Abstract: A cartridge for dispensing and disposing of a single surgical blade. The cartridge is specially adapted for machine loading of the blade. The cartridge includes an elongate open-top box with means for receiving and positioning the blade in a curved position to accept the mating boss of a scalpel handle. The box also includes means for stripping a used blade from the scalpel handle and retaining it within the box for disposal. A cover member for the open top of the box is provided. The cover member has downwardly projecting positioning studs which cooperate with mating recesses in the side walls of the box to position the cover on the open top of the box.

Abstract: A surgical blade dispenser includes a box for storing blades in such position that a scalpel handle can be inserted through an aperture in one wall of the box to lockingly engage one blade and remove it from the box through the aperture. The blades are individually positioned and supported within the box such that apertures in the shank portion of the blade are engagable with a mating boss on the forward end of the scalpel handle as the handle is inserted through an aperture in the wall of the box. Further insertion of the handle causes the boss to fully engage the aperture in the scalpel blade and, once complete engagement has been attained, the blade is withdrawn from the box by withdrawal of the handle through the aperture.A blade disposal section is preferably included in the box. The handle aperture of the blade disposal section is provided with a metal edge.