Abstract: The present invention discloses an automated sterility testing assembly that has a needle holder sized and configured to selectively retain a needle fluidly coupled to a sterility testing filter. The holder is configured to move the needle in a first direction to pierce selected containers disposed on a carrier and to move the needle in a second direction opposite the first direction to remove the needle from the selected containers. The assembly includes a brace that braces the fluid containers during their respective piercings by the needle. Accordingly, the brace prevents the needle from moving the fluid containers out of the carrier.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed toward an aseptic bag filling system. In some embodiments, the aseptic bag filling system selectively and aseptically fills sterilized bags with a fluid. The bags are dispensed from a magazine that stores the bags while the bags are fluidly coupled to a fluid manifold via respective fluid pathways. The bags define a closed system, the interior of which, after sterilization, is not exposed to the external environment through filling of the bags with the fluid, sealing such filled bags, and separating or cutting such sealed bags from the manifold.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed toward an aseptic bag filling system. In some embodiments, the aseptic bag filling system selectively and aseptically fills sterilized bags with a fluid. The bags are dispensed from a magazine that stores the bags while the bags are fluidly coupled to a fluid manifold via respective fluid pathways. The bags define a closed system, the interior of which, after sterilization, is not exposed to the external environment through filling of the bags with the fluid, sealing such filled bags, and separating or cutting such sealed bags from the manifold.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a truck assembly for a skateboard. The truck assembly includes a baseplate and a hanger movably disposed relative to the baseplate. The truck assembly includes a dampening mechanism configured to dampen movement of the hanger relative to the baseplate. The dampening mechanism can include a spring and a resilient bushing concentrically disposed within the spring, a spring and a resilient material molded at least partially between or around coils of the spring, or both. The resilient bushing is configured to compress with the spring during movement of the hanger relative to the baseplate. The resilient material is configured to supplement resistance provided by the spring during movement of the hanger relative to the baseplate.

Abstract: A method, system, and vacuum head assembly provide hermetic sealing of fluid medicament cartridges through vacuum stoppering with the assistance of accurate and repeatable mechanical positioning and handling of the stopper. Inert gasses may be introduced during the stoppering process so as to provide headspace or in the alternative completely eliminate headspace. The stopper may be provided with longingutidly spaced apart sealing and control rings providing an opportunity to introduce a stabilizing gas between the rings and a side wall of the cartridge to be hermetically sealed.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for using transaction data to provide information to a customer, the information being provided in response to a request from the customer so as to assist the customer in decisioning. The method may comprising inputting transaction data regarding a plurality of transactions effected at a plurality of merchants; inputting a request for information from a requesting customer, the request including parameters related to the request; performing processing based on both the transaction data and the request for information, the processing including generating a response to the request; and outputting the response to the requesting customer. The request and processing may relate to identifying activities of similarly situated persons vis-à-vis the requesting customer, based on the transaction data. The request may relate to identifying an optimum merchant to secure purchase of a target item.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for using transaction data to provide information to a customer, the information being provided in response to a request from the customer so as to assist the customer in decisioning. The method may comprising inputting transaction data regarding a plurality of transactions effected at a plurality of merchants; inputting a request for information from a requesting customer, the request including parameters related to the request; performing processing based on both the transaction data and the request for information, the processing including generating a response to the request; and outputting the response to the requesting customer. The request and processing may relate to identifying activities of similarly situated persons vis-à-vis the requesting customer, based on the transaction data. The request may relate to identifying an optimum merchant to secure purchase of a target item.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for pooling commitments. The commitments may be made by different persons from different locations at different times. The commitments are pooled and used to fund a transaction.

Abstract: Bioerodible poly(ortho esters) useful as orthopedic implants or vehicles for the sustained delivery of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and agricultural agents from dioxane-based di(ketene acetals). Block copolymers contain these bioerodible poly(ortho esters). These block copolymers have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks. They form micelles in aqueous solution, making them suitable for encapsulation or solubilization of hydrophobic or water-insoluble materials; and they also form bioerodible matrices for the sustained release of active agents.

Abstract: A system and method for implementation of a pay-for-placement advertising model using a targeted search engine. The present invention provides a method and system for a geographic-targeted, pay-for-placement search engine which allows advertisers to direct their advertisements and Web site to geographic areas in a way which maximizes the return on their advertising expenditures. Global Positioning System (“GPS”) devices may be used to provide geographic location information to the search engine. Targeted advertising campaigns may be created and managed by advertisers using search engine tools. A search engine management system allows review and management of advertiser's account activity. A fraud detection system prevents advertisers using the system from incurring charges due to improper and fraudulent use of the search engine.

Abstract: A semi-solid delivery vehicle contains a polyorthoester and an excipient, and a semi-solid pharmaceutical composition contains an active agent and the delivery vehicle. The pharmaceutical composition may be a topical, syringable, or injectable formulation; and is suitable for local delivery of the active agent. Methods of treatment are also disclosed.