Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to prosthetic valves having a frame, a frame cover, and a leaflet construct. Some aspects are directed to a diametric taper for the prosthetic valve for achieving enhanced performance of the prosthetic valve under operational conditions, enhanced compressibility and delivery characteristics, and other additional or alternative advantages. Other aspects are directed toward unique assembly and attachment methods for securing leaflet constructs to support structures. Other aspects are directed toward features for interacting with transcatheter delivery systems. Still other aspects are directed to such apparatuses, systems, and methods for valve replacement, such as cardiac valve replacement.

Abstract: A measuring tool is used to measure the shape of a person's body. The tool has a belt and at least one measuring tape attached, which extends perpendicularly to the belt. The tool is held to the person's waist with the belt. While the person is standing, shape measurements are typically made at one or more points based on the measuring tape. This measuring tape extends a length sufficient to include the person's seat and hip, where the shape will be measured, but will generally not be as long as the person's leg or long enough to touch the ground.

Abstract: A measuring tool is used to measure the shape of a person's body. The tool has a belt and at least one measuring tape attached, which extends perpendicularly to the belt. The tool is held to the person's waist with the belt. While the person is standing, shape measurements are typically made at one or more points based on the measuring tape. This measuring tape extends a length sufficient to include the person's seat and hip, where the shape will be measured, but will generally not be as long as the person's leg or long enough to touch the ground.

Abstract: The invention provides a septal occluder for closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The septal occluder includes a flexible central portion connecting two occlusion shells for the percutaneous transluminal treatment of an intracardiac defect. The septal occluder includes two occlusion shells connected by an elongate member capable of pivoting or articulating. The elongate member pivots or articulates at the juncture of the occlusion shell and the elongate member, according to one embodiment, or in the center of the elongate member, according to another embodiment. The elongate member can have one or more pivot points.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assigning a task to be performed by one of a plurality of interconnected electronics devices connected together into an electronics system comprising the steps of uniquely identifying each of the available units capable of performing the task and then choosing, preferably on a random basis, one of the identified units. The electronics devices may be communications coupled together to form a communications system and the task to be performed may be the generation of sync and/or timing signals for the system. The steps of the method may be performed on a continuing basis to allow the signals to be generated as individual communications units are added to or dropped from the system.

Abstract: A method is provided for protecting pipe joints during shipment. Each individual pipe joint to be stacked in the hold of a ship for transport has several rope rings assembled therearound. Rope rings are assembled around the pipe joints during or just prior to the loading operation, using flexible plastic locking strips to secure the ends of lengths of multiple-stranded hemp rope together forming protective rings.

Abstract: An arrow rest assembly includes a mounting bracket for mounting to a bow. A rest arm is mounted on a spatially fixed lateral shaft that aids in supporting and positioning the rest arm. The rest arm is adapted to be laterally adjusted along the shaft. The assembly further includes an angular adjustment screw that cooperates with the rest arm to angularly position the arrow supported by the rest arm for proper flight trajectory upon firing. In one embodiment, the lateral shaft is threaded to mate with a threaded hole in the rest arm. A lateral adjustment knob is rotated to rotate the shaft and thus move the rest arm laterally along the shaft due to the cooperating threaded engagement. The angular adjustment screw is atached directly to the rest arm and engages a bottom plate of the assembly. In another embodiment, the lateral shaft has a V-shaped slot for receiving a securing screw attached to the rest arm.