Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
Apparatus for covering an annular support of a heart valve prosthesis with an elastic textile covering, said apparatus comprising: two coaxial rings having a central opening for holding the annular support together with the covering, a first one of said two coaxial rings having a fastening means for engagement with one end of the textile covering; and a second one of said two coaxial rings having a clamping device for engagement with the other end of the textile covering; a stand attached to the first and second rings for holding the first and second rings in a predetermined position, said stand including guide columns slidably attached to said first and second rings for permitting said first and second rings to be moved along said guide columns while maintaining a relative position between said first and second rings.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
Apparatus for covering an annular support of a heart valve prosthesis with an elastic textile covering, said apparatus comprising: two coaxial rings having a central opening for holding the annular support together with the covering, a first one of said two coaxial rings having a fastening means for engagement with one end of the textile covering; and a second one of said two coaxial rings having a clamping device for engagement with the other end of the textile covering; a stand attached to the first and second rings for holding the first and second rings in a predetermined position, said stand including guide columns slidably attached to said first and second rings for permitting said first and second rings to be moved along said guide columns while maintaining a relative position between said first and second rings.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the first and second rings has dimensions larger than a diameter of said annular support so that a seam can be applied to the textile covering around the annular support inserted in said opening.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the clamping device comprises a plurality of clamping elements distributed over a circumference of the second ring, each of said clamping elements being provided with a gripping element for gripping the textile covering.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each of said gripping elements is a hook.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an adjusting means for adjusting the clamping force applied to the textile covering.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said adjusting means includes a spring.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one ring clamping means for holding the first and second rings in a position clamping the textile covering.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an indicating means for indicating the clamping force applied to the textile covering.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said stand includes a supporting base that is adjustable in height for holding the first and second rings at a desired height.