Importance

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Abstract

Small diameter plastic catheters or tubes are end formed using a glass mould with a cavity having a smoothly-rounded closed end. The end of the mould contacts a heater so that the closed end of the cavity can be heated. The tube is loaded on a hollow, metal pin so that the pin projects from the end of the tube. This assembly of tube and pin is loaded on a carriage and is gripped by spring arms. A weight and pulley arrangement moves the assembly forwardly into the cavity so that the pin initially contacts the closed end of the cavity. The grip on the assembly is set to allow the tube to slide forwardly along the pin when the pin contacts the closed end of the cavity so that the forward end of the tube comes into contact with the heated, closed end of the cavity. The material of the tube flows around the pin, which keeps the end of the tube open. A blower then blows air onto the outside of the mould to cool it and allow the flowed material to harden slightly. The assembly is then pulled out of the cavity and the pin is removed from the tube.

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First Claim