Patent ID: 6048485
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: A61M,B29C,B29L

Abstract:
A process for forming a beleved tip on a catheter comprising:a) placing a tubular catheter on a pin with the pin extending within said tubular catheter such that the pin extends beyond the tip of the catheter;b) heating a mold having an internal surface complimentary to a desired external beleved tip surface of the catheter, said mold, when heated, having a higher temperature zone and a lower temperature zone distal of the higher temperature zone;c) inserting the pin and catheter together into said mold such that the pin reaches at least a distal end of said internal surface to a form a space defined at least partially by the pin and said internal surface;d) continuing to advance said catheter into said space such that said higher temperature zone causes the material of said catheter to soften and flow until said material contacts said lower temperature zone, said lower temperature zone causing said material to become more viscous and act as a dam preventing further flow of said material and permitting formation of the beleved tip without exessive flash; and,e) removing said catheter from said mold.