Abstract: Improvements are disclosed to lighting fixtures, support structures, interconnecting cabling, and other subjects. An improved method allows precise control of the beams of high power, long throw followspots by means of a steering mirror motorized in two axes. The beam is first directed upwards from the followspot by a first mirror to the steering mirror above. The range of elevations through which the beam can be steered is increased by displacing the steering mirror relative to the first mirror such that the portion of the beam between them is not vertical.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to “leg carriage” type trusses, which rely for shipping on elevation by a pair of U-shaped wheeled temporary supports, each having two legs connected by a low horizontal member. The upper ends of the legs are inserted in receiving sleeves installed in the four corners of the truss structure. The clearance between the outer dimensions of the leg and the inner dimensions of the sleeve impact the ease with which legs can be inserted and removed, as well as the lateral “play” in the connection between the leg and truss, which impacts its stability in handling and therefore safety. The disclosure addresses the previous conflict between the two objects by the use of asymmetrical clearances. A relatively relaxed tolerance in the elongated axis of the truss eases insertion and removal. A lesser relative tolerance across the axis of the truss width has no significant impact on leg insertion and removal yet improves stability.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed in the ordering, preparation, billing, and delivery of food and beverages in contexts including retail establishments. The customer order can be developed at the same or another location, via an application on a smartphone, tablet, or computer, on or offline. Various factors that allow predicting the details of a customer's probable order simplify the process. Automatic allow for polling other parties who might have their own interest in similar products, and the aggregation of such interest in a common order. Orders are transferred to systems in the establishment that streamline ordering, billing, preparation, and customer pickup of completed items.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing a vacuum ejector for use with an end effector. Included may be at least an end effector and a vacuum chamber for gripping an element during semiconductor processing. The end effector may include at least two clamp arms for placing a gripped element in relation to application of a vacuum to the gripped element; a vacuum cup having a mouth capable of sealing to the gripped element to provide a vacuum chamber; a vacuum ejector pin extending into the vacuum chamber and including a plurality of ports substantially at a tip thereof proximate to the gripped element, wherein the vacuum is applied by the plurality of ports; and an ejector pin actuator that is capable of moving the vacuum ejector pin toward the gripped element until the sealing of the mouth is broken and the gripped element is ejected from the vacuum cup.

Abstract: A truss structure is suitable for supporting lighting fixtures or other loads both in use and in transport. The truss has at least four elongated chords defining between said chords a first volume generally rectangular in cross-section. In transport, the truss is supported substantially above a surface by castered carriages bearing upon that surface, the carriages connected to said truss and in a first position producing an additional volume between said first volume and said surface. The carriages are attached to the truss so as to permit their rotation between said first position and at least a second position suitable for use while remaining connected to said truss.

Abstract: Disclosed here are pipette tips useful for acquiring or dispelling liquids, and include one or more design that may increase fluid delivery precision and/or accuracy, and may reduce certain repetitive motions.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed to lighting fixtures adjusted in beam direction during use, both manually and remotely by an operator. The head of the manual fixture is mounted rotatably between two standards, which are attached to a base, such that the attachments can be moved vertically along the standards to adjust the distance between the head and base. The remote fixture uses a two-axis mirror for beam direction and at least one additional axis of adjustment. Improvements to power and data distribution and pre-rig truss are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a personal interaction game platform and may include, in a human-controlling gaming platform comprising a first communication device and a second communication device, each comprising a user input mechanism and a display: receiving commands in the first device via its user input mechanism; communicating the received commands to the second device; relaying the communicated commands to a user of the second device; sensing data regarding actions taken by the user of the second device in response to the relayed commands; and communicating the sensed data to the first device. The commands may be relayed to the user of the second device via an audio output. The commands may be relayed to the user of the second device via the display. One or more tactile sensors may be operatively coupled to the second device for sensing the data regarding actions of the receiver.

Abstract: Disclosed here are pipette tips useful for acquiring or dispelling liquids, and include one or more design that may increase fluid delivery precision and/or accuracy, and may reduce certain repetitive motions.

Abstract: A truss structure is suitable for supporting lighting fixtures or other loads both in use and in transport. The truss has at least four elongated chords defining between said chords a first volume generally rectangular in cross-section. In transport, the truss is supported substantially above a surface by castered carriages bearing upon that surface, the carriages connected to said truss and in a first position producing an additional volume between said first volume and said surface. The carriages are attached to the truss so as to permit their rotation between said first position and at least a second position suitable for use while remaining connected to said truss.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a personal interaction game platform and may include, in a human-controlling gaming platform comprising a first communication device and a second communication device, each comprising a user input mechanism and a display: receiving commands in the first device via its user input mechanism; communicating the received commands to the second device; relaying the communicated commands to a user of the second device; sensing data regarding actions taken by the user of the second device in response to the relayed commands; and communicating the sensed data to the first device. The commands may be relayed to the user of the second device via an audio output. The commands may be relayed to the user of the second device via the display. One or more tactile sensors may be operatively coupled to the second device for sensing the data regarding actions of the receiver.

Abstract: A truss structure is suitable for supporting lighting fixtures is provided which employs wheeled leg carriages to support such trusses during transport. Each leg carriage has two legs, one extending vertically from each end of an elongated crossmember. A caster is attached proximate to the bottom of each leg. The top of each leg can be inserted in a tube fixed in a corner of the truss, elevating the truss so as to produce a volume below the truss structure into which lighting fixtures and other loads can safely project during transport. The ground clearance produced is determined by the amount that the leg is inserted in the tube and an improvement allows the retention of a mechanical stop in the tube that determines the amount of insertion allowed. Stiffeners used to brace two leg carriages, one to the other, are provided with features that allow their use in forming a cart for storing leg carriages not in use.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are and include at least an apparatus, system and method for providing a vacuum ejector for use with an end effector. The apparatus, system and method may include at least an end effector and a vacuum chamber for gripping an element during semiconductor processing.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed to lighting fixtures, support structures, interconnecting cabling, and other subjects. An improved method allows precise control of the beams of high power, long throw followspots by means of a steering mirror motorized in two axes. The beam is first directed upwards from the followspot by a first mirror to the steering mirror above. The range of elevations through which the beam can be steered is increased by displacing the steering mirror relative to the first mirror such that the portion of the beam between them is not vertical.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating cancer and enhancing the immune response against cancer cells using the combination of an inhibitor of CXCL12 signaling and an immune checkpoint inhibitor. The invention further relates to compositions and kits of parts comprising an inhibitor of CXCL 12 signaling and an immune checkpoint inhibitor for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that allow for matched content to be provided between users of electronic devices, based on factors such as geographic proximity and common interests. Embodiments of the present invention allow commercial entities to target advertisements and other content to potential customers likely to be receptive to such information based on their interests and behaviors. Other embodiments facilitate communication between non-commercial users by identifying interests they may share or objectives they may have that complement one another.

Abstract: Disclosed here are pipette tips useful for acquiring or dispelling liquids, and include one or more design that may increase fluid delivery precision and/or accuracy, and may reduce certain repetitive motions.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing a vacuum ejector for an end effector. Embodiments may include at least an end effector and a vacuum chamber for gripping an element during semiconductor processing. The end effector may include at least two clamp arms for placing a gripped element; a vacuum cup having a mouth capable of sealing to the gripped element to provide a vacuum chamber to the gripped element; a vacuum ejector pin extending into the vacuum chamber and including a plurality of ports substantially at a tip thereof proximate to the gripped element, wherein the vacuum is applied by the plurality of ports; and an ejector pin actuator that is capable of moving the vacuum ejector pin toward the gripped element through the vacuum chamber in the y-axis until the sealing of the mouth is broken and the gripped element is ejected.

Abstract: A truss structure is suitable for supporting lighting fixtures is provided which employs wheeled leg carriages to support such trusses during transport. Each leg carriage has two legs, one extending vertically from each end of an elongated crossmember. A caster is attached proximate to the bottom of each leg. The top of each leg can be inserted in a tube fixed in a corner of the truss, elevating the truss so as to produce a volume below the truss structure into which lighting fixtures and other loads can safely project during transport. The ground clearance produced is determined by the amount that the leg is inserted in the tube and an improvement allows the retention of a mechanical stop in the tube that determines the amount of insertion allowed. Stiffeners used to brace two leg carriages, one to the other, are provided with features that allow their use in forming a cart for storing leg carriages not in use.

Abstract: A system and method of improving the process of assembling a multi-party order of individually prepared beverages is disclosed, making use of a customer's personal portable electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet. The customer establishes a wireless link with the order management system of an enterprise preparing such beverage orders on its premises, whereby the customer can specify their own order. Reference is made to a record of the customer's nearby friends, relatives, and coworkers, who are automatically contacted via their personal electronic devices to determine whether and what they desire from the same enterprise. All responses are automatically collated an wirelessly transmitted to the enterprise for preparation without need of customer intervention.