GLOVE MANUFACTURING METHODS AND ASSEMBLIES

摘要

Glove manufacturing methods can include a hand mandrel and a tube mandrel. The method can include dipping the hand mandrel and the tube mandrel while the mandrels are positioned apart from each other. The method can include bringing the hand mandrel in close proximity to the tube mandrel to enable creating a glove with an attached tube. The tube can be used to hold at least one optical fiber to enable light transmission distally along a finger. In several embodiments, the tube can be used for suction, irrigation, cautery, ultrasound, and/or sensing instruments. Gloves, including surgical gloves, can be made from many different materials including latex, nitrile, neoprene, cloth, leather, and/or a combination thereof.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
rotating a first gear, wherein the rotating the first gear further rotates a first shaft coupled to a glove mandrel with a groove shaped along a finger of the glove mandrel; rotating a second gear, wherein the rotating the second gear further rotates a second shaft coupled to a tube mandrel shaped to match the groove of the glove mandrel; rotating a third shaft, wherein the third shaft is coupled to a base, wherein the base is coupled to the first gear and the second gear; and dipping the glove mandrel and the tube mandrel into a dipping container, wherein the dipping container contains material capable of adhering to the glove mandrel and the tube mandrel.