Abstract: A suture system spool is configured to retain suture having a suture diameter and tension the suture between a distal and proximal end portions of a suturing tool. The spool includes a monolithically formed disc defining a central opening that provides the disc with an inside diameter. The disc includes a base and a flap joined with the base at the inside diameter, and the flap extends from the inside diameter to an outer periphery of the disc to define a cavity between the flap and the base. The flap is spaced away from the base at a location between the inside diameter and the outer periphery of the disc by a factor of at least two times the suture diameter, and the flap is spaced away from the base at the outer periphery of the disc by a distance that is approximately equal to the suture diameter.

Abstract: A device for severing and restraining dental floss that has a blade with a restraining side and a cutting side, which can be formed by slanting the blade or otherwise providing a narrow pinching portion on one side of the blade to restrain the floss.

Abstract: An improved tape dispenser and method of use is capable of applying tape to a substrate with only one hand of the user, and comprises a housing having a pair of parallel spaced-apart resilient side walls which can be spread apart to receive a spool of tape rotatably mounted toward the rear of the dispenser; an upper support block mounted between the side walls toward the front end of the dispenser, a cutter blade mounted on the upper support block at the front end of the dispenser, a pressure-applying element in the form of an anvil bar or cushion extending between the side walls behind and below the cutter blade, a lower support bar extending between the side walls behind and below the anvil bar, and biasing means to bias the tape against the lower support bar, whereby, when tape is threaded between the pressure-applying element and the lower support bar, and the dispenser is pressed against a substrate to be taped, the tape is pressed by the biasing means and by a lower edge of the pressure-applying element

Abstract: A post for separately supporting, separating and labeling a number of spools of thread, wire or fishing line, the post being formed of a resilient material such as rubber with a number of rings spaced at a distance from each other greater than the width of the spools. The spools having a central opening slightly greater than the diameter of the post but less than the outer diameter of the flexible spacer rings. The spools are separated rotationally from each other by the spacer rings. Alternatively, a groove is provided around the inside surface of the central spool openings for engaging each of the rings on the post. A disk is mounted on one end of the post and includes a number of notches for labeling and engaging the base end of the thread, wire or line from each spool. One notch includes a blade for cutting off the end of the thread, wire or line. A hole in the opposite end of the post is provided to secure the entire device to the fisherman's vest.

Abstract: A device for cutting and clamping dental floss includes a cutting element and a clamping element. The cutting element has a portion thereof formed and adapted to sever dental floss when it is pulled thereacross. The clamping element is adjacent the cutting element and cooperates with it to accessibly hold the dental floss supply cut end after severing.

Abstract: A spool of thread, such as dental floss, is housed in a two-part shell or holder, preferably made of plastic, one of the two parts having a central post coaxially located therein. The thread or floss is wound on a bobbin having a clutch molded in its hub area. The clutch comprises a split cylinder having a generally C-shaped cross section with three equally spaced ribs running along the internal length thereof. The C-shape of the split cylinder embraces the central post and the surfaces of the three ribs provided areas for friction gripping the central post. The friction keeps the bobbin from unwinding; however, the friction is not so great that it keeps the thread or floss from pulling smoothly and evenly from the bobbin.