The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 17, 1979
Filed:
May. 31, 1977
James R Quick, Warwick, NY (US);
William A Wittosch, Jr, Warwick, NY (US);
International Paper Company, New York, NY (US);
Abstract
Disclosed is an apparatus and process for the molding of hollow articles such as full length Foley catheters. The apparatus preferably comprises a mold with two lumen forming wires longitudinally disposed therein. A set of two receiving wires are spaced distally from the distal ends of the lumen forming wires and are longitudinally aligned therewith. A first follower is slidably disposed about the lumen forming wires in close abutment with the wires and inside wall of the mold. The first follower is preferably disposed toward the proximal end of the mold and preferably at least two other followers are provided spaced distally of the first follower. One of the other followers preferably bridges the space between the lumen forming wires and receiving wires. Sets of gates are preferably provided along the length of the mold in fluid communication with a source of molding material. In practice, molding material is injected into the molding channel at the proximal end of the mold and flows longitudinally toward the distal end of the mold while pushing the first follower along the wire ahead of it. As the follower proceeds toward the distal end of the mold, it engages and pushes the remaining followers toward the distal end of the mold. At the beginning of the molding process, each set of gates has a follower that is transversely aligned with it so as to seal the set of gates and prevent the flow of molding material through the set of gates and into the mold. In this fashion, molding material is not introduced through a set of gates and into the mold until all followers are distally located from the set of gates.