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:
Jul. 07, 2009
Filed:
May. 29, 2007
Robert Worsham, Somerville, MA (US);
James G. Hansen, Coon Rapids, MN (US);
Robert Worsham, Somerville, MA (US);
James G. Hansen, Coon Rapids, MN (US);
Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., Maple Grove, MN (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and method for electrostatic spray deposition of small targets, such as medical devices, like stents. The apparatus includes a target holder that applies a first electrical potential to the target, and an electrostatic dispensing nozzle that applies a second potential sufficient to attract the coating fluid from the nozzle toward the target. Because the entire dispensing nozzle is conductive, the coating fluid may receive a greater charge than may be obtained with internal electrode-type nozzles. Electrostatic attraction of the coating fluid to the target is enhanced by the combination of higher charge density imparted to the coating fluid by the conductive nozzle, and application of a momentary voltage spike to the target to provide consistent conductivity between the target and its holder, thereby ensuring the target is presented with the full first potential applied to the holder. The voltage spike may also be used independently of the conductive nozzle.