Abstract: Embodiments provision captive portals on network access points (NAPs). In response to a request from a NAP owner, a cloud service associates a NAP with the NAP owner and provides a control channel for configuring the NAP. The NAP owner inputs configuration settings describing the captive portal. The cloud service processes the configuration settings to generate configuration data. The cloud service transmits the configuration data to the NAP. The NAP applies the configuration data to configure the NAP. Some embodiments configure Wi-Fi hotspots with captive portals for gated access to the Internet.

Abstract: Embodiments generate and provide connection quality data for networks based on past performance of those networks. Network experience data and corresponding device context are received from a first set of mobile devices. The received data is processed to generate the connection quality data, which is distributed to a second set of mobile devices for use in selecting a network and establishing a connection. Feedback describing performance of the selected network is received and applied to adjust the previously generated connection quality data. In some embodiments, the connection quality data represents voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) call quality.

Abstract: Embodiments personalize a set of network access points (NAPs) acting as captive portals for each user and/or user device. A cloud service, or the user device, accesses context describing the user device. The context identifies at least one NAP, and may include accounting data. One of the NAP is selected for connection based on the context, and an instruction set associated with the selected NAP is provided for replay by the user device to connect through the NAP. In some embodiments, instructions within the instruction set are also personalized to the user and/or user device based on the context.

Abstract: Embodiments apply a set of sequenced instructions to connect to a network through a captive portal. A computing device detects a network access point and obtains the instruction set corresponding to the network access point. The instruction set is derived by a cloud service from crowdsourced data describing interactions between mobile computing devices and the network access point. Applying the instruction set includes performing actions such as navigating web pages to accept terms and conditions, provide user or device information, and more.

Abstract: Embodiments recommend network coverage for a user based on a connection history of the user and connection quality data for networks. The connection history describes connection of the user over time via at least one mobile computing device to one or more networks. Connection quality data describing performance of the networks is obtained. Based on the connection history and the connection quality data, recommended network coverage for the user is defined. In some embodiments, a customized out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) for wireless services is provided for the user.

Abstract: An internal-combustion engine lubricating oil composition has a P content of not greater than 0.09 mass %; a S content of not greater than 0.3 mass %; and a sulphated ash content of not greater than 1 mass %. It contains the following additives: as sole ashless, nitrogen-containing dispersant, and providing from 0.03 to 0.07 mass % of nitrogen in the lubricating oil composition, at least one ashless, nitrogen-containing derivative of a polyalkenyl-substituted mono- or dicarboxylic acid, anhydride or ester, the polyalkenyl-substituted mono- or dicarboxylic acid, anhydride or ester being made from a polyalkene exclusively by the thermal “ene” reaction; as sole overbased metal detergent, at least one overbased alkaline earth metal sulfonate; and at least one viscosity modifier.

Abstract: An improved mechanical face seal is provided which includes a pair of relatively rotatable seal rings having opposing seal faces. At least one of the seal faces includes a reverse trapezoidal face pattern having a sine wave depth profile wherein individual face features are circumferentially spaced over the seal face. The reverse trapezoidal face pattern serves to generate a hydrodynamic lift which provides a stable separation of the seal faces that permits formation of a fluid film between the seal faces. The individual trapezoidal grooves have a sinusoidal or similarly shaped depth profile wherein the trapezoid shape is arranged with the narrower edge communicating with the high pressure side of the seal, and the wider edge forms a circumferential dam region towards the low pressure side of the seal.

Abstract: A telescopic position adjustment mechanism allows for a telescoping element to be indexed by fixed increments toward a more telescopically collapsed position, relative to its base. The telescopic position adjustment mechanism uses a stepping reservoir that can, in a stepping configuration, selectively receive a predetermined volume of fluid from a support reservoir that supports the telescoping element against the base, enabling the telescoping element to collapse toward the base by a distance corresponding to the predetermined volume of fluid. In a locking configuration, the volume of fluid in the support reservoir is constant and the telescopic position is fixed, and in a free movement configuration fluid can flow freely between the support reservoir and a sink reservoir to permit free telescopic movement. A rotation resistance mechanism uses a locking key that is biased into engagement with a locking channel to inhibit rotation of the telescoping element relative to the base.

Abstract: Embodiments select networks for connection based on application-specific quality scores. A request is received from an application for a network connection. Connection quality data for nearby networks is accessed. The connection quality data is derived from crowdsourced data. The connection quality data is adjusted based on a device context to produce an application-specific quality score for each of the networks. One or more of the networks are selected for connection based on the application-specific quality scores. In some embodiments, a single network connection endpoint is provided to the application to abstract connection management details from the application.

Abstract: A method for testing the reliability of complex systems, and includes the evaluation and optimisation of the availability of such systems.

Abstract: A priority based scheduling system for a server prioritizes multiple tasks that are defined using various constraints, which may include relationships defined between different tasks, performance parameters for each task, and completion constraints. The system may track actual performance of a task and update the performance parameters over time. Some embodiments may include a status monitoring agent that may detect that a monitored network parameter has changed that may cause a scheduled task to be raised or lowered in priority. The system may be used to schedule and execute one time tasks as well as recurring tasks, and may execute those tasks during a rigid or flexible periodic time window. Many of the tasks may be pausable and resumable, and such tasks may be performed in increments over successive time windows.

Abstract: A KHP system turbine for the production of energy in an underwater environment including a yaw stop arrangement for use in flowing steams where the flow direction of water therein is changeable, including bi-directional and multi-directional current flows, so that a rotatably mounted turbine remains in an optimal position within such changing flow conditions. The KHP turbine includes a rotational portion and one or two passive yaw stop assemblies that will control turbine yaw and keep the turbine oriented to capture energy from changeable underwater current flows.

Abstract: A network recycle bin is used to store deleted files in a managed directory that is available across a network connection. Files stored in a shared directory or other network-accessible file storage system are moved to the managed directory upon deletion. Because the managed folder is part of the network-accessible file system, any permissions, authorizations, or settings for files may be unaltered after movement into the managed folder. In some embodiments, a local recycle bin may be merged with a network recycle bin from a user experience.

Abstract: An underwater power generating system includes an underwater power generating device, a closed nacelle and a connecting cable system that is provided with an open passage way extending there along that is sealed at one end to the interior of the closed nacelle. The cable system can be used in a number of ways, such as by having the second end being sealed, to prevent air from escaping the closed nacelle, or by having the second end connected to a source of positive pressure thereby permitting the cable to be sufficiently pressurized to provide a positive pressure internally within the closed nacelle that is at least slightly greater than the nacelle at depth pressure, and thus greater than water pressure acting on the exterior of the closed nacelle, to prevent water ingress within the nacelle, as well as to transmit power and/or other data between the nacelle and shore monitoring and control facilities.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting underwater turbines that includes a mechanism for correcting tilt error, including both the amount and direction of error, associated with the installation of underwater turbines onto anchoring or mounting structures so that the yaw axis of the mounted turbines will be as close as possible to a desired angle, preferably vertical.

Abstract: In a power generating system the remanent voltage of an induction machine is measured. The frequency of the remanent voltage is compared to a predetermined threshold. When the frequency of the remanent voltage is greater than the predetermined threshold the induction machine is connected to the power grid. Induction machine is disconnected from power grid once generated power drops below a predetermined threshold. Once the induction machine is disconnected, it is prevented from being reconnected to the power grid until a predetermined time period elapses.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel anti-bacterial compounds of the formula (I). These compounds are, amongst others, of interest as inhibitors of DNA gyrase and topoisomerases, for example of topoisomerase II and IV.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a componentized remote user interface are disclosed. Such user interfaces are particularly suitable for use in remote configuration of a device, such as a headless device, that is in network communication with a computer. The user interface may be a web page rendered from an HTML file that defines the web page and a separate file that includes script for associating a value with a variable parameter. The HTML file may include a reference to the variable parameter and incorporate the other file therein by reference. When the web page is rendered, the device parses the HTML file to identify the file incorporated therein by reference and substitutes the parameter value provided in the file for the variable included in the HTML file. Thus, the rendered web page may include the actual value of the parameter, and the HTML file need not have the actual value hard-coded therein.

Abstract: A priority based scheduling system for a server prioritizes multiple tasks that are defined using various constraints, which may include relationships defined between different tasks, performance parameters for each task, and completion constraints. The system may track actual performance of a task and update the performance parameters over time. Some embodiments may include a status monitoring agent that may detect that a monitored network parameter has changed that may cause a scheduled task to be raised or lowered in priority. The system may be used to schedule and execute one time tasks as well as recurring tasks, and may execute those tasks during a rigid or flexible periodic time window. Many of the tasks may be pausable and resumable, and such tasks may be performed in increments over successive time windows.

Abstract: A KHP system turbine for the production of energy in an underwater environment including a yaw stop arrangement for use in flowing steams where the flow direction of water therein is changeable, including bi-directional and multi-directional current flows, so that a rotatably mounted turbine remains in an optimal position within such changing flow conditions. The KHP turbine includes a rotational portion and one or two passive yaw stop assemblies that will control turbine yaw and keep the turbine oriented to capture energy from changeable underwater current flows.