Abstract: A catheter device for crossing occlusions includes an elongate body, a central lumen extending within the elongate body from the proximal end to the distal end, a rotatable tip at the distal end of the elongate body, and an OCT imaging sensor. The rotatable tip is configured to rotate relative to the elongate body. The OCT imaging sensor includes an optical fiber coupled with the rotatable tip and configured to rotate therewith. A distal end of the elongate body includes one or more markers configured to occlude the OCT imaging sensor as it rotates. A fixed jog in the elongate body proximal to the distal end of the catheter positions the distal end of the catheter at an angle relative to the region of the catheter proximal to the fixed jog and is aligned with the one or more markers on the elongate body.

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 method for forming a polymer-filler composite having advantageous bound filler content, the method comprising (a) providing a guayule cement; (b) introducing particulate filler to the guayule cement to form a solution masterbatch; and (c) desolventizing the solution masterbatch to form a polymer-filler composite.

Abstract: Digital signatures are not valid indefinitely but only during the validity periods of their authentication certificates, which themselves are not indefinite but typically expire in order to limit the chances for compromise of the digital signatures. This poses a problem for electronic information objects that are intended to have legal weight for periods longer than the remaining validity period of a signature. There are thus provided methods of handling stored electronic original objects that have been created by signing information objects by respective transfer agents, submitting signed information objects to a trusted custodial utility, validating the submitted signed information objects by at least testing the integrity of the contents of each signed information object and the validity of the signature of the respective transfer agent, and applying to each validated information object a date-time stamp and a digital signature and authentication certificate of the trusted custodial utility.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided that implement digital signing and/or encryption for the electronic transmission, storage, and retrieval of authenticated documents and that enable the establishment of the identity of the originator of an electronic document and of the integrity of the information contained in such a document. Together these provide irrevocable proof of authenticity of the document. The methods and apparatus make it possible to provide “paper-less” commercial transactions, such as real-estate transactions and the financial transactions secured by real estate. A Certification Authority provides tools for initializing and managing the cryptographic material required to sign and seal electronic documents. An Authentication Center provides “third party” verification that a document is executed and transmitted by the document's originator. The methods and apparatus eliminate the need for “hard copies” of original documents as well as hard-copy storage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided that implement digital signing and/or encryption for the electronic transmission, storage, and retrieval of authenticated documents and that enable the establishment of the identity of the originator of an electronic document and of the integrity of the information contained in such a document. Together these provide irrevocable proof of authenticity of the document. The methods and apparatus make it possible to provide "paper-less" commercial transactions, such as real-estate transactions and the financial transactions secured by real estate. A Certification Authority provides tools for initializing and managing the cryptographic material required to sign and seal electronic documents. An Authentication Center provides "third party" verification that a document is executed and transmitted by the document's originator. The methods and apparatus eliminate the need for "hard copies" of original documents as well as hard-copy storage.