Abstract: A mandrel assembly supports an umbilical cord during the shaping and curing of the cord for use as a vascular graft. The mandrel assembly has a pair of mandrel members adapted to be releasably connected in end-to-end relation. Adjacent end sections of the mandrel members have reduced cross sectional shapes to provide the graft with a throat to restrict the flow of blood through the vascular graft. Each mandrel member has a low friction outer surface to facilitate the insertion and withdrawal of the mandrel member from the lumen of the umbilical cord. In one embodiment, the adjacent ends and neck portions of the mandrel members have small holes. A vacuum pump draws air from within the mandrel members to withdraw moisture from the tissue of the umbilical cord and hold the umbilical cord in conforming relationship with the joined mandrel members during the forming and curing of the umbilical cord.

Abstract: An animal feeder having a base mountable on a support containing an electric motor operable to rotate a shaft at a relatively slow speed. A food dispensing wheel having pockets for holding food is releasably mounted on the shaft. Rotation of the wheel by operation of the motor periodically dispenses food to a feeding location.

Abstract: A device used to introduce a cardioplegic solution into a coronary artery has an elongated tube and a pliable annular member mounted on the outlet end of the tube. The annular member is a cup-shaped pliable plastic member having an open end that is larger than the inlet arterial opening to the coronary artery. The open end of the cup-shaped member fits over inlet opening to direct the cardioplegic solution into the coronary artery.

Abstract: A graft is used to supply blood to one or more coronary artery branches. The graft is also usable as a peripheral revascularization and inter position prosthesis to supply blood to desired blood vessels. The graft has an elongated U-shaped tubular body providing a continuous passage for carrying blood from a high pressure blood supply to a blood receiver. One or more openings in the body allow blood to flow into the coronary artery branches. The flow and pressure of the blood in the passage is controlled by a restriction providing a restricted passage located remote from the inlet end of the tubular body. In one embodiment, the restriction is reinforced with a sleeve to maintain a desired cross sectional area and length of the restricted passage. The pressure differential between the blood supply and blood receiver maintains continuous and adequate blood flow at a desired pressure in the continuous passage and provides a continual supply of blood for the coronary artery branches.

Abstract: A vascular graft is used to supply blood to one or more coronary artery branches. The vascular graft has an elongated U-shaped tubular body providing a continuous passage for carrying blood from a high pressure blood supply to a blood receiver. One or more openings in the body allow blood to flow into the coronary artery branches. The flow and pressure of the blood in the passage is controlled by a restriction providing a Venturi passage located remote from the inlet end of the tubular body. The restriction is reinforced with an annular sleeve to maintain a desired cross sectional area and length of the Venturi passage. The pressure differential between the blood supply and blood receiver maintains continuous and adequate blood flow at a desired pressure in the body passage and provides a continual supply of blood for the coronary artery branches.

Abstract: A graft is used to supply blood to one or more coronary artery branches. The graft has an elongated U-shaped tubular body providing a continuous passage for carrying blood from a high pressure blood supply to a blood receiver. One or more openings in the body allow blood to flow into the coronary artery branches. The flow and pressure of the blood in the passage is controlled by a restriction located remote from the inlet end of the tubular body. The pressure differential between the blood supply and blood receiver maintains continuous and adequate blood flow at a desired pressure in the body passage and provides a continual supply of blood for the coronary artery branches.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly supports an umbilical cord during the shaping and curing of the cord for use as a vascular graft. The mandrel assembly has a pair of mandrel members adapted to be releasably connected in end-to-end relation. Adjacent end sections of the mandrel members have reduced cross sectional shapes to provide the graft with a Venturi throat. Each mandrel member has a low friction outer surface to facilitate the insertion and withdrawal of the mandrel member from the lumen of the umbilical cord.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis having an annular base carrying two pivoting valving members for use in a heart to control the flow of blood. The valving members are pivotally mounted on the annular base for pivotal movement about separate axes spaced from the center of the base. In one form of the prosthesis the base is removably attached to a suturing assembly adapted to be connected to heart tissue.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis removably mounted on a suturing assembly. The suturing assembly has an annular sleeve carrying a fabric collar. Sutures secure the collar to heart tissue. The heart valve has a base that is removably mounted on the annular sleeve. The suturing assembly is initially secured to the heart tissue. The heart valve base is then attached to the sleeve and locked in place. If a replacement valve is necessary, the heart valve prosthesis is removed from the sleeve without detaching the suturing assembly from the heart tissue. A new heart valve prosthesis is then mounted on the suturing assembly.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis having an annular base carrying two pivoting valving members for use in a heart to control the flow of blood. The valving members are pivotally mounted on the annular base for pivotal movement about separate axes spaced from the center of the base. In one form of the prosthesis the base is removably attached to a suturing assembly adapted to be connected to heart tissue.