Abstract:
An apparatus for folding a catheter balloon comprises a stationary base member; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the stationary base member; and a pleating head aligned with respect to the stationary base member and to the rotatable drive hub. The pleating head includes at least three segments, each having a proximal end and an angled distal end with at least one angled side face terminating in an edge of a predetermined length. Each segment has a centerline between the proximal and distal ends, each segment having a proximal point and a distal point, and the proximal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the stationary base member and the distal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the rotatable hub member. The segments are arranged so that the segment distal ends are disposed adjacent to and a predetermined distance away from a central point and defining a central aperture with a spiral-pleat dimension having at least three channels in communication with a central aperture. Also, the segment centerlines extend therefrom toward the segment distal ends and are oriented away from the central point. The segment distal ends move closer to the central point upon rotation of the rotatable hub member in a predetermined direction, whereby the balloon is disposed around a shaft substrate, aligned in the central aperture and pleated around the shaft substrate upon rotation of the rotatable hub. A method of pleating and folding a catheter balloon is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method of producing a hose-connector assembly, including the steps of forming by extrusion an inner resin tube layer, forming by extrusion an outer rubber protector tube layer having substantially the same length as the inner resin tube layer, so as to cover the outer surface of the inner resin tube layer over the entire length of the inner resin tube layer, to obtain a laminar tubular blank consisting of the inner resin tube layer and the outer rubber protector tube layer, cutting the laminar tubular blank into pieces, and press-fitting an end portion of a tubular connector in each of at least one of the opposite end portions of the inner resin tube.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a plastics material bellows, wherein a preform is made by molding plastics material in a mold, the mold having preferred deformation zones, and then before the part has completely left the mold, the bellows is formed by folding the preform in the preferred deformation zones, with the resulting bellows being open at both ends.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for forming catheters and catheter curves using ferromagnetic materials exposed to an alternating magnetic field. Heat is generated in the exposed ferromagnetic material. The temperature of the ferromagnetic material is allowed to reach a desired temperature, preferably the Curie temperature of the ferromagnetic material containing portion. The heat generated is transferred to a catheter, wherein the catheter can be selectively formed or assembled and bonded at the desired elevated temperature.
Abstract:
An apparatus for rerounding plastic pipe includes a housing having a pipe passage extending therethrough. The housing has a moveable outer frame top positionable between an open position and a closed position to enclose a pipe to be rerounded. A pair of opposing jaws are positioned within the housing and on opposite sides of the pipe passage and have a generally symmetrical configuration with respect to one another. A drive mechanism is connected with respect to at least one of the jaws for compressing the jaws with respect to each other resulting in compression of the pipe to be rerounded.
Abstract:
A forming track forms flexible plastic tubing which carries fuel from a fuel tank to an engine into a desired shape. The forming track includes a curved channel to receive a round tubing and a pair of opposing flanges to secure the tubing in the forming track. The tubing slightly deforms between the pair of opposing flanges as the plastic tubing is positioned in the channel. After the tubing is inserted, the opposing flanges secure the tubing in the forming track. While positioned in the forming track, the tubing is set by heating and rapid cooling, thermosetting the tube into the shape of the forming track.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a curved hose. The method is comprised of the steps of forming a hose pre-assembly, partially curing the hose on a linear mandrel, and then completing the curing of the hose pre-assembly on a curved mandrel.
Abstract:
A device or method for flaring nylon or plastic tubings while on a tube-bending fixture, without the necessity of flaring in the assembly process so the tube can be inserted with a coupler or connector. A first embodiment includes a tapered post having a bi-metallic spring mounted thereon. A second embodiment includes a tapered movable piston for forming the flare in the tube.
Abstract:
A flow tube for an induction system with a turbo charger includes a first tube half and a second tube half with a noise attenuation plate positioned between the halves. The noise attenuation plate includes a plurality of holes having varying diameter and depths. The first tube half, the second tube half, and the noise attenuation plate are integrally formed as a single piece during an injection molding process. The noise attenuation plate is folding along a first living hinge to overlap one of the first or second tube halves. The other of the first or second tube halves is folded along a second living hinge to overlap the noise attenuation plate forming a flow tube that defines a flow path. The noise attenuation plate is thus positioned in the flow path. When acoustic energy created by the turbo charger encounters the noise attenuation plate, the change in impedance results in acoustic reflections back toward the turbo charger. Thus the noise attenuation plate serves as a low pass filter that attenuates high frequencies while allowing lower frequencies through.
Abstract:
A machine and method for providing a folded liner for insertion into a pipe, comprises an upper section and a lower section. A flattened heated thermoplastic liner is fed downwardly through the upper section to the lower section, where it is redirected and fed substantially horizontally from the lower section. The flattened liner introduced to the upper section is broadly indented at one side of the liner and is then more acutely indented to provide loops disposed side-by-side in a substantially horizontal direction. The lower section reorients the loops so that they are stacked side-by-side in a substantially vertical direction. The liner is cooled as its leaves the lower section to maintain its cross-sectional configuration. The upper section is separable from the lower section, and portions of the upper and lower sections are displaceable and removable to facilitate insertion of the liner into the machine and removal of the machine from the liner.