Abstract: A server connected to a data network for transmitting files over the data network to one of a plurality of destination servers is adapted to spawn a software agent in response to a file to be transmitted and meeting certain preset criteria, such as file size. The software agent is associated with the file by at least the file's destination, and is transmitted over one or more routes to the destination to collect routing information, and returns to the source server. The associated file is then transmitted using the information collected. In an alternative embodiment the agent also collects validation information at the destination and returns same to the source server. The agent may also, in some embodiments, negotiate reserved bandwidth and security protocols or other validation information for transmission of the associated file at certain intermediate servers.

Abstract: A system for enabling Data Network Telephony (DNT) communication through a WEB page includes a Web server hosting an interactive WEB page and having an Internet port, a link in the WEB page adapted for launching a DNT-capable telephone module, and a DNT-capable telephone module associated with the link. In this system, upon selection of the link by a person accessing the WEB page over the Internet using a computer platform, an instance of the IP telephone module is downloaded to computer platform, and an IP call is launched to an IP address pre-stored and associated with the link. The DNT network may be the Internet. In a preferred embodiment the system first investigates the computer platform for hardware and software characteristics, and attaches the determined characteristics to the instance of the IP telephone module to be downloaded. The downloaded module then self-launches and configures, and then launches the associated call.

Abstract: A system for enabling Data Network Telephony (DNT) communication through a WEB page includes a Web server hosting an interactive WEB page and having an Internet port, a link in the WEB page adapted for launching a DNT-capable telephone module, and a DNT-capable telephone module associated with the link. In this system, upon selection of the link by a person accessing the WEB page over the Internet using a computer platform, an instance of the IP telephone module is downloaded to computer platform, and an IP call is launched to an IP address pre-stored and associated with the link. The DNT network may be the Internet. In a preferred embodiment the system first investigates the computer platform for hardware and software characteristics, and attaches the determined characteristics to the instance of the IP telephone module to be downloaded. The downloaded module then self-launches and configures, and then launches the associated call.

Abstract: A server connected to a data network for transmitting files over the data network to one of a plurality of destination servers is adapted to spawn a software agent in response to a file to be transmitted and meeting certain preset criteria, such as file size. The software agent is associated with the file by at least the file's destination, and is transmitted over one or more routes to the destination to collect routing information, and returns to the source server. The associated file is then transmitted using the information collected. In an alternative embodiment the agent also collects validation information at the destination and returns same to the source server. The agent may also, in some embodiments, negotiate reserved bandwidth and security protocols or other validation information for transmission of the associated file at certain intermediate servers.

Abstract: A method of applying discrete areas of a noble metal to individual pads on a flexible printed circuit board comprises the steps of forming a particular pattern of electrically conductive material on a flexible, electrically insulating substrate. The pattern includes individual pads. An aperture is formed through the electrically insulating substrate to expose a portion of the underside of at least one of the individual pads, and then contacting the underside with an electrode, contacting the upper surface of the individual pad with a wire comprised of the noble metal, applying a welding current between the electrode and the wire to weld the wire to the pad and severing the wire to leave a particular amount on the upper surface of the pad.

Abstract: A method of making printed circuit boards having gold dot contacts formed on the terminal pads is disclosed. A first layer of copper is overlayed with a pattern of tin or solder which acts as a resist. The gold dot contacts are resistance welded to the terminal pads. The copper underlayment and its pattern of tin or solder carrying the gold dots is then bonded to an electrically insulating substrate, which can be flexible, to form a composite board which is then etched to form a printed circuit board having gold dot contacts thereon. Other materials than tin or solder can be employed so long as there is a difference in etchability between it and the copper foil.