Abstract: An apparatus for detaching a blade from a scalpel handle is provided. The blade has a cutting portion and a heel portion and is removably mounted on a tang of the scalpel handle. The apparatus has a flexible blade detachment member with a stepped portion for engaging the heel of the blade as the handle is withdrawn and a leading angled portion. A backing member is provided with the detachment member being arranged adjacent the backing member so that during use the detachment member flexes in only one direction, away from the mounting tang in response to force applied by the handle to the leading angled portion thereby causing the blade and the handle to be separated and detached relative to each other. Upon withdrawing the tang from the opening, the stepped portion engages the heel of the blade resulting in detachment of the blade from the tang.

Abstract: A knife (10) has a handle (15) with a mount (16) for affixing a removable blade (11). A concave surface (17) of the mount supports an elongate protrusion (18) for engaging a complementary slot (12) in the blade and reaches a landing (20) rearward of the tip that is exposed when the blade is mounted on the handle with a surface of the blade being completely supported by the concave surface. A channel (25) in the landing is dimensioned such that a rearmost part (26) thereof remains exposed when the blade is mounted on the handle. The blade is removed by inserting a curved lever (30) into the channel underneath a rearmost part of the blade and swiveling the lever so as to disengage the blade from the elongate protrusion.

Abstract: A scalpel handle sheath includes a body defining a handle-receiving cavity open to a first end of the body through a narrowed sleeve region, the body further defining a flexible arm adjacent the first end with a first boss extending inwardly therefrom adjacent the sleeve region. The sheath further includes a shield coupled with the body and slideable between a retracted position and a removal position. The shield defines an edge applying an inward force on the flexible arm during movement of the shield from toward the retracted position to the removal position and a removal flange extending within the shield and passing the first end of the body during movement of the shield from the toward retracted position to the removal position.

Abstract: A scalpel blade remover comprises a housing, and a planar member mounted in the housing with a longitudinal slot therein. A slider is adapted to slide along the planar member, and has an opening for receiving a portion of a tang therein. The slider is movable along the planar member when pressed by the tang being inserted into the opening and moved along the slot, with the blade being located under the slider. Movement of the slider along the planar member causes the planar member to separate the rear end of the blade from the tang. A stop formation on the planar member engages the rear end of the blade after it has been separated from the tang and prevents the blade being withdrawn along the member. Upon withdrawal of the tang, the blade is stripped from the tang.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for protecting individuals from the sharp ends of medical objects following use on a patient. Such sharp objects include hypodermic needles, scalpel blades, cannulae, trocars, and the like. The invention utilizes a disposable protective cover for the used sharp. The protective cover is designed to surround and embed the sharp in a permanent cover that is blunt and will not permit further puncture or cutting with the sharp. In an embodiment, the protective cover also absorbs any fluids on or in the used sharp and prevents any fluids from escaping the protective cover. The sharp cover is configured to irreversibly lock, once closed. A refillable or replaceable dispenser dispenses the protective covers at points of use. A disposable receptacle receives the used sharp embedded in the protective cover. When the receptacle is full, the entire receptacle may be discarded in a medical waste container.

Abstract: A knife blade dispenser including a plurality of knife blades, a frame, a cover coupled the frame to define a storage volume between the cover and the frame for the plurality of knife blades, a spacer assembly positioned within the storage volume to separate the storage volume into a new knife blade region for the plurality of knife blades to be stored and a used knife blade region configured to store a plurality of used knife blades that is in communication with the used blade slot, and a shuttle to dispense at least one of the plurality of knife blades from within the storage volume.

Abstract: A blade exchange device may be used to remove or install a blade on a medical or surgical instrument such as a dermatome. The blade exchange device generally includes a base portion and a blade engaging portion that engages the blade being removed or installed. The blade exchange device may be used in a system that also includes a magnetic tool for coupling and moving the blades that are removed or installed. The blade exchange device, system and method may be used, for example, with commercially available dermatome instruments such as the type known as the Goulian-Weck knife.

Abstract: A package for a surgical blade tip is provided herein. The package cooperates with the surgical blade tip to properly retain it and facilitate mounting onto a surgical blade handle. In one aspect, the invention includes a package having a body with a side wall and at least two detents extending inwardly from the side wall. In addition, a surgical blade tip is provided having an adaptor with a blade extending therefrom. The adaptor includes at least two recesses formed therein. The surgical blade tip is disposed in the package with the detents being at least partially inserted into the recesses. Also, the detents are configured to apply a retentive force to the adaptor to retain the adaptor in a first position and configured to deflect with a predetermined amount of torque being applied to the surgical blade tip so as to permit the adaptor to rotate from the first position to a second position where the detents are not inserted into the recesses.

Abstract: The present invention includes a scalpel blade removal device with an opening in a wall defining a first blade guide, extending to a narrowing upward ramp bounded by left and right guide walls. A horizontal top ramp extends from the distal end of the upward ramp, bounded by left and right guide towers. A spring loaded notch device is adapted to lock behind a proximal end of a scalpel blade seated on a scalpel, where the scalpel is inserted in the opening and the blade edge is driven up the ramp to the top ramp. When the notch device is locked behind that end of the scalpel blade, the scalpel is pulled back, causing the scalpel blade to slide off the scalpel handle. A sharps container incorporates the removal device, a reinforced latch, a scalpel resting location, and needle cover removers.

Abstract: The present invention is a scalpel blade removal device comprising an opening in a wall defining a first blade guide, extending to a narrowing upward ramp bounded by left and right guide walls. A horizontal top ramp extends from the distal end of the upward ramp, bounded by left and right guide towers. A spring loaded notch device is adapted to lock behind a proximal end of a scalpel blade seated on a scalpel, where the scalpel is inserted in the opening and the blade edge is driven up the ramp to the top ramp. When the notch device is locked behind that end of the scalpel blade, the scalpel is pulled back, causing the scalpel blade to slide off the scalpel handle. A sharps container incorporates the removal device, a reinforced latch, a scalpel resting location, and needle cover removers.

Abstract: A disposable package is provided having a tub with a generally level bottom surface and a first shaving razor and a second shaving razor disposed within the tub. The first and second shaving razors each have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. A first retaining member projects from the bottom surface and has first and second surfaces. The second surface of the first retaining member engages the distal end portion of the second shaving razor and the first surface of the first retaining member engages the proximal end portion of the first shaving razor.

Abstract: A hand-held cutter with automatic blade changer which has a casing, short blades each with an aperture, a pushbutton and a plug, and the casing is composed of an outer casing, a fixed blade holder and a retractable blade holder; and it further has a blade changer which is divided into a blade unloading chamber and a blade loading chamber. The present invention has the advantages of being simple in construction and convenient to use, and allowing the users to change and dispose of the blades without touching them, thereby effectively protecting personal safety.

Abstract: A single-use scalpel blade remover (1) removes a blade (33) from a tang (32) of a scalpel (30) and captures it, in a single-handed operation. The remover (1) comprises a housing (2) having a detent (16), and an actuator (3) which is operatively juxtaposed with the housing (2) and moveable alongside the housing in a forward direction from a proximal position (whereat an opening is formed between the proximal ends of the actuator and the housing) to a distal position (whereat the detent (16) engages the proximal end of the actuator). The blade remover (1) also includes a cam-operated mechanism (14,23,20) for automatically separating the heel of the blade (33) from the tang (32) as the actuator (3) is moved to the distal position.

Abstract: A sharps blade protection device is disclosed that adapts to currently used scalpel handles but uniquely is also usable with other existing styles of sharps including kitchen and hobby knives. This invention is adaptable over a broad range of sharps devices enabling users of many different sharps to be protected during and after use. The device is designed so that the user can easily insert and remove the sharp so that training of use is minimized if needed at all. The device is usable with a single hand, and both left handed or right handed operators are able to use all of the benefits of this device with equal ease. Device can include a member whereby it removes the tang portion of a surgical scalpel blade from the holder on the scalpel and places it onto a retention post, where it remains until the blade is safety removed from the handle by a movement of the blade guard.

Abstract: A sharps blade protection device is disclosed that adapts to currently used scalpel handles but uniquely is also usable with other existing styles of sharps including kitchen and hobby knives. This invention is adaptable over a broad range of sharps devices enabling users of many different sharps to be protected during and after use. The device is designed so that the user can easily insert and remove the sharp so that training of use is minimized if needed at all. The device is usable with a single hand, and both left handed or right handed operators are able to use all of the benefits of this device with equal ease. Device can include a member whereby it removes the tang portion of a surgical scalpel blade from the holder on the scalpel and places it onto a retention post, where it remains until the blade is safety removed from the handle by a movement of the blade guard.

Abstract: A small case for protecting a microkeratome blade while allowing inspection and cleaning of the blade cutting edge incorporates adjacent walls which are hinged together to open and close relative to an inserted microkeratome blade. In position, when the case is closed the blade is set in a recess in one of the walls and held in position by an opposing surface on the other wall. Windows encompassing the cutting edge in each of the walls allow visual inspection and cleaning, if desired. When the case is opened, a converging guide groove extending from a side of one wall into the blade unit and to a point behind the cutting edge allows a surgeon to insert and guide a forceps into the blade unit so that it can be gripped and removed without contacting the cutting edge.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing and dispensing a plurality of objects including a tray defining a storage area and a divider assembly located within the storage area.

Abstract: A modified scalpel and blade exchanging apparatus and method whereby insertion of the scalpel blade (106) end into the apparatus and turning of the scalpel handle (111) causes the dull or spent blade to be exchanged with a new blade (130) on the scalpel (101) in a few seconds. The quick exchange is accomplished by a cam system (183, 184) that opens and closes the jaws or fingers (104, 105) that retain the blade on the scalpel and a dispenser (119) that positions the new blade in the open jaws or fingers just prior to closure. The new invention solves the problem of detaching and attaching scalpel blades in a matter of seconds without danger to the user. With a mere twist of the wrist, the user detaches the dull blade and attaches the new blade, the dull blade dropping into a sharps container (107) upon detachment.

Abstract: The handle has a blade mounting portion with a raised boss forming a slot. The blade has a boss receiving recess with a portion defined by an edge. The cartridge removeably retains the blade. It has an opening into which the blade mounting portion of the handle can be inserted. A normally arcuate spring is mounted in cantilever fashion within the enclosure. The tip of the blade abuts a stop surface proximate the unattached end of the spring. In its arcuate state, the spring retains the blade in a position where the edge of the blade can enter the slot in the handle. As the blade is moved by insertion of the handle, against the urging of the spring, the spring straightens allowing the blade to assume a position where the boss can be fully seated within the recess, mounting the blade on the handle. The blade is then removed from the cartridge by withdrawing the handle. After use, the blade is reinserted into the cartridge.

Abstract: A device and method for injecting a blade onto a surgical instrument and extracting a blade from a surgical instrument. The injector includes a housing having an elongated cavity for receiving the instrument head. Prior to injection, a blade is retained in the cavity. To inject a blade, a user inserts the instrument head into the channel. The rim of the blade aperture engages the groove on the tang as the instrument is inserted. When the tang is fully engaged with blade, the user can withdraw the instrument with the blade mounted on it. The extractor includes a housing having an elongated cavity for receiving the instrument head. The channel has a slot that extends through the housing. A spring catch is mounted in the cavity on a side wall opposite the spring clip. To extract a blade, a user inserts the instrument head into the channel until the spring catch engages the proximal end of the blade.

Abstract: A scalpel blade remover removes a blade from the tang of a scalpel. The scalpel is inserted in, and withdrawn from, the blade remover along the same substantially straight-line path. The blade remover has a rocker block which pivots about an axis transverse to the insertion path. When the scalpel is inserted into the blade remover, its tang pushes against a contact surface of the rocker block, causing the rocker block to pivot. A pair of legs at the other end of the rocker block apply a transverse force to the heel of the blade on either side of the tang, thereby lifting the heel of the blade off the tang. When the scalpel has been inserted far enough, a pawl drops behind the heel of the blade. The pawl strips the blade from the tang when the scalpel handle is removed. The blade remover is typically mounted in the lid of a sharps container.

Abstract: A disposable case for deposing surgical blades includes a surgical blade removal device for removing a blade from a surgical knife handle. The case has an upper half and a bottom half connected by hinge means for allowing the upper half and the bottom half to be opened or closed, and also includes latches for securing the upper half and the bottom half together. Magnetic means are provided on the bottom half for retaining the blades thereon, with counting indicia provided thereon for designating and counting the blades that are to be disposed. A pad is provided on the outer surface of the upper half for receiving an adhesive tape, wherein the adhesive tape may be peeled from the pad and secured onto portions of the upper half and the bottom half to secure the case in a closed position.

Abstract: A scalpel blade removal apparatus for use with common surgical handle having a slotted tang and a disposable or changeable blade. The apparatus includes a receptacle for holding a multiple blades that have been disposed of. A cam arrangement is operated by the tang as the surgeon pushes the handle into the receptacle. The upper end of the cam rotates, disengaging the proximal end of the blade from the tang and simultaneously forming a connection between the proximal end of the blade and a shoulder that defines a catch. When the cam rotates fully to its lower most position, the blade is fully disengaged. The surgeon then removes the handle by pulling the handle along the same path used to insert the handle and blade. The catch then retains the blade so that only the handle and its tang are withdrawn.

Abstract: A disposable device for removing a blade from the tang of a surgical scalpel on which the blade has been removably affixed, said device comprising a rectangular plastic receptacle at least partially vertically oriented and formed of two interlocking facing halves to define an axial recess extending from the upper face of the device to terminate above the lower end of the receptacle, said recess having internal ramps and projections which disengage the blade from the tang upon insertion of the blade and tang into the recess, followed by withdrawal of the scalpel tang.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of manufacture for a blister-type display package which includes a vacuum-formed dispenser housing, and a vacuum-formed dispenser door mounted on the rear of the housing. The housing includes a cavity to hold the objects to be dispensed and an undercut ridge adjacent to an opening in the cavity on the rear of the housing. The dispenser door has a movable portion to cover at least a portion of the cavity opening and an undercut outer ridge which cooperates with the undercut ridge on the housing to enable the movable door to be snapped into and out of a closed position. A securing lip on the door is secured to the rear of the housing. A hinge extending between the securing lip and the movable portion, enables the door to be opened and closed. A display card is heat sealed to the rear of the housing to secure the door to the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for safely and conveniently removing a blade from a surgical scalpel, and for disposing of used blades. The preferred embodiment includes an aperture through which the blade may be inserted into a container. The aperture is defined by parallel guide walls. A first and second shoulder project from one guide wall, and a third shoulder projects from the other guide wall. An angled blade deflector is disposed in the interior of the container, behind the aperture. Insertion of the scalpel blade into the aperture and against the angled blade deflector pushes the blade against the first and second shoulders, which causes the blade to deform and separate slightly from the handle and to engage the third shoulder. This third shoulder holds the rear of the blade within the aperture, so that manual withdrawal of the handle from the aperture detaches the blade from the handle, leaving the detached blade within the container for easy disposal.

Abstract: A scalpel blade extractor and disposal unit formed of semi-flexible plastic material. The unit has a substantially closed chamber within which a blade mounted on a handle is received. The chamber has a top and a bottom and an abutment shoulder is attached to the top and extends below the plane of the bottom for the purpose of retaining the blade in the chamber. A mechanism is provided for increasing the distance between the top and the bottom so that the blade on the handle passes under the abutment shoulder. The bottom has a groove and shoulders around the groove for prying the heel of the blade up such that it is stopped by the abutment shoulder when the handle is withdrawn leaving the blade behind in the chamber.

Abstract: The apparatus stores and dispenses a plurality of disposable razors, the dispenser being affixable to a bathroom wall. The razors are initially loaded into the dispenser apparatus and retained therein by a pair of opposed support members, the support members extending inwardly from a pair of parallel sidewalls, the support members having a centrally disposed channel. The support members are sloped downwardly to facilitate gravitational loading of the individual razors. A flexible member is affixed to each of the support members. The dispenser apparatus has an open bottom, enabling the razors stored therewithin to be withdrawn in the same sequence that they are loaded thereinto. The opposed sidewalls of the dispenser apparatus are transparent, enabling the razors stored therewithin to be readily viewed. The dispenser apparatus also includes a razor holder mounted on the top thereof, to retain the razor currently being used.

Abstract: A remover-receptacle device bends a scalpel blade having a central longitudinal aperture presenting detents from its mounted position on the tang of a scalpel blade handle so as to remove the blade from the handle. In the removal the distal, balde-end region of the scalpel blade is held completely planar from a position proximal of the detents while only the scalpel blade's proximal, shank-end region is bent. The scalpel handle's tang may thusly be slid from the scalpel blade's aperture with essentially zero removal force. The act of removing the scalpel blade locks the scalpel blade remover-receptacle shut with exactly one scalpel blade, visible through a viewing aperture, present therein. Both the one-time-use scalpel blade remover-receptacle and the single removed scalpel blade encapsulated therein may be safety transported and disposed.

Abstract: Load-lifting apparatus includes a pair of elements moveable on air bearings laterally toward and away from one another. Each element carries an inflatable bladder for lifting a load. A rack is also provided for receiving various loads, for example, automotive vehicles. The elements have cutouts at longitudinally spaced positions such that, upon disposition of the elements below the rack, the elements can be moved laterally away from one another with the cutouts registering with the wheel wells. The bladders may be inflated to lift the rack and load carried thereby for movement into a container. The process may be reversed to remove the rack and load from the container.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for holding knife blades intended for sale, comprising a stiff sheet-like carrier on which there is mechanically mounted a dispenser which receives the blades and protects them from direct access, in such a way that the carrier has to be destroyed in order to open the dispenser and to free it from the carrier.

Abstract: A combination scalpel blade removal and storage apparatus having an easy to grip hourglass-shaped, disposable plastic housing which includes a strategically located safety shield that prevents accidental cuts during the blade insertion and removal process. The housing is provided with an internal, blade receiving channel which closely receives the blade and positively locates the tang portion of the handle within the housing. The blade stripping mechanism of the apparatus comprises an integrally formed, spring loaded lever arm disposed externally of the housing. Pressing the lever effortlessly deflects the heel of the blade away from the tang and over into a recessed stop, or pocket formed near the forward portion of the housing. Retraction of the handle with a straight line, continuous movement, while maintaining an inwardly directed force on the lever, smoothly strips the blade from the handle.

Abstract: A holder and dispenser for knife blades which includes a sliding partition biased toward a discharge opening by rubber bands in a double loop configuration. The double looped configuration orients the rubber bands which loop around the back of the holder, and loop adjacent the front of the holder and loop around the back of the sliding partition. The rubber bands are oriented in slots or grooves in the holder and dispenser for protection. The sliding partition bias blades held in the holder toward a discharge slot through which blades are slid laterally.

Abstract: Load-lifting apparatus includes a pair of elements moveable on air bearings laterally toward and away from one another. Each element carries an inflatable bladder for lifting a load. A rack is also provided for receiving various loads, for example, automotive vehicles. The elements have cutouts at longitudinally spaced positions such that, upon disposition of the elements below the rack, the elements can be moved laterally away from one another with the cutouts registering with the wheel wells. The bladders may be inflated to lift the rack and load carried thereby for movement into a container. The process may be reversed to remove the rack and load from the container.

Abstract: The present invention includes a holder for blades having a dispensing opening through which a single blade can be slideably ejected by either a sliding ejector or manual manipulation through a thumb slot. The blades within the holder are aligned by a free floating partition which is biased toward the dispensing opening by at least one rubber band formed in a double loop configuration. The double loop configuration orients the rubber band such that it loops around the back of the holder, loops adjacent the front of the holder, and loops around the back of the sliding partition. The ejector includes an extension to occlude the edge of a dispensed blade.

Abstract: A combination tool having utility in connection with the hanging of wallpaper. The tool has the form of a box and includes a holder for a smoothing brush, a holder for a seam roller, a magnet for holding a utility knife, a blade holder and dispenser, a blade snapper that allows dull blade edges to be snapped off and desposited into the cavity defined by the box, a pencil sharpener and a pencil holder. Thus, the device includes all tools needed for hanging wallpaper quickly, efficiently and correctly, with the exception of staple items such as a paint roller, a level, a straight edge and a tape measure.

Abstract: A blade removal apparatus for a changeable blade scalpel in which a blade is removably mounted on a scalpel handle by fitting a mounting hole formed in the blade over a blade mounting part having a narrow width provided on the tip end of the scalpel handle. The blade removal apparatus has a box part having an open top and a side wall and an acceptor part projecting laterally from the upper part of the side wall, and a cover part closing the open top and having a visored part extending over the acceptor part. A guide edge on the acceptor part defines a lower gap tapered so as to become narrower as it extends to the inside of the box part and into which blade mounting parts of changeable blade scalpels of various types can be inserted. The cover part has a stopping stepped part defining an upper gap between the lower surface of the visored part and the guide edge and into which upper gap a blade on a scalpel is insertable.

Abstract: A travel cap 10 for a T shaped safety razor 11 is designed to be slid on to the razor head 12 from one end of the latter, and comprises a first tubular portion 10a which fits around the heat to one side or the razor handle 13, and a second wrap-around portion 10b integral with the first portion and extending over the remaining length of the razor head, the longitudinal sides 10c,10d of the wrap-around portion being spaced apart to define a slot 10e along which the razor handle 13 can slide.

Abstract: A surgical blade remover is disclosed wherein a surgical blade is easily and effectively removed from the tang of a handle. The device is provided with two members which are spaced to form a channel sized to permit the tang to be positioned between them while the blade rests on the upper surfaces of the members. The channel between the members at their lower portions widens to permit the handle to enter the channel sufficiently that the heel of the blade can abut a projection which extends upward from each surface of the members. The handle enters this widened lower portion of the channel while the blade rests against the upper surfaces of the members thereby releasing the heel of the blade from the tang. The blade can then be removed from the handle by pulling the handle out of the channel because the projections prevent the blade from moving with the handle.

Abstract: A device for removing a surgical blade from a scalpel handle includes a housing having an aperture. A surgical blade attached to a boss of the handle is inserted into the aperture. The boss is pressed downward into a narrow notch in the wall surrounding the aperture so that the edges of the notch engage the shank of the blade, preventing it from being moved into the notch with the boss and separating the shank of the blade from the rear portion of the boss. Two spring loaded pinch members extend from within the aperture so that they can be pinched together by the fingers of a user and engage the opposed edges of the blade, preventing it from moving as the handle is pulled away from the blade, causing the boss to become disengaged from the blade and withdrawn from an elongated hole in the shank of the blade. When the pinch members are released, the blade falls to the bottom of the interior of the housing, which serves as a receptacle.

Abstract: A surgical blade remover is disclosed having an essentially wedge-shaped support member which tapers from its front side to its back side. The support has one or more mutually parallel latitudinal slots open at one end and along their length extending from the front side of the support into its interior. The slots are sized to receive the tang of the blade holder while preventing the blade itself from passing therethrough. The surface of the support member bordering each slot is covered with an adhesive which holds the blade in place as the blade holder is pivoted downward in the slot away from the blade. When the hilt of the blade becomes detached from the holder, as a result of this pivoting action, the holder is withdrawn from the slot. The blade remains affixed to the adhesive on the support and is retained for its disposal.