Compression apparatus

A compression apparatus, comprising:

• first and second sets of contact elements, each set comprising a plurality of contact elements movable along a respective endless path having a linear path section, the contact elements disposed transversely to the direction of movement along the path, the two linear path sections in opposed relation and adapted to receive a tubular structure therebetween, the contact elements in the first and second sets being movable along the linear path sections in coordinated sequence with respective contact elements opposed to one another being in registration in pairs, each pair of opposed contact elements defining a compression zone therebetween, and
• a mechanical coupling arranged between each pair of opposed contact elements of the first and second sets for causing the respective pairs of opposed contact elements to be maintained in registration with each other while moving along the opposed path sections,
• wherein the contact elements further include elongate contact portions adapted for pressing engagement with the tubular structure.

A method of constructing a hollow structure comprising a radially, inner portion and a radially outer portion, with the two portions being assembled together to provide a tubular structure, the method comprising:

• expanding the inner portion by injecting an inflation fluid into an end thereof,
• compressing the tubular structure at a location distal to the end from which the inflation fluid is introduced so that inflation fluid cannot pass through the location distal to the end, the compression of the tubular structure caused by relative movement between the tubular structure and a compression section,
• the compression section further including a series of compression zones defined between pairs of opposed contact elements, the pairs of opposed contact elements movable along linear path sections in a coordinated sequence, each pair of opposed contact elements having a mechanical coupling arranged therebetween for causing the respective pairs of opposed contact elements to be maintained in registration with each other while moving along the linear path sections, the pairs of opposed contact elements presenting elongate contact portions adapted for pressing engagement with the tubular structure at spaced intervals to cause compression thereof, the elongate contact portion of at least one of each pair of opposed contact elements being compliant.

A compression apparatus, comprising:

• first and second sets of contact elements, each set comprising a plurality of contact elements movable along a respective endless path having a linear path section, the contact elements in each set disposed transversely to the direction of movement along the endless path, the two linear path sections in opposed relation to receive a tubular structure therebetween, the contact elements in the first and second sets movable along the linear path sections in a coordinated sequence with respective contact elements in registration in pairs, each pair defining a compression zone therebetween, whereby the tubular structure is adapted to be compressed between pairs of opposed contact elements corresponding to the compression zones along a portion of the length of the tubular structure, and
• a electronic registration for causing the respective pairs of opposed contact elements to be maintained in registration with each other while moving along the opposed path sections.