US4345414A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Shaping process
Assignee: University of Liverpool
•
Filing: 1979-11-15
•
Granted: 1982-08-24
•
Expires: 1999-11-15
Abstract
Abstract A process for setting in a desired shape a product at least a portion of which comprises electrostatically spun fibres is disclosed. The process comprises maintaining the product in the desired shape at a temperature below the melding temperature of the electrostatically spun fibres. The desired shape may be the as-spun shape of the product or a shape obtained by deformation of the product, i.e. the product is reshaped. The fibres preferably comprise a polyurethane and reshaping is preferably effected on a former. The reshaped product may be employed as a vascular prosthesis.
Inventors
- 👤 Alan Bornat
- 👤 Roy M. Clarke
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:13
CPC Classifications
D; D04; D04H; D04H1/00; D04H1/70; D04H1/72; D04H1/728; D04H1/40; D04H1/54; D04H1/56; D06; D06C; D06C7/00; D06C7/02; A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/04; A61F2240/00; A61F2240/001
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 25
Claim 1
Independent Claim
70 words
A process for stabilizing a product at least a portion of which comprises electrostatically spun fibres which process comprises the steps of holding the product under stress in a desired shape and/or size while the temperature thereof is maintained between the melding temperature of the said fibres and room temperature to set the product in the desired shape and/or size and then cooling the product or allowing it to cool.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
70 words
A process for stabilizing a product at least a portion of which comprises electrostatically spun fibres which process comprises the steps of holding the product under stress in a desired shape and/or size while the temperature thereof is maintained between the melding temperature of the said fibres and room temperature to set the product in the desired shape and/or size and then cooling the product or allowing it to cool.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the product is deformed to give the desired shape.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the temperature at which the product is maintained is between 80° C. and 20° C. below the melding temperature of the fibres.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the product is released after cooling.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said temperature is maintained for between 12 and 48 hours.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said stress is sufficient to remove irregularities introduced into the product during the deformation step.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fibres are selected from a group of polymeric materials consisting of a fibre-forming polyurethane, fluorinated hydrocarbon, polyester, polyamide and polyacrylonitrile.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
47 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said portion is in the form of a tube, the electrostatically spun fibres comprise a polyurethane, and the said holding step is effected at a temperature in the range 75° to 90° C. for 24 to 36 hours.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 or 6 wherein the said stress is a tensile stress.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process as claimed in claim 9 wherein the said tensile stress generates a strain in the product of less than 25%.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said portion is in the form of a tube.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process as claimed in claim 11 wherein the tubular portion has an internal diameter in the range 0.1 to 3.0 cm.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
A process as claimed in claim 11 wherein the wall thickness of the tubular portion is in the range 0.1 to 2 mm.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the product is mounted on a former.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process as claimed in claim 14 wherein the product is attached to a former.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process as claimed in claim 14 or 15 wherein the former has the desired shape before the product is mounted thereon.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process as claimed in claim 14 or 15 wherein the former is given the desired shape after the product has been mounted thereon.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process as claimed in claim 14 wherein the former consists of a core and a sheath therefor.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process as claimed in claim 18 wherein the core is a substantially cylindrical mandrel.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
16 words
A process as claimed in claim 19 wherein the mandrel is a metal rod or wire.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
19 words
A process as claimed in claim 19 or 20 wherein the sheath comprises a rubbery or a thermoplastic material.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 including the steps of packaging and sterilising the product.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
16 words
A product for use in medical or veterinary applications prepared by the process of claim 1.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
A package comprising a product as claimed in claim 23 in a suitable container.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4043331A
Cited
US4223101A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-08-23 | 1986-02-22 | 1986-08-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-08-23 | 1990-02-22 | 1990-08-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-08-23 | 1994-02-22 | 1994-08-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |