Abstract: A molded suture retainer is provided for retaining and storing sutures. Both absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures fabricated from natural or synthetic materials can be advantageously retained and stored therein. The retainer is characterized by a wide spiraling oval passageway with minimal convolutions covered by a cover sheet. The length of the passageway is preferably proportional to 1/3 to 1/2 the overall length of the suture to be retained therein. Recesses are provided for receiving package stabilizing agents and/or needle parks. Sutures packaged in accordance with the invention exhibit fewer kinks and bends than prior packaged sutures.

Abstract: A needle shield for retainers enclosing suture-needle assemblies constructed of a fibrous material and foldable about at least two score lines to provide a protective device against needle damage, accidental sticking of the user's fingers, and puncture of the package within which the retainer is packaged.

Abstract: A complete tool kit for cleaning firearms is disclosed. The tool kit utilizes a support rod constructed of rigid polymeric material. The tool kit further includes a rigid stainless steel brush, a combination brush composed of separate rigid polymeric and bronze brushes, a rotary bronze bore brush, a rigid spear point, as well as a rotary bore drying and cleaning attachment using a pair of cloth patches. The support rod is provided with threaded bores in its opposite ends for selectively mounting the noted brushes, spear point, and drying attachment in any selected positional array on the rod ends. A tubular foam rubber pad is positionable around either the support rod, an extension bar, or handle member to facilitate manipulation of a tool kit assembled from the kit. A plurality of support rod extension bars are attachable to either end of the support rod and to the facing ends of each other to increase the length of the support rod.

Abstract: A suture display rack and procedure kit is provided which, upon folding, presents a plurality of stacked suture packages for seriatim review. The suture display rack is a substantially U-shaped structure with a floor portion and two opposing sidewall portions. A longitudinal fold line is provided in the floor portion parallel to the planes formed by the side walls such that, upon folding, the side wall portions may be brought into the same horizontal plane to form the base for the suture display rack. The suture packages may be loosely held in the rack or alternatively hinged to a side wall or contained in sheaths for ease of review and removal. The sheaths and suture packages can be sterilized separately from the display rack. The suture display rack may be securely adhered to a desired surface or may be set up in a portable manner.

Abstract: A digital communication device (10) comprises a signal quality detector (18) that determines the quality of the received signals and instantaneously mutes and unmutes the voice output (22) of the digital radio communication device when the quality drops below a selected level to prevent noise bursts from being heard by the user of the communication device.

Abstract: A suture display cabinet having a plurality of interconnected suture display boxes and suture storage boxes. The boxes are connected to each other through integral dovetail connection members which secure suture display boxes to suture storage boxes and suture display boxes to each other in a side by side arrangement. Various modifications are presented to facilitate transportation of the suture display cabinet from place to place in a surgical environment.

Abstract: A transceiver (100) is provided for transmitting during the transmission bursts (12) of a frame and receiving during the receiving time-slot windows (14). The transceiver (100) includes a receiver (320) for receiving a repeating radio frequency data (16) signal at any time within the receiving time-slot window (14) and for demodulating the repeating radio frequency data signal down to a baseband data signal. A data detector and clock recovery device (330) recovers the valid data (CHMP) from the baseband data signal. For controlling the receiver (320) and data detector and clock recovery device (330), a control circuit (400) modifies the receiving time-slot windows (14) to only receive and detect when valid data is expected (52).

Abstract: A flexible package of low moisture permeability suitable for packaging moisture sensitive materials and devices such as bioabsorbable surgical staples and clips and instruments containing these devices includes a first panel fabricated from a substantially transparent polymeric laminate film possessing an inorganic moisture vapor transmission barrier layer, the first panel having a measurable moisture vapor transmission rate and being bonded along its edges to the edges of a second panel fabricated from either (i) a transparent flexible polymeric laminate film possessing an inorganic moisture vapor transmission barrier layer which is the same as, or is different from, the film of the first panel; or (ii) an opaque, flexible metal foil laminate to form a contents-enclosing pouch therebetween, the pouch containing a quantity of desiccant and at least one sterile moisture-sensitive material or device, e.g., the aforesaid bioabsorbable staples, clips or instruments containing such staples or clips.

Abstract: An endoscopic or laparoscopic instrumentation kit including at least one obturator and at least two sleeves forming a trocar assembly. The kit may also include a catheter, an endoscopic surgical instrument, tissue-gripping sleeve members and attachment devices for the trocar sleeves. The kit is packaged in a vacuum-formed enclosure having raised walls which correspond in size and shape to the instruments packaged therein for retaining and displaying the instruments. A method for utilizing the kit of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A suture display rack and procedure kit is provided which, upon folding, presents a plurality of stacked suture packages for seriatim review. The suture display rack is a substantially U-shaped structure with a floor portion and two opposing sidewall portions. A longitudinal fold line is provided in the floor portion parallel to the planes formed by the side walls such that, upon folding, the side wall portions may be brought into the same horizontal plane to form the base for the suture display rack. The suture packages may be loosely held in the rack or alternatively hinged to a side wall or contained in sheaths for ease of review and removal. The suture display rack may be securely adhered to a desired surface or may be set up in a portable manner.

Abstract: A molded suture retainer is provided for retaining and storing long suture lengths. Both absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures fabricated from natural or synthetic materials can be advantageously retained and stored therein. The retainer is characterized by a wide spiraling oval passageway with minimal convolutions covered by a cover sheet. The length of the passageway is preferably proportional to 1/3 to 1/2 the overall length of the suture to be retained therein. In accordance with the method of the invention, sutures are doubled or tripled over and inserted into the retainer under vacuum. Sutures packaged in accordance with the invention exhibit fewer kinks and bends than prior packaged sutures.

Abstract: A suture package for holding needle suture combinations individually on removable insert strips. The suture package includes three folding panels, two of which releasably hold the insert strips by means of tabs, and one of which is a cover panel. At least one needle-suture combination is mounted on each strip.

Abstract: A molded suture retainer is provided for retaining and storing sutures. Both absorbable and nonabsobable sutures fabricated from natural or synthetic materials can be advantageously retained and stored therein. The retainer is characterized by a wide spiraling oval passageway with minimal convolutions covered by a cover sheet. The length of the passageway is preferably proportional to 1/3 to 1/2 the overall length of the suture to be retained therein. Recesses are provided for receiving package stabilizing agents and/or needle parks. Sutures packaged in accordance with the invention exhibit fewer kinks and bends than prior packaged sutures.

Abstract: A needle shield for suture-needle assemblies constructed of a fibrous material and foldable about at least two score lines to provide a protective device against needle damage and accidental sticking of the user's fingers.

Abstract: Synthetic absorbable sutures are filled with a stabilizing agent, preferably a mixture of glycerol and calcium lactate, and inserted into a retainer having a narrow convoluted passageway. The retainer is inserted into an open foil pouch with a package stabilizing element, such as a paper sheet filled with stabilizing agent. The package containing the suture, retainer and package stabilizing element is sterilized, aerated, equilibrated to a relatively high moisture level, and sealed. Long lengths of suture and doubled-over and tripled-over suture may be withdrawn from the retainer with low force without damaging the suture. Bends and kinks in the suture are prevented so as to provide a synthetic absorbable suture having highly desirable out of package hand and feel. The suture as removed from the package exhibits improved tissue drag characteristics.

Abstract: A breather package for surgical elements such as sutures or suture-needle assemblies having a layer of fibrous material and a layer of plastic material forming a pocket therebetween. Longitudinal heat seals and transverse top and bottom seals are provided which form the package. The layer of fibrous material is provided with longitudinal strips of release agent material through which the longitudinal heat seals are formed. An apparatus for forming such a package is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for redirecting calls to a cordless telephone wherein the user of the cordless telephone registers a location code at a call redirecting module. The location code informs the call redirecting module to redirect calls, that are directed to a first telephone unit, to a base station which is part of a network. The base station transmits the call, so that the cordless telephone receives the call if it is within the range of the base station. In the event that the cordless telephone receives the call, it transmits an acknowledgement signal. The base unit will cease to transmit the call if it does not detect the acknowledge signal within a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A breather package for surgical elements such as sutures or suture-needle assemblies having a layer of fibrous material and a layer of plastic material forming a pocket therebetween. Longitudinal heat seals and transverse top and bottom seals are provided which form the package. The layer of fibrous material is provided with longitudinal strips of release agent material through which the longitudinal heat seals are formed. An apparatus for forming such a package is also disclosed.