Abstract: A plasmon resonance (PR) system, instrument, and/or device and configurations thereof for measuring molecular interactions is disclosed. In some embodiments, the PR system, instrument, and/or device is a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) system, instrument, and/or device. In other embodiments, the PR system, instrument, and/or device is a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) system, instrument. The PR system, instrument, and/or device may include, for example, force feedback for reliable flow cell sealing, optical feedback for reliable flow cell sealing, local thermal control of an LSPR chip (e.g., a ring Peltier, a continuous Peltier), dual displacement pumps for constant flow delivery to a microfluidic device, a dual channel LSPR sensor, and any combinations thereof.

Abstract: A digital microfluidics (DMF) device including an FET-biosensor (FETB) and method of field-effect sensing is closed. In some embodiments, the DMF device may include one or more FETBs integrated into the top substrate, the bottom substrate, or both the top and bottom substrates of the DMF device. In some embodiments, the DMF device may include one or more “drop-in” style FETBs in the top substrate, the bottom substrate, or both the top and bottom substrates of the DMF device. In some embodiments, the DMF device, FETB, and method of field-effect sensing provide active-matrix control integrated into an active-matrix DMF device. Further, a microfluidics system for and method of using the DMF device including at least one FETB is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling a weapons-related video game on a touchscreen-based device. Aspects of the invention simplify the act of aiming at a target on a touchscreen-based device by: presenting a virtual environment from a first viewpoint and a user interface to a player, the user interface comprising at least one graphical user input element, the virtual environment including a plurality of targets, at least some of which has assigned priorities; assigning a priority to at least one of the targets; determining a highest-priority target out of the at least one of the targets that have been assigned a priority; receiving an indication that the at least one graphical user input element has been selected by a user; and, in response, determining a second viewpoint for viewing the virtual environment that is different from the first viewpoint for viewing the virtual environment, relative to the highest-priority target.

Abstract: A plasmon resonance (PR) system, instrument, and/or device and configurations thereof for measuring molecular interactions is disclosed. In some embodiments, the PR system, instrument, and/or device is a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) system, instrument, and/or device. In other embodiments, the PR system, instrument, and/or device is a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) system, instrument. The PR system, instrument, and/or device may include, for example, force feedback for reliable flow cell sealing, optical feedback for reliable flow cell sealing, local thermal control of an LSPR chip (e.g., a ring Peltier, a continuous Peltier), dual displacement pumps for constant flow delivery to a microfluidic device, a dual channel LSPR sensor, and any combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and system relating to video games with improved social networking features. In some aspects of the invention, the improved social networking features include allowing players to associate their virtual items and/or characters with one or more sponsor players. The association alters the attributes of the virtual items and/or characters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling a weapons-related video game on a touchscreen-based device. Aspects of the invention simplify the act of aiming at a target on a touchscreen-based device by: presenting a virtual environment from a first viewpoint and a user interface to a player, the user interface comprising at least one graphical user input element, the virtual environment including a plurality of targets, at least some of which has assigned priorities; assigning a priority to at least one of the targets; determining a highest-priority target out of the at least one of the targets that have been assigned a priority; receiving an indication that the at least one graphical user input element has been selected by a user; and, in response, determining a second viewpoint for viewing the virtual environment that is different from the first viewpoint for viewing the virtual environment, relative to the highest-priority target.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and system relating to videogames with improved e-commerce features. In some aspects of the invention, the improved e-commerce features include allowing players to purchase virtual goods from within gameplay without interrupting gameplay.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and system relating to video games with improved social networking features. In some aspects of the invention, the improved social networking features include allowing players to associate their virtual items and/or characters with one or more sponsor players. The association alters the attributes of the virtual items and/or characters.

Abstract: The construction of an internal/external single expansion ramp nozzle (nxSERN), and method of designing the same, is provided. Initial design parameters for primary stream construction are selected and additional parameters are determined by isentropic relations using the selected design parameters and Prandtl-Meyer function. The nozzle throat input and output angles are determined and used to define an initial portion of the nozzle primary stream lower expansion surface. The nozzle primary stream upper expansion surface and an aft portion of the primary stream lower expansion surface are defined using a method of characteristics. Initial and aft portions of the primary stream lower expansion surface are then connected by a straight line to define the primary stream nozzle.

Abstract: Ceramic filler compositions of customized shapes (FIGS. 1-30) according to the present invention, includes ceramic and glass-ceramic particles having a customized shape which provides mechanical locking within a resin matrix giving significantly improved fracture toughness performance for a resin/glass or ceramic composite system. The material has particular application as a tooth filling material with significantly improved wear resistance. The wide range of unique-shaped filler particles are produced using wet chemistry methods according to the invention of preparing the ceramic particles for use in a resin matrix composite material. Such composite materials have a very wide application, especially as a dental composite filling material for restoring a tooth.

Abstract: A device for actuating a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine or gas generator comprises an armature which is operatively connected to the valve stem of a valve member and which is disposed in a chamber between opposed pole faces of a valve closing electromagnet and a valve opening electromagnet. A gas pressure source is connected by a supply line to the chamber. When the electromagnet is energized, it is effective to act on the armature to move the valve member to the closed position. The arrangement is such that reduction of the electromagnetic force exerted on the armature by the electromagnet is effective to enable the gas pressure from the source to move the valve member to the open position. This opening movement of the valve member may be assisted by energizing the opening electromagnet. Movement of the valve member from the open to the closed position may be assisted by a return spring. The valve actuator minimizes the electric power consumption for the electromagnets.

Abstract: A device for actuating a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine or gas generator comprises an armature which is operatively connected to the valve stem of a valve member and which is disposed in a chamber between opposed pole faces of a valve closing electromagnet and a valve opening electromagnet. A gas pressure source is connected by a supply line to the chamber. When the electromagnet is energised, it is effective to act on the armature to move the valve member to the closed position. The arrangement is such that reduction of the electromagnetic force exerted on the armature by the electromagnet is effective to enable the gas pressure from the source to move the valve member to the open position. This opening movement of the valve member may be assisted by energising the opening electromagnet. Movement of the valve member from the open to the closed position may be assisted by a return spring. The valve actuator minimises the electric power consumption for the electromagnets.

Abstract: A method for producing an ice cream product is provided involving the steps of: introducing at least one stick into a cavity of a mold for shaping the ice cream product, introducing ice cream under pressure into the cavity, releasing the pressure and then removing the shaped ice cream from the cavity. Sticks are supported within the cavity at least during introduction of the ice cream. Further, the invention also relates to an apparatus including: an injection device having a chamber with feeding mechanism for holding starting material, a mechanism for inserting pressure upon the starting material and an outlet for delivering pressurized starting material and a mold. The mold in the closed position includes a mold cavity to be filled with starting material through an intake opening by means of an outlet on the injection device, at least one stick introduction opening and air vents. The mold is provided with a supporting mechanism to hold sticks within the mold cavity.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a frozen spoonable water-ice comprising the steps of:(i) producing of ice flakes at a temperature of -10.degree. C. or below, preferably -20.degree. C. or below;(ii) grinding the ice flakes produced in step (i) into approximately spherical ice granules at a temperature of -10.degree. C. or below, preferably -20.degree. C. or below;(iii) mixing the ice granules produced in step (ii) with a flavoured ice slurry; and(iv) packaging the mixture obtained in step (iii) and freezing for storage.

Abstract: A metal working press employs a self-contained liquid spring adapted for the clamping of metal blanks during the performance of punching, cutting or forming operations thereon. The liquid spring comprises a fluid cylinder vessel filled with a pressurized compressible liquid in which is mounted a piston. The piston includes a piston head and a piston rod, which extends outside of the cylinder vessel through an annular seal at one end of the cylinder vessel. The piston head may have holes therein to permit the liquid to flow through the head during compression of the liquid in response to a force applied to the rod. The piston may include a liquid chamber communicating with the interior of the fluid cylinder vessel and extending through the piston head and along the shaft of the piston rod.