Abstract: A mechanism that enables flexible expansion of proxy firewall services is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, the firewall system can be configured to include a dispatch host computer and one or more load host computers. Proxy firewall services can be provided by proxy applications that reside on either the dispatch host computer and/or the load host computers. In one embodiment, a load host computer can be configured to support multiple proxy applications. In other embodiments, a load host computer can be dedicated to a single resource intensive application. In this framework, a network administrator can flexibly decide how to accommodate the demand for proxy firewall services. Load hosts can be added or removed from the firewall system without disrupting ongoing security services. In one embodiment, this feature is enabled through the inclusion of a configuration file on the dispatch host computer that stores information relating to the load host computers in the firewall system.

Abstract: The two legs of a headlamp filament are welded to a headlamp filament shield to form a subassembly intermediate in the manufacturing process. The rigid nature of the filament/shield subassembly thereupon allows handling during assembly without displacing the filament from its precise location with respect to the shield as required by modern automotive headlamps. The filament/shield subassembly is welded to support pins in its final location in the lamp. A portion of the filament shield, orginally providing an electrical short circuit across the filament is trimmed away after welding to the support pins to make the lamp operational.