Abstract: A method of manufacturing an exhaust gas carrying device, in particular an exhaust gas purification device, and a tool provided therefor include segment-like jaws that are used to deform an outer housing. The jaws have indentations or projections adjacent to each other, and which are complementary to form a continuously surrounding indentation/projection. The reshaped outer housing is provided with one or more surrounding projections or indentations by the deformation.

Abstract: A pipe processing tool that is configured to deform the end of a pipe so that the circumferential shape of the end of the pipe generally matches the circumferential shape of an adjacent pipe end. Matching the circumferential shapes of the pipe ends is advantageous during a pipe attachment process. The pipe processing tool can include a deformation ring with a plurality of pipe deformation members. Each pipe deformation member faces radially inward and is actuatable in a radial direction toward and away from the center of the deformation ring in order to permit engagement with the pipe. Each pipe deformation member is individually and separately actuatable from the other pipe deformation members so that the circumferential shapes of the pipes can be altered by controlling suitable ones of the pipe deformation members.

Abstract: A heart valve prostheses crimping apparatus and method for deducing the diameter of stents containing heart valve prosthesis. A medical prosthesis catheter loading apparatus, including a crimping assembly for reducing the diameter of a prosthesis; and a catheter clamp for holding a catheter adjacent to the prosthesis. Also disclosed is an apparatus for reducing the diameter of a medical prosthesis, including a base, a crimp head connectable to the base, and an actuation mechanism connected to the base and connectable to the crimp head to actuate the crimp head. Also disclosed is a method of loading a medical prosthesis into a catheter, including the steps of reducing the diameter of a prosthesis from its normal deployed state to a diameter less than that of the lumen of the catheter; holding a catheter adjacent to the reduced diameter prosthesis; and moving the prosthesis into the catheter lumen.

Abstract: A system for mounting a stent on a balloon catheter includes two positioning and alignment stations, which are used to prepare a stent and catheter for crimping using the same crimping head. The system is configured for automated assembly of the stent and catheter prior to crimping. A catheter and stent are placed on a computer-controlled carriage that delivers the stent and catheter to the crimper head. Before placing the stent and catheter into the crimper head, an automated alignment system locates the stent between balloon markers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing a sealing lip of a metallic can, and a metallic can processed by the apparatus. The present invention provides an apparatus for processing a sealing lip of a metallic can comprising: a pressurization block which is lifted and lowered by a lifting means to elastically provide pressure downward; an interlocking means which moves downward step by step by the pressure of the pressurization block and has a coupling relation in which the means stops at stages in the level difference structure of a base so as to be held; and a lip processing member which presses the sealing lip to the inside and outside of a bottle neck of the metallic can while interlocking due to the movement of the interlocking means, and provides a metallic can wherein a notch groove is processed at a beading part by the apparatus for processing a sealing lip of a metallic can.

Abstract: A method of sheathing a stent including the steps of providing a stent assembly including a catheter member and a stent member disposed about the catheter member; placing a first sheath film adjacent one side of the stent assembly; placing a second sheath film adjacent an opposite side of the stent assembly, and compressing the stent assembly, whereby the first and second sheath films move toward each other and substantially surround the stent assembly. The first and second sheath films are provided in rolls. Compressing is implemented by a radial compression mechanism. The first and second sheath films pass through the radial compression mechanism. Compressing sheaths the stent assembly and crimps the stent onto the catheter. As an alternative to two sheath films, a single film may be used, whereby compressing surrounds the stent assembly with the single sheath film. Also disclosed is an apparatus for sheathing a stent.

Abstract: An exemplary system for crimping a prosthetic valve comprises a radially expandable and compressible prosthetic valve, a crimping device positioned around the valve and configured to reduce the diameter of the valve to a delivery configuration, and a sterile package enclosing the valve and the crimping device. The valve can be pre-assembled in a partially crimped configuration within the crimping device. After removing the sterile packaging, the crimping device can be used to crimp the valve from the partially crimped configuration to the delivery configuration, such as by twisting a knob on the crimping device. The system can further comprise at least a portion of a delivery catheter within the sterile package, wherein the valve is pre-mounted on or adjacent to an inflatable balloon of the delivery catheter, such that the valve can be crimped onto the delivery catheter using the crimping device.

Abstract: A device for crimping an implantable device or a part thereof between a radially expanded condition and a radially contracted condition, includes first and second annular bodies arranged about a common axis, and a ring-like array of linear crimping elements having respective opposite ends linked to the first and second annular bodies, respectively. These annular bodies are relatively rotatable around the common axis between a first position, wherein the annular array of crimping elements define a wider orifice for receiving a device to be crimped, and a second position, wherein the annular array of crimping elements define a narrower orifice.

Abstract: A stent crimping and coating apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of crimping blades positioned in a radial array and collectively forming a central crimping lumen, wherein the plurality of crimping blades radially movable to alter the diameter of the central crimping lumen. Each of the crimping blades includes a first surface configured to at least in part define the central crimping lumen. One or more of the crimping blades includes a fluid channel extending therein and a plurality of openings in fluid communication with the fluid channel. The plurality of openings are located at the first surface of the one or more crimping blades and adapted to discharge a fluid into the central crimping lumen.

Abstract: A tool having a selectively positionable latch which governs access to an interior working region of the tool is described. The latch is selectively positionable between a closed position and an open position. For tools having multiple indenters for performing crimping operations, the latch can also include an indenter.

Abstract: An apparatus for collapsing an expandable stent can include a plurality of movable members braided together to form a tubular member or main body portion. The movable members can at least partially define a lumen in the main body portion. The main body portion can be adapted to circumferentially apply an inward force as the diameter of the main body portion is reduced. The diameter of the main body portion can be reduced by moving opposing ends of the main body portion away from each other. An expanded expandable stent can be collapsed by positioning the stent inside the lumen of the main body portion and pulling opposing ends of the main body portion apart. An intermediate layer can be provided between the stent and the main body portion to reduce shear stresses and point forces on the stent.

Abstract: A forging apparatus is described, comprising forging tools (5) which are arranged in a centrically symmetrical way about a forging axis (2) and whose tool holders (4) radially guided in a frame (3) are connected with lifting drives (7), which each comprise one respective connecting rod (8) that is pivotably supported via abutments (9) on a housing (1) on the one hand and on the tool holder (4) on the other hand, and comprising a common drive for the lifting drives (7) which comprises a torsional vibration drive (11) for at least one actuator (12) for the one of the two abutments (9, 10) of the connecting rods (8), which actuator is rotatably held about the forging axis (2). In order to ensure advantageous constructional conditions, it is proposed that the frame (3) forms the actuator (12) of the common drive for the lifting drives (7), and that the torsional vibration drive (11) is provided between the housing (1) and the frame (3) which is rotatably held about the forging axis (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a medical device is formed of at least three coupled movable blades which are disposed about a reference circle to form an aperture whose size may be varied. The aperture capable of being sized to contain a medical device. Each blade is in communication with an actuation device which is capable of moving the blade to alter the size of the aperture. Each blade includes a single radial point which a) lies on the circumference of the reference circle prior to movement of the blade, and b) may be moved only along a radius of the reference circle on movement of the blade.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for shaping an article may comprise a plurality of movable dies arranged to form a chamber whose size may be varied by moving the dies. Each of the dies may have a contacting surface for contacting the article to be shaped. The chamber may have a first portion having a first cross-section and a second portion having a second cross-section. Either portion may include a taper. The first portion may have a differently shaped cross-section than the second portion. The first portion may have a cross-section of greater area than the second portion. The longitudinal axis of the first portion may be offset from the longitudinal axis of the second portion.

Abstract: A method of loading an article, such as a self-expanding stent, into a structure, such as a delivery catheter, including the steps of chilling the article to a predetermined temperature, reducing article size a predetermined amount, inserting fluid into the article, whereby the fluid forms a substantially solid plug with respect to the article, and moving the frozen article. Also provided is an apparatus for loading an article into a structure including: an article size reduction element, a chiller connected to the size reduction element, a cold source communicatively connected to the chiller, and a fluid supply communicatively connected to the size reduction element.

Abstract: A crimping tool has crimping dies arranged in a star shape directed at a crimping region and subjected to rotational action radially outwards for the crimping movement by means of an actuating part. The crimping dies are mounted about an axis of rotation transversely to the longitudinal extent thereof for pivoting-in and form an abutment region on the crimping region side of the axis of rotation. A radial movement and/or circumferential movement is brought about to coincide with the rotational action on the crimping dies, in order to obtain abutment of a crimping die in the abutment region thereof against the counter-abutment region of another crimping die adjacent to the crimping die in the pivoting direction or counter-pivoting direction.

Abstract: An exemplary system for crimping a prosthetic valve comprises a radially expandable and compressible prosthetic valve, a crimping device positioned around the valve and configured to reduce the diameter of the valve to a delivery configuration, and a sterile package enclosing the valve and the crimping device. The valve can be pre-assembled in a partially crimped configuration within the crimping device. After removing the sterile packaging, the crimping device can be used to crimp the valve from the partially crimped configuration to the delivery configuration, such as by twisting a knob on the crimping device. The system can further comprise at least a portion of a delivery catheter within the sterile package, wherein the valve is pre-mounted on or adjacent to an inflatable balloon of the delivery catheter, such that the valve can be crimped onto the delivery catheter using the crimping device.

Abstract: A stent loading device is configured to perform a method of loading a stent into a delivery tube that comprises loading a stent into an opening of a crimping device. The stent has an initial uncompressed diameter. The method further comprises crimping the stent via the crimping device in a manner reducing the diameter of the stent from the initial diameter. Still further, the method comprises forcing the stent out of the opening of the crimping device and into a passageway of a delivery tube while oscillating the crimping device. The passageway of the delivery tube has a diameter that is less than the initial diameter of the stent and receives the stent in its compressed state.

Abstract: Crimping apparatuses for reducing the diameter of an intraluminal medical device from a first diameter to a second diameter prior to loading the medical device into a catheter delivery system and loading apparatuses for introducing the medical device into a catheter delivery system, the devices constructed and arranged for matingly engaging one another, combinations thereof, and methods of using the devices.

Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure provides an expansion rod holder for the assembly of fin and tube heat exchangers. The expansion rod holder includes a first plate having a first aperture therethrough and a ring located in the first aperture and that has a second aperture therethrough. The first and second apertures are configured to receive a tapered end of an expansion rod having an annular groove proximate the tapered end. A biasing member is located in the first aperture between the ring and a wall of the first aperture. The biasing member is configured to bias the ring in a first direction toward an opposite wall of the first aperture and into the annular groove. A method of manufacturing the expansion rod holder is also disclosed, as well as a tube expander system used to manufacture heat exchangers.

Abstract: A crimping device is provided for crimping an outer work piece onto an inner work piece. The crimping device includes at least two jaws forming a throat surface about the outer work piece and movable between a partially closed position wherein the outer work piece is not crimped and a closed position wherein the jaws crimp the outer work piece onto the inner work piece. The jaws are configured as a shutter mechanism so that the throat surface remains substantially continuous about the first work piece as the jaws move from the partially closed position to the closed position. At least one of the jaws moves in straight line motion as the jaws move from the partially closed position to the closed position. At least two of the jaws radially and slide against each other as the jaws move from the partially closed position to the closed position.

Abstract: A radial press comprising a first and a second structure, each having a press yoke that form a receiving chamber for a press tool. Under the action of a drive unit, the second structure can be linearly moved by a pressing stroke relative to the first structure between an open position and a pressing end position in a working plane perpendicular to the press axis. In the open position of the radial press, a lateral feed opening is formed between the two press yokes. The drive unit is arranged offset with respect to the press axis only on the side facing away from the feed opening. A supporting drive, which is arranged on the side of the drive unit facing away from the press axis and can be continuously longitudinally adjusted in a defined manner within a supporting stroke, acts between the first structure and the second structure.

Abstract: A forging apparatus is described, comprising forging tools (5) which are arranged in a centrically symmetrical way about a forging axis (2) and whose tool holders (4) radially guided in a frame (3) are connected with lifting drives (7), which each comprise one respective connecting rod (8) that is pivotably supported via abutments (9) on a housing (1) on the one hand and on the tool holder (4) on the other hand, and comprising a common drive for the lifting drives (7) which comprises a torsional vibration drive (11) for at least one actuator (12) for the one of the two abutments (9, 10) of the connecting rods (8), which actuator is rotatably held about the forging axis (2). In order to ensure advantageous constructional conditions, it is proposed that the frame (3) forms the actuator (12) of the common drive for the lifting drives (7), and that the torsional vibration drive (11) is provided between the housing (1) and the frame (3) which is rotatably held about the forging axis (2).

Abstract: A tool for the connection of tubes (T) by means of connection sleeves (C), comprising two jaws (2, 3) which are mutually movable between an open rest position, and a closed work position wherein they define an annular reception seat (7) of the connection sleeve (C), and wherein they turn a circumferential series of radial punches (6) towards the sleeve (C); said jaws (2, 3) each comprising at least one punch (6) sliding towards the center of said reception seat (7), and being mutually connected by means of a kinematic system which permits them, when they are found in said open rest position, to confer a generally open-ring shape to said reception seat (7), through whose lateral opening (8) the connection sleeve (C) can be inserted and extracted by lateral movement.

Abstract: A stent crimping system and method for use in preparing a bifurcation catheter assembly for use in a patient. The catheter assembly includes main and side catheter branches and a stent. The stent includes a side branch aperture through which the side catheter branch extends. The stent is crimped onto the main and side catheter branches with a crimping mechanism in two crimping steps. In the first crimping step, only a distal end portion of the stent is crimped while the side catheter branch remains extending through the side branch opening of the stent and remains positioned outside of the crimping mechanism. In a second crimping step, the entire stent is crimped with the crimping mechanism.

Abstract: A heart valve prostheses crimping apparatus and method for deducing the diameter of stents containing heart valve prosthesis. A medical prosthesis catheter loading apparatus, including a crimping assembly for reducing the diameter of a prosthesis; and a catheter clamp for holding a catheter adjacent to the prosthesis. Also disclosed is an apparatus for reducing the diameter of a medical prosthesis, including a base, a crimp head connectable to the base, and an actuation mechanism connected to the base and connectable to the crimp head to actuate the crimp head. Also disclosed is a method of loading a medical prosthesis into a catheter, including the steps of reducing the diameter of a prosthesis from its normal deployed state to a diameter less than that of the lumen of the catheter; holding a catheter adjacent to the reduced diameter prosthesis; and moving the prosthesis into the catheter lumen.

Abstract: A stent crimping and coating apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of crimping blades positioned in a radial array and collectively forming a central crimping lumen, wherein the plurality of crimping blades radially movable to alter the diameter of the central crimping lumen. Each of the crimping blades includes a first surface configured to at least in part define the central crimping lumen. One or more of the crimping blades includes a fluid channel extending therein and a plurality of openings in fluid communication with the fluid channel. The plurality of openings are located at the first surface of the one or more crimping blades and adapted to discharge a fluid into the central crimping lumen.

Abstract: A balloon folding apparatus is provided for use in the manufacture of balloon catheters. The balloon folding apparatus includes a plurality of arms and a plurality of blades attached to the plurality of arms such that the plurality of blades is capable of translating in a radial direction. Preferably, a plurality of stepper motors coupled to the plurality of arms provides precise radial movement of the plurality of blades. Each of the plurality of blades is profiled to create a plurality of folds in a balloon catheter. A balloon wrapping apparatus is also provided and operates in a similar manner. The balloon wrapping apparatus includes a plurality of blades configured to wrap a folded balloon catheter around a catheter shaft so as to minimize the diameter of the balloon catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing a stent includes a flexible sheet having a first portion curved over toward a second portion of the sheet, such that the sheet includes a generally cylindrical opening. A compression wedge and a curved surface of a platen sandwich at least the second portion of the sheet, and the compression wedge is adjacent to the generally cylindrical opening. A size of the generally cylindrical opening is changed by relative curvilinear motion of the compression wedge and the platen.

Abstract: An apparatus for crimping an end fitting onto a flexible drilling hose is described. The apparatus includes a frame supporting a plurality of crimping dies arranged in a circular pattern and extending along a radial axis from a common longitudinal axis. The frame is manually movable along a linear slideway parallel to said longitudinal axis to position said crimping dies with respect to the assembly to be crimped.

Abstract: Radial compression mechanism includes a housing defining an inner chamber and a central opening for insertion and removal of product. A plurality of elongated compression dies are movably mounted for reciprocal movement within the inner chamber and define a central product receiving cavity coaxial with the axis of the central opening. Cam followers are affixed to the dies. First cam surfaces are affixed relative to the housing and second cam surfaces are movably mounted relative to the housing. Each cam follower engages a first cam surface to define a first position control constraint, and a second cam surface to define a second position control constraint. Each die has a position relative to each adjacent die and the coaxial central cavity that is controlled by the first position control constraint and the second position control constraint.

Abstract: A die carrier assembly configured for use in a crimping machine. The assembly includes die carriers disposed in a circumferential arrangement and adapted for radially inward and outward travel. Each die carrier has oppositely-disposed circumferential extents that define circumferential gaps between adjacent pairs of the die carriers. Shoes are disposed radially inward from the die carriers and are adapted for radially inward and outward travel with the die carriers. The shoes travel radially inward and outward with the die carriers between positions in which the shoes define minimum and maximum openings, respectively, of the die carrier assembly. At least one of the shoes is disposed radially inward from one of the circumferential gaps between at least one adjacent pair of the die carriers. The circumferential extents of the adjacent pair of die carriers define interdigitated fingers that support the shoe when the die carrier assembly is at its maximum opening position.

Abstract: A die element configuration for use in a swaging or crimping press includes at least two cooperating die elements that, in use, are radially moved inwardly during a swaging or crimping process. Each die element has a body portion with a work element engaging surface located at a radially inner location on the body portion, the work element engaging surface having an axial direction and a circumferential direction transverse to the axial direction with the work engaging surface being concavely curved in the circumferential direction. The work engaging surface has a first central section extending axially with at least a pair of axially spaced first lateral sections and at least one second lateral section extending from the first central section oppositely to the first lateral sections, whereby a first lateral section of a first die element in the configuration is located axially adjacent a second lateral section of a second similarly formed die element.

Abstract: Radial compression mechanism includes a plurality of dies each having an elongated arcuate body with an outer end pivotally attached to a hinge plate and an inner working tip. The dies are mounted on the hinge plate in an inwardly spiraling orientation with the outer ends positioned in a circle and the working tips cooperating to define a central product-receiving cylindrically-shaped cavity. The product-receiving cavity is transitional between an open and a closed orientation. The working tip of each die has a sliding surface and a working surface with the sliding surface positioned in parallel juxtaposition to the working surface of an adjacent die and a constant width gap therebetween. Driving mechanism is coupled to rotatably drive all of the dies in unison to transition between open and closed orientations. The width of the gap remains constant during transition and between the open and closed orientations.

Abstract: A stent crimping assembly is provided for crimping a stent from a first diameter to a reduced second diameter. The crimping assembly includes a plurality of movable wedges disposed about a rotational axis to form a wedge assembly. Each wedge includes a respective first side and a second side converging to form a tip portion. The tip portions are arranged to collectively form an iris about the rotational axis thereof. The iris defining a crimp aperture about which the movable wedges are disposed. Each wedge is associated with a stationary structure and an rotational actuation unit such that during rotation of the actuation unit about the rotational axis, the iris is caused to rotate about the rotational axis, relative the stationary structure, for inward movement of the wedges to decrease the size of the aperture and outward movement of the wedges to increase the size of the aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a termination tool and a method for securing a connector to a cable. The termination tool includes a holder receivable of the connector and a push block slideably located in the termination tool. The push block is capable of forming at least one axial crimp in the connector when the push block is articulated along a connector axis toward the holder. At least two crimp dies are rotably fixed to the termination tool and are capable of forming at least one transverse crimp in the connector when the at least two crimp dies are moved toward the connector axis. A lever is in operable communication with the push block and the at least two crimp dies. The lever is capable of urging the push block along the connector axis toward the holder and the at least two crimp dies toward the connector axis to form both the at least one axial crimp and the at least one transverse crimp.

Abstract: There is provided a method by which a member having an undercut in the inner peripheral portion thereof can be formed readily. To form a material (1) formed with a recess (2) and the undercut (3) by using a swaging device, while the material (1) is first gripped by a clamper (11), and a mandrel (12) is inserted into the recess (2) of the material (1). The mandrel (12) used has an outside diameter equal to the inside diameter of a blind hole of an aimed product (fuel injection nozzle). Then, the material (1) is pushed in by the mandrel (12) to a position at which the material (1) abuts on a stopper (13), and the outside surface of the material (1) is struck by swaging dies (8) to perform a swaging operation. This swaging operation reduces the inside diameter of the recess (2) to the outside diameter of the mandrel (12), with the undercut (3) left.

Abstract: A method of sheathing a stent including the steps of providing a stent assembly including a catheter member and a stent member disposed about the catheter member; placing a first sheath film adjacent one side of the stent assembly; placing a second sheath film adjacent an opposite side of the stent assembly, and compressing the stent assembly, whereby the first and second sheath films move toward each other and substantially surround the stent assembly. The first and second sheath films are provided in rolls. Compressing is implemented by a radial compression mechanism. The first and second sheath films pass through the radial compression mechanism. Compressing sheaths the stent assembly and crimps the stent onto the catheter. As an alternative to two sheath films, a single film may be used, whereby compressing surrounds the stent assembly with the single sheath film.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for cold-form profiling cylindrical, thin-walled hollow parts (1), comprising profiles (4) which extend in an essentially parallel manner in relation to the longitudinal axis (A) of the hollow part (1). At least one profiling tool (5) engages in a strike-like hammering manner with the outside of the hollow part (1) in a radial manner in relation to the longitudinal axis (A) o the hollow part (1). The profiling tool (5) engages, respectively, in an essentially vertical and oscillating manner on the surface of the hollow part (1). Then, the profiling tool (5) is displaced in an axial manner in relation to the hollow part (1) at a constant radial adjusting depth until the desired profile length is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to crimping pliers for crimping connecting elements. The crimping pliers comprise crimping jaws building a nest for the connecting element. The crimping jaws are designed and arranged for being moved in radial direction versus a longitudinal axis of the nest for applying radial crimping forces upon the connecting element. Hand levers are provided for manually applying the crimping forces and causing the movement of said crimping jaws. The hand levers are located in a plane. The plane is aligned with the longitudinal axis of said nest and divided by the longitudinal axis into two half-planes. Both of said hand levers are located in one and the same half-plane. A transfer or transmission unit transfers a translational activation along the longitudinal axis in the force flow between said hand levers and said crimping jaws into a rotational activation around the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A system for crimping a prosthesis is disclosed, comprising a plurality of wheels. Each wheel has an outer circumferential surface configured to be placed in contact with the prosthesis. When in contact with the prosthesis, each wheel is configured to be rotated, thereby to apply a radially inward force on the prosthesis so as to reduce the diameter of the prosthesis. More than one set of wheels may be provided, so that the prosthesis is crimped first by one set of wheels, then by a subsequent set of wheels.

Abstract: A system for reducing the diameter of a stent comprises a stent contracting assembly. The assembly comprises a plurality of blades, which define a diameter reduction chamber. The chamber has an open diameter configuration and a closed diameter configuration. The plurality of blades comprises active blades and floating blades, wherein each active blade is engaged to an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism is constructed and arranged to move each active blade from the open diameter configuration to the closed diameter configuration. Each floating blade is moved from the open diameter configuration to the closed diameter configuration only as a result of the movement of the active blades.

Abstract: A crimping system for crimping a stent onto a catheter balloon includes at least one crimping head of moveable contracting members, which define a diameter reduction chamber. The chamber has a length and a longitudinal axis. The chamber has a reduced diameter configuration and a pre-reduction diameter configuration. Each member has a length corresponding to the length of the chamber. In both the reduced diameter configuration and the pre-reduction diameter configuration each member is a given distance from the longitudinal axis, wherein a first region of the length of each member is a greater distance from the longitudinal axis than a second region of the length of each member.

Abstract: Crimping apparatus for crimping separate parts of a metal sleeve arranged concentrically about the junction between a shielded cable and a plug connector, including a pair of colinearly arranged annular crimping dies that are operable by an annular operating member arranged concentrically about the crimping dies, such that upon a single angular movement of the operating member in a given direction from a retracted position to a crimping position, one end of the sleeve is crimped to the plug in one desired manner, and the other end of the sleeve is crimped to the shielded cable in another desired manner.

Abstract: A medical device crimping system comprises a crimper and a plurality of protective strips. The crimper defines a crimping iris, which has an open state and a closed state. In the open state the cross-sectional area of the crimping iris is greater than in the closed state. The plurality of protective strips extend longitudinally through the crimping iris. Each of the strips is radially offset from one another. The strips protect the stent from direct contact with the crimping blades of the crimper.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for crimping a contact on a cable end portion, comprising an axial bore (2) and: first means for crimping (3) the contact on one stripped part of the cable and second means for crimping (4) the contact on one sheathed part of the cable, said means being mobile between a spaced apart position and a crimping position; first and second means for moving (6, 17) said first and second crimping means (3,4) between their spaced apart position and their crimping position; the first displacement means (6) being actuatable in translation along an axial direction and the second displacement means (17) being actuatable in rotation about the axis of the bore (2).

Abstract: A ring compression device including a non-rotatable substrate having a central axis. A plurality of longitudinal pressing members are arranged radially around the central axis in a plane. One end of each of the pressing members points toward the central axis. The pressing members can move toward or away from the central axis in the plane. A rotating body rotates around the central axis and parallel to the plane of the pressing members. A driving mechanism engages with the rotating body and the pressing members such that when the rotating body rotates all the pressing members move toward the central axis and apply force on a periphery of the ring.

Abstract: Radial compression mechanism includes a plurality of dies each having an elongated arcuate body with an outer end pivotally attached to a hinge plate and an inner working tip. The dies are mounted on the hinge plate in an inwardly spiraling orientation with the outer ends positioned in a circle and the working tips cooperating to define a central product-receiving cylindrically-shaped cavity. The product-receiving cavity is transitional between an open and a closed orientation. The working tip of each die has a sliding surface and a working surface with the sliding surface positioned in parallel juxtaposition to the working surface of an adjacent die and a constant width gap therebetween. Driving mechanism is coupled to rotatably drive all of the dies in unison to transition between open and closed orientations. The width of the gap remains constant during transition and between the open and closed orientations.

Abstract: A device for crimping an implantable device or a part thereof between a radially expanded condition and a radially contracted condition, includes first and second annular bodies arranged about a common axis, and a ring-like array of linear crimping elements having respective opposite ends linked to the first and second annular bodies, respectively. These annular bodies are relatively rotatable around the common axis between a first position, wherein the annular array of crimping elements define a wider orifice for receiving a device to be crimped, and a second position, wherein the annular array of crimping elements define a narrower orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a medical device is formed of at least three coupled movable blades which are disposed about a reference circle to form an aperture whose size may be varied. The aperture capable of being sized to contain a medical device. Each blade is in communication with an actuation device which is capable of moving the blade to alter the size of the aperture. Each blade includes a single radial point which a) lies on the circumference of the reference circle prior to movement of the blade, and b) may be moved only along a radius of the reference circle on movement of the blade.