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:
Nov. 09, 2004
Filed:
Oct. 30, 2001
James Venditti, Somerset, NJ (US);
Howard Wolek, Morris Plains, NJ (US);
Alice Wong, Fort Lee, NJ (US);
David J. Sogard, Edina, MN (US);
Jason P. Hill, Brooklyn Park, MN (US);
Timothy S. Girton, Maple Grove, MN (US);
Christopher B. Brodeur, Andover, MN (US);
SciMed Life Systems, Inc., Maple Grove, MN (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for manufacturing polymeric thin-walled tubular members, which are well-suited for use as vascular grafts. The apparatus of the present invention enables extrusion of a tubular member having an extremely thin wall thickness so as to facilitate passage through tortuous vascular passageways. The apparatus achieves uniform wall thickness in a tubular member by establishing and maintaining axial alignment of a ram having a concentrically disposed guide rod therein with a die supported in concentric relation to the guide rod.