Abstract: Delivery apparatus and methods for delivering a medical device into a patient's vasculature are disclosed. In some examples, a method includes inserting, into a patient, a distal end portion of a delivery apparatus including a radially compressed prosthetic valve mounted around a balloon, advancing the distal end through the patient's vasculature, and inflating the balloon to radially expand the prosthetic valve at a native heart valve. The delivery apparatus includes a handle, a first shaft and a second shaft extending from the handle, and a locking mechanism to prevent axial movement of the second shaft relative to first shaft. The second shaft extends coaxially through the first shaft and includes the balloon, the radially compressed prosthetic valve, and one or more radiopaque markers at a distal end portion. The first shaft includes an end piece covering a proximal portion of the balloon during the advancing of the delivery apparatus.

Abstract: A method of coating a fishing fly to improve the durability and wetting character of the fly. The coating is applied using gas deposition, encapsulating the fly with a water barrier while preserving its micro-details. The typical coating is odorless and colorless, and increases the longevity of the fly. The wetting character imparted by the method results from the choice of gas deposited on the fly. In coating a dry-type fly, the method uses a gas that will make the fly hydrophobic so that it floats after a significantly greater number of immersions than an uncoated fly. In coating a wet-type fly, the method uses a gas that will make the fly hydrophilic so that it submerges in less time than an untreated fly.

Abstract: Cascades and associated blocker doors are provided in the lower section of a turbofan engine nacelle such that when the blocker doors are closed the bypass flow is diverted through the open cascades to produce vertical thrust. Vanes are provided in the cascades to assist in directing the diverted airflow in the downward direction. The upper section of the bypass duct is isolated from the lower cascade section by way of horizontal struts extending across the bypass duct. A pair of outer doors may be provided over the cascades such that, when opened, they act to provide side skirts to guide the downward flow of air.