Devices and methods for umbilical cord processing

A method of harvesting a patch from an umbilical cord, the method comprising:

• obtaining an apparatus for processing an umbilical cord, the apparatus comprising:
• a base plate assembly, wherein the base plate assembly has a planar surface;
• a bar coupled to the base plate assembly, wherein the bar is spaced from the planar surface such that a first gap exists between the bar and the planar surface;
• a motor coupled to the base plate assembly, wherein:
• the motor comprises a shaft with an eccentric pinion;
• and
• the shaft with the eccentric pinion is generally perpendicular to the bar;
• and
• a reciprocating blade coupled to the motor, wherein:
• the reciprocating blade comprises a cutting edge that is parallel to the bar;
• and
• a second gap exists between the cutting edge and the bar;
• inserting one end of an umbilical cord between the planar surface of the base plate and the bar;
• wrapping the umbilical cord around the bar;
• pulling the first end of the umbilical cord away from the bar;
• and
• engaging the reciprocating blade with the umbilical cord to cut a patch from the umbilical cord.