×

Self-deploying helical structure

  • US 5,977,932 A
  • Filed: 07/18/1997
  • Issued: 11/02/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/04/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method of making a resilient, flexible helical structure, comprising the steps of:

  • (a) joining at least one flexible support strip to at least one flexible conductive strip;

    (b) attaching one end of the at least one joined support strip and conductive strip to a first ring;

    (c) wrapping the at least one joined support strip and conductive strip around a mandrel to form at least one helical strip;

    (d) attaching a second end of the at least one helical strip to a second ring to form the helical structure;

    (e) treating the helical structure so that it will retain its shape and be resiliently compressible in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis; and

    (f) removing the helical structure from the mandrel.

View all claims
  • 17 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×