Radial compression mechanism
AssigneeBlockwise Engineering LLC
InventorsEdward Goff, Jeremiah J. Warriner
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A radial compression mechanism utilizes a string wrapped around a plurality of compression dies to move the dies inward and close a central cylindrical cavity defined by the working surfaces of the dies. The string may be coupled to a string tension mechanism that enables a user to applied a desired tension to the string and thereby compress an article within the central cylindrical cavity. The compression dies may be coupled to a base and move along die-guiding slots from an open position to a closed position. A spring may be configured to force the compression dies open and provide some back-tension to the string. The string may extend around a pully on an opposing side of the compression mechanism and both ends of the string may be coupled to the string tension mechanism.
Claims20
A radial compression mechanism comprising:
- a) a base;
- b) a plurality of compression dies arranged in a circular array about a central axis, each comprising:
- i) an inward facing working surface;
- and
- ii) an outer surface;
- wherein said plurality of compression dies form a central cavity having a cylindrical shape defined by the working surfaces;
- c) a string wrapped one or more revolutions about the circular array of the plurality of compression dies that contacts each of the plurality of compression dies;
- wherein the plurality of compression dies are coupled to said base and configured to move in unison from an open position, wherein the central cavity has an open cavity diameter, radially inward to a closed position wherein the central cavity has a closed cavity diameter;
- wherein pulling of the string forces the plurality of compression dies to move in unison from said open position to said closed position;
- and
- wherein said open cavity diameter is larger than said closed cavity diameter;
- wherein the radial compression mechanism is configured to produce a radially inward compression force along the working surfaces of the plurality of compression dies from an open position to a closed position;
- and
- wherein the central cavity maintains the cylindrical shape from said open position to said closed position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.