Robert E Hallgren

US Patent:

6474535, Nov 5, 2002

Filed:

Oct 6, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/601962

Inventors:

Charles Shanks - Schaumburg IL
Kevin Helle - Bartlett IL
John Krewer - Palatine IL
Robert Hallgren - Lakemoor IL

Assignee:

Nycomed Imaging AS - Oslo

International Classification:

B21D 3900

US Classification:

228164, 228 60, 2281734, 228212

Abstract:

In a method for welding closed one end of each of a multiplicity of open-ended tubes suitable for use as brachytherapy capsules ( ), each tube is loaded into a holder ( ), brought to a welding station ( ), has one end welded closed and is then released from the holder ( ). A number of holders can 2 be arranged on the periphery of a rotatable member ( ), each holder being loaded with a tube at a first station, and then carrying the tube to a welding station ( ) and an ejection station ( ). The tubes can be loaded into the holders individually by means of an escapement mechanism ( ). The invention also extends to apparatus for carrying out the method.

US Patent:

6926189, Aug 9, 2005

Filed:

Oct 22, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/278084

Inventors:

Charles Shanks - Schaumburg IL, US
Kevin Helle - Bartlett IL, US
John Krewer - Palatine IL, US
Robert Hallgren - Lakemoor IL, US

Assignee:

Amersham Health AS - Oslo

International Classification:

B23K031/02

US Classification:

2281734, 29 33 T, 29 38 A

Abstract:

An apparatus for welding closed one end of each of a multiplicity of open-ended tubes suitable for use as brachytherapy capsules includes a welding station having a welding position for welding closed one end of a tube, a rotatable platform having an outside edge, a tube holder positioned adjacent the outside edge, the tube holder movable between a loading position and the welding position, and a feed line positioned in overlying registry with the tube holder at the loading position.