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Methods for modifying hypotubes

  • US 8,816,247 B1
  • Filed: 03/25/2014
  • Issued: 08/26/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/29/2013
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of modifying a hypotube, the method comprising:

  • holding the hypotube at a height above a floor on which the method is carried out using a bushing, a plurality of collets, and a hypotube clamp,wherein the bushing and plurality of collets are arranged to inhibit sag of the hypotube to be less than 3% of the height, andwherein the bushing, the plurality of collets, and the hypotube clamp are aligned at the height;

    focusing a laser beam at the hypotube, wherein focusing the laser beam at the hypotube comprises cutting a pattern into the hypotube for a duration,wherein the pattern comprises;

    a first plurality of longitudinally-spaced rows each comprising two kerfs and two stems, the stems of the first plurality of longitudinally-spaced rows being offset in a first circumferential direction, anda second plurality of longitudinally-spaced rows each comprising two kerfs and two stems, the longitudinally-spaced rows of the second plurality of longitudinally-spaced rows interspersed with the longitudinally-spaced rows of the first plurality of longitudinally-spaced, the stems of the second plurality of longitudinally spaced rows being offset in a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction;

    during cutting the pattern into the hypotube, longitudinally advancing the hypotube toward a spiral collector using the hypotube clamp,winding the hypotube including the pattern in the spiral collector; and

    flowing gas into the spiral collector,wherein flowing the gas into the spiral collector comprises cooling the hypotube,wherein flowing the gas into the spiral collector is for at least a portion of the duration.

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