Abstract: A system may provision a smart device to allow the smart device to communicate using a network and use at least one service of a management platform. A device identifier of the smart device may be stored in a data store accessible to the management platform. The smart device may send a message to the management platform that includes the device identifier, and in some implementations other information such as location information. The management platform may determine that the smart device has been provisioned, for example based on the device identifier or other information, and provide a service to the smart device from the management platform.

Abstract: A system may provision a smart device to allow the smart device to communicate using a network and use at least one service of a management platform. A device identifier of the smart device may be stored in a data store accessible to the management platform. The smart device may send a message to the management platform that includes the device identifier, and in some implementations other information such as location information. The management platform may determine that the smart device has been provisioned, for example based on the device identifier or other information, and provide a service to the smart device from the management platform.

Abstract: An example method described herein includes receiving an image stream of a non-demarcated parking zone; identifying dimensions of the non-demarcated parking zone; determining an overall area of the non-demarcated parking zone based on the dimensions of the non-demarcated parking zone; calculating a capacity of the non-demarcated parking zone based on the dimensions of the overall area and predetermined vehicle dimensions; determining a number of vehicles parked in the non-demarcated parking zone based on the image stream and an object detection model, wherein the object detection model is configured to detect vehicles in the image stream that are parked in the non-demarcated parking zone; determining a parking availability of the non-demarcated parking zone based on the number of vehicles parked in the non-demarcated parking zone and the capacity; and performing an action associated with the parking availability.

Abstract: An example method described herein includes receiving an image stream of a non-demarcated parking zone; identifying dimensions of the non-demarcated parking zone; determining an overall area of the non-demarcated parking zone based on the dimensions of the non-demarcated parking zone; calculating a capacity of the non-demarcated parking zone based on the dimensions of the overall area and predetermined vehicle dimensions; determining a number of vehicles parked in the non-demarcated parking zone based on the image stream and an object detection model, wherein the object detection model is configured to detect vehicles in the image stream that are parked in the non-demarcated parking zone; determining a parking availability of the non-demarcated parking zone based on the number of vehicles parked in the non-demarcated parking zone and the capacity; and performing an action associated with the parking availability.

Abstract: An example method described herein includes receiving an image stream of a non-demarcated parking zone; identifying dimensions of the non-demarcated parking zone; determining an overall area of the non-demarcated parking zone based on the dimensions of the non-demarcated parking zone; calculating a capacity of the non-demarcated parking zone based on the dimensions of the overall area and predetermined vehicle dimensions; determining a number of vehicles parked in the non-demarcated parking zone based on the image stream and an object detection model, wherein the object detection model is configured to detect vehicles in the image stream that are parked in the non-demarcated parking zone; determining a parking availability of the non-demarcated parking zone based on the number of vehicles parked in the non-demarcated parking zone and the capacity; and performing an action associated with the parking availability.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, computer programs, and non-transitory computer readable storage mediums for repairing an aerofoil of a gas turbine engine A method of repairing an aerofoil of a gas turbine engine, the method comprising: controlling machining of at least one of: a first aerofoil and a second aerofoil; the machining causing an increase in a throat area defined by the first aerofoil, the second aerofoil, a first platform and a second platform, the first aerofoil and the second aerofoil being arranged to couple to the first platform and to the second platform; and controlling provision of a coating to at least one of the first platform and the second platform subsequent to controlling machining to reduce the throat area.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the cyclic regeneration of a water softening system having a plurality of parallel water treatment units, N, each containing a water softening treatment bed which requires periodic regeneration. The method entails first calculating a volume of water to be treated per cycle, V.sub.s, by dividing the capacity of the smallest capacity treatment unit by N. Water is then treated with all the treatment units until V.sub.s water has been treated by any of said units. Once V.sub.s water has been treated by any of the units, an arbitrarily selected first unit is subjected to regeneration while water is treated with all the remaining units. The process is continued by sequentially selecting the next remaining treatment unit for regeneration once another V.sub.s volume of water has been treated by any of the units.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel helix drive for use with a valve assembly of a water softener. The helix drive comprises a stationary drive axle bearing a longitudinally slotted sleeve; a piston having an apertured end and being disposed within said drive axle sleeve; a transverse pin, having ends fitted with guide shoes, disposed through said piston aperture and located within said axle slot; and a drive gear having a pair of helix paths within said pin guide shoes are disposed. Rotation of said drive gear results in reciprocating longitudinal movement of the pin within the axle slot and, thus, the piston.

Abstract: In its broadest aspects, a method for the cyclic regeneration of a water softening system disclosed. The water softening system comprises an exchange medium in a tank which is in fluid communication with a brine storage tank. This method comprises the steps of filling the brine storage tank with refill No. 2 of softened water in a quantity sufficient to create sufficient brine for said exchange medium, said brine storage tank already containing refill No. 1 of softened water from a later step of the method. The exchange medium is subjected to backwashing No. 1 with water flowing counter the direction of water flowing therethrough during water softening operations. Next, brine from the brine storage tank is passed through the exchange medium. Water then is passed through the brine exchange tank. The exchange medium thereafter is subjected to backwashing No. 2 with water flowing counter to the direction of water flowing therethrough during the water softening operation.

Abstract: In its broadest aspects, a method for the cyclic regeneration of a water softening system is disclosed. The water softening system comprises an exchange medium in a tank which is in fluid communication with a brine storage tank. This method comprises the steps of filling the brine storage tank with a second refill of softened water in a quantity sufficient to create sufficient brine for said exchange medium, said brine storage tank already containing a second refill of softened water from a later step of the method. The exchange medium is subjected to first backwashing with water flowing counter the direction of water flowing therethrough during water softening operations. Next, brine from the brine storage tank is passed through the exchange medium. Water then is passed through the brine exchange tank. The exchange medium thereafter is subjected to second backwashing with water flowing counter to the direction of water flowing therethrough during the water softening operation.