Process for manufacturing an expandable member
US4803029A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 28, 1986 |
| Grant date | Feb 7, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/753
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A process for manufacturing an expandable member such as a tissue expander or like product for use in plastic, reconstructive, and other surgery. A compression mold with a desired initial, predetermined geometrical configuration shape is filled partially with a layer of unvulcanized flexible material, such as silicone, a thin layer of Teflon or like non-stick substance, and followed by another layer of unvulcanized material. The Teflon is "sandwiched" between the unvulcanized material and cured in an oven or by other suitable means. The non-stick material provides a separation region for subsequent expansion by injection of suitable material, air, fluid, etc. The non-stick material can be shaped to provide expansion only in the desired regions. Single, multiple, or overlapped layers of non-stick material may be employed to manufacture a variety of expandable products in the fields of medicine, surgery, consumer and industrial applications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.