Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed structure and methods for maintaining access to a location in the body while reducing or eliminating the potential for pulling an access device (e.g. a catheter) back through an opening. An introducer sheath includes a distal indented portion and a balloon, so that once placed in a desired location through tissue, the balloon can be inflated to anchor the sheath against retraction. In particular embodiments, structure and methods for accessing the pericardial cavity via the right atrial appendage are shown.

Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of belts or bands that can be used in treatments for tricuspid valve regurgitation. In some embodiments, such belts may be heat-set in a particular configuration to effectively decrease tricuspid annulus when deployed around the atrioventricular groove. Embodiments include one or more tensioning sutures for applying cinching or tightening to belts when deployed, and structure for effectively distributing force during such tightening. Embodiments of tensioning members, protective members, and devices and methods for open-surgical placement (e.g. around a heart for annuloplasty) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A child's toy comprises a structure which can float on water and which has the outward appearance of a boat. To enable the child to carry the boat, a part of the structure is displaceable into a position in which it serves as a carrying handle for the toy. A covered compartment for small articles is included in the boat. Simulated motors in the stern of the boat have recesses shaped to accommodate a toothbrush.

Abstract: A variable reluctance electrical generator is disclosed having a unique structure which, for any given design parameters, tends to maximize air gap areas and thus minimize mmf drops thereacross. The mean magnetic flux paths all generally include a constant reluctance parasitic air gap and a variable reluctance active air gap. The portion of the magnetic circuit defining the active air gap is adapted to magnetically saturate before the portion of the magnetic circuit defining the parasitic air gap areas thus eliminating the parasitic air gap as a design limitation. In the exemplary embodiment the parasitic air gap is located radially outwardly of the active air gap areas such that the parasitic gap reluctance is much less than the minimum active gap reluctance. The design of the alternator is also such as to simplify its assembly during fabrication and to thereafter permit ready disassembly of its major components from one another for repair or other purposes.

Abstract: Proportioning apparatus comprising a pair of coaxial tubular members with passages having first and second outwardly extending walls of the same cross-sectional configuration, first and second valve bodies for coaction with said walls for progressively opening and closing said passages, said first valve body slidably mounted on one of said tubular members, said second valve body connected to said first valve body for movement therewith and biasing means urging said valve bodies to their closed positions.