Patent attributes
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. In use, the blade (33) on the tang (32) is inserted in the opening and the actuator is pushed forward by the tang to its distal position, whereupon the detent (16) engages the proximal end of the actuator (3) and retains it in its distal position and prevents rearward movement of the blade (33). As the heel has been separated from the tang (32), upon withdrawal of the tang from the scalpel blade remover (1), the blade (33) is stripped from the tang and retained captively between the actuator (3) and the housing (2).
