Abstract: Devices and methods for crimping a prosthetic heart valve onto a delivery device are described. In some embodiments, valves are crimped over an inflatable balloon and between proximal and distal shoulders mounted on a shaft inside the balloon. Crimping methods can include multiple compression steps with the valve located in different axial positions relative to the crimping jaws at each different step. In some methods, the valve may extend partially outside of the crimping jaws during certain crimping steps, such that the crimping force is only applied to the part of the valve that is inside the jaws. Exemplary crimping devices can include two or more adjacent sets of jaws that close down to different inner diameters, such that different parts of a valve get compressed to different outer diameters at the same time during a single crimping step.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining a data signal. In an example, a method includes acquiring at least one image of a field of view at a first frame rate and identifying a sub-region of the field of view, wherein the sub-region contains an optical data signal. A plurality of images of the sub-region of the field of view may be acquired at a second frame rate, wherein the second frame rate is higher than the first frame rate, and a data signal encoded in the optical data signal may be determined from the plurality of images of the sub-region of the field of view.

Abstract: A control system for use in generating power in a hybrid vehicle having at least one motor supplied with both generated power and battery stored potential, includes a voltage regulator transmitting an excitation current to the generator in response to the input alternating (AC) current. A rectifier receives an output alternating (AC) current from the voltage regulator and distributes a direct (DC) output current to the motor via a motor controller and inverter. The output voltage determines a feedback signal transmitted back to the excitation current in response to the feedback signal. The inverter receives the output voltage and powers an alternating current motor connected to the control system. The battery connects in a parallel electrical circuit to the motor and the output voltage to compensate for fluctuations in the output voltage. The inverter brakes the motor in response to a reduction in motor power consumption.

Abstract: A switch device for controlling at least one electrical circuit comprises a pushbutton movable between a pair of preselected positions for effecting the operation of the switch device, an indicator movable in the switch device toward a viewable position for effecting a visual indication of one of the preselected positions of the pushbutton, and a resilient cantilever associated with the pushbutton and the indicator operable generally for moving the indicator into its viewable position upon the movement of the pushbutton to its one preselected position. The pushbutton includes apparatus for driving the resilient cantilever to effect its operation in response to the movement of the pushbutton to its one preselected position.