Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes and methods for recycling the waste products from the manufacture of cellulose acetate materials, using the example of cigarette butt manufacturing, in this case, but also applies to cellulose acetate production for other materials. Once the cellulose acetate containing materials are processed, they may be acceptable for use in a multitude of applications from insulation to reinforcements and decorative pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing wide skin defects may be used with two long interdermal needles configured for insertion underneath skin close to margins of a skin defect. The skin closing apparatus may include two retaining members (70, 71) configured as a flange connecting two legs (20) and forming a U-shaped profile. Each of the legs may include either a sharp book (23) or a blunt skin insertion element at the end of the leg adapted for percing the skin and engaging one of the long interdermal needles. Alternatively, the retaining members may include topical engagement elements for engaging portions of the interdermal needles which are located above the skin surface. A contracting mechanism such as a screw (82) may connect the retaining members and approximate the interdermal needles, while bringing the skin margins together until final closure of the skin defect results.

Abstract: One or more devices for stretching skin to close a wide skin defect may be used with two long interdermal needles which are inserted underneath the skin along margins of the wound. The skin stretching device may include a pair of needle shafts each having a hook or needle at a distal end for engaging one of the interdermal needles, and a contracting mechanism provided for drawing the opposing needle hooks toward one another, thereby approximating the opposing margins of the wound.The skin stretching device may also include a control knob for limiting the amount of force applied by the device, and a tension indicator for indicating the amount of force applied by the device. Each elongated shafts may also exhibit a retaining member about which a swivel platform rotates, and to which two or more needles are attached. The skin stretching device may further include elongated shafts which, at their distal ends, angle away from the body of the shafts, each exhibiting a single needle.

Abstract: A single-strike die mechanism includes a rotatable cam drive ring driven to impart through a cam mechanism linear motion to at least three crimping dies. The crimping dies are symmetrically arranged within a die guide and simultaneously actuated to move in a radial direction toward a centerline of a surgical needle. A surgical suture is axially inserted within a hollow barrel end of the needle, and the barrel end is crimped by the crimping dies to secure the suture therein. A method for operating the single-strike die mechanizes the procedure for securing the suture within the barrel end of the needle.

Abstract: A laparoscopic suturing device includes a suturing needle and a driver for manipulating the needle. The suturing needle features a helically-wound front-end portion with a needle point at its proximal end for penetrating tissue and a rear-end portion connected to the driver. The slender design of the suturing device is ideally suited for minimally-invasive surgery.

Abstract: A surgical suturing needle is formed to have a needle shaft with a rectangular cross-section and a needle head with a triangular needle point. A transitional portion between the needle shaft and the needle head is formed to have a maximum width greater than the width of the needle shaft. A plurality of cutting edges extend from the needle point to at least the maximum width section of the transitional portion. After forming and grinding the suturing needle, it is immersed in an acid bath and exposed to an electrical field. Finally, the surgical needle is heat-treated to increase its strength and resistance to bending or breaking.

Abstract: A single-strike die mechanism includes a rotatable cam drive ring driven to impart through a cam mechanism linear motion to at least three crimping dies. The crimping dies are symmetrically arranged within a die guide and simultaneously actuated to move in a radial direction toward a centerline of a surgical needle. A surgical suture is axially inserted within a hollow barrel end of the needle, and the barrel end is crimped by the crimping dies to secure the suture therein. A method for operating the single-strike die mechanizes the procedure for securing the suture within the barrel end of the needle.