Abstract:
A mold and method for forming a balloon for dilatation catheters, particularly balloons with a prismlike shape with a transverse polygonal cross section when the internal pressure is at atmospheric conditions. Upon inflation to higher internal pressures, the balloon assumes a normal circular cross section. The balloon shape is particularly suitable for balloons formed of polyethylene terephthalate and the like which are not readily heat settable. Reduced deflated profiles are obtained. The mold is formed by first making a preformed core member which has the shape and dimensions which are desired for the balloon. A heat-formable tubular member, preferably formed of borosilicate glass such as PYREX, is disposed about the core member, subjected to heat and an internal vacuum so as to be shaped onto the exterior of the core member. Once shaped, the tubular member is allowed to cool and set, the core member is dissolved away, leaving the shaped glass mold having an internal molding chamber with the desired shape and dimensions for the inflatable balloon.
Abstract:
Method of producing precision shaped apertures in glass is shown. A hollow glass member defining a longitudinal aperture is provided. A carbon graphite member is shaped externally to a desired shape, disposed within the longitudinal aperture in the glass member, which member is thereafter collapsed about the graphite member taking its shape and size. The graphite member is removed leaving the glass member with a precision aperture therein.
Abstract:
A shaped tube (50,51) for use as a component in the fabrication of an antiresonant hollow core optical fibre, the shaped tube having a side wall with a transverse cross-sectional shape comprising a number of major curved portions (52) alternating with the same number of minor substantially straight portions (54), each curved portion (52) having an inwardly curving shape, and each straight portion (54) being equidistant from a central longitudinal axis of the shaped tube (50,51).
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a cathode-ray tube is provided by drawing a glass tube section softened by heating onto a mandrel whose transverse dimensions increase near one end of the tube section in the direction of the end at least twice in a generally stepwise manner, so that in the direction of the end, upon drawing, at least a first and a second wall portion of the inner wall of the tube section become located in planes substantially perpendicular to the tube axis. The first wall portion may serve as an engaging surface for an electrode and the second wall portion may serve as an engaging surface for the window. A third drawn wall portion may serve as a reference face of the tube in a device.
Abstract:
Two central bore assemblies are constructed, each including a ceramic tube having a plurality of drilled disc assemblies frictionally attached thereon. A cathode element is inserted in the central portion of an outer envelope, as are the two grid-bore assemblies. The inner portion of the envelope is maintained in a partial vacuum, and heat is applied to the exterior, thereby shrinking the envelope over the grid-bore assemblies. A taut tungsten wire is inserted through the bore, and the envelope in the region of each of the disc assemblies is heated successively, from one side to the other. This achieves precise alignment of the central bore throughout the laser. Anode elements are inserted at either end, and mirrors are attached. After preliminary adjustment, the mirrors are fine-tuned by means of application of a narrow band of heat on the mirror neck, as slight transverse forces are applied to the sides of the mirrors.
Abstract:
A method for forming integral internal channels defined by a wall with an annular cross-section inside high softening temperature glass tubing is described. In particular, a reduced pressure is provided inside a rotating tube with heating outside which softens the glass for deformation by the reduced pressure while a smaller tube is maintained in position in contact with the inside walls of the larger tube. The pressure is the smaller tube is usually the same as that in the larger tube and is such that it can collapse at the point of contact to form at least one fusion band along the inside wall of the larger tube. The position of the smaller tube is maintained such that the larger tube has concave depressions between the fusion bands. Usually the heating is accomplished by a gas flame ring burner positioned under the larger tube and moved progressively along the larger tube until the desired fusion of the tubes is completed. The next step which is preferred is to provide a positive pressure in the larger tube with heating to soften the glass to move the concave depressions out and mold them against a platen provided in spaced relation to the depressions outside of the larger tube. This can also be progressively accomplished with the ring burner. While the glass tubes are being manipulated, the sections being fused and molded are maintained above the strain point temperature of the glass. The glass is then usually annealed and then it is cooled. The articles produced are strain free, compact, durable and particularly useful for heat transfer applications such as reflux, still-head and take-off condensers used in conducting chemical reactions and liquid distillation operations. Preferably the channels form a helical coil inside the tube. In addition an electrical resistance wire can be provided in the channels to produce reaction vessels suitable for heating liquids and for conducting chemical reactions.