Scalpel blade exchange apparatus and method

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. Also, by the design of the apparatus, contact of the dull contaminated blade with the apparatus is substantially eliminated with the exception of a protective cap (102A), protective ring (340) or disposable socket (102) that are removable for separate sterilization or disposal. In the preferred embodiments, the new blades are dispensed from a cartridge (119) and multiple cartridges may be provided for the selection of differing blades.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.