Balloon folding technology
US7407377B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 2005 |
| Grant date | Aug 5, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/5367
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for folding a catheter balloon comprises a stationary base member; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the stationary base member; and a pleating head aligned with respect to the stationary base member and to the rotatable drive hub. The pleating head includes at least three segments, each having a proximal end and an angled distal end with at least one angled side face terminating in an edge of a predetermined length. Each segment has a centerline between the proximal and distal ends, each segment having a proximal point and a distal point, and the proximal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the stationary base member and the distal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the rotatable hub member. The segments are arranged so that the segment distal ends are disposed adjacent to and a predetermined distance away from a central point and defining a central aperture with a spiral-pleat dimension having at least three channels in communication with a central aperture. Also, the segment centerlines extend therefrom toward the segment distal ends and are oriented away from the central point. The segment distal ends move closer to the central point…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.