The invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving the quality of receiver synchronization on QAM- or CAP-modulated modem connections having an adaptive linear equalizer. A throttle shaft, a spring, and a cap retainer, are temporarily assembled as a throttle shaft subassembly. Pacing using a second one of the ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left ventricular electrodes. The face yarns include yarns of at least two deniers, tightly packed, to provide both a soft and hard bristle face with the yarns cooperating to produce a non-abrasive scrubbing pad.