US 6,260,458 B1 · Method and apparatus for forming cuts in catheters, guide wires, and the like

Abstract

A system and method for making at least one cut in a catheter, guide wire or other elongate cylindrical object having a lengthwise axis, comprising a securing means for repeatedly releasing and then holding the elongate object in a position suitable for cutting it at an angle or transversely relative to its lengthwise axis, a manipulating means for moving the elongate object so that it can be disposed in the position suitable for cutting when it is released by the securing means, and a cutting means for forming the at least one precision cut in the elongate object to any desired depth. The securing means preferably comprises a rotatable collet clamp, and the manipulating means preferably comprises a pinch roller assembly for advancing and holding the elongate object. The cutting means is preferably a mechanical blade mounted on a rotatable spindle, and is free to move vertically and horizontally with respect to the elongate object to thereby control the location, size and depth of the cuts in the cylindrical object disposed adjacent thereto. The clamp is configured to hold and position the object to be cut so as to expose the entire circumference of the cylindrical object to the saw blade if desired. By releasing the clamp, the pinch roller advances the cylindrical object before the clamp is re-engaged to securely hold the cylindrical object for cutting.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A system configured for forming at least one precision cut in an elongate object, wherein the precision cut is generally at an angle or transverse relative to a lengthwise axis of the elongate object, said system comprising:

a base;
clamp supported by the base and configured for selectively grasping and stabilizing the elongate member by repeatedly releasing and then holding the elongate object in a position suitable for cutting;
a first roller and a second roller comprising a pinch roller and feed roller, the first and second rollers being rotatable supported by the base, and configured to move the elongate object in a direction parallel to the lengthwise axis, said rollers being rotatable with the elongate object around the lengthwise axis of the elongate member;
a mechanism configured for rotating the elongate object, said mechanism being supported by the base and configured to rotate the first and second roller;
and,
a horizontally moveable member supported by the base and configured for moving horizontally with respect to the base,
a cutting means carried by the horizontally moveable member and moveable therewith toward and away from the elongate object, the cutting means being configured for forming the at least one precision cut in the elongate object to a desired depth.

4 more elements

a base;
a collet clamp configured for repeatedly releasing and then holding the elongate object in a position suitable for cutting the elongate object at an angle or transversely relative to the lengthwise axis;
a pinch roller assembly configured for manipulating the elongate object so that the elongate object can be moved to a position suitable for cutting when the object is released by the collet clamp, said pinch roller assembly comprising:
a first wheel configured for supporting and forcing the elongate object to move toward the clamping means when the collet clamp is disengaged;
a second wheel configured for applying a force to the elongate object to thereby hold the elongate object against the first wheel, thereby cooperating with the first wheel in providing friction to push the cylindrical object to the collet clamp;
and
a lever arm coupled to the base at a pivoting end, and coupled to the second wheel at a movable end;
a spring means coupled between the lever arm and the base and cooperating therewith to provide force to the second wheel for application to the elongate object;
a mechanism configured for rotating the elongate object, said mechanism being supported by the base and configured to rotate said pinch roller assembly;
and
a movable member carrying a spindle configured to rotatable carry a rotatable blade configured for forming the at least one precision cut in the elongate object to any desired depth, said blade being moveable relative to the elongate object being held by the collet clamp such that the precision cut can be made at an angle or transversely relative to the lengthwise axis of the elongate object.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for forming cuts in catheters, guide wires, and the like

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for forming cuts in catheters, guide wires, and the like

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15