Patents Examined by Bruce H. Bernstel
  • Patent number: 3972418
    Abstract: A laminated molded sterilizable package for sutures is constructed of a first molded sheet and a second cover sheet. The molded sheet has a centrally located needle chamber recess and a long, narrow suture channel extending outward of and in a generally spiral path around the needle chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the suture channel is characterized by having at least one curve in a reverse direction from the general direction of the spiral. The package is opened by peeling a portion of the cover sheet from the molded sheet to uncover the needle chamber and an adjacent length of the suture channel. The package is suitable for use with heavy denier monofilament sutures which may be withdrawn from the package singly or in groups. Sutures delivered from the package are characterized by having only gentle bends with no loops or coils and are suitable for use with little or no further straightening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1974
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1976
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Schuler, Eberhard H. Thyen