Abstract: Components for valve treatment systems are disclosed. Valve treatment systems can include a delivery system for an implantable device. The delivery system can include one or more of clasp control components slidably disposed on a catheter handle, a control element for opening and closing the implantable device, a catheter assembly with features to reduce friction with another catheter assembly, grips for attaching catheter assemblies to clamps, catheter assemblies with features that stiffen or provide variable stiffness, and catheter assemblies with one or more steering control lumens incorporated into a reinforcement layer.

Abstract: A door sealing system is used to seal a container of a vacuum system. In a preferred embodiment the vacuum system has a container door supported on a frame and adapted to seal the container when the container door is closed. A latch assembly supported on the container door is used to latch the container door to the container along a load bearing axis. A power operated pulling assembly located within the container forces the container door against the container by applying a load on the door that is collinear with the load bearing axis of the latch assembly. The power operated pulling assembly seals the container door to the container. The mechanical locking assembly is adapted to maintain the door in a sealed configuration after the power operated pulling assembly has sealed the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laterally severing an asphalt layer to form a ribbon, separating the asphalt ribbon from an underlying base, elevating the separated asphalt ribbon, and fracturing the elevated asphalt ribbon by bending same. A cutting member having a leading edge which is insertable between the asphalt ribbon and base provides separation thereof along a lateral line. A ramp and elevating structure elevatingly guide the separated asphalt ribbon into a pair of breaker drums which are rotatable in opposite circumferential directions. Each breaker drum has protruding teeth which are arranged in laterally separated circumferential rows with the teeth in adjacent circumferential rows being preferably arcuately offset. Corresponding circumferential rows on the opposed breaker drums are laterally aligned and the teeth in those rows engage opposite surfaces of the asphalt ribbon during rotation of the breaker drums.