US3655306A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for molding heart valves
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1970-01-19
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Granted: 1972-04-11
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Expires: 1990-01-19
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing replacement aortic heart valves using tissue taken from a patient''s own thigh. The tissue is moulded between first and second complementary surfaces of two complementary forming members, the complementary surfaces corresponding to the configuration of the heart valve. The tissue when moulded is secured to a support.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald Nixon Ross
- 👤 Derek Barrie Ray
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 22:45
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/24; A61F2/2412; A61F2/2415; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S623/00; Y10S623/901
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
78 words
An apparatus for manufacturing a replacement heart valve comprising tissue taken from a patient, and further comprising forming means including first and second forming members having first and second complementary surfaces, respectively, the first surface being defined by a plurality of projections which conform to the configuration of the cusps of a heart valve, and the second surface being defined by a plurality of recesses which also conform to the configuration of the cusps of a heart valve.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
78 words
An apparatus for manufacturing a replacement heart valve comprising tissue taken from a patient, and further comprising forming means including first and second forming members having first and second complementary surfaces, respectively, the first surface being defined by a plurality of projections which conform to the configuration of the cusps of a heart valve, and the second surface being defined by a plurality of recesses which also conform to the configuration of the cusps of a heart valve.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, including mounting means mounting said first and second forming members for relative linear movement toward and away from each other.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the mounting means includes spring means for resiliently urging the first and second forming members in a direction toward each other.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
72 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, including stationary support means, frame means rotatably mounted on said support means, means coacting with said frame means and said support means for selectively fixedly securing said frame means in a selected position relative to said support means, and means mounting said first and second forming members on said frame means for permitting relative linear movement of said forming members toward and away from each other.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
63 words
An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said frame means includes a substantially U-shaped member rotatably mounted on said support means for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis, and said first and second forming members being mounted on said U-shaped member substantially adjacent the free ends of the legs thereof for relative linear movement in a direction substantially transverse to said horizontal axis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 5, further including spring means coacting between said U-shaped member and one of said forming members for resiliently urging said one forming member into engagement with said other forming member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
58 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first and second forming members are cylindrical, and wherein the projections formed on said first forming member are constructed of an elastomeric material so as to act as a cushion when the forming members are positioned in engagement with one another so as to not damage the tissue placed therebetween.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
67 words
An apparatus according to claim 7, further including a sleeve-like support member positioned in surrounding relationship to said forming members, said support member having projections adjacent one end thereof having a configuration conforming to the shape of the cusps of the heart valve and being made of a plastics material for permitting the edges of the tissue, when positioned between the forming members, to be sewn thereto.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of projections comprise three finger-like members spaced equidistantly around the periphery of one of said forming members for co-operating with said other forming member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein two of said finger-like members include means whereby the two finger-like members are demountable from said one forming member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the finger-like members each include a pad at one extremity, which pads conform to the configuration of said recesses.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of projections comprise three finGer-like members spaced equidistantly around the periphery of one of said forming members, two of said two demountable dismantled from said one forming member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said one forming member includes securing means mounted on said forming member coactig with said two demountable members for securing said finger-like members in said one forming member when inserted in said one forming member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said securing means comprise spring means rotatably mounted on said one former member for coacting with respective stem means of said two finger-like members.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-04-11 | 1975-10-11 | 1976-04-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-04-11 | 1979-10-11 | 1980-04-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-04-11 | 1983-10-11 | 1984-04-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |