Abstract: A method and system for improving load balancing in a file server is disclosed. The method includes determining the existence of an overload condition on a storage device, the storage device having a plurality of retrieval streams accessing at least one file thereon; selecting a first retrieval stream reading a file; replicating a portion of said file being read by said first retrieval stream onto a second storage device; and reading the replicated portion of said file on said second storage device with a retrieval stream capable of accessing the replicated portion of said file. The method and system enables the dynamic replication of data objects to respond to fluctuating user demand. The method and system is particularly useful in file servers such as multimedia servers delivering continuously in real time large multimedia files such as movies.

Abstract: A box-like packaging comprises at least three adjoining sidewalls which are successively connected through fold lines which form the edges of the packaging. At least one sidewall is connected through a fold line at a lower edge thereof with a bottom panel which closes the packaging at the underside. The packaging comprises a relatively large dispensing opening which can be passed from a closed position into an opening position through folding, the dispensing opening comprising a spout-shaped dispensing surface. The bottom panel and a top panel of the box are substantially flat and extend parallel to each other. The packaging comprises structure for sealing integrally connected with the packaging manufactured from one material portion.

Abstract: A draft deflector for a sliding roof is disclosed for a removable roof section or the like. The deflector exhibits an airfoil profile which extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle, is arranged adjacent to a front edge of the roof opening and can be moved from a sunk inoperative position to a swivelled-up operative position and vice versa. In the operative position, the airfoil profile extends at a negative setting angle and projects beyond an imaginary roof contour at least in sections in the upward direction. In order to reliably avoid, during the driving operation, when the roof is open, the occurrence of annoying low-frequency vibrations in the vehicle interior (sliding roof rumbling) and to essentially maintain the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle, it is provided that the airfoil profile, in the operative position, is arranged such that it is ensured that the air current occurring in the driving operation flows around the airfoil profile on both sides.