Abstract: The method of the present invention provides a means to exchange files between users in a network environment. This method includes the steps of first executing a software agent on a user's computing system. An additional copy or version of this software agent is executed on an additional user's computing system. These software agents establish a connection from their respective computing systems when their respective computing systems log in to the network environment and network based computing system. When this connection is made the status of their respective computing systems and availability of shared files is provided to an agent server. The agent server, executed on the network based computing system, directs the software agents to establish direct connection between their respective computing systems in response to file requests from various users.

Abstract: A method for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) fiber delay line (FDL) optical buffer routing and scheduling of conflicted variable length data packets through an optical router. The method includes ordering of each conflicted variable length data packet and selecting each of the data packets in turn for routing based on the ordering sequence selected. The sequentially assigned conflicted data packet is assigned a wavelength in the FDL optical buffer from (n) available wavelengths, wherein (n)=&lgr;1, &lgr;1, . . . , &lgr;n, &lgr;1, &lgr;1, . . . , &lgr;n, . . . . Each data packet is converted to the sequentially assigned wavelength (n) and routed to an optical buffer according to the wavelength assignment. If the wavelength of the FDL optical buffer is fully occupied the data packet is dropped.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing channel scheduling algorithms in an optical router wherein a scheduler operates pursuant to an algorithm and is capable of determining the availability of outbound data channels capable of carrying a data packet of duration B. The scheduler is further capable of selecting one channel from available data channels and assigning the data packet to the selected channel. The scheduler then updates state information of the selected data channel, but if no data channel is available to carry the data packet the data packet is dropped.

Abstract: A network manager begins to integrate optical crossconnect functionality in an optical packet switching apparatus by transmitting a request to a resource management mechanism for allocation for an output port with respect to an input port in an optical switching matrix. The resource management mechanism then queries a port availability database to determine the availability of the requested output port. If an output port is available, the resource management mechanism then reserves the requested output port. The resource management mechanism then transmits mapping information for an optical path between the input port and the reserved output port to an optical switch control mechanism. The optical switch control mechanism then creates the optical path between the said input port the reserved output port. Finally, the optical switch control mechanism informs the resource management mechanism that the optical path is established.

Abstract: A laryngeal airway device for sealing against the laryngeal opening includes an air tube with proximal and distal ends and a sealing member attached to the distal end. The sealing member includes a coupler for coupling the device to an introducer. Complementing the laryngeal airway device is an introducer that includes a track for receiving the coupler of the laryngeal airway device and guiding the sealing member to a sealing position with respect to the laryngeal inlet. The introducer may include an epiglottic engager on a distal end to engage the epiglottis and retain it while the sealing member is being tracked to engagement with the laryngeal inlet.

Abstract: An adjustable balancing circuit (900) for an adaptive hybrid is suitable for use with a two-conductor transmission line in full duplex communications. In a preferred example, the adjustable balancing circuit (900) includes a first impedance structure (902), a second impedance structure (904), a plurality of N resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) networks (908), a first plurality of N switch circuits (912), and a second plurality of N switch circuits (914). The first plurality of N switch circuits (912) switchably cascadingly couples the first plurality of N RLC networks (908) to a first end of the first impedance structure (902). The second plurality of N switch circuits (914) switchably couples a first end of the second impedance structure (904) to a first end of each RLC network. When properly configured, the adjustable balancing circuit (900) cancels reflected transmit signals caused by the presence of short bridged taps on the two-conductor transmission line.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device suitable for releasable attachment to a patient's skin surface over a selected wound area in a non-contact position relative to the selected wound area, the wound treatment device comprising an attachment portion suitable for releasable attachment with the patient's skin surface, having an inner perimeter for defining the selected wound area, a wound treatment portion with a wound cover and a support member supporting the wound cover, and a transition portion with a joint connecting the wound treatment portion to the attachment portion.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device having a flexible portion to accommodate patient motion without peeling off. A removable wound heater may be used to treat the wound area.