Low mass rotary motor assembly for stent processing

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.

1 - 10 . (canceled)  
     
     
         11 . A rotary assembly for use in processing a tubular member, the assembly comprising: 
 a gripping mechanism;    a fluid actuable piston engaged to the gripping mechanism;    a fluid circuit comprising a first and second fluid transmission lumen each having a first and second end wherein the second end of the first fluid transmission lumen and the second end of the second fluid transmission lumen are in fluid communication with the piston;    a fluid input connected to the first end of the first fluid transmission lumen;    a fluid output connected to the first end of the second fluid transmission lumen;    a motor;    a rotary shaft, the rotary shaft being rotatable about a longitudinal axis, a portion of the rotary shaft being operatively engaged to the motor and a portion of the shaft capable of communication with a tubular member to be processed;    a third fluid transmission lumen running along the length of the rotatable shaft having first and second ends with the second end capable of communication with a tubular member to be processed;    and a third fluid input connected to first end of the third fluid transmission lumen.    
     
     
         12 . The rotary assembly of claim  1  wherein the first fluid transmission lumen further comprises a first fluid passageway and the second fluid transmission lumen further comprises a second fluid passageway and both the first and second fluid passageways are connected to the rotary shaft.  
     
     
         13 . The rotary assembly of claim  10  wherein the first fluid transmission lumen further comprises a proximal fluid input coupling which is connected to the first fluid passageway with a sealant mechanism.  
     
     
         14 . The rotary assembly of claim  10  wherein the second fluid transmission lumen further comprises a proximal fluid output coupling which is connected to the second fluid passageway with a sealant mechanism.  
     
     
         15 . The rotary assembly of claim  10  wherein the first fluid transmission lumen further comprises a distal fluid output coupling which is connected to the first fluid passageway with a sealant mechanism.  
     
     
         16 . The rotary assembly of claim  10  wherein the second fluid transmission lumen further comprises a distal fluid output coupling which is connected to the second fluid passageway with a sealant mechanism.  
     
     
         17 . The rotary assembly of claim  1  wherein the rotary shaft is connected to a non-rotating mount.  
     
     
         18 . The rotary assembly of claim  1  wherein the motor contains a coolant entry port and the third lumen is connected to the coolant entry port.  
     
     
         19 . The rotary assembly of claim  1  wherein the piston can assume two positions a first position and a second position, and when the piston is in the first position the gripping mechanism is closed and when the piston is in the second position the gripping mechanism is open.  
     
     
         20 . The rotary assembly of claim  1  wherein the rotary shaft further defines a port capable of fluid communication with a tubular member to be processed and the rotary shaft wherein the port is constructed and arranged to regulate the flow of fluid from the third lumen to the tubular member.