Interface Associates, Inc.

Bicore Monitoring Systems

Confluent Medical Technologies, Inc.

Other

Josef J Stupecky

Eric Mabry

A multi-layered balloon is provided where each layer is formed such that each layer is made from tubing that optimizes the inner wall stretch thus providing maximum balloon strength. The high pressure, multi-layer balloon is provided with layers that allow for slipping, such that the balloon has a very high pressure rating and toughness, yet excellent folding characteristics. Methods for producing such multi-layer balloons using existing balloon forming equipment are also provided. The multi-layer balloons can have alternating structural and lubricating layers, or layers with low-friction surfaces. The multi-layer balloons are preferably manufactured using a variety of methods including nesting, co-extrusion, or a combination of nesting and co-extrusion. The multi-layer balloons have balloon layers having substantially similar, or the same, high degree of biaxial orientation of their polymer molecules such that each balloon layer of the multi-layer balloon will fail at approximately the same applied pressure.

Methods for manufacturing multi-layer balloons for medical applications

A balloon folding apparatus is provided for use in the manufacture of balloon catheters. The balloon folding apparatus includes a plurality of arms and a plurality of blades attached to the plurality of arms such that the plurality of blades is capable of translating in a radial direction. Preferably, a plurality of stepper motors coupled to the plurality of arms provides precise radial movement of the plurality of blades. Each of the plurality of blades is profiled to create a plurality of folds in a balloon catheter. A balloon wrapping apparatus is also provided and operates in a similar manner. The balloon wrapping apparatus includes a plurality of blades configured to wrap a folded balloon catheter around a catheter shaft so as to minimize the diameter of the balloon catheter.

Balloon catheter folding and wrapping devices and methods

Multi-layer balloons for medical applications and methods for manufacturing the same

Measurement devices and methods for measuring balloon catheters are provided. Embodiments enable measuring the outer dimensions and burst pressure of a balloon catheter. The measurement apparatus can measure a balloon catheter in ambient air or a balloon catheter submerged in a heated water bath. In ambient air, an axial drive mechanism translates the balloon catheter in an axial direction and a rotary drive mechanism rotates the balloon catheter while a measurement device is used to measure balloon catheter dimensions. In a water tank, an axial drive mechanism translates the balloon catheter in an axial direction while a measurement device is used to measure the burst pressure of the balloon catheter. The devices and methods can utilize a laser micrometer in order to provide such measurements. A control unit provides a user interface and is capable of displaying real time data during the measurement process.

Measurement apparatus and methods for balloon catheters

A swaging machine is configured to substantially uniformly reduce the diameter of a tubular attachment, such as a marker band, to result in a smooth and repeatable finished part. The swaging machine comprises a feed system, an impact system, and a rotation system. A split die having a compound die cavity is provided for use in conjunction with the swaging machine to receive an impact force from the impact system and, in turn, apply a swaging force to the marker band. The rotation system rotates the impact system, including the die, about the axis of the marker band to apply swaging forces about the circumference of the marker band, while the feed system feeds the marker band through the die thereby applying swaging forces along the length of the marker band.

Swaging machine and method of use

A swaging die is configured to substantially uniformly reduce the diameter of a tubular attachment, such as a marker band, to result in a smooth and repeatable finished part. The swaging die comprises a first block, and a second block, with each of the first and second blocks defining a cavity that cooperate to define a swaging cavity when the first block is juxtaposed with the second block. The first block is configured to receive an impact, thereby varying the volume of the swaging cavity and applying a swaging force onto a tubular attachment located therein. The tubular attachment is preferably fed through the swaging cavity to uniformly and gradually reduce the diameter of the tubular attachment.

Swaging die and method of use

A modular constructed connector for interconnecting with a single male and female connector a plurality of electrical lines and fluid lines while maintaining a consistent bubble-tight fluid interconnection. The modular design permits the number of fluidic and electrical connections to be varied depending upon the particular application. In one embodiment, a programmable microchip is mounted within this connector. This chip stores the response characteristics of a flow meter used, for example, as an air flow measurement device in a respiratory circuit. The connector includes a passage for providing fluidic communication between the flow meter or other sensor and a medical monitoring device. In turn, the monitoring device communicates electrically with the programmable microchip to determine a correction factor to be applied to the fluidic signal received from the flow meter.

Disposable electro-fluidic connector with data storage

A modular constructed connector for interconnecting with a single male and female connector a plurality of electrical lines and fluid lines while maintaining a consistent bubble-tight fluid interconnection. The modular design permits the number of fluidic and electrical connections to be varied depending upon the particular application. In one embodiment, a programmable microchip is mounted within this connector. This chip stores the response characteristics of a flow meter used, for example, as an air flow measurement device in a respiratory circuit.

A flow meter including a variable area obstruction which is mounted in a conduit. Inputs to a differential pressure transducer are positioned in the conduit on opposite sides of the obstruction to measure fluid pressure differential across the obstruction. In one embodiment, a sleeve is secured within the conduit thereof substantially separated from the conduit so as to prevent fluid condensation on the sleeve, and to create a dead end pocket between the conduit and the sleeve for collecting liquids from the conduit end preventing them from contacting the obstruction. The variable area obstruction comprises an elastic membrane that includes first, second and third leaves which extend into the flow stream and are compliant to fluid flow so that an increase in flow rate increases the deflection of the leaves and increases the through flow area through the obstruction. The first leaf is secured at a fixed end adjacent a first portion of the interior surface of the conduit and extends in a first direction to a free end preferably positioned adjacent a second portion of the interior surface of the conduit opposite the first portion. The second and third leaves are located adjacent opposite sides of the first leaf and extend from their fixed ends toward their free ends in directions which are generally opposite to the first direction.

Variable area obstruction gas flow meter

A variable gas flow meter for obtaining a differential pressure across a membrane having a variable area orifice. The orifice is defined by a hinged flap which swings open in the direction of gas flow. The area of the orifice enlarges with increased flow. The flow meter retains the membrane in a central housing configured to prevent the accumulation of liquids, such as moisture or mucus, which enter the line. In a first, horizontal embodiment, the housing invert is continuous and flush throughout except for a negligible ridge of membrane that remains when the orifice opens. In a second, vertical embodiment, the housing allows liquids in an upper conduit section to drop downward and flow out the device into a lower conduit section through the forces of gravity and a gas flow.

Growing community of inventors

Laguna Niguel, CA, United States of America

Josef J Stupecky