Abstract: A manufacturing system comprises a holder, a robot arm, a press and a laser. The holder is configured to receive a feature of a dental appliance and to hold the dental appliance by clamping the feature of the dental appliance, wherein the holder holds the feature of the dental appliance at a reference position. The robot arm is configured to retrieve an object and to place the object against the feature at the reference position. The press is configured to apply pressure to press the object against the feature of the dental appliance while the dental appliance is held by the holder. The laser is configured to expose an interface of the dental appliance and the object to coherent light to weld the object to the feature of the dental appliance while the press presses the object against the feature of the dental appliance.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for in vivo delivery of pharmaceutically active agents associated with hydroxyapatite (HAP). Compositions comprising a pharmacologically active agent and HAP in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, the composition providing controlled release of the pharmacologically active agent when introduced into the body. The pharmaceutically acceptable carrier can be a polymer paste or gel which may contain a second pharmacologically active agent. Methods of making and administering a controlled release compositions for the delivery of a pharmacologically active agent, such as a nucleic acid, in combination with a polycationic polymer and in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, to a mammal in a pharmaceutically effective amount.