Abstract: A patterned thin-film layer (100) includes a substrate (102), a plurality of banks (104) formed on the substrate and a plurality of thin-film layers (106). The plurality of banks define a plurality of spaces therein, and the spaces are arranged in rows and columns. The plurality of patterned thin-film layers formed in the plurality of spaces in a manner such that the patterned thin-film layers made of a same material in each row have an irregular thickness distribution. A method for manufacturing a patterned thin-film layer is also provided.

Abstract: An expansion device for storage units is applicable to a data processing system such as a blade server, to allow the number of storage units connected with the expansion device to be adjusted or increased according to user requirements. The expansion device is provided with a first interface connected with the data processing system, and with at least one second interface connected with at least one storage unit. The expansion device further includes a transmitting unit and a switching module for allowing the expansion device to be connected with storage units using different transmitting standards.

Abstract: An expansion device for storage units is applicable to a data processing system such as a blade server, to allow the number of storage units connected with the expansion device to be adjusted or increased according to user requirements. The expansion device is provided with a first interface connected with the data processing system, and with at least one second interface connected with at least one storage unit. The expansion device further includes a transmitting unit and a switching module for allowing the expansion device to be connected with storage units using different transmitting standards.

Abstract: A method and apparatus controls network bandwidth between a first node and a second node on a network. A data element transmitted from the first node to the second node is intercepted. The data element comprises a data portion and a header portion including an original window size. The original window size in the header portion of the data element is replaced with a replacement window size, the data portion of the data element remaining unmodified. The data element is then routed to the second node, the header portion of the data element being coupled to the replacement window size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus controls network bandwidth between a first node and a second node on a network. A data element transmitted from the first node to the second node is intercepted. The data element comprises a data portion and a header portion including an original window size. The original window size in the header portion of the data element is replaced with a replacement window size, the data portion of the data element remaining unmodified. The data element is then routed to the second node, the header portion of the data element being coupled to the replacement window size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus controls network bandwidth between a first node and a second node on a network. A data element transmitted from the first node to the second node is intercepted. The data element comprises a data portion and a header portion including an original window size. The original window size in the header portion of the data element is replaced with a replacement window size, the data portion of the data element remaining unmodified. The data element is then routed to the second node, the header portion of the data element being coupled to the replacement window size.

Abstract: A desktop printing system for use with microprocessor-based computers includes the modular combination of a color printer and a monochrome text printer. Preferably, the color printer is of the type which prints color graphics incrementally and the text printer is of the type which prints monochrome text continuously. In operation, printing information is segregated into color and text components, and the color printer is controlled to print only color components while the text printer is controlled to print only monochrome text components.