Abstract: A needleless injection system includes a pusher that pushes a plunger within a tapered bore of a cartridge. The pusher includes a nib, the tip of which is a ball.

Abstract: The present application relates to a closure assembly for connection to a spout in fluid communication with a container. The closure assembly includes a housing configured to be secured to the spout and including a fluid passageway and a piercable membrane in the fluid passageway. The closure assembly includes a retention member configured to be secured to the housing and a flexible valve that is positioned in the fluid passageway of the housing and that is secured to the housing by the retention member. The closure assembly is configured to receive a piercing element that extends into the housing such that the piercing member can pierce the valve and the membrane, and the retention member has locking elements that engage the piercing element to lock the piercing element in place with respect to the assembly.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including a body; a reservoir containing one or two doses of a fluid, the reservoir including a stopper that closes the reservoir in leaktight manner before actuation; a dispenser head that is provided with a dispenser orifice; and dispenser mechanism for dispensing at least a portion of the fluid through the dispenser orifice during actuation. The device further includes a needle having a tip that is adapted to pierce the stopper during actuation, the reservoir being filled with the fluid and being closed with the stopper under a vacuum, so that the residual volume of air present in the reservoir between the fluid and the stopper is substantially zero.

Abstract: A soap dispenser for use in a hotel bathroom includes a bottle body, a sealing cover and a positioning frame, wherein the bottle body is used for containing shampoo or shower gel, and the bottle body is placed upside down; the sealing cover is connected to and covers a bottle mouth of the bottle body, a liquid discharge hole is provided in the center of the sealing cover, the liquid discharge hole is provided with a barrier sheet made of silica gel, and a cutout is provided at the center of the barrier sheet; and the positioning frame is used for fixing the bottle body to a wall of the bathroom. The problem in the prior art of inconvenience m use when a hotel guest takes a bath and needs to press a pressing valve on a bottle body when using bathroom amenities is solve.

Abstract: The present patent application relates to an arrangement for a packaging of a dual liquid component, which comprises a first component and a second component, the arrangement for the packaging that includes a container and an auxiliary device for application of the dual liquid component product. The container may have an upper, tubular part having a frustum-shape, and a lower part. The upper, tubular part may comprise an upper neck, in which the auxiliary device for application of the dual component product is assembled, and an upper wall with an open base, the upper wall being fitted with internal stops located internally near the neck and a seat located internally near the open base. The open base may host a sealing ring with an internal thread. The lower part may store the second component and may comprises a bottom, a lower wall, an upper free end fitted with an external thread and an adjacent seat strip located under the external thread.

Abstract: A cold slurry syringe with enhanced features is provided for delivering a cold slurry into the human body. The syringe includes a syringe body for holding a volume of cold slurry, a plunger that slides within the syringe body for ejecting the cold slurry, and a tapered syringe head for delivering an even flow of cold slurry. An agitator can be added to keep the cold slurry from agglomerating and clogging the syringe. Insulation added around the syringe can keep the cold slurry from melting too quickly. A ball screw drive can be added to provide a smooth and consistent application of pressure as the cold slurry is delivered. The cold slurry flow can be enhanced by adding a streamline flow feature that reduces the occurrence of eddies or swirls inside the syringe. This feature can also help maintain the composition and consistency of the cold slurry.

Abstract: Biomaterials, in particular bone foams, a process for preparing such materials as well as an applicator for applying the biomaterials directly to the patient's application site, and the use of a composition comprising water, a surfactant and a propellant in the preparation of a bone foam for the preparation of a calcium phosphate foam wherein the foam is obtainable by the mixture of at least two phases, a first phase comprising water and optionally a propellant, a second phase comprising one or more sources for calcium and/or phosphate, and wherein the foaming is performed during the mixture of the at least two phases to provide an improved calcium phosphate foam, process for the preparation of a calcium phosphate foam, use of a composition, solid state structure, calcium phosphate cement foam and bone foam applicator.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device comprising: a reservoir (10) containing fluid; a dispenser head (20) that is provided with a dispenser orifice (21); dispenser means (25) for dispensing at least a fraction of said fluid through said dispenser orifice (21); and passage means (40) for connecting said reservoir (10) to said dispenser orifice (21) on actuation of said dispenser means (25), said device further comprising at least one porous insert (50) that is made out of porous material so as to suck up, in particular by capillarity, and to trap, at least in part, any residual fluid after actuation; said reservoir (10) including a stopper (25) that closes said reservoir (10) in leaktight manner before actuation.

Abstract: The present application relates to the design of a class of beauty products that facilitates personalized replenishment. The physical product is a new type of case comprising one or two sides or chambers, where each chamber retains a cartridge of a specific type of product, such as a foundation. For example, in an embodiment where the case of the present invention comprises a single chamber product, the cartridge may contain a single type of foundation. In an embodiment where the present invention comprises a case capable of retaining two cartridges, or comprises two product chambers, one cartridge may hold a relatively lightweight foundation, and the other may hold a long-wear foundation.

Abstract: An applicator system for extrusive dispensing of work material from a flexible pre-charged portion of a cartridge unit is provided. The system comprises a body portion having an actuator and a housing coupled thereto. The housing includes a cartridge bay and an arresting member displaceably coupled thereto. The cartridge bay is configured to receive the cartridge unit and defines at least one containment compartment for receiving the pre-charged cartridge. The arresting member is displaceable between open and closed configurations for releasably retaining the cartridge unit. The actuator, coupled to the housing in communication with the cartridge bay, includes a drive member engaging the pre-charged cartridge within the containment compartment. The body includes a handle and an activation member coupled thereto.

Abstract: An dispenser includes a housing, a container disposed in the housing for holding a liquid, a nozzle, and a pump. The pump is disposed between the container and the nozzle. The pump includes a pump inlet, a pump outlet, a pump chamber, a first check valve, and a second check valve. The pump inlet is in fluid communication with the container and the pump chamber, and the pump outlet is in fluid communication with the pump chamber and the nozzle. The pump chamber is movable between an expanded position and a compressed position. The first check valve is disposed between the container and the pump, and the first check valve has a first cracking pressure. The second check valve is disposed between the first check valve and the pump, and the second check valve has a second cracking pressure. The first cracking pressure of the first check valve is greater than the second cracking pressure of the second check valve.

Abstract: A dispensing pump (10) includes a removable chaplet (28) to facilitate removal of the internal metal spring components (44) for recycling. The dispensing pump (10) includes an accumulator (12) having an upper rim wall (24). The chaplet (28) is coaxially snap received about the rim wall (24) of the accumulator (12). The chaplet (28) has a body portion (30) received within the rim wall (24), and an outer wall (32) received outside of the rim wall (24). The outer wall (32) has a frangible wall portion (48) and a pull tab (50) at a terminal edge thereof. A dispensing head (36) with a piston stem (38) and spring (44) are coaxially guided within the chaplet (28) and accumulator (12). When the container is empty, the user pulls on the pull tab (50) to sever the frangible elements, releasing the chaplet (28) and allowing easy removal of the dispensing head (36) and the metallic spring component (44).

Abstract: A cooking and draining system includes: a vessel including a bottom and an upstanding side wall forming an interior region of the vessel and an opening opposite the bottom of the vessel, the vessel further including: a heating element located in one of the bottom and the side wall; a valve located in one of the bottom and the side wall, the valve selectively controlling outflow of fluid from the interior region of the vessel; a lid selectively sealing the opening opposite the bottom of the vessel; and a base selectively coupled to the vessel and selectively causing the heating element to heat the interior region of the vessel.

Abstract: A dip tube for a fluid pump which dip tube includes at least one frangible portion which, when intact, provides different characteristics to the dip tube than when broken, including, for example, providing for shortening of the length of the dip tube and/or providing for an inlet opening at a closed a lower end of the dip tube. The dip tube is to be inserted into a fluid containing bottle such that on insertion a distal end of the dip tube comes into engagement with a bottom wall of the reservoir with forces arising in such engagement resulting in a breaking of the frangible portion causing a change of characteristics of the dip tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a therapeutic agent may be associated with a cap for a bottle that contains a prescription for a drug to which the therapeutic agent corresponds. When the prescription bottle holds an opioid, the therapeutic agent may be a substance that counteracts the effects of the opioid. The apparatus may include a nozzle that facilitates nasal administration of the therapeutic agent. The apparatus may be capable of attaching to a cap for a prescription bottle, or the apparatus may have a configuration that enables it to serve as the cap for the prescription bottle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed with regard to syringe-transfer of a solution or other fluid within a carpule. One embodiment includes an apparatus that is a non-standard carpule barrel having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a barrel portion therebetween. The top portion includes an opening for receiving a syringe plunger and at least a first portion of a connection mechanism for connecting to an upper portion of the syringe. The bottom portion includes another opening capable of holding a bottom end of the carpule, wherein the carpule may be a standard carpule or a non-standard carpule. The barrel portion is located between the top portion and bottom portion, wherein the barrel portion includes a cradle, and wherein the cradle has a length capable of holding a standard carpule or a non-standard carpule and a width greater than the standard carpule.

Abstract: A dispenser device having a dispenser head; an air expeller (20) for generating a flow of air with a piston (21) that slides in an air chamber (22); and a reservoir (30) containing a dose of composition, the reservoir (30) including an air inlet (31) connected to the air expeller (20), and a composition outlet (32) connected to the dispenser outlet (10), the air inlet (31) including a composition retainer member (40), and the composition outlet (32) closed by a closure element (50). The device has an opening system (61, 62) and an indicator (100; 50) that before actuation is in a first state and after actuation passes into a second state. The device includes a pusher element (25) secured to the piston (21). The dispenser head (1) includes a skirt (5) arranged around the air chamber (22), the bottom axial edge of the skirt (5) including a cutout (6).

Abstract: A dispenser device for dispensing a fluid or powder composition, the dispenser device comprising: a dispenser head (1) that is provided with a dispenser outlet (10) that is formed at the end of a hollow sleeve (3); an air expeller (20) for generating a flow of air while the device is being actuated, said air expeller including a piston (21) that slides in an air chamber (22) between a rest position and a dispensing position, said air chamber (22) including a cylindrical body in which said piston (21) slides in airtight manner; and a reservoir (30) that contains a single dose of composition, said reservoir (30) including an air inlet (31) that is connected to said air expeller (20), and a composition outlet (32) that is connected to said dispenser outlet (10), said air inlet (31) including a composition retainer member (40) for retaining the composition in the reservoir (30) until the composition is dispensed, and said composition outlet (32) being closed by a closure element (50) that is force fitted in the c

Abstract: A writing tool includes a writing unit, a capillary member, a dispensing unit, and a replaceable ink cartridge. The capillary member, the dispensing unit, and the replaceable ink cartridge are mounted in the writing unit. The dispensing unit contacts the capillary member and has at least one cutting portion. The replaceable ink cartridge accommodates ink therein and has a film at one end thereof. The replaceable ink cartridge can be installed in the dispensing unit and the film can be pierced and cut by the at least one cutting portion. The ink flows through the film and is delivered to the writing unit via the capillary member and the dispensing unit for writing. The writing tool can thus dispense the ink fluently and leave no residual ink.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus may include a beverage dispenser and associated stopper. The stopper may be used to replace a cork, cap or other closure of a beverage container, such as a wine bottle. A needle of the beverage dispenser may be inserted through a passageway of the stopper so that pressurized gas can be introduced into the container to force beverage liquid to exit the container via the needle. The stopper may suitably seal the container after dispensing is complete, e.g., to resist exposing the beverage to oxygen.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a reagent solution includes an enclosure and a container disposed within the enclosure. The container defines an internal cavity having a compressible volume and defines a passage providing fluidic communication between the internal cavity and the exterior of the container. Optionally, a compressible member is disposed within the internal cavity. A reagent is disposed within the internal cavity.

Abstract: A multi-chamber spray bottle comprises a fluid reservoir having a plurality of individual chambers disposed along a horizontal axis. Each reservoir is in fluid communication with a detachable squeeze spray adapter. The fluid reservoir has a single snap on lid providing access to the interior environment of each reservoir. A removable funnel is secured within the base of the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A cold slurry syringe with enhanced features is provided for delivering a cold slurry into the human body. The syringe includes a syringe body for holding a volume of cold slurry, a plunger that slides within the syringe body for ejecting the cold slurry, and a tapered syringe head for delivering an even flow of cold slurry. An agitator can be added to keep the cold slurry from agglomerating and clogging the syringe. Insulation added around the syringe can keep the cold slurry from melting too quickly. A ball screw drive can be added to provide a smooth and consistent application of pressure as the cold slurry is delivered. The cold slurry flow can be enhanced by adding a streamline flow feature that reduces the occurrence of eddies or swirls inside the syringe. This feature can also help maintain the composition and consistency of the cold slurry.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device comprising: a reservoir (10) containing fluid; a dispenser head (20) that is provided with a dispenser orifice (21); dispenser means (30) for dispensing at least a fraction of said fluid through said dispenser orifice (21); and passage means (40) for connecting said reservoir (10) to said dispenser orifice (21) on actuation of said dispenser means (30), said passage means (40) including a hollow needle (41) that penetrates into said reservoir (10) on actuation of said dispenser means (30), said needle (41) being fastened in a needle support (60) that is itself fastened in said dispenser head (20); said needle support (60) including blocking means (65, 66) that, in the rest position, co-operate with said reservoir (10) so as to prevent it from moving axially relative to said head (20).

Abstract: A sealing container is designed to enable a user to adjust the timing of discharging the contents. The sealing container includes: a bag-shaped member for accommodating the contents therein, a sealing film for sealing the bag-shaped member, an opening means so configured that at least a part of which is movable toward the sealing film and is capable of opening the sealing film, an operation unit for performing an operation of moving the opening means, and a discharge means configured to be capable of discharging the contents from the bag-shaped member at a timing different from a timing at which the opening means penetrates the sealing film by operating the operation unit. It is possible for the user to perform only the operation of opening the sealing film by operating the operation unit, so that the user is able to arbitrarily adjust the timing at which the content is discharged from the bag-shaped member of the sealing container.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to extracting the liquid from a container (such as a bottle of wine) in varying amounts at a desired serving temperature while preserving the liquid for later consumption. Various embodiments may be built within an appliance so the consumer experience is fully automated. Embodiments may include a variety of wine preservation techniques including the use of inert gases that prevent the oxidation of wine.

Abstract: A spike for dispensing fluids from a flexible bag, wherein the spike includes multiple fluid channels which transfer liquids from the bag to an enclosed dispensing chamber and air from the enclosed chamber to the bag to permit and control fluid flow within the system.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device having a body (1), and a dispenser head (2) provided with an orifice (3) and that is axially movable relative to the body (1). The body receives a reservoir (10) containing fluid, the reservoir has a hollow tube (11) having a proximal axial opening (12) closed by a stopper (20) adapted to slide in the tube (11). The dispenser head (2) includes a hollow cannula (4) connected at one end to the dispenser orifice (3), and provided at its other end with a perforating tip (5) having an opening (6) for perforating the stopper (20), the opening (6) defining a peripheral edge (7) extending around the opening (6) and includes a distal axial end and a proximal axial end, the distal axial end forming the distal axial end (59) of the perforating tip (5) arranged on the longitudinal central axis (A) of the cannula (4).

Abstract: A milk jug includes a pitcher body, a handle, a blade retainer, and an expiration tag retainer. The milk jug is useful for containing and dispensing milk packaged in bags while retaining necessary accessories on the pitcher. The milk jug improves the utility and convenience of using milk bags by preventing the loss of the blade and expiration tag commonly used with milk bags.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an access assembly to provide access to the interior of a vessel and comprising: a base to extend through a sidewall of the vessel and having a tubular sealing portion providing a passageway axially extending therethrough, a pierceable sealing member arranged across the sealing portion to obstruct the passageway, at least one closure member axially displaceable relative to the base between a sealing position, in which the closure member completely obstructs and seals the passageway, and a leakage position, in which the closure member leakily obstructs the passageway.

Abstract: A multi-chamber injection and treatment system includes a first chamber, a second chamber, a mixing element, and a needle portion. The first chamber is generally adapted to receive and advance various cells, while the second chamber is adapted to receive and advance adipose tissue, and can blend or reduce the size of the adipose tissue. The mixing element combines the constituents of the chambers and is in communication with the needle portion for driving the cellular mixture into a target tissue site, such as the mid-corpora of the male penis.

Abstract: A device for automatically dispensing lubricating gel for medical procedures that reduces the chance of cross-contamination between patients by use of a shape that prevent accidental contact with the dispenser, anti-microbial materials, and a dispensing valve protection device.

Abstract: A dispenser device including a dispenser head (1), an outlet (10); an air expeller (20), and a reservoir (30). The reservoir includes an air inlet (31) connected to the air expeller and a composition outlet (32) connected to the dispenser outlet. The air inlet includes a composition retainer member (40), and the composition outlet (32) is closed by a closure element (50) force fitted in the composition outlet. A mechanical opening system (61, 62) co-operates with the closure element (50) to expel it. The reservoir removably mounted on the air expeller, so that after actuation, the empty reservoir can be removed and replaced. The air expeller is returned to its rest position while an empty reservoir is replaced. A breakable part (70) is assembled on the reservoir and/or the dispenser head and includes an indicator element (71) connected by a breakable bridge (72).

Abstract: Dispenser apparatus for dispensing liquid soap or other liquid including dispensing structure for dispensing the liquid from a container, and an actuator for actuating the dispensing structure either by an electric motor or by manual movement of a cover of a cabinet holding the container and actuator.

Abstract: A dispenser device for dispensing a fluid or powder composition, including a dispenser outlet, an air expeller, and a reservoir containing a dose of a composition. The reservoir includes an air inlet connected to the air expeller, and a composition outlet connected to the dispenser outlet. The air inlet includes a composition retainer member for retaining the composition in the reservoir until the composition is dispensed, and the composition outlet being closed by a closure element that is force fitted in the composition outlet of the reservoir. The device includes a mechanical opening system that co-operates with the closure element so as to expel it mechanically from its closed position while the device is actuated. The closure element is an element that is not spherical, including a rounded portion, in particular a hemi-spherical portion, that faces towards the inside of the reservoir in the closed position.

Abstract: Disclosed are the use of fluorine substituted olefins, including tetra- and penta-fluoropropenes, in a variety of applications, including in methods of depositing catalyst on a solid support, methods of sterilizing articles, cleaning methods and compositions, methods of applying medicaments, fire extinguishing/suppression compositions and methods, flavor formulations, fragrance formulations and inflating agents.

Abstract: Provided is a cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge for containing a dental substance. The cartridge comprises a dispensing opening for the dental substance. Further the cartridge assembly comprises a piston having a receptacle for establishing a screw connection with a spindle for moving the piston for dispensing the dental substance. This assembly helps minimize costs in the manufacturing and use of dental cartridges and/or dental dispensing devices.

Abstract: A microchip which includes, a liquid flow path through which a liquid sample including a sample flows; and a gas flow path in which compressed gas flows, wherein liquid sample inlet which communicates with the starting end of the liquid flow path and a gas supply port which communicates with a terminal of the gas flow path are formed on the same plane, and a sealing material is disposed so as to enclose the liquid sample inlet and the gas supply port.

Abstract: A caulking gun that dispenses caulking material may have a drip free mechanism that is operable to prevent additional caulk material from being dispensed. In another embodiment a caulking gun may have a lever that permits the user to adjust the drip free mechanism between a drit free condition and a continuous application condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for controlled loading of a reconstructed human or animal tissue during the healing phase, comprising an anchor element (10) for implanting in a first bone (50), at least one connecting element (20), and one retaining element (30) for the at least one connecting element (20) on a second bone (40). The anchor element (10) and/or the connecting element (20) and/or the retaining element (30) are made of self-dissolving bioresorbable material.

Abstract: A dispensing appliance for receiving a container and dispensing a liquid is disclosed. The container has a body, a mouth, and a closure with an initially sealed first dispensing opening. The dispensing appliance has a container holding portion and a dispensing portion having a first dispensing tube with an engagement tip for engaging into dispensing opening to enter in fluid communication with the interior of the container. The dispensing portion is pivotally connected to the holding portion by a hinge to rotationally move from a first loading position. A second dispensing position allows dispensing the liquid. Moving the dispensing portion from a loading position to a dispensing position drives the engagement tip through the initially sealed dispensing opening of the closure. The engagement tip of the first dispensing tube is translated along a rectilinear path by rotation of the dispensing portion, to engage into the first dispensing opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and therapeutic methods to reduce plaque causing Peyronie's disease. One approach uses high pressure injection of collagenase-containing composition into a penile plaque. Plaque disruption is enhanced by the mechanical force of the high pressure, followed by the enzymatic action of collagenase. Another approach uses collagenase as a pretreatment, followed by addition of adipose-derived stem cells ADSCs. The initial collagenase injection breaks down collagen (often more type III than type I in Peyronie's) to provide short term benefit. The longer-term benefit is provided by introduction of ADSCs to the plaque, which can produce cytokines and other signals for revascularization and restoration of normal penile tissue. The resulting combination advantageously reduces the bulk of the plaque early on with ongoing reduction through the revascularization of the tissue. In addition, the treatment provides an advantageous shift of elastin and collagen ratios.

Abstract: Occlusive tissue dressings and methods including an elastomeric drape and a liquid component, at least partially cross-linked at least after one of drying and curing, suitable for application at a dressing-to-skin interface in order to create a substantially air-tight seal. The same or a different liquid component may be applied by a user at a tube-to-dressing interface in order to create a similar air-tight seal around the tube, if not occlusively sealed during its manufacture.

Abstract: A spike for dispensing fluids from a flexible bag, wherein the spike includes multiple fluid channels which transfer liquids from the bag to an enclosed dispensing chamber and air from the enclosed chamber to the bag to permit and control fluid flow within the system.

Abstract: A device is provided for introducing into a patient a combination of adipose tissue and an additive, for example, a hydrogel additive. The device includes a fat cartridge, an additive cartridge containing an additive, and a housing configured to receive, in a side-by-side manner, the fat cartridge and additive cartridge. A mixing tip may be included for causing mixing of the cartridge components prior to extrusion from a needle or cannula.

Abstract: The present invention involves the field of numerous types of compounds including tooth whitening compounds and in particular, to specific apparatus which are used to retain tooth whitening compounds and then dispense them either into a dental tray where the tray is placed over the patient's teeth for a period of time or the tooth whitening compound is directly applied to the patient's teeth by the dentist or the dental assistant. More broadly described, the present invention includes compound and applicators used to dispense the compounds including tooth whitening compounds, dental bonding and filling compounds, adhesives, finely ground powder, jells, creams and paints.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for extracting fluids from within a container sealed by a cork or septum without removal of the cork or septum or the contamination of the fluid within the container by reactive gases or liquids. Embodiments of the device can include a needle connected to a valve which is in turn connected to a source of pressurized gas for displacing the fluid. Further embodiments of the device can comprise additional components that act to force the needle to be inserted through the cork or septum along a linear path, to aid in preventing buckling of the needle, to clamp the device to the container, to prevent expulsion of the cork or septum from the container, and to guide the needle through a specified region of the cork or septum. This device is particularly suited for the dispensing and preservation of wine.

Abstract: A apparatus for discharging liquids from deformable containers includes a first holding device for holding a first portion of the container, and a second holding device for holding a second portion of the container, wherein the second portion of the container is spaced from the first portion of the container and wherein the holding devices are arranged such that the container can be arranged at least in sections between the holding devices, and is deformable by a relative movement of one holding device with respect to the other holding device.

Abstract: This document relates to delivery devices for dispensing fluid materials, including high viscosity fluids such as high viscosity surgical adhesives. For example, methods and materials for an integrated system of containing and permitting point of use delivery of a high viscosity adhesive fluid onto a planar surface of tissue during a surgical procedure are provided.

Abstract: A dispenser apparatus is disclosed herein. A dispenser is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the dispenser includes a piston slidably sealingly engagable with a container containing a unit dose of liquid therein. The dispenser includes a cutting edge disposed about a piston face of the piston, the cutting edge configured to open a covering of rigid construction sealingly engaged with the container, in various aspects. A passage is formed between a piston face of the piston and a nozzle outlet of a nozzle to communicate fluid from the container through the nozzle outlet by sliding of the piston within the container, in various aspects. Methods of use of the dispenser are disclosed herein. This Abstract is presented to meet requirements of 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) only. This Abstract is not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof.