Distensible pet balloon and method of manufacture
US5645789A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jul 8, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 20, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S264/905
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A semi-compliant PET balloon and a method for manufacturing the balloon are disclosed. The method for manufacturing the semi-compliant PET balloon includes the steps of varying the temperature and inflation pressure on a tube of PET material in an ordered sequence to i) form the balloon, ii) thin the walls of the balloon, ii) size the balloon and then, iv) crystallize the PET material of the balloon. First, to form the balloon, the tube of PET material is preheated, and simultaneously pressurized and stretched. The pressure in the tube is then increased to conform the balloon to the shape of a mold. Next the balloon walls are thinned by decreasing pressure and providing additional stretch on the PET tube. A subsequent increase in pressure sizes the balloon. The sized balloon is next subjected to an increase in temperature and a decrease in pressure to crystallize the PET material. A cooling step completes the method for manufacture.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.