Abstract: An embodiment of a personal animation kit is described. Embodiments of the personal animation kit include a digital stylus, a digital stamper, a carrying case, and an application for execution by a computing device. A user can animate a photo using the personal animation kit based on identifying features on a personal image that are then animated and/or enhanced. In other embodiments, the personal animation kit application is used to assign an armature to a personal image, assign a corresponding silhouette to the armature, and extract the portion of the personal image enclosed by the silhouette for animation. In some embodiments, the cut-out portion of the personal image is animated in a particular animation environment, such as a particular simulated, animated background. In further embodiments, the selected portion of the personal image may be automatically animated in response to selection and assignment of an armature and silhouette.

Abstract: A digital coloring tools kit for creating a realistic painting experience for use with a touch-screen device is provided in embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the digital coloring tools kit includes a digital paintbrush tool, a digital stamper tool, a digital pattern roller, a digital airbrush tool, a digital paint palette, and a carrying case. In further embodiments, the invention includes an activation feature for a digital coloring tools application configured to generate a digital coloring environment upon activation and/or execution by a computing device, such as a touch-screen device. In some embodiments, the digital paint palette is configured to receive a first and second amount of a color for mixing, and subsequent painting with a digital paintbrush tool.

Abstract: Multi-purpose digital coloring tools for interacting with a touch screen are described. A pattern-making device provides for patterned input from a digital marking tool on a touch-screen device. The pattern-making device guides the digital marking tool with a plurality of gear teeth on an internal edge of a template frame secured to a touch-screen device using a base unit. Light images are created by a light stylus that interacts with a touch-screen device or an emulsion-surface device. An easel support structure holds a touch-screen device in an upright position during marking with the digital marking tool. Digitally animated coloring book pages are adapted to interact with a touch-screen device. Digital crayons, digital stamping devices, a digital paintbrush, a dual-tip digital stylus for creating 3-dimensional (3-D) images, and a pair of 3-D glasses are provided for interacting with a touch-screen device.

Abstract: Dry-erase drawing sheets, a drawing apparatus, and a dry-erase drawing kit are described. The drawing sheets have a non-lenticular or a lenticular lens arrangement on a top surface, material layers comprising a body of the sheet, and images printed on surfaces of one or more of the material layers. The images are configured to sufficiently interact with the lens arrangement to exhibit a three-dimensional visual and/or animated effect when viewed through the top surface. The drawing sheets also include a dry-erase compatible layer overlying the top surface. The drawing apparatus includes a frame that has a central opening and a backing member that releasably couples to the frame. Together the frame and backing member retain the drawing sheets within the central opening of the frame during use. The drawing sheets, drawing apparatus, and one or more dry-erase crayons or markers are provided in the kit.

Abstract: A play set comprises master and slave toy vehicles and a stationary base unit. The master toy vehicle includes a radio frequency (RF) receiver to be controlled by a manually operated RF remote control unit and an infrared (IR) transmitter configured to broadcast an IR tracking signal. The slave toy vehicle includes a directional receiver to detect the source of the IR tracking signal and an on-board, self-directing control circuit coupled to the at least one directional receiver to control the slave toy vehicle to chase the master toy vehicle. The base unit includes a platform with a game controller and one or more targets mounted so as to move when struck by the master toy vehicle. The game controller and one or both of the toy vehicles are configured for one way or two way wireless communication between the game controller and toy vehicles(s). The game controller is configured to initiate and control one or more modes of game play through the targets or communication with the toy vehicles.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expression system containing one or more nucleic acid(s) comprising at least one nucleic acid for an interleukin 15/Fc (IL-15/Fc) fusion protein, at least one promotor, at least one nucleic acid for a CD5 leader and, where appropriate, at least one nucleic acid for a selectable marker gene; to a nucleic acid comprising the components of the said expression system and to a host cell containing the expression system or the nucleic acid. Furthermore, the invention relates to a process for preparing an IL-15/Fc fusion protein, using the expression system, and to the use of the expression system, the nucleic acid, the host cell or the CD5 leader for expression in host cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to fusion proteins consisting of a wild-type IL-15 and a IgG-Fc fragment, apart from a mouse IgG2b fragment, nucleic acids encoding said proteins, vectors, modified cells, and also to the use thereof for preparing drugs which are used, for example for preventing and/or curing disorders resulting from a transplantation and/or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Mutant IL-15 polypeptides and compositions including the polypeptides are described herein. In various embodiments, a mutant IL-15 polypeptide is joined to a heterologous polypeptide. Also described herein are uses of the mutant IL-15 polypeptides, e.g., in suppressing immune responses.

Abstract: The invention features methods of treating patients who have received, or who are scheduled to receive, a heart, lung, or heart-lung transplant by administering to the patient an agent that antagonizes IL-15 or the IL-15 receptor (IL-15R).

Abstract: The invention provides compositions containing an antigen and a TIM targeting molecule. The invention additionally provides a TIM targeting molecule conjugate, for example, a TIM targeting molecule targeted to a therapeutic or diagnostic moiety. The invention additionally provides methods of using such compositions. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of stimulating an immune response in an individual by administering a composition comprising an antigen and a TIM targeting molecule in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of stimulating an immune response in an individual by administering an antigen and a TIM targeting molecule, which can be administered together in a single composition or separately.

Abstract: A rotary feedback mechanism includes a first set of electrically conductive pads mounted to a first member and a wiper mounted to a second member. As the first and second members rotate relative to one another, the wiper sequentially contacts one or more pads of the first set of pads and provides an electrical signal to the contacted pad or pads. The electrical signal is communicated via the pad or pads to a controller, providing the controller with an indication of the angular position of the first member relative to the second member.

Abstract: A rotary feedback mechanism includes a first set of electrically conductive pads mounted to a first member and a wiper mounted to a second member. As the first and second members rotate relative to one another, the wiper sequentially contacts one or more pads of the first set of pads and provides an electrical signal to the contacted pad or pads. The electrical signal is communicated via the pad or pads to a controller, providing the controller with an indication of the angular position of the first member relative to the second member.

Abstract: A remote-controlled toy skateboard device comprises a skateboard with a deck and front and rear truck assemblies pivotally connected to the deck. A toy figure has a lower body portion that is fixedly connected to the deck and an upper body portion that is connected for rotation with respect to the lower body portion. A torso drive mechanism is operably connected to the upper body portion of the toy figure to rotate the upper body portion with respect to the lower body portion. A steering mechanism is operably connected with one of the truck assemblies to tilt the deck with respect to the truck assemblies to thereby steer the skateboard. A drive mechanism is also operably connected to wheels of one truck assembly to propel the skateboard. A remote-control unit is configured to generate signals to remotely control movement of the toy figure, tilt between the deck and truck assemblies, and the speed and travel direction of the skateboard.

Abstract: A remote-controlled toy skateboard device comprises a skateboard with a deck and front and rear truck assemblies pivotally connected to the deck. A toy figure has a lower body portion that is fixedly connected to the deck and an upper body portion that is connected for rotation with respect to the lower body portion. A torso drive mechanism is operably connected to the upper body portion of the toy figure to rotate the upper body portion with respect to the lower body portion. A steering mechanism is operably connected with one of the truck assemblies to tilt the deck with respect to the truck assemblies to thereby steer the skateboard. A drive mechanism is also operably connected to wheels of one truck assembly to propel the skateboard. A remote-control unit is configured to generate signals to remotely control movement of the toy figure, tilt between the deck and truck assemblies, and the speed and travel direction of the skateboard.