Abstract: Traffic is admitted to a network that facilitates differentiated end-to-end data transport between a Network Service Provider (NSP) and/or an Application Service Provider (ASP) and a customer Premises Network (CPN) that includes Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) by establishing communication between a node in the network and the NSP and/or the ASP and between the node in the network and the CPN using a resource reservation protocol (RSVP) to request resources for a flow between the NSP and/or the ASP and the CPN. A determination is made at the node in the RAN whether to grant or deny access to the RAN to the flow based on the network element resources available in the RAN and/or a policy associated with the NSP, ASP, and/or CPN.

Abstract: Traffic is admitted to a network that facilitates differentiated end-to-end data transport between a Network Service Provider (NSP) and/or an Application Service Provider (ASP) and a customer Premises Network (CPN) that includes Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) by obtaining from a user of the network policy information associated with services accessed through the network. Communication is established between a node in the network and the NSP and/or the ASP and between the node in the network and the CPN using a resource reservation protocol (RSVP) to request resources for a flow having one of the services associated therewith between the NSP and/or the ASP and the CPN. A determination is made at the node in the network whether to grant or deny access to the RAN to the flow based on the policy associated with the one of the services.

Abstract: A multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) packet is processed by modifying the packet so as to push or pop a plurality of MPLS shim headers at a network node. An MPLS network is operated by pushing a plurality of MPLS shim headers onto a packet at network node. The packet is replicated to obtain a plurality of packets for transmission on a plurality of paths associated with a plurality of nodes, respectively. At least one MPLS shim header is popped from respective ones of the plurality of packets. The one or more MPLS shim headers that are popped correspond to at least one of the plurality of nodes that is not associated with one of the plurality of paths for which one of the plurality of packets comprising the one or more MPLS shim headers is destined for transmission. The plurality of packets is-then transmitted on the plurality of paths, respectively.

Abstract: A multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) packet stream is processed by establishing a packet communication context between a first node and a second node in an MPLS network. The context is an uncompressed version of an MPLS shim header. The MPLS shim header in each of the packets is compressed at the first node and the packets with the compressed MPLS shim headers are transmitted to the second node. The MPLS shim headers are decompressed at the second node using the context.

Abstract: A network is operated by receiving traffic associated with a first service on a first pseudo wire at a network node. The traffic is encapsulated with one or more layers associated with the first pseudo wire. One or more layers associated with the first pseudo wire are removed from the traffic. The traffic is encapsulated with one or more layers associated with a second pseudo wire so that the traffic is associated with a second service. The traffic, which is associated with the second service, is transmitted on the second pseudo wire.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides, and methods of forming and using said compositions, for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides. The sustained release compositions of this invention comprise a biocompatible polymer having dispersed therein, a biologically active polypeptide and a sugar.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing microparticles using in-line solvent extraction. An emulsion is formed by combining two phases in a static mixer. The emulsion is combined with an extraction liquid in a blending static mixer. The outflow of the blending static mixer is combined with additional extraction liquid. The additional extraction liquid and the outflow of the blending static mixer can be combined in a vessel, or through the use of a static mixer manifold that includes a plurality of static mixers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optically interrogating a particle comprising obtaining a plurality of optical interrogations from a plurality of orientations relative the particle. In one aspect, the particle is tumbled relative to optical interrogation direction and reflected or transmitted energy is collected and added into a single spectrum that represents a complete spectral composition of the sample.

Abstract: An MRI system includes an array of series resonant transmit elements 6 and 65 including individual control of RF current in all elements 106, 108, 110, 114, 116, 118, 120. The array 6 and 65 adjusts scan homogeneity during a scan or prescan phase by adjusting amplitude and phase. The array 6 and 65 also selectively excites areas of interest, thus avoiding major power dissipation and avoiding heating in the patient.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for enforcing a rate limit for data traffic. One method identifies a unidirectional stream of data packets flowing though a server to a downstream end user. The unidirectional stream is classified according to a rate class, with each rate class having an associated rate limit. Each rate limit specifies a maximum bit rate at which the unidirectional stream may flow. When the actual bit rate of the unidirectional stream exceeds the maximum bit rate permitted for the associated rate class, packets of data are discarded to reduce the bit rate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing microparticles. An emulsion is formed by combining two phases in a static mixing assembly. The static mixing assembly preferably includes a preblending static mixer and a manifold. The emulsion flows out of the static mixing assembly into a quench liquid whereby droplets of the emulsion form microparticles. The residence time of the emulsion in the static mixing assembly is controlled to obtain a predetermined particle size distribution of the resulting microparticles.

Abstract: A multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) network is operated by establishing a label switched path (LSP) that connects a first provider edge (PE) label switched router (LSR) a second PE LSR, and a customer edge (CE) LSR. The packet traffic that is associated with a plurality of different layer two technologies is encapsulated with an MPLS label. The encapsulated traffic is securely routed from the first PE LSR through the second PE LSR to the CE LSR using the LSP.

Abstract: A skateboard includes a board having a tip portion and a tail portion. A substantially U-shaped first aperture is formed in the tip portion, with an open end of the first aperture opening toward a central portion of the board. A substantially U-shaped second aperture is formed in the tail portion, with an open end of the second aperture opening toward a central portion of the board.

Abstract: A packet switched communications network that includes nodes that are interconnected by links, is dimensioned to accommodate committed bandwidths for ports that are connected to packet switched communications network. Bandwidth of a given link that includes first and second ends is provided, based on a link dimensioning rule that is a function of committed bandwidths from ports that are connected to the first end of the given link and ports that are connected to the second end of the given link. The packet switched communications network provider agrees to provide communications service for a customer through the packet switched communications network at a first committed bandwidth. At least some of the links are dimensioned to accommodate the first committed bandwidth.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide an asymmetric Ethernet service. An Ethernet network transports Ethernet frames over an asymmetric connection to a point of service for a subscriber located remotely from the Ethernet network, and the Ethernet connection is asymmetric in that the effective data transfer rates for uploading and downloading of data over the Ethernet connection are different. The subscriber may then have Ethernet capable network devices such as routers and computers linked to the point of service so that data transfer between the network devices of the subscriber and the Ethernet network occurs over the asymmetric Ethernet connection. The Ethernet network allows for communication between the network devices of the subscriber and any desired Ethernet network resources, such as network resources located on the Ethernet network or resources of downstream networks such as the global Internet that are available through the Ethernet network.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide network access service for a subscriber by utilizing multiple asymmetric DSL modems per service point such that the available bandwidth is the aggregation of the multiple asymmetric DSL modems. One asymmetric DSL modem of a service point has a faster upload speed than download speed while another asymmetric DSL modem of the service point has a faster download speed than upload speed. The two asymmetric DSL modems are aggregated together at the service endpoint so that the service endpoint benefits from the upload and download bandwidth available from both asymmetric DSL modems. The two asymmetric DSL modems at one service point communicate with two asymmetric DSL modems aggregated at another service point to complete the exchange of data.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide for the aggregation of Ethernet communications. An Ethernet switch communicates with a network device such as a router or a computer over an Ethernet connection and also communicates with two communications devices such as DSL and/or cable modems over Ethernet connections. Thus, the upload and download speeds available for transporting communications to and from the network device result from the upload and download speeds of the two communications devices in aggregate, as opposed to the upload and download speeds of a single communications device. The two communications devices may communicate with two more communications devices such as those of a service provider network that also have Ethernet connections aggregated at an Ethernet switch to provide access to an Ethernet network for a subscriber. Additionally, the Ethernet switching and communications devices may be incorporated into a single Ethernet aggregation device.

Abstract: A Regional/Access Network (RAN) receives an application flow control request from a Network Service Provider (NSP) and/or an Application Service Provider (ASP). The application flow control request includes a request to determine bandwidth and/or QoS associated with a subscriber ID. The bandwidth and/or QoS associated with the subscriber ID is determined, and is sent from the RAN to the NSP and/or the ASP.

Abstract: Methods, systems and/or computer program products are provided for managing Quality of Service (QoS) and/or bandwidth allocation in a Regional/Access Network (RAN) having a broadband access server (BRAS) that facilitates differentiated end-to-end data transport between a Network Service Provider (NSP) and/or an Application Service Provider (ASP), and a Customer Premises Network (CPN) that includes a Routing Gateway (RG). In particular embodiments of the present invention, a modify QoS and/or bandwidth allocation message including updated QoS and/or bandwidth information from the NSP and/or ASP is received at the RAN. The BRAS is updated with the QoS and/or bandwidth information and the RG is also updated with the QoS and/or bandwidth information.

Abstract: A data processing system for controlling access of at least one user to stored data is provided. The system comprises means, responsive to a request from the user to access a set of the stored data, for authenticating the user. The system also comprises means, responsive to successful authentication, for decrypting an encrypted data structure associated with the user. The data structure comprises data associated with the set (e.g. location of the set). The system also comprises means, responsive to successful decryption, for accessing the set.