Patent ID: 7074276
Filing Date: 2006-07-11
Classification: B05B,B05C

Abstract:
1. A device for supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance to the stent, the stent having a generally tubular body and a longitudinal bore extending through the tubular body, the device comprising: a base; a mandrel extending from the base for penetrating at least partially through the longitudinal bore of the stent; and clamp elements extending from the base, the clamp elements configured to have an open configuration for allowing the mandrel to be inserted into the longitudinal bore of the stent, and a closed configuration for securing the stent on the mandrel during the application of the coating substance to the stent, wherein the base includes an indented portion and wherein each of the clamp elements includes a first segment extending over the indented portion of the base and a second segment extending out from the base such that an application of a force to the first segments of the clamp elements over the indented portion of the base causes the second segments to move away from each other towards the open configuration and the release of the force results in the second segments of the clamp elements to retract back towards each other.