Abstract: A content delivery network (CDN) service provider extends a content delivery network to gather information on atomically identifiable web clients (called “user agents”) as such computer-implemented entities interact with the CDN across different domains being managed by the CDN service provider. In one embodiment, a set of machines, processes, programs, and data comprise a data system. The data system tracks user agents, preferably via cookies, although one or more passive techniques may be used. A user agent may be a cookie-able device having a cookie store. As the user agent navigates across sites, a CDN-specific unique identifier used by the system to correlate user agents is generated. Preferably, the unique identifier is stored as an encrypted cookie. The unique identifier represents one user agent (and, thus, one cookie-able device's store).

Abstract: A content delivery network (CDN) service provider extends a content delivery network to gather information on atomically identifiable web clients (called “user agents”) as such computer-implemented entities interact with the CDN across different domains being managed by the CDN service provider. In one embodiment, a set of machines, processes, programs, and data comprise a data system. The data system tracks user agents, preferably via cookies, although one or more passive techniques may be used. A user agent may be a cookie-able device having a cookie store. As the user agent navigates across sites, a CDN-specific unique identifier used by the system to correlate user agents is generated. Preferably, the unique identifier is stored as an encrypted cookie. The unique identifier represents one user agent (and, thus, one cookie-able device's store).

Abstract: A content delivery network (CDN) service provider extends a content delivery network to gather information on atomically identifiable web clients (called “user agents”) as such computer-implemented entities interact with the CDN across different domains being managed by the CDN service provider. In one embodiment, a set of machines, processes, programs, and data comprise a data system. The data system tracks user agents, preferably via cookies, although one or more passive techniques may be used. A user agent may be a cookie-able device having a cookie store. As the user agent navigates across sites, a CDN-specific unique identifier used by the system to correlate user agents is generated. Preferably, the unique identifier is stored as an encrypted cookie. The unique identifier represents one user agent (and, thus, one cookie-able device's store).

Abstract: A content delivery network (CDN) service provider extends a content delivery network to gather information on atomically identifiable web clients (called “user agents”) as such computer-implemented entities interact with the CDN across different domains being managed by the CDN service provider. In one embodiment, a set of machines, processes, programs, and data comprise a data system. The data system tracks user agents, preferably via cookies, although one or more passive techniques may be used. A user agent may be a cookie-able device having a cookie store. As the user agent navigates across sites, a CDN-specific unique identifier used by the system to correlate user agents is generated. Preferably, the unique identifier is stored as an encrypted cookie. The unique identifier represents one user agent (and, thus, one cookie-able device's store).

Abstract: A content delivery network is enhanced to provide for delivery of cacheable markup language content files such as HTML. To support HTML delivery, the content provider provides the CDNSP with an association of the content provider's domain name (e.g., www.customer.com) to an origin server domain name (e.g., html.customer.com) at which one or more default HTML files are published and hosted. The CDNSP provides its customer with a CDNSP-specific domain name. The content provider, or an entity on its behalf, then implements DNS entry aliasing (e.g., a CNAME of the host to the CDNSP-specific domain) so that domain name requests for the host cue the CDN DNS request routing mechanism. This mechanism then identifies a best content server to respond to a request directed to the customer's domain.

Abstract: A replication process provides fault tolerance for a continuous media stream in a computer network. In one embodiment, the original or source signal is sent to several splitters which, in turn, each make copies of the signal and send the copies into a second layer of devices, which are referred to as “concentrators.” A given concentrator receives as input one or more copies of the source signal. In a preferred embodiment, a given concentrator receives two copies of the source signal from at least two different splitters. The concentrators process the incoming streaming signal copies, for example, by merging them into a single or composite copy of the original source signal according to a given processing algorithm. The output of a given concentrator may then be fed into a splitter, with the process then being repeated if desired to make an arbitrary large number of copies of the signal.

Abstract: The present invention is a network architecture or framework that supports hosting and content distribution on a truly global scale. The inventive framework allows a Content Provider to replicate and serve its most popular content at an unlimited number of points throughout the world. The inventive framework comprises a set of servers operating in a distributed manner. The actual content to be served is preferably supported on a set of hosting servers (sometimes referred to as ghost servers). This content comprises HTML page objects that, conventionally, are served from a Content Provider site. In accordance with the invention, however, a base HTML document portion of a Web page is served from the Content Provider's site while one or more embedded objects for the page are served from the hosting servers, preferably, those hosting servers near the client machine. By serving the base HTML document from the Content Provider's site, the Content Provider maintains control over the content.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for distributing a request to one of a plurality of resources. A request is mapped to a location in mathematical mapping space. Each of the plurality of resources is mapped to a respective location or locations in the mathematical mapping space. The request is allocated to one of the resources based on a mathematical relationship between the request location and the resource location in the mathematical mapping space. An apparatus for distributing a request to one of a plurality of resources includes the plurality of resources and an input receiving a resource request. A mapper in communication with the input maps the request to a request location in a mathematical mapping space and maps each of the plurality of resources to at least one resource locations in the mathematical mapping space.

Abstract: A content delivery network is enhanced to provide for delivery of cacheable markup language content files such as HTML. To support HTML delivery, the content provider provides the CDNSP with an association of the content provider's domain name (e.g., www.customer.com) to an origin server domain name (e.g., html.customer.com) at which one or more default HTML files are published and hosted. The CDNSP provides its customer with a CDNSP-specific domain name. The content provider, or an entity on its behalf, then implements DNS entry aliasing (e.g., a CNAME of the host to the CDNSP-specific domain) so that domain name requests for the host cue the CDN DNS request routing mechanism. This mechanism then identifies a best content server to respond to a request directed to the customer's domain.

Abstract: Multi-lumen catheters are intended for advancement through the accessory channel on endoscope into a body passage into the gastrointestinal system. The catheters have two or more independent lumens extending continuously to ports at the distal tip for injection of a contrast medium simultaneously with a guide wire for ERCP procedures and for passage of accessories such as visualization devices, polypectomy snares, cytology brushes, papillotomes and stone baskets for catheterization, diagnosis and treatment within the biliary tract. Use of balloons for maintaining a catheter in fixed position in the biliary tract and for dilatation is also disclosed. The catheters employed are extrusions of a resin comprised of nylon and PEBA. The catheters may also be extruded from polyurethane. Multi-lumen catheters having a reduced diameter distal tip portion on which a dilatation balloon is located are also disclosed. The reduced diameter distal tip portion may serve as a platform for support of a stent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for distributing a request to one of a plurality of resources. A request is mapped to a location in mathematical mapping space. Each of the plurality of resources is mapped to a respective location or locations in the mathematical mapping space. The request is allocated to one of the resources based on a mathematical relationship between the request location and the resource location in the mathematical mapping space. An apparatus for distributing a request to one of a plurality of resources includes the plurality of resources and an input receiving a resource request. A mapper in communication with the input maps the request to a request location in a mathematical mapping space and maps each of the plurality of resources to at least one resource locations in the mathematical mapping space.

Abstract: Multi-lumen catheters are intended for advancement through the accessory channel on endoscope into a body passage into the gastrointestinal system. The catheters have two or more independent lumens extending continuously to ports at the distal tip for injection of a contrast medium simultaneously with a guide wire for ERCP procedures and for passage of accessories such as visualization devices, polypectomy snares, cytology brushes, papillotomes and stone baskets for catheterization, diagnosis and treatment within the biliary tract. Use of balloons for maintaining a catheter in fixed position in the biliary tract and for dilatation is also disclosed. The catheters employed are extrusions of a resin comprised of nylon and PEBA. The catheters may also be extruded from polyurethane. Multi-lumen catheters having a reduced diameter distal tip portion on which a dilatation balloon is located are also disclosed. The reduced diameter distal tip portion may serve as a platform for support of a stent.

Abstract: Multi-lumen catheters are intended for advancement through the accessory channel on endoscope into a body passage into the gastrointestinal system. The catheters have two or more independent lumens extending continuously to ports at the distal tip for injection of a contrast medium simultaneously with a guide wire for ERCP procedures and for passage of accessories such as visualization devices, polypectomy snares, cytology brushes, papillotomes and stone baskets for catheterization, diagnosis and treatment within the biliary tract. Use of balloons for maintaining a catheter in fixed position in the biliary tract and for dilatation is also disclosed. The catheters employed are extrusions of a resin comprised of nylon and PEBA. The catheters may also be extruded from polyurethane. Multi-lumen catheters having a reduced diameter distal tip portion on which a dilatation balloon is located are also disclosed. The reduced diameter distal tip portion may serve as a platform for support of a stent.

Abstract: Multi-lumen catheters are intended for advancement through the accessory channel on endoscope into a body passage into the gastrointestinal system. The catheters have two or more independent lumens extending continuously to ports at the distal tip for injection of a contrast medium simultaneously with a guide wire for ERCP procedures and for passage of accessories such as visualization devices, polypectomy snares, cytology brushes, papillotomes and stone baskets for catheterization, diagnosis and treatment within the biliary tract. Use of balloons for maintaining a catheter in fixed position in the biliary tract and for dilatation is also disclosed. The catheters employed are extrusions of a resin comprised of nylon and PEBA. The catheters may also be extruded from polyurethane. Multi-lumen catheters having a reduced diameter distal tip portion on which a dilatation balloon is located are also disclosed. The reduced diameter distal tip portion may serve as a platform for support of a stent.

Abstract: A method of electrosurgically obtaining access to the biliary tree of a patient and visualizing a duct thereof using a catheter having at least a first lumen and a second lumen defined therethrough, each lumnen terminating in an opening defined at a distal end of the catheter, the first lumen of the catheter having a needle-knife disposed therein and the second lumen of the catheter enabling infusion of a contrast medium to visualize the duct of the patient while the needle-knife remains in the first lumen of the catheter, the needle-knife having a distal end and being connected to a deployment mechanism at a proximal end of the catheter for extending and retracting the needle-knife between a deployed position and a fully sheathed position relative to the distal end of the catheter, the deployment mechanism having an adjustable stop for adjusting the distance between the distal end of the needle-knife and the distal end of the catheter, the needle-knife electrically communicating with a power source to enable

Abstract: A method of electrosurgically obtaining access to the biliary tree of a patient and visualizing a duct thereof using a catheter having a least a first lumen and a second lumen. The first lumen has a needle-knife disposed therein, which knife may be moved between a deployed position and a sheathed position and is in electrical communication with a power source.

Abstract: A improved biliary catheter is disclosed. The catheter comprises a tube constructed from a polyurethane or nylon having a durometer of about 60D and coated with a hydrophilic coating to provide lubricity, kink resistance and suppleness. The tube has substantially cylindrical sidewalls and a proximal end for connection to a source of contrast medium and a distal end for entry into the common biliary duct of a patient. The tube contains a first crescent-shaped lumen channel extending between the proximal and the distal end, the first lumen channel transporting the contrast medium from the source of contrast medium to the biliary duct; and a second circular lumen channel extending between the proximal end and said distal end for facilitating the insertion and threading of a spring wire guide into the dual-lumen biliary catheter.

Abstract: High printing speeds for graphics data are achieved with a laser printer by transmitting compressed graphics data from a main processor over an I/O (input/output) channel to a vector generator scan converter which reconstructs a full graphics image for input to the laser printer through a raster data input port. The vector generator scan converter includes a microprocessor with associated microcode memory containing a microcode instruction set, a working memory for storing compressed data, vector generator hardward for drawing a full graphic image from vector parameters calculated by the microprocessor, image buffer memory for storing the reconstructed graphics image and an output scanner for reading the graphics image data and inputting the data to the printer. The vector generator scan converter eliminates the bottleneck created by the I/O channel for transmitting graphics data from the main processor to the laser printer, and increases printer speed up to thirty fold.

Abstract: A method for repairing damaged carpet in homes, automobiles, boats and other vehicles. In accordance with the method of the invention, repairs can be made on either flat or curved surfaces and in areas of limited access. Individual fibers are harvested from portions surrounding the defect, are specially treated and then are bonded in place within the boundaries of the defect in a manner to closely match the color, wear characteristics and pattern of the carpet in the area of the defect.