Abstract: A tie system and method for forming a wall from a hardenable pourable building material. In one embodiment, the tie system includes multiple ties configured to be directly interconnected into a vertically extending tie stack such that multiple tie stacks can be positioned over a footing in a spaced apart arrangement. The multiple tie stacks are configured to extend substantially perpendicular between substantially parallel panel structures. Each tie stack includes a base tie and one or more wall ties, each of which directly attach to each other in a vertically stacked arrangement.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for percutaneously gaining access to oxygenated blood with an anastomosis device and pumping such oxygenated blood to other arterial regions of the vascular system via an LVAD system. In one embodiment, a system may include an anastomosis device extending through an opening of the atrial septum. A filament may be coupled to the anastomosis device. A snare device may access the right atrium through the superior vena cava, grasp the filament, and withdraw the filament through the superior vena cava. The filament may then be used as a guide to direct a catheter, a conduit or some other structure into the right atrium of the heart via the superior vena cava. A flow path may be defined between the anastomosis device and an arterial location, such as in the aorta, such that at least some oxygenated blood may by-pass the left ventricle and be discharged into the aorta.

Abstract: Systems, devices and/or methods of a stake system configured to be used in substantially loose material to anchor a stake-down object are provided. In one embodiment, the stake system includes an elongate member and a flexible line. One end of the flexible line is configured to be coupled to a distal portion of the elongate member and is configured to be below an exposed surface of the loose material. The flexible line is sized and configured to cut through the loose material such that at least a portion of the intermediate portion extends tautly away from the elongate member and through the loose material below the exposed surface. With this arrangement, the other end of the flexible line is configured to extend above the loose material and configured to be coupled to the stake-down object.

Abstract: A self-retained paint shield configured to shield an exterior roof structure while spray painting exterior side walls of a home or building. The paint shield includes a shield portion and an exterior-roof attachment portion. The shield portion is configured to shield at least a portion of the roof structure from paint spray. The exterior-roof attachment portion is connected to the shield portion and includes two upwardly extending attachment side walls extending at a lower end from each other. With this arrangement, the exterior-roof attachment portion is configured to attach to the end of the roof structure in a self-retained manner while the shield portion shields at least a portion of the roof structure from paint spray.