초록 ▼

A system and method for molding the shell of a medical device or other molded article is disclosed. The system includes a multi-axis rotational molding machine in which a mold is mounted. The mold has a cavity in the shape of the article to be molded. The mold seals to hold a vacuum. In operation, s

A system and method for molding the shell of a medical device or other molded article is disclosed. The system includes a multi-axis rotational molding machine in which a mold is mounted. The mold has a cavity in the shape of the article to be molded. The mold seals to hold a vacuum. In operation, silicone or other molding material is inserted into the mold, vacuum is applied to the mold, the mold is rotated about at least two axes and a molding material coats the inside walls of the mold to form the shell or other desired article. A rotationally molded medical article is also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A rotational molding system for molding a medical article comprising: a multi-axis rotational molding machine; a mold mounted to said molding machine wherein the interior of said mold defines a cavity in the desired shape of the medical article to be molded; a molding materia

What is claimed is: 1. A rotational molding system for molding a medical article comprising: a multi-axis rotational molding machine; a mold mounted to said molding machine wherein the interior of said mold defines a cavity in the desired shape of the medical article to be molded; a molding material feed path fluidly connected to said cavity and an exterior of said mold; a vent path extending into the said cavity utilizing an inner vacuum tube connected to an outer vacuum tube having a diameter greater than that of said inner vacuum tube; a vacuum path fluidly connected to said vent path; and a solvent removal path fluidly connected to said vent path. 2. The system according to claim 1 wherein said mold comprises first and second mold pieces matable to form a vacuum-tight seal along mating surfaces between said first and second pieces. 3. The system according to claim 2 wherein one piece of said mold has a hemispherical cavity shape. 4. The system according to claim 1 wherein said solvent removal path is a solvent collection path. 5. The system according to claim 4 wherein said solvent collection path is a solvent condenser path. 6. The system according to claim 1 wherein said vacuum path and said solvent removal path are, at least in part, the same path. 7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the interior of said mold is sized to allow for the thickness of a liner to coat an inside surface of said mold. 8. A system for rotationally molding a medical article comprising: means for rotating a mold about at least two axes; means for molding a material within said mold into the form of the medical article; means for inserting a liner material into said mold wherein said liner material inserting means is fluidly connected to both an interior and an exterior of said mold; means for inserting a molding material into said mold wherein said molding material inserting means is fluidly connected to both an interior and an exterior of said mold; means for supplying vacuum to said mold fluidly connected to a vent path extending into a cavity of said mold utilizing an inner vacuum tube connected to an outer vacuum tube having a diameter greater than that of said inner vacuum tube; and solvent removal means fluidly connected to said vent path. 9. The system according to claim 8 wherein said solvent removal means is a solvent collection means. 10. The system according to claim 9 wherein said solvent collection means is a solvent condenser means. 11. The system according to claim 8 wherein said vacuum supply means and said solvent removal means are, at least in part, the same means. 12. A rotational molding system for molding a medical article comprising: a multi-axis rotational molding machine; a mold mounted to said molding machine wherein the interiior of said mold defines a cavity in the desired shape of the medical article to be molded; a molding material feed path fluidly connected to said cavity and an exterior of said mold; a vent path extending into said cavity utilizing an inner vacuum tube connected to an outer vacuum tube having a diameter greater than that of said inner vacuum tube; a vacuum path fluidly connected to said vent path; and a olvent removal path fluidly connected to said vent path. 13. The system according to claim 12 further comprising a liner that coats the inside surface of said mold to make it seamless.