Heat-shrink tubing process apparatus and method of making heat-shrink tubing
US9370908B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jun 21, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29D23/001
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A continuous heat-shrink tubing process is described having an expansion element disposed with the tubing and a position maintenance feature to keep the expansion element in a desired location. The expansion element may be maintained in a position by pressurized fluid trapped within the tubing between the expansion element and pinch rollers. The pinch roller may be moved to reduce the volume within the section of tubing between the pinch roller nip and the expansion element, and thereby increase the pressure of the trapped fluid. In another embodiment, the expansion element may be held in place by an extruder connector. In yet another embodiment, the expansion element incorporates a magnetic component, or has at least one magnet, or magnetic metals and one or more magnets are configured to maintain an expansion element position through attractive or repulsive magnetic forces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.