Gas assist molding of one-piece catheters
US6630086B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 7, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/7542
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and a method are disclosed for manufacturing an integral one piece catheter having a tube and a hub. The method comprises feeding molten material into a mold having a mold cavity. A fluid such as a gas is injected into an inlet of the mold. This causes the cavity to eject the molten central region of the polymer through an exit channel. In one embodiment, a gas is injected into the hub portion of the cavity. In another embodiment, a gas is injected into the catheter portion of the mold.The invention also involves forming a first portion of an intravascular device using a first material in a first mold. Thereafter the first portion of the intravascular device is inserted into a second mold to form a second portion using a second material. Gas is then introduced to form a hollow channel in the second portion.The invention also involves a first portion of the mold is injected with a first material, and a second portion of the cavity is injected with a second material at or around the same time that the first material is injected into the first portion of the cavity. Gas is then introduced to form a hollow channel in the second portion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.