Abstract: A delivery apparatus for a prosthetic heart valve includes a shaft, an inner balloon, and an outer balloon. The shaft has a lumen extending from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion and a plurality of openings formed in the distal end portion. The shaft is configured such that a fluid can flow through the lumen and the openings. The inner balloon has end portions and a center portion disposed between the end portions. The inner balloon is mounted on the distal end portion of the shaft and is in fluid communication with the openings of the shaft. When the inner balloon is inflated with the fluid, the end portions expand farther radially outwardly than the center portion. The outer balloon is mounted to the shaft and disposed over the inner balloon. The outer balloon is configured to fully expand after the inner balloon at least partially expands.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for improving vein access. An exemplary device includes a porous substrate saturated with a disinfectant. The device may maintain a temperature sufficient to cause vasodilation for an extended period of time after removal from a heat source.

Abstract: A secure electrical connector for wire conductors. An electrical connector can be pressed into place in the base of a toggle switch and includes an electrically conductive cylinder having a slot in the forward end of the electrical connector. The wire conductor is inserted into the longitudinal hole through the cylinder and protrudes from the forward end. The lateral slot deforms inward around the wire conductor as the connector is pressed in a screw terminal, securely holding the wire conductor in place.

Abstract: A toggle switch cover apparatus and method are disclosed, which includes a mounting nut and a bushing for a toggle switch, such that the bushing comprises a threaded area and an uppermost unthreaded area. The uppermost unthreaded area comprises a maximum outside diameter that is less than a corresponding minimum minor diameter of threads of the mounting nut. The mounting nut generally surrounds the uppermost unthreaded area of the bushing, such that a gap is formed between the mounting nut and the bushing, thereby promoting proper alignment of the toggle switch thereof and decreasing cross-threading issues.

Abstract: A toggle switch includes a one piece integrated plate, stand off, and bushing. The stand off has protrusions extending therefrom, and the stand off and the protrusions form a seal receptacle and determine a stand off depth of the plate from a panel. An O-ring seal is seated around the bushing and within the seal receptacle. The toggle lever extends through an opening of the bushing. The bushing and the toggle level are inserted through a hole in the panel until the protrusions engage the panel. The switch cover is fastened to the panel using a single fastener so that the O-ring seal is squeezed between the stand off and the panel to provide a seal between the panel and the switch cover.

Abstract: A toggle switch has a switch cover, a toggle lever, and a one piece pre-molded seal. The switch cover has an opening, and the toggle lever extends through the opening into the switch cover. A neck of the one piece pre-molded seal surrounds the toggle lever and provides sealing between the toggle lever and the switch cover. The one piece pre-molded seal also may have a planar portion that provides sealing at an interface between the switch case and the switch cover.

Abstract: A dietary process for increasing the weight gaining rate of edible meat-producing animals while improving their carcass firmness and quality, which comprises feeding small granules, maximum average prill size of 1200 microns, of highly saturated fats to the animals. These highly saturated fats may be added in prescribed amounts, no more than 10% by weight, of the primary dry feed ration. The highly saturated fats according to the present invention have an iodine value in the range of 5-35.

Abstract: A dietary process and animal feed for increasing the weight gaining rate of edible meat-producing animals while improving their carcass firmness and quality, which comprises feeding small granules (less than 1,000 microns) of highly saturated fats to the animals. These highly saturated fats may be added in prescribed amounts (preferably approximately 5%) of the primary dry feed ration. The highly saturated fats according to the present invention have an iodine value in the range of 5-35.

Abstract: A system for providing remote services and maintenance functions includes a voice subsystem adapted to receive voice and DTMF signals that can be used to control the execution of a plurality of service and maintenance tests. The system also includes a programmed control subsystem that provides voice based response and conveyance of results of such maintenance services and tests to field personnel.

Abstract: A motor operated valve, typically a butterfly valve driven by a synchronous electric motor (16), is provided with a torque sensing arrangement wherein an cyclic electrical signal representative of the rotational speed of the motor is produced by magnets (22) on disc driven by the motor and Hall effect switches (23,24). The frequency of this signal is compared in a circuit (43) with the frequency of current supplied to the motor to provide an indication of motor torque. Switches (46,47) define preset torque limits for the valve. If the limits are exceeded, a signal is fed to control logic (41) which operates switches (18) to control the supply current to the motor. The speed signal from the Hall effect switches is also fed to a counter (31) to develop a count representative of movement of the valve. The output of counter (31) is compared with preset valves defined by switch circuits (37,38) to define limits of travel for the valve.

Abstract: A motor operated valve, typically a butterfly valve driven by .[.a synchronous.]. .Iadd.asynchronous .Iaddend.electric motor (16), is provided with a torque sensing arrangement wherein an cyclic electrical signal representative of the rotational speed of the motor is produced by magnets (22) on disc driven by the motor and Hall effect switches (23,24). The frequency of this signal is compared in a circuit (43) with the frequency of current supplied to the motor to provide an indication of motor torque. Switches (46,47) define preset torque limits for the valve. If the limits are exceeded, a signal is fed to control logic (41) which operates switches (18) to control the supply current to the motor. The speed signal from the Hall effect switches is also fed to a counter (31) to develop a count representative of movement of the valve. The output of counter (31) is compared with preset valves defined by switch circuits (37,38) to define limits of travel for the valve.