Abstract: The present invention provides a canopy operator for a supported canopy structure of the type having a support structure and an openable canopy attached to the support structure. The canopy operator comprises a conduit and a plurality of support ribs extending from the conduit to support the canopy. The support ribs comprise stiffenable tubes in communication with the conduit, the conduit and stiffenable tubes comprising a conduit system. A supply of non-gaseous material is in the conduit system, and the canopy operator also includes a pump for changing the pressure in the conduit system. The pump may be used to open the canopy by creating a vacuum in one embodiment or by pumping hydraulic fluid into the system in another embodiment. Support rods may extend alongside the stiffenable tubes. The support structure may be a central pole, as in a typical umbrella, or may be a structure such as a solid wall, edge or frame.

Abstract: An implanted cardiovascular assist pump is connected with the proximal descending thoracic aorta. The pump inlet is connected with the aorta at substantially the site of the first pressure/flow node from the heart. The pump outlet is connected at substantially the site of the last pressure/flow antinode before the heart. Control of pump speed varies blood flow through the pump. As a fail-safe mechanism, a pump shunt flow path is provided, through one of a variety of disclosed structures.