Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of distributing toy objects is provided. The method includes: providing a toy object and a task identifier, the task identifier identifying a task; receiving, via a website, task-completion input from a user; associating the user with a profile, the profile being associated with the toy object; updating the profile to indicate that the task had been performed; identifying reward criteria; determining whether the reward criteria was met; and, upon determining that the reward criteria was met, initializing distribution of a physical reward.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to systems and methods for encouraging performance of kind acts. A toy object, a task identifier and a code are simultaneously provided to a user. The task includes an instruction to perform a kind act. Instructions further indicate that a user is to input the code into a website upon completing the identified task. Entry of the code causes a reward (e.g., a virtual reward or physical reward) to be distributed (e.g., to the user or to another party).

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to systems and methods for encouraging performance of kind acts. A toy object, a task identifier and a code are simultaneously provided to a user. The task includes an instruction to perform a kind act. Instructions further indicate that a user is to input the code into a website upon completing the identified task. Entry of the code causes a reward (e.g., a virtual reward or physical reward) to be distributed (e.g., to the user or to another party).

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of distributing toy objects is provided. The method includes: providing a toy object and a task identifier, the task identifier identifying a task; receiving, via a website, task-completion input from a user; associating the user with a profile, the profile being associated with the toy object; updating the profile to indicate that the task had been performed; identifying reward criteria; determining whether the reward criteria was met; and, upon determining that the reward criteria was met, initializing distribution of a physical reward.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a discrete particle for subsequent analysis (such as mass spectrometry) or manipulation is disclosed. A discrete particle is generated by a particle generator. A net charge is induced onto the particle by an induction electrode. The particle is delivered to a levitation device where it is then electrodynamically levitated. If the particle is a droplet, desolvation will occur, leading to Coloumbic fissioning of the droplet into smaller droplets. The movement of the levitated droplet(s) can be manipulated by an electrode assembly. The droplet(s), and the charge thereon, can be delivered to a mass spectrometer in one aspect of the invention, providing an ion source for mass spectrometry without the detrimental space charge effects of electrospray ionization techniques.

Abstract: This application relates to a method and apparatus for coupling an analyte supply, such as a biomolecule separator, to an electrodynamic droplet processor. In one embodiment the biomolecule separator is a capillary liquid chromatography column and the droplet processor includes an droplet generator and an electrodynamic balance. The biomolecule separator and the droplet processor may be fluidly coupled to provide a continuous supply of analyte for analysis. The droplets may be controllably ejected from the electrodynamic balance and deposited on a target substrate for use in detecting the analyte by mass spectrometry, such as MALDI time of flight mass spectrometry. Prior to deposition, each of the droplets is levitated in the electrodynamic balance for a period sufficient to enable evaporation of volatile solvents present in the droplet solution, thereby increasing the analyte concentration in the droplet. The solution may include a MALDI liquid matrix and the target substrate may be a MALDI plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a discrete particle for subsequent analysis (such as mass spectrometry) or manipulation is disclosed. A discrete particle is generated by a particle generator. A net charge is induced onto the particle by an induction electrode. The particle is delivered to a levitation device where it is then electrodynamically levitated. If the particle is a droplet, desolvation will occur, leading to Coloumbic fissioning of the droplet into smaller droplets. The movement of the levitated droplet(s) can be manipulated by an electrode assembly. The droplet(s), and the charge thereon, can be delivered to a mass spectrometer in one aspect of the invention, providing an ion source for mass spectrometry without the detrimental space charge effects of electrospray ionization techniques.