Abstract:
A swager for swaging marker bands to a medical catheter, comprises an article input mechanism, the article input mechanism having a first input roller assembly for receiving and conveying an article, a first sensor for detecting a predetermined aspect of the article, a second input roller assembly for receiving and conveying the article, a positioning roller assembly for precisely aligning the article with respect to the swaging head, and a second sensor all constructed and arranged in a streamwise orientation. The swager also has a radial compression swaging head with a central swaging aperture, the swaging head being aligned and communicatively coupled with the input mechanism to receive an input article from the article input mechanism and to swage the article, the swaging head being rotatable and including (i.) a unitary die plate including a plurality of die segments movably coupled to each other to provide a radial compressive force to the article disposed in the central swaging aperture; and (ii.) a closing plate pivotally coupled with respect to each other. The swager also has an output mechanism aligned and communicatively coupled with the swaging head to receive the swaged article. A swaging head and die are also disclosed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS, IF ANY 
     This application claims the benefit of provisional application No. 60/404,074, filed Aug. 16, 2002. 
    
    
     37 C.F.R. §1.71(E) AUTHORIZATION 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the US Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX. IF ANY 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The present invention relates, generally, to material forming systems, apparatus and processes. More particularly, the invention relates to a swaging system, apparatus and method. Most particularly, the invention relates to a system, apparatus and method for swaging one or more articles such as marker bands at precise locations on a tubular structure such as a medical catheter. The techniques of the invention can also be used in other fields such as tube joining, cable joining, sealing, bullet manufacturing, and other medical, industrial, commercial apparatus and processes. 
     2. Background Information 
     Swaging is a forming process for use with hollow or solid material or articles, particularly metallic material or articles. Examples of hollow material or articles include tubes, casings, catheters, needles and the like. Examples of solid materials include rods, bars and wires. Swaging is commonly used to reduce or increase the diameter of material or articles, to create particular geometric shapes or profiles of material or articles, to join or fasten material or articles, or to seal or finish material or articles. Swaging is typically accomplished by placing material or articles, most commonly tubes, rods, bars or wires, inside a die that applies compressive force. Typically, the force is applied by radially hammering. The radial hammering may be accompanied by rotating the die or the workpiece. Additionally, a mandrel may be placed inside articles such as tubes during compression. The inner and outer diameters of the material or articles may be of the same or differing shapes. Swaging is typically conducted cold, or at room temperature, but may be conducted hot. Swaging may be accomplished by a rotary process, a stationary spindle process, or a die closing process. Other known forming processes include crimping and pointing. 
     Examples of existing swaging technology includes a rotary swager provided by Torrington Swaging and Vaill End Forming Machinery. Inc. of Waterbury, Conn. The rotary swager has a motorized spindle which is slotted, in order to hold backers and the dies. The spindle passes the backers over the rollers to deliver a blow to the dies. In this rotary swaging process, a swaging head is fixed. The dies close over a work piece and form the material. When the backers are in-between two roll positions, the centrifugal forces will move them apart, making it possible for the die to open, while the dies are rotating around the workpiece. The operation continues several times and the result is a reduced round cross section of tube, bar or wire. 
     A stationary spindle swager, also provided by Torrington Swager has a spindle and dies which are fixed. They do not rotate around the workpiece. Instead, the head rotates. This type of machine is used to obtain cross-sectioned shapes other than round, such as triangular, square, polygonal. 
     A die closing swage, further provided by Torrington Swager has dies which are moved radially by a die closing device and by backers while the operation is being performed. A spindle is motorized and rotating. This type of machine is used to obtain grooves or recesses for short step transition angles or for assembly of large parts on cables or rods without having to remove the dies between operations. 
     Numerous medical devices exist for accessing and working within the vasculature and other internal systems of humans and other animals for minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Examples of such devices include introducers, guidewires, catheters, and stents. They are typically thin, elongated structures which are inserted into arteries, veins, or body cavities through small punctures in the skin. After initial insertion, the insertable medical devices, and in particular certain portions or aspects of the devices such as balloons, blades, tips, drug delivery systems, are guided to desired locations in the body, such as the heart or other organs, by radioscopic or flouroscopic visualization. In such visualization processes, a medical practitioner views the medical device or a portion thereof in the body through a screen or other monitoring device. Visualization is enhanced or even made possible by a radiopaque marker, typically a band or series of bands of a predetermined geometry and disposed at a predetermined position(s) on the insertable medical device or portion thereof. Marker bands have been placed on insertable medical devices by existing swaging devices and processes. 
     Existing technology is believed to have limitations and shortcomings. For these and other reasons, a need exists for the present invention. 
     All US patents and patent applications, and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides a swaging system, apparatus and method which are practical, reliable, accurate and efficient, and which are believed to fulfil a need and to constitute an improvement over the background technology. 
     The swaging system, apparatus and process is useful for swaging metal bands to polymeric tubular structures in a precise, substantially automated fashion. In particular, the swaging system, apparatus and process is beneficial for swaging marker bands to medical catheters, guidewires, stents and the like. In general however, the swaging system, apparatus and process may be used for forming or processing hollow or solid material or articles, particularly those constructed of malleable metals, such as tubes, casings, catheters, needles, rods, bars and wires, to reduce or increase the diameter, to create particular geometric shapes or profiles, to join or fasten, or to seal or finish such material or articles. 
     In one embodiment, the invention provides a swager for swaging marker bands to a medical catheter, comprising: 
     a. an article input mechanism, the article input mechanism having a first input roller assembly for receiving and conveying an article, a first sensor for detecting a predetermined aspect of the article, a second input roller assembly for receiving and conveying the article, a positioning roller assembly for precisely aligning the article with respect to the swaging head, and a second sensor all constructed and arranged in a streamwise orientation; 
     b. a radial compression swaging head with a central swaging aperture, the swaging head being aligned and communicatively coupled with the input mechanism to receive an input article from the article input mechanism and to swage the article, the swaging head being rotatable and including:
         i. a unitary die plate including a plurality of die segments movably coupled to each other to provide a radial compressive force to the article disposed in the central swaging, aperture; and   ii. closing plate pivotally coupled with respect to each other; and       

     c. an output mechanism aligned and communicatively coupled with the swaging head to receive the swaged article. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides a swaging apparatus for swaging a marker band to a medical catheter, comprising: 
     a. a unitary die plate including:
         1. at least three die segments movably coupled to each other and defining a central swaging aperture, the segments being constructed and arranged to provide radial compressive force to an article disposed in the central swaging aperture, the die plate further comprising   2. a circumferential base, the segments being centrally arranged with respect to the base and connected thereto, wherein each segment:   i. is connected to the base by a radial flexure constructed as a beam and having a central beam axis aligned with the central swaging aperture:   ii. has a circumferential flexure constructed of a beam extending from a neighboring segment, the circumferential flexure being constructed and arranged to couple movement with two neighboring segments, and   iii. has a pivot point, whereby application of a force on the segment causes the segment to pivot about the pivot point and apply a radial compressive force to article disposed in the central swaging aperture; and       

     b. a closing plate pivotally coupled via the pivot points, and wherein the apparatus is rotatable. 
     The features, advantages, benefits and objects of the invention will become clear to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description, claims and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the swaging system of the present invention, showing a swaging base unit and a control unit. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the swaging base unit of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a front or elevation view of the base unit. 
         FIG. 4  is a top or plan view of the base unit. 
         FIG. 5  is a rear view of the base unit. 
         FIG. 6  is a view of the input or proximal end of the base unit. 
         FIG. 7  is a view of the output or distal end of the base unit. 
         FIG. 8  is a further perspective view of the base unit. 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of the base unit. 
         FIG. 10  is a further perspective view of the base unit. 
         FIG. 11  is a proximal view of an embodiment of the swaging head of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a distal view of the swaging head. 
         FIG. 13  is a distal view of the swaging head with elements removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the closing plate of the present invention attached to an embodiment of the swaging die plate of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the swaging die plate of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of a portion of the swaging die plate showing an embodiment of the swaging segment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is an enlarged view of the swaging segment. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of a swaging segment. 
         FIG. 19  is a simplified illustration of a medical balloon-type catheter, which is constructed using the system, apparatus and method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a portion of the catheter of FIG.  19 . 
         FIG. 21  is a crossectional view of the catheter taken along line  21 — 21  of FIG.  20 . 
         FIG. 22  is a crossectional view of the catheter taken along line  22 — 22  of FIG.  20 . 
         FIG. 23  is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of the method of swaging one article to another article, of the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a flow chart illustrating another embodiment of the method of the invention for swaging marker bands to a catheter. 
         FIG. 25  is a flow chart illustrating a particular embodiment of the method of swaging marker bands on the catheter shown in FIG.  20 ./// 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The drawing Figures show preferred embodiments of the swaging system or swager  10 , components thereof, and process of present invention. The swager system  10  is described below first in terms of its major structural elements and then in terms of its secondary structural and/or functional elements which cooperate to perform the preferred swaging function. The embodiments of the invention described are intended to be illustrative and not to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the exact forms disclosed. The embodiments are chosen and described so that persons skilled in the art will be able to understand the invention and the manner and process of making and using it. 
     The swaging system, apparatus and process is useful for connecting one material element, a swaged element, to another material element, a base element. In particular, it is useful for swaging bands, for example metal bands, to tubular structures, for example polymeric tubular structures, in a precise, substantially automated fashion. In particular, the swaging system, apparatus and process is beneficial for swaging marker bands to medical catheters, guide wires, stents and the like. In general however, the swaging system, apparatus and process may be used for forming or processing hollow or solid material or articles, particularly those constructed of malleable metals, such as tubes, casings, catheters, needles, rods, bars and wires, to reduce or increase the diameter, to create particular geometric shapes or profiles, to join or fasten, or to seal or finish such material or articles. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  one embodiment of the swaging system  10  includes a swaging base unit  11  and a control unit  12  which are connected via a cable master  39 . The swaging base unit  11  processes articles and materials for swaging as is described in detail below. The control unit  12  controls the base unit  11 . Although the base unit  11  and control unit  12  are shown as separate units, it is within the purview of the invention that they could be constructed in a single cabinet or housing. The control unit  12  includes a housing  26 , a control panel  27 , a display, and a meter  29 . A bar code reader  30  is connected to input  32  in housing  26 , via cable  31 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-5 , the swaging base unit  11  comprises an input handling system  49 , a swaging head  50 , an output handling system  51 , and a catheter handling system drive system  52 . The base unit  11  further preferably comprises a swaging head drive system  53  and a separate handling system drive system which drives both the input handling system  49  and the output handling system  51 . These primary assemblies are housed in a housing  38  with a top deck  42  that has an open well area  43 . Indicators  40  and  41  are located on the front face of the housing and a safety switch  44  is located on the input or proximal end of the housing  38 . The base unit  11  has an input or proximal end  45  and an output or distal end  46 . In general, during use, articles to be swaged are transported or conveyed substantially longitudinally, steamwise from the upstream input end  46  to the downstream output end.  46   
     Referring also to  FIGS. 5-10 , the input handling system or assembly  49  is disposed at the input or proximal end of the unit  11 , on the top deck  42 . This assembly  49  is responsible for mechanically receiving, holding, initially positioning, and transporting the articles or materials, for example a catheter and marker bands (which are preferably preloaded on the catheter), to be swaged to the swaging head  50 . The input assembly  49  is communicatively connected to the control unit  12  to coordinate actuation of its subparts as is described in detail below. 
     The input handling assembly  49  includes an input guide  58 , a first infeed roller assembly  60 , a second infeed roller assembly  68 , a positioning roller assembly  77 , a first sensor  95 , and a second sensor  96 . The input guide  58  is a rectilinear block of a predetermined length with a coextensive linear guide slot  59  in the top surface, which has a V-shaped profile. The input guide block  58  is preferably constructed of a low friction polymeric material. The input guide block  58  is shown connected to the top deck  42 , although it may alternatively be connected to the housing  38  or other elements of the base unit  11 , either directly or indirectly by means known in the art. 
     In use, the articles to be swaged are placed by an operator or user by hand, or otherwise, in the guide slot  59  of the guide  58 . The input guide  58  supports and aligns the articles to be swaged and permits them to be pulled along with low friction. Referring to  FIGS. 19-22 , preferred examples of an articles to be swaged include a catheter body  15 , a first (distal) marker band  13 , and a second, (proximal) marker band  14 . The marker bands  14  and  13  are preloaded, for example by hand by an operator, onto the catheter body  15  and placed in zones “s” (which have a predetermined maximum length) near and distally with respect to the points at which they will be fastened to the catheter body  15  by swaging. The bands  13  and  14  have an inside diameter which is only slightly larger than the outside diameter of the catheter  15 , so that the bands  13  and  14  tend to stay in place during processing by the system  10 , by light friction forces. The catheter body  15  is a thin, elongated tubular structure with a central lumen  17 , and a distal end tip  18 . The typical catheter body  15  is constructed of a polymeric material or a combination of materials, and typical marker bands  13  and  14  are constructed of a radiopaque (blocks passage of x-rays) material. As is best shown in  FIG. 21 , marker bands  13  and  14  (only marker band  13  is shown) have an initial (unswaged) inner diameter which is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the catheter body  15 . In some areas, a small gap  19  between the catheter body  15  and the bands  13  and  14  exists in this initial state. The catheter body  15  placed in the input guide  58  so that the tip  18  is disposed distally  46  with respect to the base unit  11 . 
     Returning to  FIGS. 2-10 , the first infeed roller assembly  60  is disposed at the distal output end of the input guide  58 , a predetermined distance therefrom. The first infeed roller assembly  60  engages the catheter  15  (including the preloaded bands  13  and  14 ) and transports it linearly, past the first sensor  95 , to the second infeed roller assembly  68 . The first infeed roller assembly  60  includes a rotatable roller  61  having a horizontally disposed shaft  63  rotabably connected in mounting block  62 . Roller  61  is constructed of a suitable polymeric or other material. Roller  61  preferably has a V-shaped slot  65  which is vertically and horizontally aligned with the upstream guide slot  59  of the input guide  58  to receive the conveyed catheter body  15 . Block  62  is connected to the housing  38  and other elements of the base unit  11  described below by a conventional bracket, but it may alternatively be connected to the top deck  42 , housing  38  or other elements of the base unit  11  directly, or indirectly by other means known in the art such as a frame, mounting block, case, or the like. The shaft  63  extends out an opposite side of the block  62  to a pulley  64 . Pulley  64  is communicatively connected to drive means preferably by a flexible belt (not shown for clarity) as is described in detail below. 
     The first sensor  95  is disposed a predetermined distance upstream from the second infeed roller assembly  68 . The first sensor  95  senses the forward or leading tip of the catheter  15  as it passes being transported by the first infeed roller assembly  60 . 
     The second infeed roller assembly  68  is disposed downstream from the first infeed roller assembly  60 , a predetermined distance therefrom. The second infeed roller assembly  68  engages the catheter  15  delivered by the first infeed roller assembly  60  and linearly transports it to the positioning roller assembly  77 . The second infeed roller assembly  68  includes a rotatable roller  69  having a horizontally disposed shaft  71  rotabably connected in mounting block  70 . Polymeric roller  69  also preferably has a V-shaped slot  74  which is vertically and horizontally aligned with the upstream guide slot  65  of the first infeed roller assembly roller  61  to receive the conveyed catheter body  15 . Block  70  is connected to the housing  38  and other elements of the base unit  11  described below by a conventional bracket, but such connection may be varied as is known in the art. The shaft  71  extends out an opposite side of the block  70  and pulleys  72  and  73  are connected to it. Pulley  73  is communicatively connected to drive means preferably by a flexible belt (not shown for clarity) as is described in detail below. Pulley  72  is communicatively connected to pulley  64  of first infeed guide roller assembly  60  and provides synchronized rotation thereto. 
     The positioning roller assembly  77  is disposed downstream from the second infeed roller assembly  68 , a predetermined distance therefrom. It receives the catheter  15  from the second infeed roller assembly  68  and linearly transports the catheter  15  downstream, past the second sensor  96   a/b , to the swaging head  50 . The positioning roller assembly  77  includes a pair of rotatable horizontal rollers  78   a  and  b , each of which has a horizontally disposed parallel shafts  80   a  and  b  rotabably connected in mounting block  81 , and a pair of rotatable vertical rollers  79   a  and  b , each of which is has a vertically disposed, parallel shafts  83   a  and  b  connected in mounting block  85 . Polymeric rollers  78   a/b  and  79   a/b  also preferably have V-shaped slots which is vertically and horizontally aligned with each other and with the upstream guide slot  74  of the second infeed roller assembly roller  68  to receive the conveyed catheter body  15 . Blocks  81  and  85  are connected to the housing  38  and other elements of the base unit  11  described below by a conventional bracket, but such connection may be varied as is known in the art. The shaft  71  extends out an opposite side of the block  70  and pulleys  72  and  73  are connected to it. Pulley  73  is communicatively connected to drive means preferably by a flexible belt (not shown for clarity) as is described in detail below. Pulley  72  is communicatively connected to pulley  64  of first infeed guide roller assembly  60  and provides synchronized rotation thereto. 
     The second sensor  96   a/b  is disposed a predetermined distance downstream from the positioning roller assembly  77  and a predetermined distance upstream from the swaging head  50 . The second sensor  96  senses the forward or leading tip of the catheter  15  as it passes being transported by the positioning roller assembly  77 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-5 , the swaging head  50  is disposed generally longitudinally centrally in the swager base unit  11 , a predetermined distance downstream from the positioning roller assembly  77  and the second sensor  96 . It preferably has a circular, disk shaped configuration with its center aligned for reception of the catheter  15  delivered by the input handling assembly  49  elements described above. The swaging head  50  is communicatively connected to the control unit  12  and cooperates with the input handling assembly  49  and the output handling system  51  to swage and output a swaged article. In general, the catheter  15  and bands  13  and  14  preloaded (but unswaged) at certain locations on the catheter  15  body are sequentially, linearly advanced predetermined distances to align the respective preloaded bands  13  and  14  with the swaging head  50 . The swaging head  50  is then actuated to first preferably move each respective band  13  and  14  to precise respective points on the catheter  15  body, and second to respectively swage the bands  13  and  14  at such points, whereby they are firmly fixed in position at such points. The fully swaged product  15  is then linearly advanced to the output end  46  by the output handling assembly  51 . During band movement, the swaging head  50  gently engages the band to hold it while the catheter body  15  is advanced by the positioning roller assembly  77 . During band swaging, the swaging head rotates and simultaneously undergoes a predetermined sequence of radial band impacting and band releasing movements. This results in precise, gentle radial compression of the bands  13  and  14  on the catheter. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 6-14 , the swaging head  50  generally comprises a die plate  100 , an actuation or closer plate  101 , a plurality of actuators  102   a-d , and a support assembly  103 . The support assembly  103  is coupled to the closer plate  101  and holds the head  50  and place and rotates it. The die plate  100  is coupled to the closer plate  101  so that it can rotate relative to it a small predetermined degree. The actuators are mounted on the closer plate  101  and communicatively connected to the die plate  100  and function to rotate the die plate  100  relative to the closer plate  101 . 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 15-18 , the die plate  100  of the swaging head  50  preferably has a circular, disk-like configuration. It is preferably constructed of a metallic material. The die plate  100  has a ring shaped, circumferential base  1108  and at least three, and preferably six, die segments  107   a-f  which are disposed within the ring of the base. Each die segment  107  is linked to each other as is described in detail below, and to the base  108  via a radial flexure  109   a-f . Each radial flexure  109  preferably is connected to the base  108  in a flexure slot  130  in the base  108 . A center aperture  112  is disposed at the center of the die plate  100 . The swaged article, for example a catheter  115  and marker bands  13  and  14  pass though the center aperture  112 . 
     As is best shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , each die segment  107  ( 107   c, d  and  e  are shown for example) has a generally thin, linear and somewhat flat, triangular configuration with a proximal end  110  disposed near the base  108  and a distal end  111  disposed near the center aperture  112 . A proximal face  113  is oriented hear the base  108 . A female face  114  is disposed near one neighboring segment and a male face  115  is disposed near an opposite neighboring segment. At the proximal end  110 , radial flexure  109  extends from proximal face  116 . Major arm  117  and minor arm  118  are disposed at the distal end  111  of each die segment  107 . A swaging surface  119  of a predetermined profile or configuration, in the preferred embodiment a curve of predetermined dimensions and radius, is disposed at the distal end of the minor arm  118 . This surface  119  impacts the article to be swaged. The profile of the surface  119  is variable depending upon the particular article and swaging application desired. Circumferential flexure  121  ( 121   d  for example) is formed by an inner beam  125  extending from the male face  115   e  and coupling at curved intersection  127  to an outer beam  126  formed in the body of the segment  107   d . The beams are separated by outer slot  123  joined by curved intersection  124  to inner slot  122 . Inner slot  122  in communicatively connected to a space between female face  114   d  of the segment  107   d  and the male face of adjacent segment  107   e , which space extends to center aperture  112 . A center slot  134  is communicatively connected to a space between female face  114  and male face  115   e  of adjacent segment  107   e , which extends proximally and separates the segments  107   d  and  107   e . Inner slot  122  is communicatively connected to pivot aperture  120   d  via pivot slot  128 . Each die segment  107   a-f  is thus directly connected to its two neighboring die segments via the structure of the circumferential segments  121 . This structure, in combination with the connections of the die segments  107  to the common base via the radial flexures, indirectly communicatively connects each die segment to all other die segments in the die plate  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , optional aperture  132  is for mounting of an optional heating element (not shown), and optional aperture  133  is for mounting of an optional sensor, such as a force measurement transducer (not shown). 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 11 and 14 , closure shafts  148  extend through pivot apertures  120  and are fixed in position relative to the die segments  107  in the closure plate  101  (via securement cap  149 ). During action of the die plate  100 , force is applied (as described below) on the base  108  to drive the base  108  in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in FIG.  11 . Force from the base  108  is applied to the die segments  107  via bending or pivoting of the radial flexures  109 . As the die segments  107  are correspondingly driven they pivot around the closure shafts  148  disposed in pivot apertures  120 . The pivot apertures  120  are disposed off of the centerline  129 . The longitudinal axis of radial flexure  109  is aligned with the center aperture  112  (See centerline  129 ) to provide pivotal movement of the die segments  107  relative to the center aperture  112  during die plate actuation. The major and minor arms  117  and  118  are configured to orient the swaging surface  119  to move towards the center of the center aperture  112  during die plate  100  actuation. The circumferential flexures  121  are configured and aligned substantially perpendicular to a line  135  extending from the center aperture  112 . This configuration of the circumferential flexure  121  permits movement between adjacent die segments  107  ( e  and  d , for example) which is parallel to this line  135  (i.e. perpendicular to the beams  125  and  126  of the circumferential flexures  121 ) and minimizes movement between adjacent die segments  107  which is perpendicular to the line  135  (i.e. parallel to the beams  125  and  126 ) during die plate  100  actuation. This in turn causes the die segments  107  to move in a precise and predictable fashion with respect to each other to control movement of the swaging surfaces  119  and closure of the central aperture  112  for swaging purposes. 
       FIG. 18  shows an alternative embodiment of the die plate  200  showing an alternative die segment  207  geometry and major and minor arm configuration. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the closer plate  101  of the swaging head  50  preferably has a circular, disk-like configuration with dimensions substantially equivalent to the die plate  100 . It is preferably constructed of a metallic material. A central aperture  139  is centrally disposed for movement of the swaged article therethrough. Closure shafts described above extend through apertures (not shown) which are aligned with pivot apertures  120  of the die segments  107 . Major flexure slots  140  extend from the center aperture  139  in a predetermined configuration. Minor flexure slots  141  extend from the center aperture  139  radially to the closure shaft apertures (not shown). Shaft caps  149  are disposed on the end of the closure shafts  148 . Distal mounting block apertures  144 , actuator shaft apertures  145 , and actuator connector apertures  146  and  147  are disposed in the closure plates  101 . 
     A distal mounting block  151  is shown in  FIG. 12  connected to the closure plate  101  via connectors  154  which mate with distal mounting block apertures  144 . The distal mounting block  151  has a central aperture  152  and an inset rim  153 . Drive shaft connection apertures  155  are disposed on the mounting block  151 . A funnel  156  with a central aperture  157  is disposed in the center aperture  139  of the closing place  101  and the center aperture  152  of the mounting block  151 . The distal mounting block  151  is for connection of a drive shaft thereto for support and rotation of the closure plate  101  and attached die plate  100 . Optionally., the distal mounting block may be constructed to provide a quick release magnetic or other attachment of the swaging head to the drive shaft. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  11 - 13  and  16 , the actuators of the swaging head  50  comprise at least one., and preferably a plurality (for example four) actuator assemblies  102   a-d  which are connected to the closing plate  110  and the die plate  100 . As is best shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  12  and  13 , each actuator assembly  102  comprises an actuator or motor  161   a-d  connected and fixed to the closing plate  101  via connectors  170  disposed through actuator connector apertures  146 , an actuator shaft  162  connected to and drivable by the motor  161   a-d , and extending proximally through the actuator shaft apertures  145  a predetermined distance to the proximal side of the closing plate  101 , power supply wiring  163   a-d  communicatively coupled to the motor  161  and the control unit  12 , and heat dissipation fins  164   a-d  or the like coupled to the motor  162 . As is best shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  11  and  13 , each actuator assembly  102  further comprises a clamp collar  168  connected to the proximally extended actuator shaft  162  and an associated clamp collar screw  169 , an actuator cable  173  connected to the clamp collar  168 , and a die plate connection block  172 . As is best shown in  FIGS. 11 and 16 , the die plate connection block is connected to the die plate  100  base  108  by connector  177  in base aperture  131 . Actuator cable  173  has proximal end  174  which is connected to the clamp collar  168  and distal end  175  which is connected in well or recess  176  of connection block  172 . 
     In use, to actuate the swager head  50  to close the radially move engagement surfaces  119  to close aperture  112  for both band grasping or band swaging purposes power is supplied to motor  160  which rotates drive shaft  162  (counter clockwise as viewed from FIG.  11  and clockwise as viewed from FIGS.  12  and  13 ). Clamp collar  168  turns with actuator shaft  162  and pulls attached actuator cable  173 . This causes attached connection block to pull die  100  base  108  counter clockwise (as viewed from the proximal or input end (FIG.  11 )). The rotating die base  108  applies force on the die segments  107   a-f  via their respective radial flexures  109  and the die segments  107  pivot around shafts  148  in apertures  120 . Tile structure and configuration of the pivoting die segments  107   a-f  yield radial inward movement in their respective swaging surfaces  119   a-f . The radial force is adjustable depending upon function, for a grasping force for marker band positioning, or a swaging force for marker band impacting, and material specifications. Additionally, the swaging head  50  may be stationary or rotating during die plate actuation. In a grasping mode, for example where the swaging head  50  is holding a marker hand  13  or  14  while the catheter  15  is advanced to position the band on the catheter, the swaging head  50  is stationary. In a swaging mode, the swaging head is rotated while the swaging surfaces  119  are simultaneously pulsed and released to uniformly impact marker bands about their periphery. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-5 , the output handling system or assembly  51  is disposed at the output or distal end of the unit  11 , on the top deck  42 . This assembly  51  is responsible for mechanically receiving and transporting the combined, swaged article, for example a catheter and connected marker bands, from the swaging head  50  to the distal end  46  of the system  10  At this point, the swaged product may be removed by an operator or delivered to ancillary materials handling or processing equipment. The output assembly  51  is communicatively connected to the control unit  12  as is described in detail below. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 7-10 , the output handling assembly  51  includes a drive shaft  183  supported by a drive shaft support  184 . Drive end  186  has gear teeth for coupling with a drive belt. A locating collar  188  is clamped to the drive shaft  183  to supply information about the rotational position of the shaft  183  to the control system  12 . The drive shaft  183  rotates the swaging head  50  (clockwise as viewed from the proximal end in FIG.  11  and counter-clockwise as viewed from the distal end in  FIG. 12 ) during a swaging mode) The drive shaft is hollow and aligned with the central aperture  112  of the swaging head  50  to receive the swaged catheter  15  conveyed by the input handling assembly  49 . The output handling assembly  51  further comprises an output funnel  187  disposed downstream of the drive end  186 , and an egress roller assembly disposed a predetermined distance downstream of the output funnel  187 , preferably consisting of egress rollers  189   a  and  b  mounted in block  190 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6-10 , the input/output handling system drive system preferably comprises a motor  191  communicatively connected to the control system  12  and a drive shaft  192  connected to the motor  192  extending rearwardly. A first pulley or pulley-like connector  193  on the drive shaft  192  is connected to a generally laterally and horizontally extending belt (not shown for clarity) which is also coupled to a vertical positioning roller assembly connector  194 , which drives vertical positioning roller shaft  79   a  directly and shaft roller shaft  79   b  via gears  195   a  and  b . A second connector  196  on the drive shaft  192  is connected to a vertically extending belt (not shown form clarity) which is also coupled to horizontal positioning roller assembly connector  89   a , which drives horizontal positioning roller shaft  80   a  directly and roller shaft  80   b  indirectly via gears  90   a  and  b . Connector  89   b  is also connected to shaft  80   b . A belt (not shown for clarity) runs proximally and horizontally from connector  89   b  to couple with connector  72  on second infeed roller shaft  71  and supply drive power thereto. Also connected to shaft  71  is a connector  73 . A belt (not shown for clarity) runs further proximally and horizontally from connector  73  to couple with connector  64  on first infeed roller shaft  63  and supply drive power thereto. Drive shaft  192  further has a third connector  198  disposed at its distal or output end. A belt (not shown for clarity) runs laterally and horizontally to coupled to egress roller connector  199  attached to egress roller drive shaft  178   b . This also supplies drive power to egress roller drive shaft  178  via gears  179   a  and  b.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the swaging head drive system  53  preferably comprises a motor  54  communicatively connected to control unit  12 , a drive shaft  55  extending from the motor  54 , a pulley or pulley-like connector  56  connected to the drive shaft  55  and a belt (not shown for clarity) which extends from the connector  56  laterally to mate with the drive end  186  of the drive shaft  183 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , the method of swaging a subarticle (for example one or more marker bands) to an article (for example a catheter) comprises the step  300  of inserting an article with a subarticle propositioned (but not swaged) thereon. The subarticle is preferably located in a general swaging region, but may be simply placed thereon. The next step  301 , involves searching for the subarticle. This involves searching for the beginning or some other predetermined point on the article and then searching for the subarticle as a function of this article location, and is preferably accomplished by actuating a conveyance mechanism such as the input handling system and advancing the article to one or more sensors thereof to sense the article point and then advancing a predetermined distance therefrom to arrive at the subarticle. Next, the subarticle is preferably position adjusted  302  by advancing the article a predetermined distance while the subarticle remains still. This is preferably accomplished by actuating the input handling system to move the located subarticle on the article into alignment with the swaging head, engaging the subarticle with a predetermined grasping force applied by actuating the stationary swaging head and advancing the article with the input handling system a predetermined distance while holding the subarticle in position. This properly orients the subarticle with respect to the article. Next the subarticle is swaged  303  to the article. This is preferably accomplished by maintaining the position of the input handling system, rotating the swaging head a predetermined number of degrees, and simultaneously pulse actuating the swaging head with a predetermined swaging force. Next the article is ejected  304  preferably by the input handling and output handling systems. 
     Referring to  FIG. 24 , the method of swaging two or more marker bands to a catheter comprises the step  310  of inserting an catheter with two bands propositioned (but not swaged) thereon. The bands are preferably located in general swaging regions. The next step  311 , involves searching for the first or distal band. This involves searching for the beginning or some other predetermined point on the catheter and then searching for the distal band as a function of this catheter tip location, and is preferably accomplished by actuating a conveyance mechanism such as the input handling system and advancing the catheter to one or more sensors thereof to sense the catheter point and then advancing a predetermined distance therefrom to arrive at the band. Next, the distal band is preferably position adjusted  312  by advancing the catheter a predetermined distance while the band remains still. This is preferably accomplished by actuating the input handling system to move the located band on the catheter into alignment with the swaging head, engaging the band with a predetermined grasping force applied by actuating the stationary swaging head and advancing the catheter with the input handling system a predetermined distance while holding the band in position. This properly orients the band with respect to the catheter. This band searching and positioning step can be repeated one or more times to find and position further bands. Next the distal band is swaged  313  to the catheter. This is preferably accomplished by maintaining the position of the input handling system., rotating the swaging head a predetermined number of degrees, and simultaneously pulse actuating the swaging head with a predetermined swaging force. The next step  314 , involves searching for the second or proximal band. This involves searching for the proximal band as a function of this distal swaging location, and is preferably accomplished by actuating a conveyance mechanism such as the input handling system and advancing the catheter a predetermined distance therefrom to arrive at the proximal band. Next, the proximal band is preferably position adjusted  315  by advancing the catheter a predetermined distance while the proximal band remains still. This is preferably accomplished by actuating the input handling system to move the located proximal band on the catheter into alignment with the swaging head, engaging the proximal band with a predetermined grasping force applied by actuating the stationary swaging head and advancing the catheter with the input handling system a predetermined distance while holding the band in position. This properly orients the band with respect to the catheter. This band searching and positioning step can be repeated for further bands. Next the proximal band is swaged  316  to the catheter. This is preferably accomplished by maintaining the position of the input handling system, rotating the swaging head a predetermined number of degrees, and simultaneously pulse actuating the swaging head with a predetermined swaging force. Next the catheter is ejected  317  preferably by the input handling and output handling systems. 
     Referring to  FIG. 25 , a further preferred method of swaging a pair of marker bands to the catheter shown in  FIG. 20  is illustrated wherein “A” is the distance from the tip to the distal band. “B” is the length of a band, and “C” is the distance from the distal band to the proximal band, and “S” is the slide distance that the band can be preset from the ending or final position. S cannot be larger than the C position and must take into account the die width. Further, A−S+1=Distal Band Placement and A+B+C−S+1=Proximal Band Placement. 
     Although the system, apparatus and method has been described in connection with the field of medical devices, and in particular, marker bands, it can readily be appreciated that it is not limited solely to such field, and can be used in other fields including, but not limited to aviation, electronics, industrial processes, computers, telecommunications ammunition, and the like. 
     The descriptions above and the accompanying drawings should be interpreted in the illustrative and not the limited sense. While the invention has been disclosed in connection with an embodiment or embodiments thereof it should be understood by those skilled in the art that there may be other embodiments which fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Where a claim, if any, is expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function it is intended that such claim be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof including both structural equivalents and equivalent structures, material-based equivalents and equivalent materials, and act-based equivalents and equivalent acts.