Abstract: Provided herein are organic solvent-based processes for the removal of rubber from non-Hevea plants such as guayule shrubs. By the use of the processes, solid purified rubber can be obtained that contains 0.05-0.5 weight % dirt, 0.2-1.5 weight % ash, and 0.1-4 weight % resin (when it has been dried so as to contain 0.8 weight % volatile matter).

Abstract: A system and accompanying assembly, of integrated or modular construction, for inflating and monitoring pressure within a retaining cuff including a housing having a pressure chamber connected in fluid communication with a fluid pressure source and a fluid communicating connection with the retaining cuff. Associated control circuitry includes a pressure sensor disposable in fluid communication with the pressure chamber and the retaining cuff, via the fluid communicating connection and structured to concurrently determine and monitor pressure within the pressure chamber and the retaining cuff. The control circuitry is cooperatively structured with the pressure sensor and other operative components to establish dynamic multilevel sampling capabilities, calibration parameters stored within the control circuitry prior to use and limited or single use capabilities of the assembly.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for placing an implant into a patient and removing it therefrom.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for placing an implant into a patient and removing it therefrom.

Abstract: A minimally invasive catheter and methods are provided for adjusting the chordae associated with an atrio-ventricular valve and for modifying the geometry of selected cardiac chambers. Clamps carried by the catheter are part of a prosthetic clamp assembly that includes the clamps and a cord attached to each of the clamps. The cord length can be adjusted after the clamps are attached to tissue. The clamps can be operated simultaneously or independently.

Abstract: A system and accompanying assembly, of integrated or modular construction, for inflating and monitoring pressure within a retaining cuff including a housing having a pressure chamber connected in fluid communication with a fluid pressure source and a fluid communicating connection with the retaining cuff. Associated control circuitry includes a pressure sensor disposable in fluid communication with the pressure chamber and the retaining cuff, via the fluid communicating connection and structured to concurrently determine and monitor pressure within the pressure chamber and the retaining cuff. The control circuitry is cooperatively structured with the pressure sensor and other operative components to establish dynamic multilevel sampling capabilities, calibration parameters stored within the control circuitry prior to use and limited or single use capabilities of the assembly.

Abstract: A minimally invasive catheter and methods are provided for adjusting the chordae associated with an atrio-ventricular valve and for modifying the geometry of selected cardiac chambers. Clamps carried by the catheter are part of a prosthetic clamp assembly that includes the clamps and a cord attached to each of the clamps. The cord length can be adjusted after the clamps are attached to tissue. The clamps can be operated simultaneously or independently.

Abstract: A dental blank holder for the manufacture of dental articles. The dental blank holder can include a frame configured to cooperate with a blank holder of a dental mill. The frame can includes an inner periphery and an outer periphery, the inner periphery including a plurality of receiving walls forming receiving spaces, each receiving space configured to receive a dental blank. The dental blank holder may also include a movable arm configured to form a plurality of locking walls, each locking wall configured to enclose a corresponding receiving space, the movable arm including at least one biasing member configured to apply an individual force toward each receiving space such that each of the dental blanks is held in the receiving spaces for a milling process.

Abstract: A tissue anchoring system includes a tissue anchor member that is suitable for anchoring against tissue. The system also includes a tensioning member operatively connected to the anchor member such that the anchor member can slide relative to the tensioning member, the tensioning member capable of being pulled to cause the anchor member to move relative to the tensioning member into a position seated against the tissue. A hand operated deployment catheter is operable to extend and deploy the anchor member therefrom. The deployment catheter includes a rotatable member about which the tensioning member is routed and a clutch assembly for limiting tension within the tensioning member to prevent the deployed anchor from being pulled through the tissue.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for placing an implant into a patient and removing it therefrom.

Abstract: A dental blank holder for the manufacture of dental articles. The dental blank holder can include a frame configured to cooperate with a blank holder of a dental mill. The frame can includes an inner periphery and an outer periphery, the inner periphery including a plurality of receiving walls forming receiving spaces, each receiving space configured to receive a dental blank. The dental blank holder may also include a movable arm configured to form a plurality of locking walls, each locking wall configured to enclose a corresponding receiving space, the movable arm including at least one biasing member configured to apply an individual force toward each receiving space such that each of the dental blanks is held in the receiving spaces for a milling process.

Abstract: A tissue anchoring system includes a tissue anchor member that is suitable for anchoring against tissue. The system also includes a tensioning member operatively connected to the anchor member such that the anchor member can slide relative to the tensioning member, the tensioning member capable of being pulled to cause the anchor member to move relative to the tensioning member into a position seated against the tissue. A hand operated deployment catheter is operable to extend and deploy the anchor member therefrom. The deployment catheter includes a rotatable member about which the tensioning member is routed and a clutch assembly for limiting tension within the tensioning member to prevent the deployed anchor from being pulled through the tissue.

Abstract: A tissue anchoring system includes a tissue anchor member that is suitable for anchoring against tissue. The system also includes a tensioning member operatively connected to the anchor member such that the anchor member can slide relative to the tensioning member, the tensioning member capable of being pulled to cause the anchor member to move relative to the tensioning member into a position seated against the tissue. A hand operated deployment catheter is operable to extend and deploy the anchor member therefrom. The deployment catheter includes a rotatable member about which the tensioning member is routed and a clutch assembly for limiting tension within the tensioning member to prevent the deployed anchor from being pulled through the tissue.