US5569294A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Two piece balloon protector
Assignee: Medtronic Inc
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Filing: 1994-09-26
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Granted: 1996-10-29
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Expires: 2014-09-26
Abstract
Abstract The present invention is for a two piece balloon protector (5) which consists of an cylindrical tube (10) and an inner elastomeric member (15). The inner elastomeric member (15) has a outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of cylindrical tube (10) and fits inside of the cylindrical tube (10). The proximal end of the inner elastomeric member (15) has a return flange (30) that fits around the proximal end of cylindrical tube (10). To install the balloon protector (5) over the dilatation catheter balloon (20), cylindrical tube (10) is held fixed while the inner elastomeric member (15) is pulled longitudinally at its distal end, thus stretching the material, decreasing the longitudinal cross-section and creating a larger inner diameter in inner elastomeric member (15). The balloon protector (5) is slid over the dilatation catheter balloon (20), the longitudinal force on the inner insert (15) is released causing the inner diameter of the inner elastomeric member (15) to decrease, compressing and containing the dilatation catheter balloon (20).
Inventors
- 👤 Walter R. Parkola
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 23:49
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/10; A61M2025/1043; A61M2025/1081; A61M25/104
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
A method of installing a balloon protector around a dilatation catheter balloon comprising the steps of: assembling a balloon protector by inserting an inner elastomeric member, having a proximal end and a distal end, through a cylindrical tube, having a proximal end and a distal end, until their proximal ends are engaged; installing the balloon protector on a dilatation catheter balloon by securing the cylindrical tube; pulling the distal end of the inner elastomeric member longitudinally until it's inner diameter is greater than the outer diameter of a dilatation catheter balloon; sliding the balloon protector over the dilatation catheter balloon; and releasing the inner elastomeric member which reduces its diameter and protects the dilatation catheter balloon.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
116 words
A method of installing a balloon protector around a dilatation catheter balloon comprising the steps of: assembling a balloon protector by inserting an inner elastomeric member, having a proximal end and a distal end, through a cylindrical tube, having a proximal end and a distal end, until their proximal ends are engaged; installing the balloon protector on a dilatation catheter balloon by securing the cylindrical tube; pulling the distal end of the inner elastomeric member longitudinally until it's inner diameter is greater than the outer diameter of a dilatation catheter balloon; sliding the balloon protector over the dilatation catheter balloon; and releasing the inner elastomeric member which reduces its diameter and protects the dilatation catheter balloon.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
140 words
A method of installing a balloon protector around a dilatation catheter balloon comprising the steps of: providing a balloon protector made by the steps comprising: fabricating an inner elastomeric member, having a proximal end and a distal end; fabricating, cylindrical tube, having a proximal end and a distal end; inserting the inner elastic member through the cylindrical tube; and attaching the proximal end of the inner elastic member to the proximal end of the cylindrical tube; providing a dilatation catheter balloon; securing the cylindrical tube of the balloon protector and pulling the distal end of the inner elastomeric member longitudinally until it's inner diameter is greater than the outer diameter of a dilatation catheter balloon; sliding the balloon protector over the dilatation catheter balloon; and releasing the inner elastomeric member which reduces its diameter and protects the dilatation catheter balloon.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
140 words
A method of installing a balloon protector around a dilatation catheter balloon comprising the steps of: providing a balloon protector made by the steps comprising: fabricating an inner elastomeric member, having a proximal end and a distal end; fabricating, cylindrical tube, having a proximal end and a distal end; inserting the inner elastic member through the cylindrical tube; and attaching the proximal end of the inner elastic member to the proximal end of the cylindrical tube; providing a dilatation catheter balloon; securing the cylindrical tube of the balloon protector and pulling the distal end of the inner elastomeric member longitudinally until it's inner diameter is greater than the outer diameter of a dilatation catheter balloon; sliding the balloon protector over the dilatation catheter balloon; and releasing the inner elastomeric member which reduces its diameter and protects the dilatation catheter balloon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
120 words
A balloon protector for a dilatation catheter, comprising: a cylindrical tube made of rigid material with a distal end and a proximal end; an inner elastomeric member that is cylindrical with a distal end and a proximal end sized to slidably fit inside the cylindrical tube, the inner elastomeric member being made from an elastomeric material; and a means of engaging the proximal end of the inner elastomeric member to the proximal end of the cylindrical tube, wherein the means of engaging is an integral flange on the proximal end of the inner elastomeric member, the integral flange confines longitudinal movement of the proximal end of the inner elastomeric member when engaged with the proximal end of the cylindrical tube.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
120 words
A balloon protector for a dilatation catheter, comprising: a cylindrical tube made of rigid material with a distal end and a proximal end; an inner elastomeric member that is cylindrical with a distal end and a proximal end sized to slidably fit inside the cylindrical tube, the inner elastomeric member being made from an elastomeric material; and a means of engaging the proximal end of the inner elastomeric member to the proximal end of the cylindrical tube, wherein the means of engaging is an integral flange on the proximal end of the inner elastomeric member, the integral flange confines longitudinal movement of the proximal end of the inner elastomeric member when engaged with the proximal end of the cylindrical tube.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-10-29 | 2000-04-29 | 2000-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-10-29 | 2004-04-29 | 2004-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-10-29 | 2008-04-29 | 2008-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |