Patent ID: 6177037
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: A61M,B26D,B26F,B29C,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of forming a slit in a reseal element having an outer surface defined by a proximal end thereof, a semi-spherical inner surface portion defined by a dome region of the proximal end, and an annular inner surface portion which circumvents the semi-spherical inner surface portion through the use of a cutting assembly including a locator plate having a locator cavity disposed therein, a cutting core, a support fixture, and a blade member, the method comprising the steps of:(a) inserting the reseal element into the locator cavity of the locator plate;(b) (1) moving the cutting core from an unloading position whereat it is retracted away and spaced from the locator plate to a slit forming position whereat it is disposed immediately adjacent the locator plate; and(2) moving the support fixture relative to the cutting core from an ejection position whereat the support fixture is retracted into the cutting core and disposed therewithin to a support position whereat the support fixture is advanced from the cutting core into contact with the semi-spherical and annular inner surface portions of the reseal element to pre-stress the dome region of the reseal element; and(c) advancing the blade member through the proximal end of the reseal element to form the slit therein.