Abstract: A heart valve repair device may include a support configured to extend through a native annulus of a native heart valve, wherein the support comprises an upstream portion and a downstream portion; an annular expandable retainer extending from the upstream portion of the support, and an arm extending from the downstream portion of the support. The annular expandable retainer may include a C-shaped cross-section that is open inwardly. The arm may be configured to reach behind a leaflet of the native heart valve and sandwich the leaflet between the arm and the support.

Abstract: A computer-controlled robot cutting system for making angled or beveled cuts along a preselected path in a workpiece having a generally planar cutting surface. A cutting knife, such as a high-intensity fluid jet, is pivotably mounted in a support frame having two pairs of arcuate guides disposed at right angles to each other for motor-driven rotation of the cutting knife about orthogonal axes. The centers of curvature of both guides lie on a critical plane containing a pivot point about which the cutting knife pivots. An opposing workpiece gantry with horizontal and vertical slides for motor-driven translation of the workpiece along two axes also includes means for holding the workpiece such that its surface to be cut faces the cutting knife and lies in the critical plane. The workpiece is thus translated to define the cutting path on the obverse surface, while the cutting knife is pivoted to define the entry angle of the cut along the cutting path.

Abstract: A fluid cutting system of improved configuration provides a high-velocity fluid that is rotated about a first axis (preferably a horizontal axis) on a moving trolley. The trolley is rotationally supported about a second axis (preferably vertical). The trolley travels upon a pair of arc-shaped tracks and is driven by a motor drive. The trolley has a pair of arc-shaped tracks that support the fluid jet nozzle. The fluid nozzle is thus rotatable about two axes, thereby emitting a high-pressure stream of fluid for adjustable cutting. A workpiece positioning frame has a fish section holder that can be elevated or moved laterally with respect to the cutting system.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a method and apparatus for use in processing fish body sections that have been transversely cut. The system uses a frame with a pair of shrouds, each having an interior space that contains an illumination system for illuminating the fish section. A pair of video cameras housed respectively within the shrouds scan opposed flat sides of the fish section to produce images of the respective sides. Screens move behind the fish section in sequential fashion as each camera scans the fish section.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for use in the processing of transverse fish body sections includes a support frame and a video camera for providing a video image of a transverse fish body section to be processed when aimed at the fish body section along a preselected line of sight. A fish section support is provided for supporting the transverse fish section substantially over its area. The support can be invisible on the video photo image and preferably includes a plurality of spaced apart beams which are of a small dimensional width so that they do not appear on the video photo image that contains the fish body sections. A fluid jetting knife is movable with respect to the transverse fish body section for cutting the section with a pressurized fluid stream and positioned to traverse both the fish section and the support means during the cutting operation.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for use in the processing of transverse fish body sections includes a support frame and a video camera for providing a video image of a transverse fish body section to be processed when aimed at the fish body section along a preselected line of sight. A fish section support is provided for supporting the transverse fish section substantially over its area. The support can be invisible on the video photo image and preferably includes a plurality of spaced apart beams which are of a small dimensional width so that they do not appear on the video photo image that contains the fish body sections. A fluid jetting knife is movable with respect to the transverse fish body section for cutting the section with a pressurized fluid stream and positioned to traverse both the fish section and the support means during the cutting operation.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for use in the processing of transverse fish body sections includes a support frame and a video camera for providing a video image of a transverse fish body section to be processed when aimed at the fish body section along a preselected line of sight. A fish section support is provided for supporting the transverse fish section substantially over its area. The support can be invisible on the video photo image and preferably includes a plurality of spaced apart beams which are of a small dimensional width so that they do not appear on the video photo image that contains the fish body sections. A fluid jetting knife is movable with respect to the transverse fish body section for cutting the section with a pressurized fluid stream and positioned to traverse both the fish section and the support means during the cutting operation.