Abstract: An instrument for facilitating transseptal delivery of a cardiac therapeutic device is positionable in a left ventricle. The instrument includes an elongate shaft having a tubular lumen, the shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion actively steerable between a generally straight position and a curved position. An external pull wire and an internal pull wire are each actuatable to move the distal portion to the curved position. The external pull wire extends internally through the proximal portion of the shaft and longitudinally along the exterior of the distal portion of the shaft, while the internal pull wire extends internally through the proximal portion of the shaft adjacent to the external pull wire, and extends internally through the distal portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A method for extracting aquatic animals from an apparatus (102) containing aquatic animals. The apparatus has a body with an open end (102a), a substantially closed end (102b), and one or more side walls (102c) between the open end and the substantially closed end. At least a major portion of the side wall(s) are in the form of a flexible membrane, and at least a major portion of the side wall(s) and the substantially closed end are substantially impervious to water. The method involves arranging the apparatus (102) with an open end (102a) of the apparatus positioned higher than a substantially closed end (102b) of the apparatus, introducing a flow of liquid into an interior region of the apparatus proximal the substantially closed end, and using the introduced flow of liquid to transport aquatic animals contained in the apparatus, out of the open end (102a) of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of constructing a building façade comprising, casting at least one plate member; coupling at least one load member to the plate member; aligning a first façade assembly levelly prior to attachment to the substrate; aligning a second and third façade assembly horizontally adjacent and vertically adjacent the first façade assembly, respectively, by interface with the first façade assembly, and repeating the steps of aligning additional façade assemblies to form a facade.

Abstract: A method of constructing a building façade comprising, casting at least one plate member; coupling at least one load member to the plate member; aligning a first façade assembly levelly prior to attachment to the substrate; aligning a second and third façade assembly horizontally adjacent and vertically adjacent the first façade assembly, respectively, by interface with the first façade assembly, and repeating the steps of aligning additional façade assemblies to form a facade.

Abstract: In an assembly for constructing a multi-tiered retaining wall to support a backfilled embankment, at least one generally planar backfill retaining wall panel has opposed top and bottom edges, and opposed parallel side edges. Each wall panel spans between pairs of transversely spaced posts. Each post is in the form of a rigid elongate column having an upper end, a lower end and opposed side portions. An abutment forming a recessed area extends longitudinally along each side portion of the column for receiving the side edge of the wall panel. A pin element insertable into the column retains the wall panel in place between pairs of columns in the abutment prior to backfilling against a rear surface of the wall panel. A seat at the upper end of the column supports a wall panel of an adjacent higher tier. A saddle at the lower end of the column provides for free-standing support of the column on a wall panel on an adjacent lower tier prior to backfilling.