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 component to transform from a non-functional valve into a functional valve held between each of the expandable structures;
wherein the helical pre-valve component further includes a compliant sheet and at least two appendices; and
wherein the expansion of the superior expandable structure and inferior expandable structure causes vertical shrinkage of the pre-valve component, which causes a first appendix to engage with the inferior expandable structure and a second appendix to engage with the superior expandable structure, thus inducing the compliant sheet to recoil to form the functional valve there between.
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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.
76 Citations
11 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 component to transform from a non-functional valve into a functional valve held between each of the expandable structures; wherein the helical pre-valve component further includes a compliant sheet and at least two appendices; and wherein the expansion of the superior expandable structure and inferior expandable structure causes vertical shrinkage of the pre-valve component, which causes a first appendix to engage with the inferior expandable structure and a second appendix to engage with the superior expandable structure, thus inducing the compliant sheet to recoil to form the functional valve there between. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification