Apparatus and method for extrusion of thin-walled tubes
US6814561B2 · kind B2 · utility
12Cited by
56References
54Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/139
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for manufacturing polymeric thin-walled tubular members, which are well-suited for use as vascular grafts. The apparatus of the present invention enables extrusion of a tubular member having an extremely thin wall thickness so as to facilitate passage through tortuous vascular passageways. The apparatus achieves uniform wall thickness in a tubular member by establishing and maintaining axial alignment of a ram having a concentrically disposed guide rod therein with a die supported in concentric relation to the guide rod.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.