Abstract: Reconciling Adaptive Bitrate (ABR) segments across redundant sites may be provided. First, a working manifest may be set to match a primary downstream manifest and the working manifest may be updated using an auxiliary downstream manifest. Next, first segments missing from the working manifest as identified during updating the working manifest using the auxiliary downstream manifest may be copied from the auxiliary downstream manifest to the primary downstream manifest. The working manifest may then be updated using a primary upstream manifest. And then second segments missing from the working manifest as identified during updating the working manifest using the primary upstream manifest may be copied from the primary upstream manifest to the primary downstream manifest.

Abstract: Reconciling Adaptive Bitrate (ABR) segments across redundant sites may be provided. First, a working manifest may be set to match a primary downstream manifest and the working manifest may be updated using an auxiliary downstream manifest. Next, first segments missing from the working manifest as identified during updating the working manifest using the auxiliary downstream manifest may be copied from the auxiliary downstream manifest to the primary downstream manifest. The working manifest may then be updated using a primary upstream manifest. And then second segments missing from the working manifest as identified during updating the working manifest using the primary upstream manifest may be copied from the primary upstream manifest to the primary downstream manifest.

Abstract: Molds for making cell aggregation devices include upper and lower surfaces. Methods of aggregating cells include depositing cells on in a seeding chamber, incubating the cells and removing aggregated cells. Devices for encapsulating aggregates of cells include biocompatible, bio-sustainable substrates compartments and a coating of a biocompatible, bio-sustainable polymer that completely surrounds the substrate and cell-encapsulating compartments.

Abstract: A series of binder clips are liked together by a flexible rod, or series of rods which can be joined at their extremities to make a ball like lattice for use with the drier. The clips have tactile identifiers for Braille and Non Braille users. They can be removed from the rod and re-attached after socks or pantyhose, or handkerchiefs have been clipped in the attachment points. The clips hold one article each and have raised geometric-figures for non Braille reading users, and Braille beneath for the blind. The rods with clips allow for visually segregated articles of clothing to be washed together, dried together, and arranged together. The tactile identifiers allow for use in the dark without the need for visualization.

Abstract: The invention is a cell aggregation device comprising a hydrogel substrate having at least one, preferably a plurality, of cell-repellant compartments recessed into the uppermost surface. Each compartment is composed of an upper cell suspension seeding chamber having an open uppermost portion and a bottom portion, and one, or more than one, lower cell aggregation recess connected to the bottom portion of the upper cell suspension seeding chamber by a port. The diameter of the port may be fully contiguous with the walls of the chambers and walls of the recesses, or the diameter of the port may be more narrow than the walls of the chamber but fully contiguous with the walls of the recesses or more narrow than both the walls of the chamber and the walls of the recesses. The upper cell suspension seeding chambers are formed and positioned to funnel the cells into the lower cell aggregation recesses through gravitational force.

Abstract: A method and system for automating a reward program for a financial institution is provided. Accordingly, information about a customer transaction is received by a system and an affinity-point value of the transaction item is determined and associated with the transaction item. An affinity-point balance associated with the customer is determined and one or more rewards that are available to the customer are determined. A notification concerning a particular reward for which the customer is eligible is displayed. Multiple reward programs can be operated simultaneously and customers can participate in multiple reward programs. Thus, after determining an affinity-point balance, a list of rewards available to the customer can be determined from multiple reward programs and the list of rewards can be sorted based on associated affinity-point value and based on a prioritization of the various reward programs.

Abstract: The invention is a cell aggregation device comprising a hydrogel substrate having at least one, preferably a plurality, of cell-repellant compartments recessed into the uppermost surface. Each compartment is composed of an upper cell suspension seeding chamber having an open uppermost portion and a bottom portion, and one, or more than one, lower cell aggregation recess connected to the bottom portion of the upper cell suspension seeding chamber by a port. The diameter of the port may be fully contiguous with the walls of the chambers and walls of the recesses, or the diameter of the port may be more narrow than the walls of the chamber but fully contiguous with the walls of the recesses or more narrow than both the walls of the chamber and the walls of the recesses. The upper cell suspension seeding chambers are formed and positioned to funnel the cells into the lower cell aggregation recesses through gravitational force.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for vacuum coating articles that includes a means for moving the articles in semi-continuous fashion successively through a series of vacuum chambers. A carousel is transported successively through each of the vacuum chambers that rotates the articles in an epicycloidal fashion. A means is also provided for precisely and reproducibly loading and unloading the carousel with the article.