Abstract: A catheter configured to dynamically compensate for the impact of internal and external forces that act upon the catheter during use is disclosed. The catheter may include sensors configured to measure received forces on control cables that extend within the catheter. A controller, coupled to the sensors, may record received force measurements associated with a working position of a distal end of the catheter. The controller may monitor subsequently received forces to identify force variances that may deflect the distal end of the catheter from its working position and may apply a driving force to one or more of the control cables to minimize the force variances. Monitoring received forces during use and applying compensating drive forces may reduce deflection of the distal end of the catheter, increasing the accuracy and precision of an annuloplasty procedure while minimizing potential damage to cardiac tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices for treating heart disease. In particular, the present disclosure relates to medical devices, systems, and methods for delivering artificial chordae tendineae in a patient. A system for delivering a chordae tendineae into a heart may include a delivery catheter. A clamp catheter may be configured to translate through the delivery catheter. A spreader may be disposed on the clamp catheter. A first clamp may be at least partially contained in the spreader in a closed configuration and may be attached to the chordae tendineae. An anchor catheter may be configured to translate through the delivery catheter and may have an anchor attached to the chordae tendineae. A sheath may be extended over the anchor catheter and anchor and may be configured to restrain an arm of the anchor.

Abstract: A system to visually select a wireless process automation transmitter using a smart glass device is provided. The wireless process automation transmitter is preconfigured with transmitter identification data and transmitter location data relative to a reference location. The wireless process automation transmitter is configured to wirelessly broadcast the transmitter identification data and the transmitter location data. The smart glass device is preconfigured with smart glass device location data relative to the reference location. The smart glass device is configured to: update the smart glass device location data based on movement of the smart glass device; determine an orientation angle of the smart glass device; select the wireless process automation transmitter based on the transmitter location data, the smart glass device location data, and the orientation angle; wirelessly receive a status from the wireless process automation transmitter; and display the status on the smart glass device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for malting grain having a hollow cylindroconical vessel and a first, smaller removable false bottom retaining grain used in cleaning, steeping and resting the grain and a second, larger removable false bottom used in germinating and kilning the grain. The apparatus also includes a pump, a cooling system, a fan, a heating system, a humidifier, an aeration system, valves, tubing and ducting for treating grain with water and air. Sensors communicate with a controller and control the pump, the cooling system, the fan, the heating system, the humidifier, the valves, and the aeration system.

Abstract: A process for the production of crumb is disclosed in which a wet crumb feedstock comprising bulk sweetener, protein and water is formed and then simultaneously dried and comminuted in a thin layer rotary paddle dryer (20). The wet crumb feedstock is preferably formed into discrete, free-flowing granules prior to the simultaneous drying and comminuting. Apparatus for the production of crumb is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for malting grain having a hollow cylindroconical vessel and a first, smaller removable false bottom retaining grain used in cleaning, steeping and resting the grain and a second, larger removable false bottom used in germinating and kilning the grain. The apparatus also includes a pump, a cooling system, a fan, a heating system, a humidifier, an aeration system, valves, tubing and ducting for treating grain with water and air. Sensors communicate with a controller and control the pump, the cooling system, the fan, the heating system, the humidifier, the valves, and the aeration system.

Abstract: An extruder 10 comprises a barrel 12 and a screw 24 mounted in the barrel for rotation. The screw comprises screw threads 26a, 26b, 26c. The barrel has an inlet funnel 22 toward one end for material to be extruded and a die plate 18 with openings 20 at the other end and an air inlet port 28 toward one end of the barrel and an air outlet port 30 toward the other end. The screw threads are such that material 34 in the barrel is moved more quickly along the portion of the barrel between the air inlet port and the air outlet port than upstream of that portion. The air outlet is connected to a pump 32 so that there is a pressure difference between the air inlet and the air outlet.

Abstract: A process for the production of crumb is disclosed in which a wet crumb feedstock comprising bulk sweetener, protein and water is formed and then simultaneously dried and comminuted in a thin layer rotary paddle dryer. The wet crumb feedstock is preferably formed into discrete, free-flowing granules prior to the simultaneous drying and comminuting. Apparatus for the production of crumb is also disclosed.

Abstract: An extruder 10 comprises a barrel 12 and a screw 24 mounted in the barrel for rotation. The screw comprises screw threads 26a, 26b, 26c. The barrel has an inlet funnel 22 toward one end for material to be extruded and a die plate 18 with openings 20 at the other end and an air inlet port 28 toward one end of the barrel and an air outlet port 30 toward the other end. The screw threads are such that material 34 in the barrel is moved more quickly along the portion of the barrel between the air inlet port and the air outlet port than upstream of that portion. The air outlet is connected to a pump 32 so that there is a pressure difference between the air inlet and the air outlet.

Abstract: A process for the production of crumb is disclosed in which a wet crumb feedstock comprising bulk sweetener, protein and water is formed and then simultaneously dried and comminuted in a thin layer rotary paddle dryer (20). The wet crumb feedstock is preferably formed into discrete, free-flowing granules prior to the simultaneous drying and comminuting. Apparatus for the production of crumb is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides improved methods for producing molded chocolate products, fat-based confection products, particularly using substrates such as molds which have a low surface energy contacting surface.