Abstract: Provided herein are agonistic antibodies, or antigen binding portions thereof, that bind to human CD40 and comprise improved heavy and light chain variable regions that impart improved yield and reduced aggregation. The invention also provides methods of treatment of cancer or chronic infection by administering the antibodies of the invention to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled perforation and aspiration of the inner ear.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a container having a tamper evidence collar integrally formed on the container body, wherein the tamper evidence collar comprises: an annular portion which extends circumferentially outwardly from the container body; a discontinuous skirt portion which extends vertically from the annular portion, extends substantially circumferentially about the container body; a tamper evidence tab disposed in the circumferential location of the skirt discontinuity, wherein the tab comprises: an annularly extending portion aligned with the annular portion of the collar; and a skirt portion aligned with the skirt of the collar, one or more pins that rotatably join the tab to the tamper evidence collar; and at least one frangible web which connects the tab to the tamper evidence collar prior to actuation of the tab.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a container having a tamper evidence collar integrally formed on the container body, wherein the tamper evidence collar comprises: an annular portion which extends circumferentially outwardly from the container body; a discontinuous skirt portion which extends vertically from the annular portion, extends substantially circumferentially about the container body; a tamper evidence tab disposed in the circumferential location of the skirt discontinuity, wherein the tab comprises: an annularly extending portion aligned with the annular portion of the collar; and a skirt portion aligned with the skirt of the collar, one or more pins that rotatably join the tab to the tamper evidence collar; and at least one frangible web which connects the tab to the tamper evidence collar prior to actuation of the tab.

Abstract: A container is provided having an open top end defining an access opening into an interior storage volume. A peripheral rim surrounds the access opening. A flexible membrane is sealed to the peripheral rim and a valve is attached to the membrane for venting gases from the interior of the container body. An overcap is provided to cover the access opening and be retained in the container rim adjacent the membrane. A bottom surface of the body of the overcap includes a continuous surface pattern thereon, with the surface pattern creating a plurality of gaps that define a continuous passageway along the bottom surface to the periphery of the overcap.

Abstract: A dispensing device is provided for storing and dispensing a flowable, viscous material. A cartridge is provided for storing the material and includes a tube, a movable cup member located within the tube, an end wall having a nozzle opening covered with a removable seal and a nozzle. The nozzle is removably held within the cup member during storage. The dispensing device is formed by inserting the cartridge within the actuator. The actuator comprises a barrel, a trigger, a handle, a plunger and a resilient detent. The movement of the trigger causes the plunger to push the moveable member forward. The detent holds the plunger in place maintaining the flow of material.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled perforation and aspiration of the inner ear.

Abstract: A dispensing device is provided for storing and dispensing a flowable, viscous material. A cartridge is provided for storing the material and includes a tube, a movable cup member located within the tube, an end wall having a nozzle opening covered with a removable seal and a nozzle. The nozzle is removably held within the cup member during storage. The dispensing device is formed by inserting the cartridge within the actuator. The actuator comprises a barrel, a trigger, a handle, a plunger and a resilient detent. The movement of the trigger causes the plunger to push the moveable member forward. The detent holds the plunger in place maintaining the flow of material.

Abstract: An overcap (14) is provided for a container (10) having a hinge (26) supporting a moveable flap (28) to provide access to the container reservoir. First and second skirts (34, 44) are provided for engaging an upper rim on the container body, with one skirt permitting the mounting of the overcap in two alternate positions. In the first position, only the first skirt (34) engages the upper rim, which allows a removable membrane to be positioned on the upper rim of the container. In the second position, the membrane is removed and both the first and second skirts engage the inner and outer edges of the rim of the container.

Abstract: There is provided a double rib overcap with a plug for a container with a removable membrane. The skirt of the overcap includes two inside surfaces axially separated a rib. The container opening is encircled by a rim and the membrane covers the opening such that the membrane extends radially onto an outer surface of the rim. The two inside surfaces of the skirt are dimensionally sized to create an interference-fit with the rim when the overcap is connected to the container when the membrane is either attached or removed. The overcap also includes a circumferential ring radially inward of the skirt that is axially positioned to engage the top surface of the membrane when the membrane is attached to the container and is diametrically dimensioned to engage an inner wall of the container when the membrane is removed from the container.

Abstract: A nozzle is provided for dispensing a viscous material. The nozzle includes an elongated nozzle body defining a hollow passage formed between a base and the tapered end. The tapered end is initially closed for preventing discharge of material from within the passage. A removable tip portion is formed within the tapered end of the nozzle body. The removable tip is formed by a tear tab projecting from the tapered end and a removable tear strip formed within the sidewall of the nozzle body and connected to the tab. The tear strip is defined by spaced, longitudinally extending tear lines within the sidewall and includes at least two removable sections along the length of the strip. The tear tab forms a starting mechanism for transferring an opening force to the tear strip to remove the sections of the strip to form a discharge opening.

Abstract: A container closure includes a utensil formed of a first polymer material, and a lid formed of a second polymer material, the utensil being detachably adhered to the lid by a chemical bond between the first and second polymer materials in the absence of any adhesive or bonding agent. A method for making the closure comprises the steps of introducing a quantity of a first polymer material into a mold to form a utensil, transferring the utensil from the first mold into a second mold or structurally modifying the first mold, and introducing a quantity of a second polymer material into the second mold or modified first mold to form a lid in such a manner that the utensil is detachably adhered to the lid by a chemical bond between the first and second polymer materials in the absence of any adhesive or bonding agent.

Abstract: A dispensing cap is provided for a container and includes a body portion having a formed sliding track thereon. An opening is provided in the body for providing access through the body. A retention slot is formed adjacent the sliding track. A slider is moveably positioned within the sliding track for selectively opening and closing the body opening. A frangible tab is initially formed as part of the slider and engaged within the retention slot to fix the position of the slider within the sliding track. Removal of the frangible tab permits the slider to move relative to the body opening. The cap is formed by an injection molding process, in conjunction with an in-mold assembly of the slider.

Abstract: An overcap (14) is provided for a container (10) having a hinge (26) supporting a moveable flap (28) to provide access to the container reservoir. First and second skirts (34, 44) are provided for engaging an upper rim on the container body, with one skirt permitting the mounting of the overcap in two alternate positions. In the first position, only the first skirt (34) engages the upper rim, which allows a removable membrane to be positioned on the upper rim of the container. In the second position, the membrane is removed and both the first and second skirts engage the inner and outer edges of the rim of the container.

Abstract: A container closure includes a utensil formed of a first polymer material, and a lid formed of a second polymer material, the utensil being detachably adhered to the lid by a chemical bond between the first and second polymer materials in the absence of any adhesive or bonding agent. A method for making the closure comprises the steps of introducing a quantity of a first polymer material into a mold to form a utensil, transferring the utensil from the first mold into a second mold or structurally modifying the first mold, and introducing a quantity of a second polymer material into the second mold or modified first mold to form a lid in such a manner that the utensil is detachably adhered to the lid by a chemical bond between the first and second polymer materials in the absence of any adhesive or bonding agent.

Abstract: A lid for a container is provided. The lid may include a central panel, an annular wall, an outer flange, an upwardly projecting ring, and an internal lip. The annular wall extends around the outer periphery of the central panel. The annual wall defines a recessed area adapted to engage an inward portion of the container. The outer flange extends outwardly from an upward region of the annular wall to a curled outer edge. The curled outer edge extends inward of and above a top edge of the container, such that the top edge of the container and the outer edge of the lid may support a second container stacked upon the first container. The internal lip extends inwardly from the upward region of the annular wall such that it provides a surface for fingers to grab and aid in the removal of the lid from the container.

Abstract: There is provided a lid with a center panel, a rim portion, and a hinge portion for sealing a container. The rim portion is designed to fit around an opening of a container and includes an inner wall for engaging a surface of the container opening. The hinge portion connects the rim portion to the center panel and includes flex points to allow axial movement of the center panel and corresponding radial movement of the rim portion to alternate the lid between an unsealing position and a sealing position. The sealing position provides an improved seal between the inner wall of the rim portion of the lid and the container. The lid may be formed by a two shot mold process in which the hinge portion consists of a more compliant material than the center panel and rim portion. The, lid may also include a flexible barrier membrane for enhanced sealing of the container.

Abstract: A carrier tube includes a vacuum draw system for promoting receipt of a yarn tail end within a circumferential start-up groove of the tube. The draw system includes angled air-scoop openings extending through the tube wall adjacent the start-up groove to move air through the tube rotation. Each of the angled openings includes a narrowed venturi portion creating a zone of reduced pressure. The system further includes passages extending between the start-up groove and the narrowed portions of the air-scoop openings to connect the start-up groove to the reduced pressure of the openings.