Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating immune responses to antigens. One aspect of the present invention relates to a particle-based antigen delivery system (vaccination node) that comprises a hydrogel particle capable of both antigen presentation and DC activation. The VN may further comprise a chemoattractant-loaded microsphere capable of attracting DCs to the site of administration. Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the VN to modulate antigen presenting cells activation for the prevention and/treatment of various diseases, such as infectious diseases, cancers and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: A vertical plant stand that is free standing or can be supported by burying its lower end in a base plant pot or in the ground. Pots can be angularly stacked along a central elongate member or hook style appendages can protrude from the central elongate member to mount tilted plant pots. Multiple vertically and/or radially spaced-apart appendages can be included to mount tilted pots like tree branches. The stand can also be configured for mounting a table top to the stand for making an end table, coffee table of other table design. Instead of a table top, a top plant pot may be provided at the upper end of the central elongate member.

Abstract: The purpose of this system is twofold. First, to slow or virtually eliminate weep holes in retaining walls and other structures from clogging. Secondly, to prevent aggregate/soil from escaping from backfill material behind the structure. When placed between the structure's weep hole and backfill material, it provides a combination of stabilization and filtration. It utilizes materials commercially available, but combines them in a unique fashion. This system is more robust than any of the separate components.

Abstract: Single-use long-life faucet mounted water filtration devices are disclosed. A bathroom water filtration device having two outlets for filtered water is disclosed. Additionally, a fountain head is included for use in the bathroom water filtration device. The water filtration device is of unibody construction formed by ultrasonically welding certain parts thereof together. Since the devices disclosed are disposable, no filter replacement or other maintenance is performed. A gate, magnet, sensor and electronics provide an indication of filter performance enabling disposal of the water filtration device and installation of a new device. A kitchen water filtration device is larger than the bathroom device. Both the kitchen and bathroom water filtration devices are small and are mounted behind the faucet connection so as to facilitate full utilization of the sink or wash basin.

Abstract: A computer system for developing what the cost of a part ought to be. The system is based upon the assumption that the firm seeking to have a part manufactured for it is a world-class competitor and, thus, in order to maintain this status, it must purchase parts from suppliers who are also world-class competitors. The oughta cost of the part assumes that the best manufacturing practices will be used, the best design, manufacturing practices, supply chain management techniques, labor rates, uptimes and yields will be employed and the selected supplier will continue to push itself to be the best in its industry. The system can generate very detailed reports showing how the ought-to-be cost was determined. These reports will be used in open fact driven discussions with the supplier and the traditional method of requesting quotes, factor cost analysis and target costing will be eliminated.

Abstract: A timepiece and chronometer with a superimposed analog/digital display arrangement. The timepiece comprises a watch case with a back and a display area, a transparent crystal, an electrically-driven digital LCD display, a superimposed analog display comprising an hour hand, minute hand, and interior bezel, an electrical analog watch movement, and a digital display driver. The digital LCD display indicates passing seconds by incrementally displaying either digits 00 through 59 or digits 01 through 60 for one second each, either in dark numerals over a light background, or vice versa. The analog display is driven by an electrical watch movement located beneath the LCD display that comprises a battery, a timing standard, timing circuitry, a stem and crown assembly, and a hand moving assembly that extends upward through the center aperture of the LCD display and couples to the analog watch hands.

Abstract: A multiple stage wet processing platform includes a sealable enclosure, at least two processing modules positioned within the enclosure, at least one of them including a housing having an opening and a door moveable into position covering the opening, at least two processing vessels within the housing, and an intra-module robot within the housing and including a wafer support member, the intra-module robot moveable to a first position in which the support is disposed in a first one of the processing vessels and a second position in which the support is disposed in a second one of the processing vessels. An inter-module robot is positioned within the enclosure and is moveable between a first position adjacent to a first one of the modules and a second position adjacent to a second one of the modules.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing multiple wet processing steps on objects placed within a sealed chamber. The apparatus include a sealable chamber, at least one processing tank within the chamber, and preferably also includes an intrachamber robot configured to move objects to be treated within the chamber. Preferred embodiments utilize at least two processing tanks within the chamber. During use of these exemplary embodiments, objects to be treated are placed within the sealed chamber and the chamber is sealed to create a sealed interior environment. The objects are immersed in a first treatment fluid which is in a first one of the tanks, and then carried by the intrachamber robot from the first to the second tank where there are immersed in a second treatment fluid in the second tank. The objects may be moved back and forth between the tanks as needed in order to complete the process being performed. After processing is complete, the chamber is unsealed and the objects are removed from the chamber.

Abstract: A timepiece and chronometer with a superimposed analog/digital display arrangement. The timepiece comprises a watch case with a back and a display area, a transparent crystal, an electrically-driven digital LCD display, a superimposed analog display comprising an hour hand, minute hand, and interior bezel, an electrical analog watch movement, and a digital display driver. The digital LCD display indicates passing seconds by incrementally displaying either digits 00 through 59 or digits 01 through 60 for one second each, either in dark numerals over a light background, or vice versa. The analog display is driven by an electrical watch movement located beneath the LCD display that comprises a battery, a timing standard, timing circuitry, a stem and crown assembly, and a hand moving assembly that extends upward through the center aperture of the LCD display and couples to the analog watch hands.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for forming shells for investment casting and methods for casting metal articles using the shells are described. One embodiment of the method comprises serially immersing a pattern in at least one, and perhaps several different slurries, each of which slurries comprises refractory material and from about 0 to about 30 volume percent inorganic binder. This forms a facecoat and plural refractory backup layers about the pattern, the facecoat and at least one backup layer defining a shell. The facecoat and/or the shell is then infiltrated with a binder. Infiltrating the shell with a binder is a key feature of the present invention. Infiltration refers to any process whereby a binder can be introduced into the facecoat and/or the subsequent layers built up about the shell.

Abstract: The present invention has solved the collision problems in a CSMA network protocol and at the same time optimized performance of the network. This is accomplished by giving control of the size of the reserved portion and the size of the reservation portion of the communication frame to stations in the network. Further, the reserved portion is allotted to isochronous data packets each of whose length is variable. Also, only those packets that have a reservation are in the frame, and they are placed in the frame in order in accordance with there position of the permission or reservation list.The network timing is controlled by one of the stations acting as a conductor for the network. This conductor station receives the reservation requests from the other stations and builds a beat packet. The beat packet is transmitted from the conductor station to all stations of the network, and provides the timing or beat of the network that all stations are synchronized with.

Abstract: Fiber array connectors of the type having a connector body and adapted to house a plurality of fibers which carry data through the connector. Ferrules are provided to the connectors which are formed by first ferrule members having configured thereon by an electrical discharge machining process at least one guide pin hole, and a plurality of grooves for housing a plurality of fibers in registration in the ferrules. The ferrules are also made up of second ferrule members in engagement with the plurality of grooves for clamping the plurality of fibers in registration in the grooves so that the plurality of fibers can be held in precise alignment with the connector and so that data is transmitted therethrough with a minimum possibility of transmission error.

Abstract: Time-stable yttria slurries, and a method for forming such yttria slurries and articles therefrom are described. The method involves forming an intimate mixture comprising yttria and at least about 0.1 weight percent of a dopant material. An aqueous slurry is then formed comprising from about 1 weight percent to about 95 weight percent of the intimate mixture. The intimate mixture may be formed by heating the mixture to a temperature sufficient to calcine the mixture. Alternatively, the intimate mixture may be formed by heating the mixture to a temperature sufficient to fuse the mixture. The dopant also may be provided as a surface coating on the yttria particles.

Abstract: DNA recombination can be effected through transposition by injecting a host with a transposition vector prepared from the terminal sequences of the Hermes element of M. domestica on either side of a structural gene to be expressed in the recombinant host. Transposition can be improved by use of a helper plasmid including the transposase gene of Hermes operably linked to a promoter sequence effective in the host.

Abstract: A craft for travel upon a water surface, the craft including a frame mounted upon two spaced apart pontoons, a windshield, a two passenger seat, and a foot powered mechanism mounted on the frame, the mechanism including propellers mounted on foreward-rearwardly and upon sidewardly shafts so that the craft can travel in any direct or any combination of directions.