Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for allocating Internet Protocol (IP) addresses includes receiving, while serving as an active inter-chassis redundancy (ICR) device, a plurality of IP address requests from the third network device for the plurality of client devices. The method further includes responsive to determining a second network device is also serving as the active ICR device, allocating to a client device an IP address selected from a first portion of the commonly shared plurality of IP addresses and not a second portion, wherein the first portion is allocatable only by the first network device while the first network device and the second network device are both serving as active ICR network devices in the ICR system, and wherein the second portion is allocatable only by the second network device while the first and second network devices are both serving as active ICR devices.

Abstract: Exemplary methods in a first network device of an inter-chassis redundancy (ICR) system communicatively coupled to a second network device of the ICR system, the first network device configured as an active ICR device communicatively coupled to a third network device via a first link and a third link, the second network device configured as a standby ICR device, wherein the first link and the second link belong to a first multi-chassis link aggregation group (MC-LAG), include negotiating with a first client device to create a first session that is carried over the first link of the first MC-LAG, determining whether the first session is stateful, wherein a session is stateful if it is carried over an MC-LAG, and in response to determining the first session is stateful, sending session information associated with the first session to the second network device.

Abstract: Exemplary methods for preventing a master/master split condition in a virtual router redundancy protocol (VRRP) router comprising of a first network device configured to serve as a backup router of the VRRP router, and a second network device configured to serve as a master router of the VRRP router, include in response to determining that there is a possibility that the second network device is no longer capable of forwarding network traffic as the master router of the VRRP router, transitioning into a curfew state. The methods further include in response to determining that a VRRP advertisement message was not received within a master_down_interval, determining to not transition to serving as the master router of the VRRP router in response to determining the first network device is in the curfew state.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for allocating Internet Protocol (IP) addresses includes receiving, while serving as an active inter-chassis redundancy (ICR) device, a plurality of IP address requests from the third network device for the plurality of client devices. The method further includes responsive to determining a second network device is also serving as the active ICR device, allocating to a client device an IP address selected from a first portion of the commonly shared plurality of IP addresses and not a second portion, wherein the first portion is allocatable only by the first network device while the first network device and the second network device are both serving as active ICR network devices in the ICR system, and wherein the second portion is allocatable only by the second network device while the first and second network devices are both serving as active ICR devices.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for performing electrophoretic separations of macromolecules, particularly protein and DNA molecules. Cross-linked polyacrylamide is used as a sieving matrix for the separations. As long as the cross-linking is properly controlled, the cross-linked polyacrylamide is replaceable and superior to linear polyacrylamide for electrophoretic separations of macromolecules.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for coating the inner surface of a solid support (e.g. a capillary or a microchip channel) to reduce the analyte adsorption to the surface for separating components in a fluid stream in contact with the surface. The process comprises (a) covalently binding a bi-functional reagent to the support surface, (b) mixing the monomer with a radical initiator under an oxygen-removed environment; and (c) rapidly bringing the above mixture solution to the functionalized surface under an oxygen-free environment.

Abstract: A microfluidic system has an electroosmotic flow pumping means for propelling fluids through a series of microchannels and selection valves. Pump channels are configured in groups which may be fabricated singly or in multiple groups onto a substrate. A tube filled with an immobilized polymer provides a means to apply voltages across pump channels, while prevents passages of fluids through it. It also avoids electrolysis and bubble formation in or close to the microfluidic channels. The selection valves provide for routing functions within the microfluidic system and can also be configured to route fluids outside the system. A rate monitoring system is provided for determining and compensating for flow rates. In one application the microfluidic system may be configured to operate as a small volume pipettor or other fluid transport or analysis device. A micro-dialysis jacket is additionally provided to permit desalting, pH adjustment, concentration adjustment, and other functions.

Abstract: Fixed volumes of samples are metered into the reaction channel of a microfluidic device using one or more slidable blocks having at least one fixed-length sample metering channel. In another aspect of the present invention, fixed volumes of samples are metered into the reaction channel using one or more slidable blocks having at least one fixed-length sample metering channel. In another aspect of the present invention, a sample injection scheme based on injection time is implemented using relatively sliding blocks of separation channels and sample channels. In a further aspect of the present invention, separation channels are configured in relation to the slidable block in a manner that enables separations to be conducted continuously for high-throughput assays.

Abstract: An off-column sample injection scheme for introducing samples into micro-reaction channels in microfabricated devices. In one aspect of the present invention, off-column sample injection is effected by introducing sample from a sample reservoir provided on the substrate of the microfabricated device into a reaction channel via a constricted channel or opening interface, e.g., a narrow connection-channel and/or a pinhole. In another embodiment of the present invention, off-column sample injection is effected by introducing sample from a sample reservoir that is provided outside the substrate of the microfabricated device. A through-hole is provided in the substrate to facilitate sample introduction into the reaction channel.

Abstract: A microfluidic system has an electroosmotic flow (EOF) pumping means for propelling fluids through a series of microchannels and selection valves. Pump channels are configured in groups which may be fabricated singly or in multiple groups onto a substrate. A bubble-free electric connection joint provides for the application of voltages across pump channels while simultaneously blocking the passage of fluids through the joint. Bubble-free electrodes are also provided to prevent electrolysis and bubble formation in or close to the microfluidic channels. The selection valves provide for routing functions within the microfluidic system and can also be configured to route fluids outside the system. A rate monitoring system is provided for determining and compensating for system flow rates. In one application the microfluidic system may be configured to operate as a small volume pipettor or other fluid transport or analysis device.

Abstract: Fixed volumes of samples are metered into the reaction channel of a microfluidic device using one or more slidable blocks having at least one fixed-length sample metering channel. In another aspect of the present invention, fixed volumes of samples are metered into the reaction channel using one or more slidable blocks having at least one fixed-length sample metering channel. In another aspect of the present invention, a sample injection scheme based on injection time is implemented using relatively sliding blocks of separation channels and sample channels. In a further aspect of the present invention, separation channels are configured in relation to the slidable block in a manner that enables separations to be conducted continuously for high-throughput assays.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a user to access the internet from a remote location by using a local internet service provider with whom the user does not have an account. The user logs on to the local internet service provider's system using an identifier that includes the user's identification term and an identifier for the user's home internet service provider server. A first server in the local internet service provider's system determines that the login information includes the identifier for the user's home internet service provider server and sends a query to a second server. The second server verifies that the user's home internet service provider has an account with the local internet service provider and returns an internet protocol address for the home internet service provider's server to the first server. The first server then seeks authorization from the home internet service provider's server to provide internet access to the user over the local internet service provider's system.