm, fixed at one end and free at its other end, extends above and parallel to the base. A needle is introduced between the free end of the arm and the base and held between the arm and base. A nib that extends from the free end of the arm toward the base secures the needle. The needle park may be molded as part of a one-piece needle and suture package and is well adapted for automatic loading.