Abstract: A method of operating a data network may include establishing a data path through the data network between a routing gateway for a subscriber of the data network and a service provider providing a data service. Moreover, the data service may be provided for use at the routing gateway over the data path during a data session. A request may be received from the service provider wherein the request defines a data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during the data session. The data flow characteristic may then be transmitted to a node along the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider for enforcement of the data flow characteristic for the data path at the node. More particularly, the data session may be a point-to-point protocol data session. Related methods, data networks, data service providers, routing gateways, and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: A system for managing at least one parameter associated with a first component (e.g. a process, a device, an application program etc.). The at least one parameter comprises at least three values corresponding to a minimum value and a maximum value together representing a range and a variable value. The system further comprises a data structure having data associated with the at least one parameter, means for accessing the data structure, means for monitoring the variable value, and means, responsive to the variable value lying within the range, for managing the at least one parameter.

Abstract: A photosensor control unit for use in a lighting module has a plurality of LEDs, a light sensor, and a switch adapted to operably control the plurality of LEDs responsive to the light sensor. The plurality of LEDs are adapted to be mounted in the lighting module, and are configured to produce light having wavelengths within a first range of wavelengths. The light sensor is adapted to be mounted in the lighting module adjacent the plurality of LEDs, and is responsive to light having wavelengths within a second range of wavelengths. The second range of wavelengths is exclusive of the first range of wavelengths. The switch is adapted to operably control the plurality of LEDs responsive to the light sensor such that the plurality of LEDs emit light having wavelengths within the first range of wavelengths responsive to the presence or absence of light within the second range of wavelengths.

Abstract: A disclosed substrate includes an electrically insulating circuit board, a pair of electrical lead pads adapted for mounting a light-emitting diode (LED) on a first surface, and a heat dissipating structure on the first surface. The heat dissipating structure includes an LED thermal pad adapted to abut the LED when mounted on the electrical lead pads, and a heat dissipation region extending from, and thermally coupled to, the LED thermal pad. The substrate also includes a thermally conductive plating on a second surface of the substrate opposite the heat dissipation region. A described lighting assembly includes the substrate, multiple LEDs connected to the electrical lead pads of the substrate, and multiple traces of the substrate connect the LEDs in a series circuit electrically isolated from the heat dissipating structures.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing microchips are provided. A plurality of alternating metallic wiring-layers and non-metallic layers, terminating with a metallic wiring-layer, are formed on a wafer. A plurality of vias is formed for electrically interconnecting various metallic wiring-layers. A plurality of electrically conducting pads is formed adjacent various vias. A passivation layer is formed adjacent the terminal metallic wiring-layer and the plurality of conducting pads. A portion of the passivation layer is removed to expose the plurality of conducting pads. A layer is formed adjacent the passivation layer and the plurality of exposed conducting pads for protecting the microchip against electromagnetic radiation. A portion of the protective layer is removed to expose the plurality of conducting pads. Each conducting pad is electrically isolated from the protective layer. An electrically conducting bump is formed on each conducting pad.

Abstract: A microchip having a passivation layer on an electrically active surface; a multitude of electrically conducting protuberances for electrically coupling the active surface to a substrate; a layer on the passivation layer for protecting against electromagnetic radiation; and a layer on an electrically inactive surface of the microchip for protecting against electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing microchips are provided. A plurality of alternating metallic wiring-layers and non-metallic layers, terminating with a metallic wiring-layer, are formed on a wafer. A plurality of vias is formed for electrically interconnecting various metallic wiring-layers. A plurality of electrically conducting pads is formed adjacent various vias. A passivation layer is formed adjacent the terminal metallic wiring-layer and the plurality of conducting pads. A portion of the passivation layer is removed to expose the plurality of conducting pads. A layer is formed adjacent the passivation layer and the plurality of exposed conducting pads for protecting the microchip against electromagnetic radiation. A portion of the protective layer is removed to expose the plurality of conducting pads. Each conducting pad is electrically isolated from the protective layer. An electrically conducting bump is formed on each conducting pad.

Abstract: A microchip having a passivation layer on an electrically active surface; a multitude of electrically conducting protuberances for electrically coupling the active surface to a substrate; a layer on the passivation layer for protecting against electromagnetic radiation; and a layer on an electrically inactive surface of the microchip for protecting against electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A session processing module for a server is adapted to communicate across the Internet with a plurality of clients. The processing module runs within a servlet and allocates a session identifier in response to a first input stream of a session between a client and the server; negotiates communication characteristics for the session; and instantiates, according to the communication characteristics, routines for processing subsequent session input streams containing request data and routines for generating session output streams containing response data. A variable depth of penetration to be applied to a dynamically specified quality of service for a session is enabled. Thus, in one embodiment the module relays encrypted request data for a session to a back-end server, and receives from the back-end server encrypted response data for the session for the client.

Abstract: A wire harness handling and storage system particularly suitable for use in connection with automated harness making machines includes a harness unloading mechanism that unloads a completed wire harness from the harness-making machine and a storage cart that receives a plurality of completed wire harnesses in a plurality of storage racks maintained at different elevations on the storage cart. The handling and storage system is adaptable to handle both short wire harnesses about 6 inches in length) to longer wire harnesses (about 10 feet in length) without tangling or damage to connectors applied to the wires of the wire harnesses. For unloading and placing the longer wire harnesses, a gripping mechanism is provided that picks up the wire harnesses and places on the storage cart in a controlled movement. The unloading and gripping mechanisms are linked with a controller knows the length of the storage areas of the cart for proper, high-density loading thereof.

Abstract: The image correlation method and apparatus correlates or matches a test image with a template. The image correlation apparatus includes an image processor for partitioning the template into a number of labels, for determining the total number of pixels N.sub.T which form the template and for determining the number of pixels N.sub.i which form each of the labels i. The image correlation apparatus also includes comparison means for comparing the test image to the template. The comparison means determines, for each predetermined gray level j, the number of pixels of the test image N.sub.j,i representative of a predetermined gray level j which correspond to a predetermined label i of the template. The comparison means also determines, for each predetermined gray level j, the number of pixels of the test image N.sub.j representative of a predetermined gray level j which correspond to the template.

Abstract: The image correlation method and apparatus correlates or matches a test image with a template. The image correlation apparatus includes an image processor for partitioning the template into a number of labels, for determining the total number of pixels N.sub.T which form the template and for determining the number of pixels N.sub.i which form each of the labels i. The image correlation apparatus also includes comparison means for comparing the test image to the template. The comparison means determines, for each predetermined gray level j, the number of pixels of the test image N.sub.j,i representative of a predetermined gray level j which correspond to a predetermined label i of the template. The comparison means also determines, for each predetermined gray level j, the number of pixels of the test image N.sub.j representative of a predetermined gray level j which correspond to the template.

Abstract: The image correlation method and apparatus correlates or matches a test image with a template. The image correlation apparatus includes an image processor for partitioning the template into a number of labels, for determining the total number of pixels N.sub.T which form the template and for determining the number of pixels N.sub.i which form each of the labels i. The image correlation apparatus also includes comparison means for comparing the test image to the template. The comparison means determines, for each predetermined gray level j, the number of pixels of the test image N.sub.j,i representative of a predetermined gray level j which correspond to a predetermined label i of the template. The comparison means also determines, for each predetermined gray level j, the number of pixels of the test image N.sub.j representative of a predetermined gray level j which correspond to the template.

Abstract: A steerable catheter includes control handle having a generally tubular housing with a longitudinal slot therein in which an axially or longitudinally movable two-part slideblock resides, and a generally cylindrical, rotatably mounted thumbwheel surrounding a distal portion of the tubular housing, for controlling the axial translation of the slideblock. The pullwire passes into the distal end of the control handle and is only secured to the proximal part of the two-part slideblock so as to prevent the user from placing the pullwire under compression. A tip radius adjusting wire is attached to and extends distally from a slide actuator in the control handle into and through the main catheter shaft portion. The free distal end of the tip radius adjusting wire is selectably locatable at different positions. The radius of curvature of the tip portion, when deflected, depends upon how far distally into the deflectable tip portion the radius adjusting wire has been advanced by the user.

Abstract: The image correlation method and apparatus correlates or matches a test image with a template. The image correlation apparatus includes an image processor for partitioning the template into a number of labels, for determining the total number of pixels N.sub.T which form the template and for determining the number of pixels N.sub.i which form each of the labels i. The image correlation apparatus also includes comparison means for comparing the test image to the template. The comparison means determines, for each predetermined gray level j, the number of pixels of the test image N.sub.j,i representative of a predetermined gray level j which correspond to a predetermined label i of the template. The comparison means also determines, for each predetermined gray level j, the number of pixels of the test image N.sub.j representative of a predetermined gray level j which correspond to the template.

Abstract: A method for determining installed electronic devices on a truck and for providing a centralized reset to clear faults in the installed electronics. An instrumentation control unit in the cab of a truck determines installed electronics by requesting electronics on a shared data link to transmit data on the data link. The control unit identifies the installed devices from the transmitted data. Data describing the installed devices including manufacturer, model, and installed software can be obtained and displayed for diagnostic purposes. The instrumentation control unit provides a centralized reset for resetting the electronic devices on the data link.

Abstract: The image correlation method and apparatus correlates or matches a test image with a template. The image correlation apparatus includes an image processor for partitioning the template into a number of labels, for determining the total number of pixels N.sub.T which form the template and for determining the number of pixels N.sub.i which form each of the labels i. The image correlation apparatus also includes comparator for comparing the test image to the template. The comparator respectively determines, for each predetermined gray level j, the number of pixels of the test image N.sub.j,i representative of a predetermined gray level j which correspond to a predetermined label i of the template. The comparator respectively also determines, for each predetermined gray level j, the number of pixels of the test image N.sub.j representative of a predetermined gray level j which correspond to the template.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically generating panel layout and wiring harness specifications for vehicles. The panel layout system receives as input a list of parts including switches, gauges, connectors, circuit breakers, etc., and automatically places these parts in a control panel (e.g. dash panel or electrical panel) within the vehicle. To place these parts automatically, the system extracts potential panel locations for each part from a database, and then attempts to place the parts in their corresponding potential panel locations. The system can also generate a wiring specification for the vehicle. Once panel locations are assigned, the system attempts to assign circuits in the wiring harness to electrical contact locations associated with panel locations.

Abstract: A machine for producing wire harnesses of the type having multiple connectors terminated to the wires of the harness, the connectors being arranged in serial order along the length of the wire harness and some of the connectors being of two-piece construction is disclosed. The machine includes a reciprocating carriage and a nest that retains a lead connector in place during termination and subsequent advancement of the harness wires. The carriage is received within a termination assembly which has different termination members for different connectors.

Abstract: A bidirectional steering catheter comprising a distal electrode assembly, a flexible tip assembly, an elongated shaft having a central lumen running the length of the shaft, and a handle/actuator. A plurality of ring electrodes are attached to the surface of the flexible tip assembly. Signal wires running the length of the catheter are electrically connected to each ring electrode. At least two pull cables having first and second ends extend distally through the central lumen. The first end of each pull cable is attached to the handle/actuator. The second end of each pull cable is attached to the distal electrode assembly, such that the distal electrode assembly may be moved between a first and a second position within a single plane by manipulating the handle/actuator. At least two reinforcement members are located inside the flexible tip assembly. Each reinforcement member has a proximal section, a middle section and a distal section.