Abstract: A system for providing a self-service application within a virtual environment comprises a processor associated with a server. The processor receives a request with a first user data from a user device to conduct a first interaction in a real-world environment. The processor processes a user profile and the first user data to generate a virtual meeting area with an entity avatar associated with an entity device. The processor sends a first mobile deep link to the user device to grant access to the virtual meeting area. The processor generates a graphical user interface (GUI) to conduct the second interaction. The processor integrates a first video stream from the user device and a second video stream associated with the entity avatar on the GUI. The processor obtains a second user data from the first video stream and generate contextual objects. The processor renders the contextual objects into an application profile.

Abstract: A system for integrating real-world interactions within a virtual environment comprises a processor associated with a server. The processor receives a request with a first user data from a user device to conduct a first interaction in a real-world environment. The processor processes a user profile and the first user data to generate a virtual meeting area with an entity avatar associated with an entity device. The processor sends a first mobile deep link to the user device to grant access to the virtual meeting area. The processor conducts a second interaction between the user device and the entity avatar in the virtual meeting area and obtains a second user data from the user device. The processor processes the user profile and the second user data to generate contextual objects on a display of the user device. The processor renders the contextual objects into an application profile.

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator includes a vortex chamber in fluid communication with a flow volume, an outlet, a first control port, and a second control port. The flow volume is defined by a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and the second wall are arranged to direct a fluid flow to create a vortex flow in the vortex chamber. The pressure differential cycles the attachment of fluid flow between the first wall and the second wall at a cycle rate. Because the fluidic oscillator can operate at a low cycle rate, the fluidic oscillator can provide an extended reach.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an actuation mechanism for a water hammer valve. The water hammer valve is initially prevented from operating, and an actuation mechanism for the water hammer valve is actuated by dropping one or more balls or other objects onto the valve. Once actuated, the pilot and piston mechanism in the water hammer valve operate to produce hydraulic pulses from an upstream pressurized fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the PEGylation of an N-terminal cysteine of a polypeptide such that the thiol group of the cysteine is unreacted in the fmal PEGylated polypeptide. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a method of PEGylating a polypeptide having an N-terminal cysteine, the method comprising: contacting the polypeptide with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative having a free aldehyde group in a reaction mixture under reducing conditions such that the N-terminal cysteine in the resultant PEGylated polypeptide has a free thiol group.

Abstract: A furniture foot comprises (a) a furniture foot connector; (b) a foot base having a molded portion; (c) a ball joint connecting the furniture foot connector to the foot base; and (d) a felt pad co-molded with the molded portion of the foot base, such that the felt pad protrudes away from the foot base.

Abstract: A furniture foot comprises (a) a furniture foot connector; (b) a foot base having a molded portion; (c) a ball joint connecting the furniture foot connector to the foot base; and (d) a felt pad co-molded with the molded portion of the foot base, such that the felt pad protrudes away from the foot base.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of authenticating a user. Method comprises reading an identifier from a token, the token being in communication with a computer. An attempt is made to locate a record in a data store on the basis of the identifier, the record comprising authentication data. If the attempt is successful, authentication is performed using the located authentication data.