Patent ID: 7618252
Filing Date: 2009-11-17
Classification: A61M,Y10T

Abstract:
1. Balloon pleating mechanism comprising: a plurality of pleating dies, each including a first planar guiding surface, a second planar guiding surface, a bearing surface, a first working surface, and a second working surface; the plurality of pleating dies being arranged in a generally circular orientation with the first planar guiding surface of each die being in sliding contact with the second planar guiding surface of an adjacent die and the first working surface and the second working surface of each die of the plurality of dies cooperating to define a central cavity, the plurality of pleating dies being further arranged for relative radial movement between an open position and a closed position; and a driving mechanism coupled to each die of the plurality of dies and designed to move the plurality of dies between the open position and the closed position.