Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the molding of hollow articles such as full length Foley catheters. The apparatus preferably comprises a mold with two lumen forming wires longitudinally disposed therein. A set of two receiving wires are spaced distally from the distal ends of the lumen forming wires and are longitudinally aligned therewith. A first follower is slidably disposed about the lumen forming wires in close abutment with the wires and inside wall of the mold. The first follower is preferably disposed toward the proximal end of the mold and preferably at least two other followers are provided spaced distally of the first follower. One of the other followers preferably bridges the space between the lumen forming wires and receiving wires. Sets of gates are preferably provided along the length of the mold in fluid communication with a source of molding material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and process for the molding of hollow articles. The apparatus comprises a mold cavity with a wire longitudinally disposed therein. A follower is slidably disposed about the wire in close abutment with both the wire and inside wall of the mold cavity. The follower is preferably disposed in the mold cavity toward its proximal end so as to provide an annular space between the wire and inside wall of the mold. In practice, material to be molded is injected into the annular space at the proximal end of the mold cavity and flows longitudinally toward the distal end of the mold cavity while pushing the follower along the wire ahead of it.