DF.SCRIPTION
HHATING-fYPK BAi.LOON CATHETER DEVICE, AND ELASTIC TUBE
DEVICE AND VIBRATOR DEVICE FOR THE CATHETER DEVICE
1 e c h n i c a 1 Field
■fhc present invention relates to a heating-type balloon catheter device designed to make the temperature of heating liquid in a balloon uniform by utilizing vibration of the heating liquid, as well as an elastic lube device and a vibrator device for use with the catheter device.
Background Art
A balloon catheter which is fitted with a balloon at a dista) top end portion of the main body of the catheter is provided therein with a heating moans. The heating liquid filled in the balloon is heated with the heating means, and the heated balloon is brought into contact with the body tissues. iherebv locally cauterizing and consequently treating the body tissues. The balloon is further provided with a thermocouple acting as a thcrmosensor for detecting the temperature of the heating liquid.
The heating-type balloon catheter device is desired in some cases to be used for cauterizing a considerably wide area of the body tissues w iih the balloon. To be more specific, for instance, if an abnormal path (an accessor) conduction passage) would exist over a passage of electrical :>iynals for moving :he heart, it may cause symptoms such as vertigo and ^ick hcnsaiion which are referred lo as atrial fibrillation. The atrial fibrillation may further cause the deterioration of cardiac incompetence or consiiiuie a serious cause for brain infarction. In order to cut off the abnormal conduction path formed in the pulmonary vein, an edge portion of the opening of the pulmonary vein opening toward the left ventricle

I the pulmonary vein orifice) is desirably cauterized toially. i.e., in an annul;ir fashion.
As de.scribed above, in the event where the healing liquid filled in ihc balloon is heated while sustaining the temperature to be detected wiih ihe ihermociiupie fitted in the balloon to a predetermined temperature in a sUiic in ^vhieh the bclloon is in annular contact with the pulmonary vein as A v'.hole. it has been found that an event may be caused to occur where a siiiic in which the pulmonary vein is cauterized in a peripheral direction in;i> var> to a considerable e.Kteni. In other words, it has been found that this c\eni may lead lo a state in which a certain portion of the pulmonary \ein t)rificc is over-heated while the other portion thereof is heated to a lessor and insufficient level.
.iapanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-111.848 disL-Joses the technique in which heating liquid filled in the balloon is stirred by uijli/ing vibration in order to uniform the temperature of the licaiinL' liquid in the balloon. More specifically, the device of this type is con^t^LiL■tu^ed in such a manner that a vibration imparling device for ;mpartinu vibration s connected to the base end portion of a catheter main hoJ\ and a passage extending from the vibration imparting device to the b:i!loon i^ filled with the heating liquid so as to tran.smit the vibration imparted \s\ib the v-bration imparling device to the healing liquid in the balloon through the heating liquid within the catheter main body.
Some devices for imparting vibration are proposed, which include a device of the type that utilizes a diaphragm drivable reciprocally with a moior or a device of the type that e.Kpands or contracts an clastic tube ■connected to the base end portion of the catheter main body in Its radial Jn-cctioii '^'.iih a member drivable recIprocall>.
i: is to be nored herein that the balloon having a different size may bu used selective!) by complying with a variation in the body si/e of a paiiL-ni or :i site of cauterization or the like. The size of the balloon mav be

2Ntp. 25Q or 3()cp for example.
■\s described abuvi'. it has been found that, in the event thai the si/e of ihe balloon is varied, an undesirable deformation in expansion and vhrinkaiie of the balloon would be caused to occur due to a difference in uniformiiv of the temperature of the heating liquid in the balloon even if an equivalent or .similar level of vibration would be imparted lo the V i brat inn imparling device. In other words, in the event thai an ,ippriipriaie IL'VCI of vibration is set to a smaller-sized balloon, the extern o\ vibration {e.g.. the extent of stirring) may be too small for a iarycr-sized balloon, thereby resulting in the likelihood that the leniperalure of the heating liquid within the balloon remains irregular. Converselv. in the event that an appropriate level of vibration is set to a i:irge'---,;/cd balloon, it is loo large for a smaller-si/ed balloon, ihereby ^■auhiiii: a repetition of expansion and shrinkage of the balloon to a great exieni. In oUier words, problems may likely occur that the balloon is caused to come inio contact with the site of cauterization (if the balloon uould expands too much), while the balloon is positioned apart from the ■>jie of cauterization (if the balloon would shrink loo much).
Fne present invention has been completed with the above situation :.iken in\o account and has the firsl object to provide a heaiing-iypc iniliooii catheter device that can provide a balloon with vibration having :hc magnitude appropriate for the size of the balloon and that can rborough 1> block a vibration site to which to impart vibration and a ^iiniact site to be brought into contact with a healing liquid.
I he second o:)Ject of the present invention is to provide an elastic tube device for use with the heaing-iype balloon catheter device of the nre-^eni inveniion.
'Ihe third object of the present invention is to provide a vibrator vi'CMcc for imparting an appropriate level of vibration upon use with Ihe
3

hc;iting-i\ pc balloon catheter device of the present invention.
!)i^closure of Inveniion
In order to achieve the first object as described above, the present invention adopts the solution as will be described hereinafter. The solution resides in ihat a heating-type balloon catheter device is provided ^^ [iich compri.ses:
;i catheter nain body filled at its top end portion with a !ioating-i> pe balloon: and
a \ ibraiion-imparling device connected lo a base end portion of the catheter main body, the vibrator device being provided for imparting \ihraiion to a healing liquid filled in the hcaiing-type balloon through a hoatint: liquid filled in the catheter main body:
\^ herein the vibration-imparting device comprises an elastic lube in uhicli the healing liquid is to be filled, the elastic tube being connected ai Its hasL- end portion to ihe catheter main body and closed at its top end l^in i o•^: and
;i vibrator device having a roller rolatable around a rotary shaft at .! po^iiioM offset v^ith respect to the rotary shaft and being provided with ■h-j ■Jla^Iic tube:
wherein the elastic tube is provided with the vibrator device in such a uay that a predetermined direction of rotation of the rotary shaft is se! ro he directed from the side of the base end portion of the clastic lube to'Aaru the side of the top end portion thereof and that a margin volume part is ensured on :hc side of the top end portion of the elastic tube, which is con>irui;ied so as not to be pressed with the roller:
therein ihe elastic tube is structured to assume a shutt-off state ■ ■.\]^i a conimunicalion stale in accordance with rotation of the roller in the n redetermined direction of rotation thereofin such a way thai the shult-off stale i-. let lo a state in which the basir end portion of the elastic tube and
4

ihe top end portion thereof are blocked by constriction or decrease of a radial si/c of the clastic tube by pressing the clastic tube with the roller in ihc predetermined direction of rotation, and the communication state is set io a state in which the base end portion thereof is communicaied with the uip C<.M\ portion thereof by expansion or increase of the reduced radial size oT the elastic tube due to elasticity of the elastic tube by releasing the pressing ofthe roller upon the elastic tube: and
wherein, in accordance with the rotation of the roHer in the predetermined direction of rotation thereof, pressure is applied to the heating liquid in the elastic tube toward the margin volume part, one the one hand, during a period w'hen the clastic tube is in the shult-olT stale. iind the heating liquid to which pressure is applied in the margin volume part is flown backward toward the base end portion ofthe elastic tube, on !hc other hand, during a period when the elastic tube is in the vLimniunieaiion stsuc.
[n accordance with the above solution, the heating liquid is pnnided with pressure toward the margin volume part, on the one hand, by pressing the elastic tube with the roller, that is. by constricting or eereasing the radial si^e of the elastic tube, and the pressured healing liquid within the margin volume part is allowed to flow backward toward ihe eaiheier main body side. i.e.. the balloon side, on the other hand, by separating the roller apart from the elastic tube, that is. expanding or increasing the radial size of the elastic lube. The application of pressure :uui the backward fIo^\ ofthe healing liquid may be performed at repeated limes in accordance with the rotation of the rotary shaft. In the event w here a iarger-si/ed balloon is to be applied, the way of setting the elastic iuhe to the rolier-t\pe vibrator device is changed simply in such a manner :hat ihc margin volume part becomes larger than the balloon being smaller ;n si/e. In other v\ords. in the event that the balloon is a larger one. the clasiic luhe can be set to the roller-type vibrator device in such a rnanncr

ihai the margin volume part becomes larger in volume while the balloon is ^nlailcI■ in si/.e. This setting permits an appropriate level of vibration cnerg> U) be obtained in accordance with the size of the balloon. It is ["iinhcr noted as a matter of course thai the cycle of vibration can be readily varied with the number of rotation of the rotary shaft.
Moreover, as the roller-type vibrator device is separated thorough 1> from the heating liquid through the elastic tube, the healing-type balloon catheter device according to the present invention is ud\aniageou5 from the point of view of cleanliness.
In addition, as the vibrator device of the present invention is of the i_\pe uiiii/inii the rotary movement aione, the vibrator devive can be made simpler in structure than the conventional one that utilizes the reciprocal nnuenicrnl. t'unhermore. the vibrator device according to the present iincniion can be structured b\ using a conventional roller pump in an ^■fi'icieiii wd\.
The preferred embodiments on the premise of the above-mentioned •solutions arc as described in claims 2 to 10. More specifically, the elastic tube !s connected lo a base end portion of the catheter main body through an extension tube which is superior in rigidity and unlikely to be deformed b> expanding or constricting in a radial direction thereof (as described in ciaini 2 ]. In this embodiment, the vibrator device can be fitted at a position apart from the catheter main body, it is to be noted herein as a matter of course that, as the extension tube is made of a material unlikely 10 be deformed by expandubg or constricting, the vibration is not ca.used lo be damped at the e.\ten.sion tube portion to a great e.vient.
lo the base end portion of the catheter main body is a connecter tuuing a pluralii) of branch passages. The elastic tube can be connected to a predetermined branch passage for supplying a contrast agent, among the branch passages (as described in claim 3). In this embodiment, the

\ihraiiori can be transmitted to the balloon by effectively utilizing the hranch passage for .supplying the contrast agent.
The the clastic tube is connected to the predetermined branch passage through a shift valve that can assume a first shift position and a second shift posi-ion. the first shift position being structured to block the communication of the elastic tube with the catheter main body in order to Mipnl> the catheter main body with the contrast agent and the second shift po^iiion being structured to communicate the elastic tube with the catheter mam body (as descr-ibed In claim 4). In this embodiment, the shift valve cm oasils shift the oosition from a state of supplying the contrast agent to it slate of imparting vibration and vice cersa.
The elastic :ube can be provided at an outer periphericai surface thercol' uith an indicator indicating the size of the margin volume part to be set in accordance with the size of the balloon (as described in claim 5). In ihis embodiment, the indicator allows an easy and optimum setting of liie si/c of ilie margin volume part in accordance with the size of the '.1.11 Uum.
"Iho indicator can be set by setting a predetermined position of a hiuising with respect lo the vibrator device as a reference (as described in ci;iini (T). Thi^ embi'diment permits an optimum setting of the size of the nuirpin \olufne part in accordance with the size of the balloon solely ^!nlpl> b_\ aligning the indicator with the predetermined position of the housing \\i\h respect to the vibrator device to which the elastic lube is to be connected.
h is preferred that the predetermined position of the housing is set ai the edge surface of an orifice on the inlet side or in its vicinity thereof jiui at a position that can be readily visible from the outside. The indicator cm be ict in a plural number at spaced intervals disposed in the direction U)^wird ihe base end portion side of the elastic tube from the top end side ihorcoi* (as described in claim 7). In this embodiment, the size of the

inartiin volume part can be set in an extremely easy and accurate way in ciccordance with the size of the balloon simply by confirming the position
\ 1.1 i b i \.
In a predetermined path extending from the base end portion of the LJlheier main body to the top end of the elastic tube, at least one air vent >. alvc lor venting air within the predetermined path is provided (as described in claim 8). This is a preferred embodiment in order to vcni the air present in the area extending from the balloon to the top end of the elasiie lube to a thorough or adequate extent by venting the air !>om the aro.i most remote from the balloon, thereby enabling a surer transmission •J f the \ i brut ion to ihe balloon.
The air vent valve can be connected to the lop end of ihc clastic uibo (as liescribed in claim 9). The connection of the air vent valve is preferred in order lu vent the air present in the area extending from the ha 1 loon ui the top end of the elastic tube to a complete or adequate extent h> ^eiuini! the air IVom the position most remote from the balloon.
I he air vcni valve may comprise a first air vent valve and a second air vent valve, the first air vent valve being connected to a path extending frnm the catheter main body to the elastic tube and the second air vent \alvo being connected to the top end of the elastic tube (as described in claim i 0 f. This embodiment is preferred in order to thoroughly or auequaiely vent the air present within the path to be filled with the healing liquid e\cn in !>uch a state that the clastic tube is pressed with the roller,
In order to achieve the above second object, the present invention adopts the .'jolutions aa will be described below, i.e.. in claim II. The ^^lbiecI matter of claim 11 is directed to the elastic tube that is structured Ml such a manner that the tube wail portions of the elastic tube on the .'pposiie sides can be closely attached to each other in the radial direction, uii the oi:e hand, as external force is applied in the radial direction from
B

the nuiside to constrict or reduce the radial size of the elastic tube and ihai Ihe\ can be re;;overed elastically to their original positions, on the iiiher hand, as the external force is released. The elastic tube can be closed at it^ [np end comprise a connection portion at which the base end portion ufihe tube is connected lo the catheter main body. The elastic tube may be pntvided at its outer peripheral surface with plural indicators al spaced Imervals in the longitudinal direction thereof, the indicator corresponding ;i' the si/c of the balloon in the heating-type balloon catheter device. In ;ic(Jordance with the above solutions, an elastic tube device can be prmidcd. which car be used for the hearing-type balloon catheter device as described in claim 1 and have the indicator for setting the si?.e of the marsiin volume part is disposed.
Preferred embodiments on the premise of the above solutions are (lchcr!h;.-d in each o"'claims 12 10 14, which can provide the clastic tube device ha\ing the plural indicators disposed at spaced intervals in the area L'stendini! from the top end portion side of the elastic tube toward the base end portion thereof ias described in claim 12). This preferred embodiment cm provide the elastic tube device as being preferably applied to the lieatinL^-;\pe balloon catheter device as described in claim 7.
!n another .■)referred embodiment, the air vent valve can be disposed at either ore of the top end or the base end of the clastic tube in order to selectively vent the air within the elastic tube to the atmosphere la-i described In claim 13). This embodiment can provide the elastic tube dc\ ice having the function of venting the air from the path extending from ;hc ballfon lo the elastic tube,
in a further preferred embodiment, the elastic tube can be provided 'Aiih the air vent valves at each of the edge and the base end portions thereof in order to enable a selective vent illation of the air present in the claNtic tube las described in claim 14). This preferred embodiment can
9

provide the elastic tube device capable of venting the air from the path evienJini! from the halioon to the lop end of the clastic lube.
In order to achieve the third object, the present invention adopts tiic soiution.s as will be described below, i.e.. as described in claim \5. \\ hich comprise:
ii housing;
.1 rotar\ ^haft held pivotail) to the housing:
;i guide surface formed on the inner peripheral surface of iho .■iiuisiiiL: in such a v.av to enclose the rotary shaft and formed in an arc s"nape disposed around the rotary shaft; and
a roller for pressing the elastic tube in cooperation with the guide surface disposed in such a way to rotate about the rotary shaft at a position uffsc; froiii the rotar\ :,haf[;
wherein the number and'or the arrangement of the roller are/is set u> assume a state in which the roller is not disposed at the position opposite to or facing the guide surface and the roller cannot press the elastic tube as the rotary shaft is rotated at one full revolution. The above solution can provide the vibrator device which can be. used appropriately :'ro lite heating-type balloon catheter device as described in claims 1 to 10.
CMher preferred embodiments on the premise of the above solutions >irc de-'Cribed in claims 16 et scq. More specifically, the preferred embodiment comprises one roller and the guide surface set at an angle in :he range of approximately 180 degree round the rotary shaft as the center I.is described in claim i6)- This preferred embodiment can minimize the lUmihcr of the rollers to only one. Thi.s preferred embodiment can also set ihc time for applying pressure lo [he margin volume part and the time for liouing backward the heating liquid from the margin volume part to be .ipprdximatety equal.
10

Another preferred embodiment can comprise two rollers disposed L'ach al an interval of 180 degree round the rotarv shaft and the guide ^urtace set each a\ an angle in the range of approximately 60 degree round the roiar> shaft (as described in claim 17). In this embodiment, the appliiiiion of pressure and the backward flowing can be conducted each i\wi times per one full revolution of the rotary shaft. This preferred embodiment can set the time for applying pressure for the first lime and the lime for flowinghackward for the first time as well as the lime for applying: prcs.sure for the second time and the time for flowing backward tor ihe second lime per one full revolution to be substantially equal to j'Ayjh 11! her,
in anoiher prei"erred embodiment, the roller system can comprise \\\o rollerh consisting of a front roller and a rear roller, the front roller being disposed on an advance side ifi a predetermined direction round the -ntar> shaft and the rear roller being disposed on a delay side in the •'iredeiermined direclion. The front and rear rollers may be disposed in the ;Mu\inii!> 10 each other in ihe direction of rotation of the rotary shaft and arranged lu assume a position at which they are opposite to or face the guide surface and a position at which they are not opposite to or face the ,iiuide surface as the rotary shaft rotates one full revolution. Further, as each of the from and rear rollers are arranged at the positions opposite to the guide surface, the distance spaced between the front roller and the guide surface is set to become somewhat larger than the distance spaced heU\een the rear roller and the guide surface (as described in claim 18). 1 his embodiment is preferred in order to Impose no crashing externa! torce (pressure) onto the elastic tube, as compared with the case where the elastic tube is pressed down once with one roller, because in this preferred embodiment the elastic tube can be contracted to a considerable extent ■A 11 h I he iVom roller in advance before it is thoroughly closed with the rear -■•Her.
11

In accordance with the present invention, the magnitude of vibration energy to be applied to the heating liquid can be appropriately SCI in order to conipiy wixh the si/x of the balloon. Further, the vibrator de\ice ;is a .source of vibration can bo blocked thoroughly from the healing iiqiiid through the elastic tube so that the device is preferred in terms of cU'iinliness. Moreover, the vibrator device allovv.s an effective use of a conventitinal roller pump so that the device can be made simple in structure because it utilizes the rotary motion alone.
in addition, the present Invention can provide the elastic tube de\iee \\ir use with :he heating-type balloon catheter device of the present iiu eniioi: and the vibrator device appropriate for use with the heating-type balloon calheter device of the present invention.
fUicf Deseriplion of Accompanying Drawings
rig. 1 is a system diagram showing an e.xample of the present iiu cm ion.
;'ig. - is a side view in section showing an essential portion of the i.\isc where the orifice of the pulmonary vein is cautcrixcd.
I'ig. .1 is a vie\\ in section taken along the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.
t-ig. 4 is a plan view in partial section showing the detail of the \ihr;it'.}r device with the ela.stie tube set thereto.
Best Modes for carrying out the Invention
As shown in Fig. I. a catheter BK is inserted percutancously into a predetermined site cf the heart II of a patient K from the outside of the hod). lire catheter BK is of a heaiing-lype balloon catheter type and a ^■iithcicr main body I in the form of a tube is provided at its top end punion with a balloon 2. The balloon 2 is fitted with a high-frequency neaung electrode 3 as a heating means and a thermocouple 4 as a
]'i

icmpcniiure .-^cnb-or. as will be described hereinafter in more detail.
As shown in Fig. 2. ihc catheter main body I is fitted therein with .1 guiik- tube 5 having a si7.e substantially smaller than the size of the catheter main body I. The guide tube 5 has a length approximately equal U) the length of the catheter main body 1 and the top end portion of the guiJ lube 5 is formed in a form projecting somewhat from the top end portion of the catheter main body I. A guide wire 6 is further fined to move throui^h the inside of the guide tube 5.
I he balloon 2 is disposed in sueh a manner as bridging between llic top end portion of the catheter main body 1 and the top end portion of the liuide tube 5. In the balloon 2. the healing electrode 3 is disposed in such a nuinner as winding the guide tube 5. and the thermocouple 4 is further \"\\-<:6 lo the guide tube 5.
i"ig. 2 shows the case where the accessory transmission passage from the pulmonary vein 12. which becomes a cause of atrial fibrillation. > cju!eri/cd with the healing-t\pe balloon catheter device. More specificiillv. it is shown therein that the top end portion of the catheter main bod> !. i.e.. the balloon 2. is disposed at the position corresponding 10 the left ventricle II. and the expanded balloon 2 is in annular contact with the pulmonary vein orifice I 2a which is an orifice edge portion to the left \cnlricle II of the pulmonary vein 12. In Fig. 2, the site of L;iuieri/ation is an annular site at which the balloon 2 is brought in contact w nil [he pulmonarv vein orifice 12a and this site is represented by refercnci: s\ mbol a.
The v\ire 13 extending from the heating electrode 3 as well as a pair of v\ ires 14 and 1 .^ extending from the thermocouple 4 arc disposed to eMend through the catheter main body I and reach eventually into the ■■"odv ;is will he described hereinafter. The-catheter main body I is further prii\ ided therein with an air vent tube 16 for venting the air present in the 'Tjiloon 2, liie air vent tube 16 is provided in such a manner that the top
l:j

end poriion thereof has an aperture opening to the inside of the baiioon 2 .It it> hiiiher position and the other edge poriion thereof is open toward the aimosphcrc at a higher position of the ouislde of the body. Elements 5. ft and !3-16 arc disposed in the catheter main body 1 as are illuslrated
■^L'hcmaiicall} in rig. 3.
As shown agiin in Fig. I. the base end portion of the catheter main t^^id) I. i.e.. the portion disposed out.side the body, is connected lo a i-iinnecicr _{). The connecter 20 comprises a main pas.sage 21. a first briiiicii passage 22 and a second branch passage 23. the main passage 2 1 extending on a plane approximately with the catheter main body 1 in the :i\ial direction as wtW as the first branch passage and the second branch pa-ssage each being branched from the main passage 21. The second branch piis.saue 23 is further branched into two branch passageg 23a and 23b.
The guide wire 6 is disposed to pass through the main pa.ssage 21 III' the conneeter 20 and extend outside the body. A hemostatic valve for preventing a backward flow of the blood is disposed at the site ai which Uie guide wire 6 is led to the outside of the body from the main passage 22.
The air vent tube 16 is drawn from the fir.st branch passage 22 and extends toward a higher position {while the site of drawing the tube is ^ealed). lo the air vent tube i6 is connected a switch valve 18 which is dispnscd to he closet! after supplying the balloon 2 with the healing liquid, :.e.. at the time when vibration is imparted to the balloon 2. as will be described in more detail hereinafter.
The uires 13. 14 and 15 are led from the branch passage 23a lo the outside of the bod), and the site of leading outside the body is sealed. The wire !3 for the heating electrode 3 is connected to a high frequency
■ hii^h-frequency voltage) generating deice 25 from which a wire 26 paired ■>'. ith tfie u ire 1 3 extends and is connected to an outside electrode 27 which
■ 1 hrouglii into contact with the body surface. By operating the
T4

high-frequency generating device 25 in a stale in which the electrode 3 is disposed ai the predetermined site in the body as shown in Fig. 2 and the outside electrode 27 is in contact with the body surface, high frequency is iurned on between the two electrodes 3 and 27 to heat the healing electrode 3.
The Hires 14 and 15 each extending from the thermocouple 4 are connected each to a temperature measurement device 28 utilizing a iherniometer. A difference of voltage in accordance with the temperature uithin the balloon 2 is input to the thermometer 28 through the two wires 14 and 15. and the ".emperature inside the balloon 2 can be delected and i luiiLiti eJ.
The branch passage 23b is fitted with a shift valve 3! which in turn !•> connected to an elastic tube 40 through an extension lube 32. A ihrcc-wa> shift vaUe Is used for the shift valve 31 that is arranged lo selective!} assume v. first shift position and a second shift position, ihe first shift position being disposed to connect the branch passage 23b to the jMcnsiun tube 32 and the second shift position being disposed to connect iiie branch passage 23b to a connection orifice 3 1a opening lo the air (at ![ii> lime, the extension tube 32 and the branch passage 23b are blocked). In other words, as the shift valve 31 assumes the second shift position, on ihe one liand. a contrast agent and so on is supplied lo the balloon 2 via the hrancli passage 23b from a syringe 45 to be connected to the connection onl'ice 3 1a. As the shift valve 31 assumes the first shift position, on the .ither lumd. the connection orifice 3 1a is closed.
I ;ie extensio 1 tube 32 is connected to the elastic tube 40 via the :;r^i air vciu valve 33 \shich comprises a three-way shift vaive that in turn can shift the position of the extension tube 32 selectively belwecn a first ■.hit'i position and a second shift position in accordance with the shift position. The first shift position is the position at which the extension uiiie 32 i> connected to the clastic tube 40 in an airtight way and the
15

second shift position is the position ai which the extension lube 32 and the elastic tube 40 are connected to an orifice 33a opening to the atmosphere. i he e.Mcnsion tube 52 comprises a pressure-proof tube which may be made 'li' :i material having high rigidity and unlikely to be deformed by .-xpansion and constriction, yet likely to be curved in a relatively easy manner, i'he length of the extension tube 32 may be set to be as long as .ippro\imaiei> i.3O0 mm or the like.
Tile elastic lube 40 may be made of a silicone lube for example. ha\!ng a length of approximately 300 mm. The elastic tube 40 is set lo a 'I ibraior de\ ice RP of a roller type. The details of the vibrator device RP u iM be described with reference to Fig. 4. 'Che vibrator device RP comprises a housing 51 and a rotary shaft 52 held pivotally to the housing ^1 The housing 51 is provided ai its inner surface with a guide surface G :n an arc-shaped form round the rotary shaft 52. The guide surface G is I'tirmed at an angle in the range of approximately 180 degree (in a gL-neralU semi-circular form) in the direction of rotation of the rotary shal't 52. The rotary shaft 52 is provided with a roller 53 through a holding rtul 54. I he roller 53 is fitted by the holding rod 54 in such a manner as roiating round the axis 53a. This mode enables the roller 53 lo be rotated round ihc shaft 53a (turn on its axis) and rotated round the rotary shaft 52 ;ini'\c Ml an orbiial manner).
! he guide surface G is disposed at a position deviated outward Irnm a iocus of raiciion of the roller 53 round the rotary shaft 52 by a predetermined distarce that may be as long as twice the length of the tube \\all of :hc elastic tube 40. Jn other words, in the event where the elastic lube 40 is disposed iset) along the guide surface G. the elastic tube 40 is -.■aus^'J 10 compleu'I;. constrict or reduce Ihe size of the elastic lube 40. ■.c. \o be cUi.scd thoroughU in the radial direction (i.e.. the tube walls of '.he elastic tube 40 opposite lo each other are closely attached to each ^*Illerl ai a position hi \vhich the roller 53 is located oppo.siie to the guide
16

surface (i.e.. al an angle in the range of approximately I 80 degree about ■he roi;ir\ shaft 52).
The housing 51 is provided with an inlet 5Ia and an outlet 51 h. The elastic tube 40 is disposed along the guide surface 0 and extends from the inlei 51u and the outlet 51b lo the outside of the housing 51 (i.e.. the ekistic lube 40 is set in such a stale that it is curved in a generally I -^h<1ped i'orm as a whole). The length of projection of the clastic tube 40 from the inloi 5 1a is set to be short and the first air vcnl valve 33 is disposed in a position immediately close to the inlet 51a.
The portion of the clastic tube 40 projecting from the outlet 51 h cunsiiiuios a margin volume part 40A and the length (size) of the margin \niuine nart 40A is represented by reference symbol V. The length V of the margin volume part 4nA is set (altered) to become a predetermined length in jceurdancc ^\ith ihc si/e of the balloon 2 (indicated by the volume or ihc diiimeter corresponding to the volume). The top end of the clastic tube ■in. i.e.. the top end of the portion projecting from the outlet 5lb. is fitted w'wh the second air vent valve 4 1 which comprises an switch valve to sclecti\el> shift between a state in which the top end of the ela.'itic tube 40 i-. cio>ed and a state in which the elastic tube 40 is opened to ihc air.
; he elastic tube 40 is provided with indicators SI. S2 and S3 al its iMiUT peripheral surface on the side of the top end portion thereof, i'he urifice edge surface ."> 1 c of the outlet 51a of the housing .*>1 is set at a prodelermined reference position corresponding to the indicators Si to S2. inclusive. Among the indicators SI to S2. the indicator S3 is disposed at a po>iiion closest to the top end of the clastic lube 40 (i.e.. the second air \ent valve 4]). while the indicator Si is disposed at a position most rettuiie from the io;:> end of the elastic tube 40. The indicator S2 is i.;ispo.M.-d at a position between the indicators SI and S3.
B> altering the indicator to be aligned with the orifice edge
17

Mirfiico Mc. the length of the margin volume part 40A can be altered. A dose ri pi ion uill be made concerning the setting of the length of the margin Milumc part 40A as a specific example. ]n this example, the length of the L-aiheter main body 2 is set to 800 mm (an outer diameter set to 5 mm), a 4\S .^[)0-mm .silicone tube is used as the ela.stic tube 40. a l..iOO-mm pressure-poof tube is used as the extension tube 32 (the diameter is set to he equal to that of the elastic tube 40). and the length of the guide surface ti (i.e-. ;he length in an angle in the range of approximately 180 degree about the rotary shaft 52) is set to 160 mm. First of all. in a state of Fig. 4 in which the indicator SI as a reference position is aligned with the orifice ;;-dgc' surface 5!c. this state corresponds to the position appropriate for the halioon 2 having a size as large as 30(p for example (in this case, the rcierence symbol V s set to 140 mm for example, when the length of the margin volume part 40A is represented by reference symbol V). For L'samplc. uhen the indicator S2 is aligned with the orifice edge surface :^ I c. tlie length oi the margin volume part 40 is set to be shorter than the length as expressed b\ the reference symbol V (V being set to 90 mm for example). 1 he position in this case is appropriate when the balloon 3 has a ■^i/e as large as 2?(|). Moreover, when the indicator S3 is aligned with the orifice edge surface 51c. the length of the margin volume part 40A is set to ho shor-.er {40 mm for example). The position in this case corresponds to ;ho position appropriate for the balloon 2 having a si;^e as large as 20^ for jxample.
i he rotars shaft 52 is driven rotatively In the predetermined JI reel ion o\' rotation ', a motor for rotatively driving being not shown in the drawing). The predetermined direction of rotation is defined as a direction :n \".hich the roller 5 3 is directed from the side of the inlet 5 la to the side of ihe nutlet 5 1b round the rotary shaft 52. that is. as a direction in which II move in an orbit motion from the base end portion of the elastic lube 40
IS

la connection part to the extension tube 32) to Ihe side of the outlet 51b (the Side ot !he second air vent valve 4 I).
The clastic tube 40 is thoroughly deformed by crushing or flaitcniny the radial size of the elastic tube 40 at a position where the roller 53 is disposed opposite ic the guide surface G (i.e.. the opposite iuhe uails of the elastic tube 40 are closely attached to each other), and Ihe side of the base end portion of the elastic tube 40 and the side of the top end portion of the clastic tube 40 are blocked on the boundary of the portion whose size is crushed or flattened. The niargin volume part 40 is provided uith pressure in accordance with the movement of the roller ."13 i!i the predeterminec direction of rotation. Qn the other hand, the side of tiiC base end portion oj" the elastic tube 40 is communicated with ihe side I'l' the top end por:io:i of the elastic tube 40 at the position where the roller ."-3 is not opposite to the guide surface G because the flattened portion of the clastic tube 40 is recovered lo its original size by the action of iccoverinL: elasticity, in other words, in the event that the flattened rmrtion of the elastic tube 40 is e.xpanded and returned to Its original si/e. the pressure applied to the margin volume part 40A is released (i.e.. flown back'Aard} toward the base end portion thereof.
The heating liquid in the margin volume pan 40A pressuri/ed by .ipp!> i;iu pressure thereto at the time when the size of the clastic tube 40 is crushed or flattened in a state in which the path extending from the elastic uiho 40 to the balloon 2 is filled with the healing liquid is then flown backward toward the batioon 2 as the elastic tube 40 is expanded. The \ ihratioii can be transmitted from the margin volume part 40A to the balloon 2 by repeat in u the crushing or flattening of the si/e of the ela.stic lube 40 and the expansion of the crushed or flattened si/.e thereof. As a result, the heating liquid is stirred 10 rnake the temperature of the heating .iquui aniform. Although a larger magnitude of vibration energy is rcLiuircd for making the temperature of the heating liquid uniform in the
19

c\eiu where the balloon 2 having a larger size is used, such a large maanituue of the vibration energy can be obtained by making the length of iho niarpin volume pan 40A larger.
Although the frequency of vibration is desired in the highest po>',iblc number, the vibration cannot be effectively transmitted to the biilloon 2 if the high frequency is damped on its way. Therefore, the iVequenc} of the vibration is preferably set to approximately 2Hz for o\ainplc, as in the specific case as ha.s been described above. In this case. the ruiar\ shaft 52 may be rotated by two full revolutions per second. U ..■an he noted hereir as a matter of course that, as the the number of rotation of the rotary shaft 52 is set higher, the frequency of the vibration .^ made higher.
Next, a de.seription will be made of the action of the construction nt" the present invention as has been described above. First, at the initial NUige. thi.' shift valve 3i is in a state in which the branch passage 23b is communicated with the connection orifice 31a and the shift valve 31 is not L.uuiected lo the extension tube 32. In this state, the guide wire 6 is inserieu culaneously into the body from the outside of the body in .such a slate thai the top end portion thereof is inserted to some extent into the PLilmnnar) vein 12 via the left ventricle U. The catheter main body 1 can then he inserted inlo the body {by inserting the guide wire 6 through the juide luhe 5) as it is guided by the guide wire 6 (in such a state that the iMlloon 2 is deflated ■.
\^ hen ii is confirmed from the outside of the body by utilizing a coniraM agent lo be supplied from the connection part 31a to the balloon 2 ituu tlu' balloon 2 reaches the left ventricle II and it is positioned in the \ icinli) of the pulmonary vein orifice 12a. for example, air is sent under pressure from the connection part 24a to expand the balloon 2. As a result. \h^' balloon 2 is allowed to come into contact with and press the pulmonary
20

vein orifice I 2a to a strong extent, as shown in Fig. 2. it is to be noted Herein that the shift valve 18 connected to the air vent tube lA can be i.'IosL"J upon expansion of the balloon 2.
I-rom the state of Fig. 2. for example, the balloon 2 and the v.'aiheier main bod\ 1 can he filled with the heating liquid by supplying the iMJluon 2 with the heating liquid from the connection part 31a. Upon >uppl>inLi the balloon 2 with the heating liquid, the air can be effectively \viilidra\sn outward from the balloon 2 by the air vent tube 16 (by opening the shift \alve \H), thereby allowing a smooth supply of the heating liquid 10 the balloon 2. It is to be noted herein that, if the air would be left inside iho balloon 2 without being withdrawn completely, for example, the air in ihe balloon 2 is sucxed from the connection part 24a toward the outside and ihe hearing liquid is supplied again to the balloon 2. This operation can be repealed as needed.
Apart from the above procedures, a connection member comprising tiic cla.^iic tube 40 and the extension lube 32 is prepared (to this i.-onnoction member being connected the air vent valves 33 and 41). The LiHineciion member is filled with the heating liquid by using one of the air \:-n: WIIM.-> I3 and 41 i and then the air vent valves 33 and 41 arc closed.
1 he elastic tube 40 of the connection member filled with the healing liquid is set to the vibrator device Rp. At this timing, the margin volume part 4l)A is set to have a length corresponding to the si/e of the balloon 2 h\ utili7ing the indicators S1-S3. inclusive. The extension tube 12 is connected to the shift valve 31 before or after the setting of the margin solume part 40A. The air remaining in the path extending from the balloon 2 to the eias'.ic tube 40 can be withdravvn from the air vent valve '^1 or 4 1. [:ven in such a state that the elastic tube 40 is pressed down and closed wiiii the roile- 53. the air can also be withdrawn by the second air \cni lube 41 from the lop end portion of the elastic tube 4Q. i.e.. lUc side
21

I'T \\-\c nuiri^in volume pan 40A.
Once it is confirmed that the path extending from the balloon 2 to the elastic tube 40 {i.e.. the margin volume part 40A thereof), the liijih-rYeuuency generating device 25 is operated to allow the heating ek-ctrodc 1 to start heating. The operation status of the high-frequency .ucncraiing device 25 can be subjected to feed-back control in order to permii ihe temperature within the balloon 2 to reach a predetermined temperature (60"C for example), that is. the temperature to be detected u ith the thcrmoeouple 4.
I pon heating with the heating electrode 3. the vibrator device RP l^ dri\en :o rotativcls drive the roller 54 in the predetermined direction of nnaiion. 1 hi> permits a repetition of events comprising the application of pressure to ihe mar,^:n volume part 40A of the elastic tube 40 and the backward finv\ of the pressured heating liquid within the margin volume pari 4()A unvard the catheter main body 1. The vibraiion of the heating liquid in the elastic tube 40 is transmitted to the heating liquid within the halloon 2 through the heating liquid of the catheter main body 1. thereby siirring the healing liquid in the balloon 2. This makes the temperature ■viiihin ;he balloon 2 uniform as a whole due to the stirring of the heating ■ iquid h> vibration, although the heating liquid heated to a high lempcraturc uith :he heating electrode 3 are likely to gather on top of the halloon 2. [he pulmonary vein orifice 12a is cauterized by heating the halloon 2. As the balloon 2 is set to make the temperature uniform as a whole, the pulmonary vein orifice 12a can be cauterized to a unifortii eMen; over ihc full length in the peripheral direction.
Although the present invention has been described by way of working examples, it is to be under.stood that the present invention is not 'inmcii to the vvorkirg examples and various modifications and variations
'>■>

arc possible as long as they are encompassed within the scope of the claims. lor example, the heating electrode 3 may also be used as one of condueiors for th:? tiormocouplc 4 and either one of the wires 14 and 15 can be removed (for example. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. .^-2^'3.183 discloses an embodiment in which the wire of the heating electrode is also used as one of the wires for the thermocouple), it is further noted that the mode of cauterization is not limited to an annular euuicri/ation of r:ie pulmonary vein orifice and the present invention can ;;lso he applied to cauterization of a site oflhe heart or body tissues other ■jian the he;iri.
The number or disposition of the rollers of the vibrator device RP m:]> he two or more if there can be attained a slate in which pressure is applied with [he roller and a slate in which no pressure is applied at all with the roller, ror example, the roller 54 may comprise two rollers Jisposed at an in-.erval of 180'' in the direction of rotation of the rotary sUiit'i 5 2. uhile the length of the guide surface G extends ai an angle in the ;\iiii:e of apprn\imatel> 60" in the direction of rotation of the rotary shaft 5 2. In I his embodiment, the margin volume pan 40 A is subjected to upplicaiion o\' pressure and to backward flow at two limes each as the roinr> shaft ."^2 makes a full revolution. More specifically, the events consisting of the fi-st application of pressure (the first application of pre?>sure \Kith the ro.ier). the first backward flow, the second application oi' pressure (the ^eccnd application of pressure) and the second backward fiou occur in this order while the rotary shaft makes one full revolution. Moreover, the time required for the application of pressure and the time required for the backward flow arc set each lo be substantially equai to Line another.
The number of the air vent valves may be one or three or more. I-'or .•\ampio. it may be disposed only at the edge or at the base end of the ei.niic tube 40. Further, the air vent valve may be disposed in another path
23

(.nnneciL'd lo the elastic lube 40. e.g.. at an intermediate portion of the extension tube. The elastic tube 40 can he connected lo the connecter 20 or ■liL- catheter main bod\ 2 without using the extension tube 32. It is not nccdctl to separately f"ii the air vent tube 16 (in particular in order lo ri'duce the outer diameter of the catheter main body 1). In this embodiment. the elastic tube 40 can be connected to the branch passage 22. The vibrator deuce RP can also be used for imparting vibration to a fluid, particularly liquid, even in the field other than the heating-iypc balloon catheter device. The predetermined positions (reference positions) to be aligned ■■.'.ith ihe indicators SI to S3, inclusive, set to the housing 5] may be set. !or example, at the orifice edge surface of the inlet 5ia or in the vicinity nihcr than the orifice edge surface thereof. Moreover, the indicators may .ilso he disposed at the base end portion of the clastic tube 40. In this enibodiment, the predetermined position to be set to the housing 5 1 may be disposed at the orifice edge surface of the inlet .'ila or in the vicinity 'hereof and the one that can be readily visible from the outside. It can be noicd as a matter of course that the indicators. S1-S3. inclusive, may be disposed at an in:ermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the elastic !ube 40. In this embodiment, the above predetermined position may ho set in the vicinitv of the guide surface G of the housing 51. Moreover. ihe indicator to bi set to the elastic tube 40 may be only one while the housing 5! may be provided with plural predetermined positions I reference positions) to be aligned with the above one indicator at a ^p:iced interval along the elastic tube 40 (along the guide surface G for .■\,{nipk' 1.
fhe function of one roller can be performed substantially by two -oilers. I'or example, as shown in Fig. 4. in the event where the roller 54 is considered as a rear roller, a front roller is disposed as an auxiliary roller ai a position immediately before this rear roller {the front roller itself rniaici round the roiarv shaft 52 (conducts an orbital motion) in
2-1

Mibstaniiali) the .same manner as the rear roller 54). It is provided. however, jhat. in the event where the front roller is at a position opposite 10 Ihc izuide surface G. the spaced distance from the guide surface G is set to become somewhat smaller than that from the rear roller 54. More ^peci|■icail\. the spaced distance from the guide surface G in the event v'.herc ;he front roller is di.sposcd at a position opposite to the guide s.irfiicc Ci can be sot to a distance that can reduce ihc radial size of the ciiistic tube 40 yet cannot ciose to a full extent (a distance somewhat longer twice the length of the tube walls opposite to the elastic tube 40). ! hi^ sening allows the front roller to reduce the si/.c of the elastic tube 40. ior example, b> appro.ximaiely a half to two-third,s and immediately tiiorealter the rear roller 54 to close the elastic tube 40 completely. As the >\?L' vt' the elastic tube 40 is reduced in advance by the front roller lo a i^'on^iderablc extent in the manner as described above, even though ii is not k.losed compleiels. this embodiment is preferred in terms of application of no crnshing e.Kternal force to the elasiic tube 40. as compared with the cmhodiment in whic!' the elastic tube 40 is closed to a full extent once by nnl> oni.' roller.
Ihc object of the present invention is not limited to those as -■\ pressed above and encompasses those described impliedly as •-ubsianiiull) pret\'rred or as merits. Further, the present invention can be expressed also as a heating method.
25

CLAIMS
I. A heatinjj-iype balloon catheter device having a heating-typo Hal loon ar a lap end portion of a catheter main body and a vibration iinpariifig device ccnnected to a base end portion of the catheter main biuiy and disposed to impart vibration to a liquid for heating in the iiL-aiing-[>pc balloon through a liquid for heating filled in the catheter iiKiin hud>; said vibration imparling device comprising:
an elastic tube with a base end portion thereof connected to said catheter main body and with a top end portion thereof closed, said elastic mho being filled w^ith a liquid for heating: and
ii vibrator device having a roller rotating about a rotary shaft at a po^iri^l^ offset to the roiar\ shaft and set to the elastic tube;
therein said elastic tube is set to said vibrator device in such a mariiier thai a predetermined direction of rotation of said roller extends from the side of the base end portion of said clastic tube to the side of the lop end portion thereof and a margin volume part which is not pressed with said roller is provided on the side of the top end portion of said elastic :iibe: and
wherein said elastic tube is disposed to assume a shutt-off state :iiKi a eommunicatior state in accordance with rotation of said roller in its predeierniincd direction, the shull-off state being a state in which the base end poriinn side of said elastic tube and the top end portion side thereof are blacked by pressing said clastic tube with the roller and reducing a radial si/c of said elastic tube wiih the roller and the communication state being a stale in which the base end portion side of said elastic tube is L'dinmunieaied with the top end portion side thereof by enlarging and recovering the size of said elastic tube due to elasticity by releasing the pressing of said elastic tube with the roller: and
wherein the heating liquid in said elastic tube is supplied with
26

prcsMirc toward said margin volume part when said elastic tube- Is in the ^hLlU-otl .-jtaic while the heating liquid pressurized In said margin volume P.irt is flown backward toward ihc base end portion side of said elastic luhe when said clastic tube is in the communication state, in accordance \\ iih rotatiun of the roller in the predetermined direction of rotation of the
--.IkT.
2. The heating-type balloon catheter device as claimed in claim 1. v\ herein said elastic lube is connected to the base end portion of said L.Uheier main bodv through an extension tube which Is superior in rigidity .i!ul unlikel) to bo deformed b\ expansion and constriction in a radial ■ lircei ion ihereof.
3. 1 he hcaiing-typc balloon catheter device as claimed in claim 1, 'A iierei n:
a connecter having plural branch passages is fitted to the base end poriion of said ciiiheier main body: and
>;iid elastic lube is connected to a predetermined branch passage Tor suppl.Ninii: a conir:isi agent, among the plural branch passages.
4 The heaiing-t>pe balloon catheter device as claimed in claim 3. ■■\ ;ic!"e;n:
said eia.stie tube is connected to the predetermined branch passage through a shift valve: and
said shift valve is set to assume a first shift position for supplying ihL- catheter main body with a contrast agent by blocking a communication -erueen -.aid elastic ".ube and said catheter main body and a second shift position for communicating said elastic tube with said catheter main body.
X The heattnc-i) pe balloon catheter device as claimed in claim I. Aherein an indicator is provided on an outer peripheral surface of said L-lasiic lube, which indicates a size of said margin volume part to be set in .i^ciTdanee with a si/e of said balloon.
(i. riie healing-iype balloon catheter device as claimed in claim f^,

uhcrcin said indicaior is set on the basis of a predetermined position of a housing of said vibrator device.
". The heating-type balloon catheter device as claimed in claim 6. V. herein:
the predetermined position of the housing is set to a position which is lucaied on an orifice edge surface on an oulet side of the housing or in liie vicinity thereof and which is readily visible from outside, and
said indicator is formed in plural numbers at spaced intervals in an iivcii extending from the lop end portion side of said elasiic tube to the have end portion side thereof.
8. The heating-type balloon catheter device as claimed in claim I. v\ herein a\ least one air vent valve for withdrawing air in a predetermined path is disposed on the predetermined path extending from the base end portion of said catheter main body to the top end portion of said elastic
IV. b c.
y. The heating-type balloon catheter device as claimed in claim 8.
V. herein said air vent valve is connected to the top end of said elastic tube.
1 0. The healing-type balloon catheter device as claimed in claim 8. ■v^hcrcin said air vent valve comprises a first air vent valve connected to a path OMending from said catheter main body to said elastic tube and a second iiir vent valve connected to the lop end of said elastic tube.
II. An elast c tube device comprising an elasiic lube which is expanded or constricted in such a manner that lube walls of said clastic uiho opposite to each other are caused to be closely attached to each other in a radial direction upon application of external force toward a direction ill \Oiiijh the elastic lube is closed and that they are allowed to recover to lis original size due to its own elasticity when the external force is ' c 1 c a s e ti;
'v\hcrein said elastic tube has the top end closed and the base end piiriion constituting a connection part to a caiheier main body; and
28

\^ herein a plurality of indicators are disposed on an outer peripheral surface of said elastic lube at a spaced interval in a lonizitudinai direction of the elastic tube, said indicators corresponding to a si/e o\' a balloon ir a heating-type balloon catheter device .
12. The eiasiic lube device as claimed in claim 11. wherein said indieaiors are formed from the top end portion side of said clastic tube to I he base end portion side thereof.
13. The elast c tube device as claimed in claim 11. wherein an air ^eni \alve for selectively opening said clastic tube to the atmosphere is connected to either nnc of the top end and the base end of said elastic :uhe.
14; The elastic tube device as claimed in claim II. wherein an air vcni \al\e for selectively opening said elastic lube to the atmosphere is (.■oimecied each to the top end portion of said elastic lube and the base end i'iiriioii ;hereof.
1 X A vibrator device comprising:
a housing:
a rotar> shaft held pivotal !y to the housing;
a guide surface formed in an arc shape about said rotary shaft on an inner peripheral surface of said housing in a manner as winding said :- shafi: and
a roller for pressing an elastic tube in cooperation with the guide Nurface. which rotates about said rotary shaft at a position offset from said !(i;ar) shafi:
wherein a number and/or disposition of said roller are/is disposed lo assume a state in which the roller is not opposite to the guide surface .nui LJoes noi press said elastic tube as the rotary shaft makes a full
I i.'\ 0 I U t UMl .
I f^. The vibrator device as claimed in claim 15. wherein: said roller comprises only one roller; and
29

a iongih of said guide surface is set to be at an angle in tho range oT approximatelv 1 8C degree about said rotary shaft.
! 7. The vibrator device as claimed in claim 1 5. wherein:
^aiJ roller comprises two rollers disposed at an interval of 180 JcLircc about said rotnry shaft: and
^aid guide surface is set to be al an angle in the range of :\ppro\imaioly 60 degree about said rotary shaft.
18. The vibrauir device as claimed in claim 15. wherein:
said roller comprises a front roller disposed at a position on the .ld^LUKo side in a predetermined direction of rotation about said rotary shaii and a rear roller disposed at a position on the delay side in the predetermined direction of rotation:
the front roller and the rear roller are disposed in positions each in ihe pro\imit> to a direction of rotation of said rotary shaft and they are (iisposcd to assume a position al which each of the front and rear rollers is opposite 10 the guide surface and a position at which each of them is not opposite to the guide surface, as the rotary shaft makes a full revolution in :hc predetermined direction of rotation thereof: and
a -spaced di.siance between said front and rear rollers is set to hecomc ^ome\^hal larger than a spaced distance between said front roller .liiu said guide surface as said front roller and said rear roller are opposite 1 <' ; h c u u i d e s u r f a c e.
30