US Patent:
20030030165, Feb 13, 2003
Inventors:
Donald Centell - Pleasanton CA, US
Lawrence Alpert - Fremont CA, US
International Classification:
B29C047/92
Abstract:
Systems and methods for fabricating medical catheters are disclosed. A system in accordance with the present invention includes a first melt pump in fluid communication with an extrusion head, a second melt pump in fluid communication with the extrusion head, a puller arranged to receive extrudate emerging from the extrusion head, a first drive coupled to the first melt pump, a second drive coupled to the second melt pump, a third drive coupled to the puller, an encoder coupled to the third drive and being adapted to measure the length of extrudate passing through the puller, and a computer coupled to the first drive, the second drive, the third drive, and the encoder.