Abstract: A surgical blade unit for receiving substantial cutting load and adapted for use with a selected shaft-form handle that has, at its distal end, an axially aligned blade-unit receiving opening. The blade-unit includes a metal blade defining a working edge and a load-transmitting, axially elongated metal support shank extending from the edge, and a intermediate load-transferring member of synthetic resin permanently molded about a proximal portion of the shank and defining an attachment fitting adapted to engage in load-transferring relationship with the handle. The proximal portion of the shank extends through the intermediate member in the attachment fitting region and is permanently embedded therein to define an elongated, load-transferring interface therewith.

Abstract: A machine for testing the sharpness of knives, particularly surgical knives, in which means is provided for grasping a cylindrical rod of material such as rubber or plastic so that a free end protrudes from the grasping mechanism, and means is provided for rotating the rod. A knife blade to be tested is mounted in a pivoted fixture which carries a predetermined weight and can be positioned so that the cutting edge of the blade rests in the side of the protruding end of the cylindrical rod. When the rod is rotated, the blade cuts into the rod, and the sharpness of the blade is determined by the number of turns required to cut through the rod.

Abstract: A package assembly for a surgical blade comprising a U-shaped member formed of resilient material such as plastic foam and a surgical blade assembled into the foam between the legs forming the U-shaped member. The foam member protects the cutting edge of the blade during packaging and subsequent handling, and the legs of the U-shaped member may be easily bent to one side to allow grasping of the blade by a blade holder to remove it from the package for use.

Abstract: A machine for detaching a surgical blade from a continuous strip in which it is manufactured and presenting the blade to a position for assembly into a blade holder. The disclosed embodiment of the invention is designed for use with a continuous strip of material which has blades formed integrally along an edge thereof, and joined thereto by pre-scored lines. The machine breaks the connection between an individual blade and the strip along the pre-scored lines while grasping the blade, and then moves the separated blade to a pre-determined position for assembly with a blade holder.

Abstract: A disposable surgical knife assembly, a blade for use therein, and a method of manufacture thereof. The blade is manufactured in continuous strip form and may be separated from the strip along score lines in predetermined positions so as to provide the blade with a shape that facilitates accurate and automatic assembly into a holder. The holder is provided with a slot in the forward end to receive the rear portion of the blade, which may be retained in the slot by adhesives or by fusion of the holder material into suitable apertures in the blade. A portion of the blade projects laterally therefrom to facilitate adjustment of the blade position in the holder, said portion being readily broken off after completion of assembly.

Abstract: A surgical knife assembly in which a blade is provided with a guard for limiting the depth of cut. The guard is formed of a resilient material such as plastic, and frictionally grips the blade, so that the guard is adjustable on the blade by the application of a predetermined amount of axial force, with the force required for adjustment being considerably greater than the force that is applied thereto during a cutting procedure. An adjustment tool is also provided, the tool and the blade having cooperative engaging portions to permit accurate adjustment of the position of the guard on the blade between incisions during a surgical procedure.