Method and apparatus for manufacturing an expandable slotted tube
US6938694B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 3, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T83/485
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method of manufacturing an expandable slotted tube fabricated from at least one tubular element and at least two annular elements connected to the opposite ends of the tubular element by means of butt joints wherein axially extending slots are formed at a uniform angular spacing around the periphery of the tube and in longitudinally overlapping relation characterized by cutting said annular elements in a pattern of overlapping positionally fixed slots in accordance with invariable parameters which are pre-determined relative to the dimensions of said annular elements and cutting in said tubular element a pattern of slots that is variable in accordance with measured parameters of the tube so as to achieve the required overlap between said positionally fixed and variable slots. A machine for carrying out the method is also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.