Patent ID: 8783316
Filing Date: 2014-07-22
Classification: A61F,B29C,B29K,B29L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A seam forming apparatus configured to create one or more seams between overlapped layers of fusible material of an endovascular graft section, comprising: a shape forming mandrel; a mount system comprising a chuck and a line center unit for securing the shape forming mandrel therein between; a heated stylus having a tip moveable relative to the shape forming mandrel secured between the chuck and the line center unit in a controllable pattern; and at least five motors controlled by a preprogrammed database using computer numerical control which are configured to move the tip of the heated stylus and the shape forming mandrel relative to one and the other in a different degree of freedom for each motor; wherein a longitudinal axis of the tip of the heated stylus is disposed at an angle from about 5 degrees to about 60 degrees relative to an axis which is tangential or parallel to a surface portion of the shape forming mandrel; wherein the heated stylus pivots about a pivot axis under spring-loaded tension; and wherein the spring-loaded force at the tip of the heated stylus is about 0.5 to about 100 grams.