Monolithic in situ forming valve system
First Claim
1. A monolithic in situ forming valve, comprising:
- a superior expandable structure;
an inferior expandable structure; and
a helical pre-valve component, the helical pre-valve component comprising;
a first end attached with the superior expandable structure; and
a second end attached with the inferior expandable structure, where the helical pre-valve component is formed such that expansion of the superior expandable structure and the inferior expandable structure causes the helical pre-valve structure to transform into a functional valve held between each of the expandable structures.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Described is a monolithic in situ forming valve system. The valve system is delivered in an unformed, collapsed configuration that lacks any functional characteristics commonly associated with a valve before. However, once expanded, the system is transformed into a competent valve for use in a wide variety of applications. The valve system includes a superior expandable structure, an inferior expandable structure, and a helical pre-valve component. The helical pre-valve component comprises a first end attached with the superior expandable structure and a second end attached with the inferior expandable structure. The helical pre-valve component is formed such that expansion of the superior expandable structure and the inferior expandable structure causes the helical pre-valve structure to transform into a functional valve held between each of the expandable structures.
107 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A monolithic in situ forming valve, comprising:
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a superior expandable structure; an inferior expandable structure; and a helical pre-valve component, the helical pre-valve component comprising; a first end attached with the superior expandable structure; and a second end attached with the inferior expandable structure, where the helical pre-valve component is formed such that expansion of the superior expandable structure and the inferior expandable structure causes the helical pre-valve structure to transform into a functional valve held between each of the expandable structures. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for delivering and forming a valve in situ, comprising acts of:
providing an in situ forming valve, the in situ forming valve comprising; a superior expandable structure; an inferior expandable structure; and a helical pre-valve component, the helical pre-valve component comprising; a first end attached with the superior expandable structure; and a second end attached with the inferior expandable structure, where the helical pre-valve component is formed such that expansion of the superior expandable structure and the inferior expandable structure causes the helical pre-valve structure to transform into a functional valve held between each of the expandable structures. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
Specification