Abstract: Facets of a video game are modified based on scanning of bar codes. The bar codes may be bar codes of retail products. The facets of the video game may one or more of availability of game characters for use in play of the video game, characteristics of the game characters, availability or characteristics of in-game items, or game player status.

Abstract: An electric transformer comprising a first magnetic circuit coupling a primary coil and a secondary coil, the first magnetic circuit comprising a first limb extending along a vertical axis, the primary coil comprising inner and outer primary coils connected in series, the inner primary coil, the secondary coil, and the outer primary coil being cylindrical and arranged concentrically around the first limb, wherein the inner primary coil, the secondary coil and the outer primary coil are mounted in a manner to maintain a predefined inner gap between the inner primary coil and the secondary coil and a predefined outer gap between the secondary coil and the outer primary coil, the inner and outer gaps being evaluated along a radial direction relative to the vertical axis, the inner and outer gaps increasing a leakage of a magnetic flux between the first coil and the secondary coil.

Abstract: A heliostat calibration system having a system controller, and a heliostat having a heliostat controller, wherein: the system controller is configured to receive a calibration data point and initial calibration offset angle guess, calculate a tracking error, identify a calibration offset angle, and the heliostat controller configured to transmit a calibration data point, receive adjustment instructions, and execute the adjustment instructions.

Abstract: An electric transformer comprising a primary coil, a secondary coil and a first magnetic circuit, the first magnetic circuit comprising at least a first limb and a second limb, the primary coil being wound around the first limb of the first magnetic circuit and the secondary coil being wound around the first limb or the second limb of the first magnetic circuit, wherein the electric transformer further comprises a second magnetic circuit acting as a component for setting a total impedance of the electric transformer at a predetermined value, the second magnetic circuit comprising at least a third limb, only one coil among the primary coil and the secondary coil being wound around the third limb of the second magnetic circuit, the second magnetic circuit being independent of the first magnetic circuit.

Abstract: An electric transformer comprising a coil made of at least one winding, the winding being made of a wire comprising a first section, a second section and a middle section between the first and the second sections, the first section forming a first spiral around an axis (Z) and the second section forming a second spiral around the axis, the first and second spirals being located in two separate planes perpendicular to the axis, an inner end of the first spiral, respectively the second spiral, located near the axis being near the middle section of the winding and an outer end of the first spiral, respectively the second spiral, located away from the axis being near a free end of the winding, the first spiral and the second spiral turning around the axis in opposite directions.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding fusion proteins that contain an unwanted antigen and a leader sequence for cell secretion are described. Also described are expression cassettes, vectors, cells, and cell lines containing the nucleic acids, as well as methods of using the nucleic acids to treat autoimmune, allergic and other diseases and disorders, such as multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: A vibratory drum includes a tubular drum having a longitudinal axis, and first and second vibratory generators disposed laterally relative to the longitudinal axis and opposite each other across the tubular drum. The drum also includes a frame to which the first and second vibratory generators are attached; and a plurality of resilient elements attached at a first end to the tubular drum and at a second end to the frame, whereby the vibratory motion of the generators is transferred to the tubular drum to impart a circular motion to material disposed in the tubular drum.

Abstract: A portable sampling device includes a sampling housing at least partially enclosing an inner chamber; at least one pumping element disposed within the inner chamber and configured to facilitate airflow through the device; and at least one gas sensor disposed within the inner chamber and configured to detect and/or characterize one or more gases in the airflow.

Abstract: A portable sampling device includes a housing at least partially enclosing an inner chamber and an airflow assembly disposed within the inner chamber and comprising a portion of an airflow path. The airflow assembly includes a portion of a printed circuit board (PCB); a manifold configured to be sealably coupled to the portion of the PCB to define at least one airflow channel disposed between an inner surface of the manifold and an outer surface of the PCB; and one or more pumping elements positioned on the PCB.

Abstract: A heliostat calibration system having a system controller, and a heliostat having a heliostat controller, wherein: the system controller is configured to receive a calibration data point and initial calibration offset angle guess, calculate a tracking error, identify a calibration offset angle, and the heliostat controller configured to transmit a calibration data point, receive adjustment instructions, and execute the adjustment instructions.

Abstract: A fixture assembly for supporting workpieces in a coating process includes a shaft; and a plurality of fixtures each having a workpiece support surface and a shaft mount defining a shaft mounting structure, wherein the shaft mounting structure extends from the workpiece support surface such that, when the shaft mounting structure is engaged with the shaft, workpiece support surfaces of the fixtures are positioned facing radially outwardly away from the shaft.

Abstract: A fixture assembly for supporting workpieces in a coating process includes a shaft; and a plurality of fixtures each having a workpiece support surface and a shaft mount defining a shaft mounting structure, wherein the shaft mounting structure extends from the workpiece support surface such that, when the shaft mounting structure is engaged with the shaft, workpiece support surfaces of the fixtures are positioned facing radially outwardly away from the shaft.

Abstract: Facets of a video game are modified based on scanning of bar codes. The bar codes may be bar codes of retail products. The facets of the video game may one or more of availability of game characters for use in play of the video game, characteristics of the game characters, availability or characteristics of in-game items, or game player status.

Abstract: A portable sampling device includes a sampling housing at least partially enclosing an inner chamber; at least one pumping element disposed within the inner chamber and configured to facilitate airflow through the device; and at least one gas sensor disposed within the inner chamber and configured to detect and/or characterize one or more gases in the airflow.

Abstract: A vibratory drum includes a tubular drum having a longitudinal axis, and first and second vibratory generators disposed laterally relative to the longitudinal axis and opposite each other across the tubular drum. The drum also includes a frame to which the first and second vibratory generators are attached; and a plurality of resilient elements attached at a first end to the tubular drum and at a second end to the frame, whereby the vibratory motion of the generators is transferred to the tubular drum to impart a circular motion to material disposed in the tubular drum.

Abstract: A portable sampling device includes a housing at least partially enclosing an inner chamber and an airflow assembly disposed within the inner chamber and comprising a portion of an airflow path. The airflow assembly includes a portion of a printed circuit board (PCB); a manifold configured to be sealably coupled to the portion of the PCB to define at least one airflow channel disposed between an inner surface of the manifold and an outer surface of the PCB; and one or more pumping elements positioned on the PCB.

Abstract: A deployment control apparatus to control deployment of an array at an end of a catheter includes a pair of walls, a slider assembly, and a deployment shaft. The walls project from a first surface of the interior of a handle. The slider assembly includes a rigid body, an elastomeric element, a tab, and a knob. The elastomeric element is connected to the rigid body and at least partially disposed between the walls to frictionally engage with a surface of each wall. The knob is connected to the rigid body and is configured to maintain the elastomeric element between the walls. The deployment shaft connects the rigid body to the array, wherein a force applied to the knob sufficient to overcome the frictional engagement between the elastomeric element and the surface of each wall causes movement of the slider assembly and the deployment shaft to control deployment of the array.

Abstract: A sampling device is constructed having an airflow path from a size-selective inlet to a device outlet, without using any tubing. The size-selective inlet includes at least one of an impactor, a filter, a cyclone, and an inhalable inlet. The device includes a sampling assembly configured to be removably coupled directly to a sampling device housing (e.g., without using tubing), and an airflow assembly that may be constructed without using tubing.

Abstract: A spring assembly includes a coil spring having one or more helical coils between two longitudinally spaced ends, and an attachment site disposed at at least one of the longitudinally spaced ends. The attachment site includes a casing enclosing the at least one of the longitudinally spaced ends, the casing having a casing passage therethrough between a first side and a second side. The attachment site also includes a washer disposed on the first side and having a washer passage aligned with the casing passage, and a base disposed on the second side and having a base passage aligned with the casing passage.

Abstract: A mapping catheter including an elongate catheter body extending from a proximal end to a distal end, a handle connected to the proximal end of the catheter body, an electrode array connected to the distal end, a deployment shaft, and an irrigation system. The catheter body includes at least one lumen. The irrigation system includes a manifold and a thin, polymeric irrigation tube. The manifold is disposed within the handle and is connectable to a source of irrigation fluid. The irrigation tube is connected to the manifold and extends around the deployment shaft from the manifold to the distal end of the catheter through the catheter body lumen. The irrigation tube forms an annular lumen between an inner surface of the irrigation tube and an outer surface of the deployment shaft. The annular lumen is configured to carry irrigation fluid from the manifold to the array.