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US 10,206,675 B2Granted
Method and apparatus for fabricating self-retaining sutures with calibration
AssigneeEthicon, Inc.
InventorNilesh A. Shah
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and method for improved cutting of self-retaining elements on a suture material, including the use of an improved calibration system. The calibration system includes a light emitting source and light receiving source, emitting light through a blade housing where the blade edge is within the light emitted pathway. The blade housing can be moved in accordance with the calibration information.
Claims18
A non-contact method to positively locate the edge position of a cutting blade used in the fabrication of barbed sutures comprising the steps of:
- i. setting a blade in a blade housing at an initial desired position, the blade housing having a hole through it and defining a measurement axis that extends through the hole, where the blade edge is disposed at least partially into the measurement axis;
- ii. positioning a light emitting device at a first side of the blade housing and aligned with the measurement axis
- iii. positioning a light receiving device at a second side of the blade housing and aligned with the measurement axis, where the blade housing is located between the first side and second side;
- iv. emitting light along the measurement axis from the light emitting device, through the hole, and received by the light receiving device;
- v. measuring the amount of light received by the light emitting device and providing a calibration value based upon the amount of light received.
2 more elements
A device for cutting retainers into a suture, comprising:
- i. a blade housing configured to hold a blade such that the blade is rotatable about the circumference of the blade housing, the blade having a blade edge disposed within the circumference of the blade housing, the blade housing having a measurement hole within its circumference, defining a measurement axis that extends through the measurement hole, where the blade edge is disposed at least partially into the measurement axis;
- ii. a measurement devices comprising:
- a light emitting device positioned at a first side of the blade housing and aligned with the measurement axis;
- an analyzer comprising a light receiving device positioned at a second side of the blade housing and aligned with the measurement axis, wherein the blade housing is located between the first side and second side, and wherein the analyzer is configured to measure the amount of light received by the light emitting device and providing a calibration value based upon the amount of light received.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.