Abstract: A new approach is proposed to support software validation and licensing management. An instance of a software component deployed to a physical computing device is configured to request a copy of license of the software component from a license server out-of-band before the software component can be installed and/or booted up on the physical computing device. Upon receiving a request for the copy of license from the instance of the software component, the license server is configured to grant or deny the request based on the current number of copies of license of the software component available. If the request is granted, the instance of the software component is booted up on the physical computing device. During its operation, the instance of the software component continues to communicate with the license server periodically to indicate whether the copy of license assigned by the server is still in use.

Abstract: A tendon reinforcement assembly includes a rivet having a female portion having a female free end, a female connecting end, and a female portion axial passage extending therethrough. A male portion has a male free end, a male connecting end adapted to be inserted into the female free end, and a male portion axial passage extending therethrough. The male portion axial passage extends coaxially with the female portion axial passage. A suture extends through the male portion axial passage and the female portion axial passage. The suture has a first suture end extending outwardly of the male free end and a second suture end extending outwardly of the female free end.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a substance, such as a liquid lipstick or other cosmetic, pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical product, has a body with a variable-volume storage chamber for storing the product. A dispensing portion is connected with the body and a one-way valve for dispensing amounts of product therethrough. The dispensing portion defines a compression chamber in fluid communication with the storage chamber for receiving product therefrom, and an outlet aperture coupled in fluid communication with the compression chamber. The one-way valve has a valve seat, and a visco-elastic valve cover seated on the valve seat and defining a normally-closed, axially-extending seam therebetween forming a fluid-tight seal between the valve cover and valve seat. The flexible valve cover is movable relative to the valve seat, and the seam is connectable in fluid communication with the outlet aperture to allow the passage of product through the seam and out of the dispenser.

Abstract: A device for storing and dispensing a substance includes a container having a body defining therein a storage chamber for receiving and storing the substance. The container includes a head located at one end of the body and a first passageway that is in fluid communication with the storage chamber of the body and defines a flow path therebetween. The container also includes a pierceable wall located on an opposite side of the passageway relative to the storage chamber, and a first connecting portion for connecting another component thereto. The device also includes a one-way valve assembly that includes a valve body including a body base defining a second passageway and at least one piercing portion engageable with the pierceable wall of the container. The valve assembly includes a second connecting portion connectable to the first connecting portion of the container for fixedly securing the valve assembly to the container.

Abstract: At least one of first and second mold portions defines a mold cavity to receive molten plastic and form therefrom at least one molded part, and is movable relative to the other between (i) a closed position for sealing the mold cavity or cavities and molding at least one part therein, and (ii) an open position defining a fluid passageway between the mold portions and permitting the passage of a fluid sterilant therein. A fluid sterilant source is connectable in fluid communication with the fluid passageway for introducing the sterilant therein in the open position, contacting with the sterilant the surfaces of the first and second mold portions forming the fluid passageway and located adjacent to the at least one mold cavity, but not contacting an interior surface of a molded part within the mold cavity, to sterilize the exposed mold surfaces and thereby prevent contamination of the molded part.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a substance, such as a liquid lipstick or other cosmetic, pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical product, has a body with a variable-volume storage chamber for storing the product. A dispensing portion is connected with the body and a one-way valve for dispensing amounts of product therethrough. The dispensing portion defines a compression chamber in fluid communication with the storage chamber for receiving product therefrom, and an outlet aperture coupled in fluid communication with the compression chamber. The one-way valve has a valve seat, and a visco-elastic valve cover seated on the valve seat and defining a normally-closed, axially-extending seam therebetween forming a fluid-tight seal between the valve cover and valve seat. The flexible valve cover is movable relative to the valve seat, and the seam is connectable in fluid communication with the outlet aperture to allow the passage of product through the seam and out of the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a substance, such as a liquid lipstick or other cosmetic, pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical product, has a body with a variable-volume storage chamber for storing the product. A dispensing portion is connected with the body and a one-way valve for dispensing amounts of product therethrough. The dispensing portion defines a compression chamber in fluid communication with the storage chamber for receiving product therefrom, and an outlet aperture coupled in fluid communication with the compression chamber. The one-way valve has a valve seat, and a visco-elastic valve cover seated on the valve seat and defining a normally-closed, axially-extending seam therebetween forming a fluid-tight seal between the valve cover and valve seat. The flexible valve cover is movable relative to the valve seat, and the seam is connectable in fluid communication with the outlet aperture to allow the passage of product through the seam and out of the dispenser.

Abstract: At least one of first and second mold portions defines a mold cavity to receive molten plastic and form therefrom at least one molded part, and is movable relative to the other between (i) a closed position for sealing the mold cavity or cavities and molding at least one part therein, and (ii) an open position defining a fluid passageway between the mold portions and permitting the passage of a fluid sterilant therein. A fluid sterilant source is connectable in fluid communication with the fluid passageway for introducing the sterilant therein in the open position, contacting with the sterilant the surfaces of the first and second mold portions forming the fluid passageway and located adjacent to the at least one mold cavity, but not contacting an interior surface of a molded part within the mold cavity, to sterilize the exposed mold surfaces and thereby prevent contamination of the molded part.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for molding sterile parts. The apparatus has a first mold portion and a second mold portion. At least one of the first and second mold portions defines a mold cavity configured to receive a molten plastic and form therefrom at least one molded part At least one of the first and second mold portions is movable relative to the other between (i) a closed position for sealing the mold cavity or cavities and molding at least one part therein, and (ii) an open position defining a fluid passageway between the first and second mold portions and permitting the passage of a fluid sterilant therein.

Abstract: A device for storing and dispensing a substance includes a container having a body defining therein a storage chamber for receiving and storing the substance. The container includes a head located at one end of the body and a first passageway that is in fluid communication with the storage chamber of the body and defines a flow path therebetween. The container also includes a pierceable wall located on an opposite side of the passageway relative to the storage chamber, and a first connecting portion for connecting another component thereto. The device also includes a one-way valve assembly that includes a valve body including a body base defining a second passageway and at least one piercing portion engageable with the pierceable wall of the container. The valve assembly includes a second connecting portion connectable to the first connecting portion of the container for fixedly securing the valve assembly to the container.

Abstract: A device for storing and dispensing a substance includes a container having a body defining therein a storage chamber for receiving and storing the substance. The container includes a head located at one end of the body and a first passageway that is in fluid communication with the storage chamber of the body and defines a flow path therebetween. The container also includes a pierceable wall located on an opposite side of the passageway relative to the storage chamber, and a first connecting portion for connecting another component thereto. The device also includes a one-way valve assembly that includes a valve body including a body base defining a second passageway and at least one piercing portion engageable with the pierceable wall of the container. The valve assembly includes a second connecting portion that is connectable to the first connecting portion of the container for fixedly securing the valve assembly to the container when the valve assembly and container are located in the second position.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a substance, such as a liquid lipstick or other cosmetic, pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical product, has a body with a variable-volume storage chamber for storing the product. A dispensing portion is connected with the body and a one-way valve for dispensing amounts of product therethrough. The dispensing portion defines a compression chamber in fluid communication with the storage chamber for receiving product therefrom, and an outlet aperture coupled in fluid communication with the compression chamber. The one-way valve has a valve seat, and a visco-elastic valve cover seated on the valve seat and defining a normally-closed, axially-extending seam therebetween forming a fluid-tight seal between the valve cover and valve seat. The flexible valve cover is movable relative to the valve seat, and the seam is connectable in fluid communication with the outlet aperture to allow the passage of product through the seam and out of the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a substance, such as a liquid lipstick or other product, has a body defining a variable-volume storage chamber for storing the product. A dispensing portion is connected with the body and defines a bore coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber for receiving product therefrom, and an outlet aperture coupled in fluid communication with the bore. A piston is received within the bore, and a one-way valve is mounted on the dispensing portion for dispensing metered amounts of product therethrough. The one-way valve has an axially-extending valve seat, and an axially-extending visco-elastic valve cover seated on the valve seat and defining a normally-closed, axially-extending seam therebetween forming a fluid-tight seal between the valve cover and valve seat. The flexible valve cover is movable relative to the valve seat, and the seam is connectable in fluid communication with the outlet aperture to allow the passage of product through the seam and out of the dispenser.

Abstract: A contact lens container includes a body defining a cavity that is sized to hold a contact lens. A stopper is in fluid communication with the cavity and the stopper includes a resealable portion that is received into a channel. The resealable portion has a predetermined wall thickness in an axial direction thereof, the resealable portion defines a needle penetration region that is pierceable with a needle to form a needle aperture therethrough, and is heat resealable to hermetically seal the needle aperture.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a substance, such as a liquid lipstick or other product, has a body defining a variable-volume storage chamber for storing the product. A dispensing portion is connected with the body and defines a bore coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber for receiving product therefrom, and an outlet aperture coupled in fluid communication with the bore. A piston is received within the bore, and a one-way valve is mounted on the dispensing portion for dispensing metered amounts of product therethrough. The one-way valve has an axially-extending valve seat, and an axially-extending visco-elastic valve cover seated on the valve seat and defining a normally-closed, axially-extending seam therebetween forming a fluid-tight seal between the valve cover and valve seat. The flexible valve cover is movable relative to the valve seat, and the seam is connectable in fluid communication with the outlet aperture to allow the passage of product through the seam and out of the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a substance, such as a liquid lipstick or other product, has a body defining a variable-volume storage chamber for storing the product. A dispensing portion is connected with the body and defines a bore coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber for receiving product therefrom, and an outlet aperture coupled in fluid communication with the bore. A piston is received within the bore, and a one-way valve is mounted on the dispensing portion for dispensing metered amounts of product therethrough. The one-way valve has an axially-extending valve seat, and an axially-extending visco-elastic valve cover seated on the valve seat and defining a normally-closed, axially-extending seam therebetween forming a fluid-tight seal between the valve cover and valve seat. The flexible valve cover is movable relative to the valve seat, and the seam is connectable in fluid communication with the outlet aperture to allow the passage of product through the seam and out of the dispenser.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for molding sterile parts. The apparatus has a first mold portion and a second mold portion. At least one of the first and second mold portions defines a mold cavity configured to receive a molten plastic and form therefrom at least one molded part At least one of the first and second mold portions is movable relative to the other between (i) a closed position for sealing the mold cavity or cavities and molding at least one part therein, and (ii) an open position defining a fluid passageway between the first and second mold portions and permitting the passage of a fluid sterilant therein.