Abstract: An apparatus, and associated method, laser cuts self-wrapping, woven or braided split sleeves from a continuous feed of sleeve material by sweeping a laser beam across the continuously fed material. Instead of sweeping the laser beam straight across the material in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the material, the sweep path is angled to follow the feed rate of the material while the laser beam cuts through the material from one side to the other. Thus, a straight cut may be completed without stopping the feed. The apparatus includes a mandrel tor expanding the material before intersection with the laser beam to open a gap at the longitudinal split. The mandrel has a wedge-shaped tip with an end-surface profile that is at an oblique angle to the direction of motion of the material. The oblique angle at least approximately matches the sweep angle of the laser beam.

Abstract: A system for opening a lumen in an occluded blood vessel, e.g., a coronary bypass graft, of a living being. The method entails using an instrument to deploy the stent at occlusive material within the blood vessel to open the lumen, whereupon some debris may be produced. Operating a debris extraction system for removing debris during deployment of the stent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various embodiments for a flushing system for an ink jet printer, wherein a flushing fluid source provides a flushing fluid to a manifold wherein the flushing fluid is introduced into the printer's lines, and capping device as well as past the print heads, wherein residual ink is reduced or removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various embodiments for a wash station for use with ink jet printers, wherein the risk of experiencing print performance problems due to contaminated wiper blades is reduced. The wash station provides for the storage of the wiper blade in a washing fluid for the removal of contaminants.

Abstract: A method for opening a lumen in an occluded blood vessel, e.g., a coronary bypass graft, of a living being. The method entails using an instrument to deploy the stent at occlusive material within the blood vessel to open the lumen, whereupon some debris may be produced. Operating a debris extraction system for removing debris during deployment of the stent.