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Abstract

An apparatus for imprinting a stent configuration image from a mask form onto a tubular stent blank. The stent blank has a longitudinal axis and a photosensitive coating on the outer surface thereof. The apparatus includes a journaling mechanism adapted to receive the stent blank, and operable to rotate the stent blank about its longitudinal axis; a radiation source operable to direct light at a first surface region of the stent blank when mounted in the journaling mechanism, to thereby expose the photosensitive coating on said first surface region of the stent blank; and a mask form movement mechanism configured to mount the mask form in the apparatus and to move the mask form along a path in which the mask form contacts the stent blank in said first surface region thereof along a concurrent convex arcuate segment.

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First Claim