Abstract: Disclosed are embryonic stem cell-derived dendritic cells, genetically modified immature dendritic cells capable of maturation, as well as methods for the production of such cells. In one embodiment, the cells made be produced by a method comprising the steps of providing a population of embryonic stem cells; culturing the embryonic stem cells in the presence of a cytokine or combination of cytokines which brings about differentiation of the embryonic stem cells into dendritic cells; and recovering the dendritic cells from the culture. In a further embodiment, the cells may be genetically modified.

Abstract: A pulsed laser beam is used to create apertures in a layer on a back side of a substrate that includes a microlens array on a front side thereof. The pulsed laser beam is focused in a vacuum spatial filter. A profile of the pulsed laser beam that emerges from the vacuum spatial filter is converted to a top hat profile. The laser beam having the top hat profile is diffused. Finally, the pulsed laser beam having the top half profile that has been diffused is impinged through the microlens array on the front side of the substrate and onto the layer on the back side of the substrate. Related apparatus for creating the apertures and microlens array products are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a server is provided. The server is operable to gather authenticated transaction data to generate billing for wireless devices conducting transactions across a wireless network, receive transaction event data from one or more wireless devices, authenticate the transaction event data, and aggregate the authenticated transaction event data into transaction event billing data such that each transaction event is billable to a specific wireless device that effected the transaction event. The transaction event data is caused by one or more billable transaction events generated by the specific wireless device interacting with a computer device over the wireless network. Each of the billable transaction events is capable of generating an authenticated transaction event data configured to verify that a specific billable transaction event has been generated by a specific wireless device. Each authenticated transaction event data includes a first key and a second key.

Abstract: A telecommunications device and/or service enable a user to establish and maintain a profile which is then associated with the user or the user's telecommunication device (the “calling device”). The profile is stored on a profile server that is in communication with the telecommunications service provider. A receiving device receives a call from the calling device and is provided with the profile during call set-up. Some or all of the profile is used in connection with the incoming call on the receiving device.

Abstract: Community based purchasing methods and apparatus for products/services may include accumulating micro payments from a plurality of mobile buyers equipped with wireless communication devices. A seller, upon notification of accumulation of a predetermined total of micro payments, may then deliver the product/service. Payment by a mobile user may be escrowed upon receipt of the micro payment and be released to the seller upon delivery of the product/service. Product/services purchased using community based purchasing methods and apparatus may include digital content streamed to a buyer's wireless communication device and live performances viewed directly by the buyer.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a billing account including a client device, a transceiver, logic configured to establish at least one primary account wherein the at least one primary account represents periodic fees that are charged to the billing account on a periodic basis; and logic configured to establish at least one secondary account wherein the at least one secondary account represents an amount of prepaid service that is available for the billing account.

Abstract: Formaldehyde-free durable press finished textiles having cross-linked polymaleate finishes are provided. The finish comprises a cross-linked polymaleate having a crosslinked adjunct selected from the group having the formula: wherein R is independently H, OH, OM, or a unit having the formula: and mixtures thereof; X is H, OH, or OSO3M, M is H, a salt forming cation, and mixtures thereof; the indices x, y, and z are each independently from 0 to about 7; x+z is greater than or equal to 1, Q is H, OH, OM but not H when both x and z are greater than or equal to 1 and the textile has a durable press rating of at least about 3.0 and a tensile strength retention of greater than 40%.

Abstract: Disclosed are embryonic stem cell-derived dendritic cells, genetically modified immature dendritic cells capable of maturation, as well as methods for the production of such cells. In one embodiment, the cells made be produced by a method comprising the steps of providing a population of embryonic stem cells; culturing the embryonic stem cells in the presence of a cytokine or combination of cytokines which brings about differentiation of the embryonic stem cells into dendritic cells; and recovering the dendritic cells from the culture. In a further embodiment, the cells may be genetically modified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surfactant system and a consumable detergent composition comprising the same.

Abstract: A method for the production of polycarboxylic acids is provided via the present invention. The novel method herein comprises the steps of i) mixing a phosphorous containing reducing agent with at least one carboxylic acid monomer to form a reaction mixture; ii) adding an equivalent of base to the reaction mixture to provide a partially neutralized reaction mixture; and iii) adding a free radical generator to the partially neutralized reaction mixture under polymerization conditions to form a phospho/carboxylic acid polymer containing solution. Preferred monomers, reducing agents and free radical generators are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel textile finishing compositions for finishing textile articles are provided via the present invention. The textile finishing compositions disclosed herein comprise a cross-linking agents and a catalytic amount of an esterification agent. The cross-linking agents employed herein are selected from a number of phosphorous containing polycarboxylates. Also provided via the present invention are methods for applying the aforementioned finishing compositions to textile articles.

Abstract: A balance assembly (15) is provided for a sash window assembly (10). The sash window assembly (10) has a sash window (12) slidable within a master frame (14). The balance assembly (15) has an elastomer balance member (30) having one end adapted to be connected to the master frame (14) and another end adapted to be connected to the sash window (12) to provide an upward biasing force to the sash window (12). A system (50) is provided for custom-manufacturing the balance member (30) and for custom-manufacturing a sash window assembly (10) incorporating the balance member (30).

Abstract: Ladder support apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes positioning a ladder having first and second pairs of legs in an operating position suitable for supporting a user. A ladder support assembly clampably coupled to the ladder, the ladder support assembly including at least one elongated member extending between a respective one of the first and second pairs of legs of the ladder, the elongated member being clampably coupled to the respective one of the first and second pairs of legs of the ladder by first and second coupling assemblies positioned at spaced-apart positions on the elongated member. The ladder is supported with the ladder support assembly on, for example, a non-uniform surface.

Abstract: A balance assembly (15) is provided for a sash window assembly (10). The sash window assembly (10) has a sash window (12) slidable within a master frame (14). The balance assembly (15) has an elastomer balance member (30) having one end adapted to be connected to the master frame (14) and another end adapted to be connected to the sash window (12) to provide an upward biasing force to the sash window (12). A system (50) is provided for custom-manufacturing the balance member (30) and for custom-manufacturing a sash window assembly (10) incorporating the balance member (30).

Abstract: A system and method for the provision of downloadable subscription-based software applications to one or more wireless devices where the applications are downloadable from one or more application download servers across a wireless network. An accounting module receives subscription-based application download data from the one or more application download servers for each subscription-based application downloaded by a wireless device, and subscription-based application deletion data from each wireless device that has deleted a subscription-based application. The accounting module accounts for the use of the subscribed software applications based upon the subscription-based software application download data and subscription-based application deletion data.

Abstract: Data cartridge exchange apparatus for use in a data storage system may include a moveable cartridge storage array having at least a first data cartridge storage location and a second data cartridge storage location. The first data cartridge storage location is operatively associated with the second data cartridge storage location so that the first data cartridge storage location is independently moveable with respect to the second data cartridge storage location when the second data cartridge storage location is accessible by the data storage system.

Abstract: A pump comprising a valve housing and a spool slidably positioned within the valve housing. The spool has a supply face, a first end face, and a second end face, and is slidable between a first position wherein pressurized supply air is supplied to the supply face and the first end face, the first end face having a greater surface area than the supply face, a second position wherein the supply air is supplied to the supply face and is blocked from both the first and second end faces, and a third position wherein the supply air is supplied to the supply face and the second end face.

Abstract: Formaldehyde-free durable press finished textiles having cross-linked polymaleate finishes are provided. The finish comprises a cross-linked polymaleate having a crosslinked adjunct selected from the group having the formula: wherein R is independently H, OH, OM, or a unit having the formula: and mixtures thereof; X is H, OH, or OSO3M, M is H, a salt forming cation, and mixtures thereof; the indices x, y, and z are each independently from 0 to about 7; x+z is greater than or equal to 1, Q is H, OH, OM but not H when both x and z are greater than or equal to 1 and the textile has a durable press rating of at least about 3.0 and a tensile strength retention of greater than 40%.

Abstract: Microlens arrays include a substrate, an array of microlenses on a first side of the substrate and an aperture mask on a second side of the substrate. The aperture mask includes an array of apertures at optical axes of the lenses. A second array of apertures may be included in the aperture mask at randomized positions therein. The randomized apertures may be provided in the aperture mask by providing a diffusive layer between the aperture mask and the substrate, and directing coherent radiation through the lens array, the diffusive layer and aperture mask.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tool which includes spatial information for configuring and managing a process control system which conforms to a standard protocol. Such a tool advantageously allows the efficient design and use of a process control system while ensuring that the physical characteristics of the system conform to the standard. In addition, the tool provides for more efficient diagnostics, on-line debugging, alarm monitoring and device maintenance.