A suture punch system is capable of directly passing braided suture through tissue in a simple, one-step process. An intermediate image transfer belt extends vertically, and the process cartridges are arrayed in the vertical direction and supported by the frame. The output clock storage element is then switched to a second state after a delay interval equal to a fraction of the period for driving the output clock signal to a second signal level. Functions of the field device that are directed towards safety are carried out in the second processor.