Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a planar medical component having a first surface and a second surface, comprising a clamp for fixing the component and applying a tensile force, a support having a surface having a hole therein, the upper surface disposed proximate the second surface of the component, and a cutting device having a cutting head disposed proximate the support and facing the first surface, wherein the support is configured to move along the plane of the component relative to the clamp and the cutting device cutting head is configured to hold position relative to the support.

Abstract: A dynamic bushing and/or gripper mechanism comprises an apparatus for retaining a tubular member in a position during processing so that the tube does not move transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bushing, but wherein the tube may be rotated within the confines of the bushing and/or in the case of the gripper mechanism the tube may be moved longitudinally within the confines of the gripper.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a planar medical component having a first surface and a second surface, comprising a clamp for fixing the component and applying a tensile force, a support having a surface having a hole therein, the upper surface disposed proximate the second surface of the component, and a cutting device having a cutting head disposed proximate the support and facing the first surface, wherein the support is configured to move along the plane of the component relative to the clamp and the cutting device cutting head is configured to hold position relative to the support.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a medical device from a workpiece is provided. The method begins by generating a pulsed beam of radiation from a radiation source. The pulsed radiation beam is characterized by a prescribed pulse frequency. The pulsed radiation beam is directed onto the workpiece and the workpiece is moved relative to the radiation source so that a prescribed pattern is cut in the workpiece by the pulsed radiation beam. The prescribed pulse frequency is adjusted based on a change in a parameter pertaining to the relative motion of the workpiece.

Abstract: A rotary assembly for use in processing a tubular member wherein the assembly comprises a gripping mechanism, that is moveable from an open position to a closed position. In the closed position the gripping mechanism engages at least a portion of the tubular member. The gripping mechanism is operatively engaged to a piston that is fluid actuatable from a first position to a second position by a fluid acting upon the piston, such that when the piston is in the first position the gripping mechanism is in the closed position and when the piston is in the second position the gripping mechanism is in the open position. The assembly defines a circuit through which the fluid is transmitted to the piston.

Abstract: A rotary assembly for use in processing a tubular member wherein the assembly comprises a gripping mechanism, that is moveable from an open position to a closed position. In the closed position the gripping mechanism engages at least a portion of the tubular member. The gripping mechanism is operatively engaged to a piston that is fluid actuatable from a first position to a second position by a fluid acting upon the piston, such that when the piston is in the first position the gripping mechanism is in the closed position and when the piston is in the second position the gripping mechanism is in the open position. The assembly defines a circuit through which the fluid is transmitted to the piston.

Abstract: A dynamic bushing and/or gripper mechanism comprises an apparatus for retaining a tubular member in a position during processing so that the tube does not move transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bushing, but wherein the tube may be rotated within the confines of the bushing and/or in the case of the gripper mechanism the tube may be moved longitudinally within the confines of the gripper.

Abstract: A rotary assembly for use in processing a tubular member wherein the assembly comprises a gripping mechanism, that is moveable from an open position to a closed position. In the closed position the gripping mechanism engages at least a portion of the tubular member. The gripping mechanism is operatively engaged to a piston that is fluid actuatable from a first position to a second position by a fluid acting upon the piston, such that when the piston is in the first position the gripping mechanism is in the closed position and when the piston is in the second position the gripping mechanism is in the open position. The assembly defines a circuit through which the fluid is transmitted to the piston.