Abstract: A machine tool for pointing a plurality of wires is provided. The machine tool comprises a magazine, a base frame, a slide guide, a fixture, a grinder, and a numerical control system. The magazine is operable for holding the plurality of wires, to extend a wire end from the magazine and to allow relative freedom of rotation of the wires along their longitudinal axis. The slide guide is coupled to the base frame and extends from a loading station to a grinding station. The fixture has clamping sections operable to pivot toward each other to engage the wires therebetween. The numerical control system is operable to control the fixture and the grinder. The fixture is operable to translate along the slide guide to engage the wire end with the grinder. The fixture and the grinder cooperate to grind a desired number of facets into the wire end.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments provided herein, biodegradable filament suitable for use as fishing line and/or fishing net prepared from a polyester copolymer is provided. Embodiments of biodegradable filament is prepared from a polymer blend comprising from about 60% by weight to about 99.9% by weight of polybutylene succinate (PBS) and from about 0.1% by weight to about 40% by weight of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of polycaprolatone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and polylactic acid (PLA).

Abstract: System, including apparatus and methods, for positioning medical material in living tissue using hollow elements that are formed unitarily from a synthetic bioabsorbable material. The hollow elements are optionally filled with a core material and a heat shrink process is performed so that the hollow elements are tightened around the core material.

Abstract: A stopper for holding one part of a surgical needle assembly approximately fixed relative to another part. The stopper includes a planar rectangular body having two opposing faces and a protrusion that extends away from the body. The stopper may also include a groove that extends from the base of the protrusion to the top edge of the body. Each face typically includes a central depression configured for gripping by a finger or thumb. A needle assembly, for use with the stopper of the present invention, typically includes a hollow needle with a gripping member mounted on its proximal end, and a push rod configured to slidingly engage the hollow needle. The stopper is typically configured to fit snugly between the gripping member and the push rod to prevent movement of the push rod relative to the hollow needle during use.

Abstract: A stopple for retaining material within a hollow needle/push rod assembly is made of a synthetic absorbable material and is configured to fit snugly within the hollow needle of the needle/push rod assembly. The stopple is typically circular in shape, having a diameter that is substantially similar to the inner diameter of the hollow needle. The stopple prevents inadvertent ejection of material stored in the hollow needle/push rod assembly.

Abstract: A stopper for holding one part of a surgical needle assembly approximately fixed relative to another part includes a planar rectangular body having two opposing faces, and a protrusion that extends away from the body. Each face typically includes a central depression configured for gripping by a finger or thumb. A needle assembly, for use with the stopper of the present invention, typically includes a hollow needle with a gripping member mounted on its proximal end, and a push rod configured to slidingly engage the hollow needle. The stopper is typically configured to fit snugly between the gripping member and the push rod to prevent movement of the push rod relative to the hollow needle during use.

Abstract: System, including apparatus and methods, for positioning medical material in living tissue using hollow elements that are formed unitarily from a synthetic bioabsorbable material.

Abstract: A surgical needle assembly including a hollow needle body, a push rod slidingly fit within the hollow needle body, and a hand-actuable lock mounted on the needle body. The lock selectively limits movement of the push rod relative to the needle body in response to a squeezing or releasing of the lock.

Abstract: A surgical needle assembly including a hollow needle body, a push rod slidingly fit within the hollow needle body, and a hand-actuable lock mounted on the needle body. The lock selectively limits movement of the push rod relative to the needle body in response to a squeezing or releasing of the lock.

Abstract: A suture-material-dispenser system for a supply of dry suture material includes the supply of such material, a housing which defines a cavity for containing the supply, and desiccant preferably housed within the housing. The housing includes a top region that has an opening formed in it, and a bottom region with a semi-circular bearing positioned in it. A reel fits within the cavity on the bearing, and has wound on it the supply. An anti-contaminant, flip-top cover is pivotably attached to the top region, and is constructed for releasable closure over the top region substantially to prevent contaminants from entering the cavity. A gas-permeable, resilient member is also included and has a body that fits sealingly within the opening, which body has formed in it a suture-material-dispensing port to allow dispensing of suture material therethrough. The body is preferably formed from a substance with a hardness in the range of about 40-80 on a Shore A durometer.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing string material such as suture from a rotating spool housed in a sealed housing which is filled with a liquid, for example an antiseptic fluid. The housing forms a hollow member into which the spool of suture is disposed so as to be freely rotatable. An end of the suture extends from the interior of the housing through a wiper member so as to be grasped by a user. The suture spool comprises an increased diameter core member which allows the entire length of suture stored thereon to be usable in an uncoiled manner when removed from the device. The center portion or core of the suture spool has a closed periphery so as to reduce the amount of antiseptic required to fill the interior of the housing and maintain the suture sterile. Also, the sidewalls of the housing are provided with projections that engage the sidewalls of the spool to permit a user to grasp and apply force against the housing while withdrawing the suture without slowing or stopping rotation of the spool.

Abstract: A suture-material-dispenser system for a supply of dry or wet suture material includes the supply of such material and a housing which defines a cavity for containing the supply. The housing includes a top region that has an opening formed in it, and a bottom region with a semi-circular bearing positioned in it. A reel fits within the cavity on the bearing, and has wound on it the supply. An anti-contaminant, flip-top cover is pivotably attached to the top region, and is constructed for releasable closure over the top region substantially to prevent contaminants from entering the cavity. A gas-permeable, resilient member is also included and has a body that fits sealingly within the opening, which body has formed in it a suture-material-dispensing port to allow dispensing of suture material therethrough. The body is preferably formed from a substance with a hardness in the range of about 40-80 on a Shore A durometer.