Abstract: A system and method for maintaining and increasing the engagement of video game users is disclosed by providing a virtual container mechanism that modifies the game progress of all users after the occurrence of a game event. The system may provide repeated opportunities, with virtual items awarded through virtual containers, to achieve success for the lifetime of the video game. The system may further mitigate the fear of new users encountering veteran users in a game, while creating repeated engagement opportunities for veteran players.

Abstract: A subterranean wellbore assembly includes an outer cylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical wall cooperatively defining an annular space. A seal assembly is disposed within the annular space. The seal assembly includes chevron seals. Each chevron seal includes a central portion and two axially and radially extending wing portions. Chevron seals may be of polymeric PEEK material or of nickel based material. Other seal assemblies may be arranged in the annular space in place of the seal assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a pressure balanced coupler including male and female couplers configured to be coupled together, the male coupler having a stab removably coupled to a plug in the female coupler to move the plug from a closed position preventing fluid flow to a port in the female coupler and an open position allowing flow. In this way, a pressure balanced coupler for use with high pressure fluids in high pressure environments may be provided that does not have a net load acting to separate the male and female couplers.

Abstract: A subterranean wellbore assembly includes an outer cylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical wall cooperatively defining an annular space. A seal assembly is disposed within the annular space. The seal assembly includes chevron seals. Each chevron seal includes a central portion and two axially and radially extending wing portions. Chevron seals may be of polymeric PEEK material or of nickel based material. Other seal assemblies may be arranged in the annular space in place of the seal assembly.

Abstract: An applicator having an applicator end portion and a material end portion. The material end portion forms a container holding a material to be applied with the applicator end portion. Upon separating the material end portion from the handle portion of the applicator, a container is formed which is used to dip the applicator end portion of the applicator into. The present invention is particularly applicable to the dispensing of medicaments, and in particular, dental materials. A single dose of material is integrally formed within the applicator and sealed until ready for use.

Abstract: A dental capsule for extruding high viscosity dental material providing reduced extrusion force. The dental capsule comprises a body portion, a transition portion and a discharge portion. The transition portion has an axis having an angular relationship with the axis of the body portion and the axis of the discharge portion. This relationship and transitional portion reduces the extrusion force required in extruding high viscosity dental material. In another embodiment of the present invention, a flexible piston having a conical front end is utilized to more fully extrude the dental material from the dental capsule. The dental capsule may have flexible walls with the flexible piston and walls cooperating to extrude substantially all of the dental material. The present invention, when used with high viscosity dental materials, results in less extrusion force required and does not damage the dental material during extrusion.

Abstract: An ampule having a body portion and a sealed end portion and a sealed delivery portion adapted for use in a delivery syringe system for controllably dispensing a low viscosity material, such as a liquid, gel, or paste. An ampule having sealed rear portions adapted to mate with a plunger of a syringe so as to facilitate controlled dispensing of a low viscosity material. The syringe has a breach positioned to provide controlled flow of the dispensed low viscosity material and facility easy removal from the syringe. Low viscosity materials, such as liquids and gels, are controllably dispensed in a measured unit dose quantity. The present invention has many applications, but is particularly applicable to dispensing low viscosity materials such as used in coatings and not injected parenterally, and is particularly applicable to dental applications.

Abstract: An applicator having an applicator end portion and a material end portion. The material end portion forms a container holding a material to be applied with the applicator end portion. Upon separating the material end portion from the handle portion of the applicator, a container is formed which is used to dip the applicator end portion of the applicator into. The present invention is particularly applicable to the dispensing of medicaments, and in particular, dental materials. A single dose of material is integrally formed within the applicator and sealed until ready for use.

Abstract: A syringe having a breech and a slot adjacent an ampule chamber adapted to receive the body and nozzle of a collapsible ampule. A syringe includes a forward ampule chamber having a predetermined longitudinal length for dispensing a relatively low viscosity material. A closed ampule containing a relatively low viscous material is collapsible and is easily positioned and held within the syringe during dispensing. The nozzle slot permits easy insertion of the flexible collapsible ampule and removal once the ampule is collapsed. In one embodiment, a syringe barrel has flexible fingers used in combination with a plunger having a reduced diameter intermediate portion for preventing the plunger from falling out of the barrel. Low viscosity materials in a unit dose collapsible ampule are controllably and conveniently dispensed for use in many different applications. The present invention is particularly suitable for dispensing dental materials.

Abstract: A medicament applicator having a stick handle and a connected applicating end portion in the shape of a pleasing and amusing character that is well known to a child. In one form of the invention, the applicating end is formed of a cellular material, e.g. a sponge or foam capable of releasably retaining in the pores or cells thereon a medicament to be administered. In another form, the applicating end may be formed of a confectionary material having mixed therein a medicament which is administered to the child as the child sucks thereon. A package having one or more wells is provided to store and/or ship such applicators and/or medicament until readied for use.

Abstract: A dental capsule or cartridge for packing, storing and dispensing a dental filling material and the like having a body portion for containing a predetermined amount of dental material having a discharge nozzle connected at one end of the body portion and having the other end opened and sealable by a displaceable piston. A sealing cap is integrally formed at the discharge end of the discharge nozzle and is connected thereto by a frangible or weakened portion whereby upon the application of a breaking force, the sealing cap is readily separated from the discharge end of the nozzle to expose or form the discharge orifice. The sealing cap may also be provided on one end thereof with a cavity or sealing spike by which the discharge orifice may be resealed, if desired. A vent is also provided adjacent the open end of the capsule to facilitate the filling of the capsule, and which is sealed by the seating of the displaceable piston in the open end.

Abstract: An ampule having a body portion and a sealed end portion and a sealed delivery portion adapted for use in a delivery syringe system for controllably dispensing a low viscosity material, such as a liquid, gel, or paste. An ampule having sealed rear portions adapted to mate with a plunger of a syringe so as to facilitate controlled dispensing of a low viscosity material. The syringe has a breach positioned to provide controlled flow of the dispensed low viscosity material and facility easy removal from the syringe. Low viscosity materials, such as liquids and gels, are controllably dispensed in a measured unit dose quantity. The present invention has many applications, but is particularly applicable to dispensing low viscosity materials such as used in coatings and not injected parenterally, and is particularly applicable to dental applications.

Abstract: An ampule having a body portion and a sealed end portion and a sealed delivery portion adapted for use in a delivery syringe system for controllably dispensing a low viscosity material, such as a liquid, gel, or paste. An ampule having sealed rear portions adapted to mate with a plunger of a syringe so as to facilitate controlled dispensing of a low viscosity material. The syringe has a plunger adapted to grasp the collapsed ampule, facilitating removal, as well as breach openings positioned to provide controlled initial flow of the dispensed low viscosity material. In one embodiment, a barrel having different internal diameters is used to improve dispensing of material within an ampule. Low viscosity materials such as liquids and gels are controllably dispensed in a measured unit dose quantity.

Abstract: A dental capsule or cartridge for packing, storing and dispensing a dental filling material and the like having a body portion for containing a predetermined amount of dental material having a discharge nozzle connected at one end of the body portion and having the other end opened and sealable by a displaceable piston. A sealing cap is integrally formed at the discharge end of the discharge nozzle and is connected thereto by a frangible or weakened portion whereby upon the application of a breaking force, the sealing cap is readily separated from the discharge end of the nozzle to expose or form the discharge orifice. The sealing cap may also be provided on one end thereof with a cavity or sealing spike by which the discharge orifice may be resealed, if desired. A vent is also provided adjacent the open end of the capsule to facilitate the filling of the capsule, and which is sealed by the seating of the displaceable piston in the open end.

Abstract: A dental cartridge or capsule for dispensing a dental material, such as an amalgam, cement, or glass ionomer. A body portion has a reduced diameter end. A frangible seal is placed adjacent or within the reduced diameter end. A delivery portion or cap has a metal cannula extending there through. The delivery portion or cap is snap fit onto the reduced diameter end. The metal cannula is positioned within the delivery portion or cap so as to rupture the frangible seal in the reduced diameter end of the body portion when the delivery portion or cap is snap fit onto the reduced diameter end. A material placed within the body portion of the dental cartridge is sealed within the body portion, and prevented from entering and thereby possibly clogging the delivery portion of the dental cartridge having a relatively small diameter bore or lumen prior to placement of the delivery portion or cap. In another embodiment the frangible seal is formed by a twist-off tab at the end of the reduced diameter portion.

Abstract: A dental capsule that requires a capsule body defining a reservoir that is loaded with predetermined amounts of one or more materials to be mixed, sealed by a removable plug having flexible gripping flange fingers extending laterally relative to the axis of the capsule to facilitate the removal of the plug. Subsequent to the mixing of the materials within the capsule by amalgamation, the capsule is placed in a suitable ejector or syringe whereby the mixed materials can be readily extruded therefrom and directly placed in or about a prepared tooth whereby the flexible gripping flange fingers function as a base for storing the capsule in a vertical position and which flexible fingers are capable of being deflected so as to be pushed through the capsule as the plug is displaced to extrude the mixed material.