Abstract: Platform-agnostic digital assistant methods and apparatuses are provided. The apparatuses and methods include a processor configured by a memory to receive user data from a storage containing informational contents. The processor is configured to establish a communication channel with an entity and utilize the communication channel to receive first information related to a user. The processor is configured to extract at least one user datum from the first information and modify the informational contents of the storage based on at least one of the user datum and the first information. The processor is further configured to initiate an action related to the user based on at least one of the first information, the user datum, and the informational contents.

Abstract: A method of delivering and deploying a prosthetic valve includes percutaneously advancing a catheter to a treatment site, proximally retracting an outer shaft relative to an inner shaft to expose the prosthetic valve such that the prosthetic valve self-expands to a radially expanded configuration, disconnecting a tip retractor from a handle of the catheter, and proximally retracting the tip retractor to proximally retract the inner shaft and a nosecone attached to a distal end of the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft and/or the handle.

Abstract: A tray and packaging system for a prosthetic valve delivery system permits conversion from a storage and/or shipping configuration to a set up and preparation configuration. In a first configuration, a delivery system can be supported by first and second main trays with the elongate catheter of the delivery system arranged to extend linearly from the first main tray to the second main tray, and in a second configuration, the delivery system can be supported by the first and second main trays with the elongate catheter of the delivery system turned back in a U-shaped manner with the deployment portion of the delivery system positioned to the side of the control handle portion of the delivery system.

Abstract: A tray and packaging system for a prosthetic valve delivery system permits conversion from a storage and/or shipping configuration to a set up and preparation configuration. In a first configuration, a delivery system can be supported by first and second main trays with the elongate catheter of the delivery system arranged to extend linearly from the first main tray to the second main tray, and in a second configuration, the delivery system can be supported by the first and second main trays with the elongate catheter of the delivery system turned back in a U-shaped manner with the deployment portion of the delivery system positioned to the side of the control handle portion of the delivery system.

Abstract: A tray and packaging system for a prosthetic valve delivery system permits conversion from a storage and/or shipping configuration to a set up and preparation configuration. In a first configuration, a delivery system can be supported by first and second main trays with the elongate catheter of the delivery system arranged to extend linearly from the first main tray to the second main tray, and in a second configuration, the delivery system can be supported by the first and second main trays with the elongate catheter of the delivery system turned back in a U-shaped manner with the deployment portion of the delivery system positioned to the side of the control handle portion of the delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved delivery system to deliver and deploy a prosthesis in a body lumen, and methods of use thereof. The improved delivery system allows for operation of the delivery system with one hand while maintaining accuracy in delivery and deployment of the prosthesis. An exemplary embodiment of the delivery system includes a first sheath control on a housing so as to be accessible from the exterior of the housing, wherein the first sheath control is operatively engaged with the sheath and controls movement of the sheath axially proximally with respect to the housing, thereby releasing at least a portion of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A ball pit apparatus for use with a plurality of balls. The ball pit apparatus includes: a base portion configured to provide a ball pit for holding a plurality of balls, wherein the base portion includes one or more inflatable side walls configured to, when inflated, extend around a periphery of the base portion; a roof portion configured to provide a ball chamber for holding a plurality of balls above the base portion; one or more inflatable supports configured to, when inflated, hold the roof portion above the base portion; a suction inlet configured to be in fluid communication with the ball chamber so that, when suction is provided at the suction inlet, suction is also provided to the ball chamber; a ball inlet configured to be in fluid communication with the ball chamber so that, when suction is provided to the ball chamber, a ball received at the ball inlet is drawn into the ball chamber.

Abstract: A tray and packaging system for a prosthetic valve delivery system permits conversion from a storage and/or shipping configuration to a set up and preparation configuration. In a first configuration, a delivery system can be supported by first and second main trays with the elongate catheter of the delivery system arranged to extend linearly from the first main tray to the second main tray, and in a second configuration, the delivery system can be supported by the first and second main trays with the elongate catheter of the delivery system turned back in a U-shaped manner with the deployment portion of the delivery system positioned to the side of the control handle portion of the delivery system.

Abstract: A tray and packaging system for a prosthetic valve delivery system permits conversion from a storage and/or shipping configuration to a set up and preparation configuration. In a first configuration, a delivery system can be supported by first and second main trays with the elongate catheter of the delivery system arranged to extend linearly from the first main tray to the second main tray, and in a second configuration, the delivery system can be supported by the first and second main trays with the elongate catheter of the delivery system turned back in a U-shaped manner with the deployment portion of the delivery system positioned to the side of the control handle portion of the delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved delivery system to deliver and deploy a prosthesis in a body lumen, and methods of use thereof. The improved delivery system allows for operation of the delivery system with one hand while maintaining accuracy in delivery and deployment of the prosthesis. An exemplary embodiment of the delivery system includes a first sheath control on a housing so as to be accessible from the exterior of the housing, wherein the first sheath control is operatively engaged with the sheath and controls movement of the sheath axially proximally with respect to the housing, thereby releasing at least a portion of the prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved delivery system to deliver and deploy a prosthesis in a body lumen, and methods of use thereof. The improved delivery system allows for operation of the delivery system with one hand while maintaining accuracy in delivery and deployment of the prosthesis. An exemplary embodiment of the delivery system includes a first sheath control on a housing so as to be accessible from the exterior of the housing, wherein the first sheath control is operatively engaged with the sheath and controls movement of the sheath axially proximally with respect to the housing, thereby releasing at least a portion of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve delivery system that is improved in controllability by way of a proximal handle system. Such a handle system of the present invention advantageously permits a controlled fine or micro movement or adjustment of a distal sheath for uncovering a plunger that is to be loaded with a prosthetic valve for deployment thereof. The delivery system of the present invention permits a trigger-release for a gross or macro movement to the sheath relative to the plunger. Also, the control handle of the delivery system is shaped and contoured for ease in manipulation of the micro-control actuator.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve delivery system that is improved in controllability by way of a proximal handle system. Such a handle system of the present invention advantageously permits a controlled fine or micro movement or adjustment of a distal sheath for uncovering a plunger that is to be loaded with a prosthetic valve for deployment thereof. The delivery system of the present invention permits a trigger-release for a gross or macro movement to the sheath relative to the plunger. Also, the control handle of the delivery system is shaped and contoured for ease in manipulation of the micro-control actuator.

Abstract: A tray and packaging system for a prosthetic valve delivery system permits conversion from a storage and/or shipping configuration to a set up and preparation configuration. In a first configuration, a delivery system can be supported by first and second main trays with the elongate catheter of the delivery system arranged to extend linearly from the first main tray to the second main tray, and in a second configuration, the delivery system can be supported by the first and second main trays with the elongate catheter of the delivery system turned back in a U-shaped manner with the deployment portion of the delivery system positioned to the side of the control handle portion of the delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved delivery system to deliver and deploy a prosthesis in a body lumen, and methods of use thereof. The improved delivery system allows for operation of the delivery system with one hand while maintaining accuracy in delivery and deployment of the prosthesis. An exemplary embodiment of the delivery system includes a first sheath control on a housing so as to be accessible from the exterior of the housing, wherein the first sheath control is operatively engaged with the sheath and controls movement of the sheath axially proximally with respect to the housing, thereby releasing at least a portion of the prosthesis.

Abstract: Apparatus for the creation of a sculpture, the apparatus including a base member (2) which may resemble a human skull, the skull having integral guide means including pegs (6) protruding from the skull and holes (4) in the outer surface of the skull for receiving further pegs. The dimensions of the pegs which can be inserted into the holes can be selected with reference to a set of instructions. The prefabricated pegs and inserted pegs guide the apparatus of a modeling medium such as plasticine to create the sculpture.

Abstract: A powder coating composition, suitable for providing a coating having certain appearance or performance attributes, which includes composite particles that are agglomerates of individual particulate components fused or bonded together into composite particles such that the composite particles are air-fluidizable and can be applied to a substrate by electrostatic spray without causing the individual particles in the composite particles to break down under the mechanical and/or electrostatic forces associated with their application to a substrate.