Bernard E Willis

US Patent:

D689244, Sep 3, 2013

Filed:

Jul 18, 2012

Appl. No.:

29/427475

Inventors:

Bernard Willis - Conyers GA, US

International Classification:

0203

US Classification:

D29102

US Patent:

6018860, Feb 1, 2000

Filed:

Oct 7, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/946478

Inventors:

Daniel J. Smith - Manalapan Township NJ
Bernard M. Willis - Lawrenceville GA
Paul K. Marschke - Bordentown NJ

Assignee:

Ethicon, Inc. - Somerville NJ

International Classification:

B23P 1304

US Classification:

29558

Abstract:

A process for manufacturing wire or needles having a taper point and mechanically drilled suture mounting holes in the proximal ends. Needle or wire blanks are cut from a roll of wire and mounted to a carrier strip. The carrier strip and needles are moved through a succession of forming and trimming and grinding stations. The blanks are coined in a coining die to produce lateral wings of constant thickness. The blanks are preferably rotated in the strip while being ground. The strip and needle blanks are then moved to a bank of at least two drills wherein the proximal suture mounting ends of the needles are drilled.