Abstract: A surgical incision member is provided including a body portion defining first and second longitudinal ends, tissue penetrating portion adjacent each longitudinal end of the body portion, suture attachment structure intermediate the tissue penetrating portions, and a suture attached to the suture attachment structure. A method is also provided wherein the suture is attached to the surgical incision member by adhesives or by crimping.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for orienting elongate members and, in particular tapered needle blanks. Generally, the apparatus includes a needle feeding assembly which receives needle blanks at an inlet and sequentially transfers the needle blanks to a needle orienting ramp which orients the needle blanks in a barrel end downward configuration. A barrel end of the needle blank, being heavier and having a greater diameter than that of a tapered point of the needle blank, moves down the rampway such that the barrel end of the needle blank advances ahead of a tapered point of the needle blank causing the needle blank to assume a barrel end downward or toward orientation on the rampway. A collecting assembly is provided at an outlet end of the needle orienting ramp to collect and maintain the needle blanks in oriented fashion.