Abstract: Provided are examples of apparatus and methods which relate to infrastructure testing, such as end-to-end reliability testing of a network deployed across one or more clouds in a cloud computing system. In an example method, a machine-executable order describing a computing network is received at a platform management device. The computing network can include a plurality of provisioned computing resources. The platform management device can be configured to manage a plurality of disparate platforms of pooled computing resources, such as disparate clouds in the cloud computing system. The computing network is deployed by executing the machine-executable order. At least one function of each provisioned computing resource in the plurality of provisioned computing resources can be tested. The testing can include transmitting one or more calls to a respective application program interface of each provisioned computing resource in the plurality of provisioned computing resources.

Abstract: Provided in an example is a cloud computing service catalog which enables a cloud computing user to prepare and implement a blueprint of service items across multiple different clouds of computing resources. An example method includes discovering a plurality of computer resources which are available from at least one of a first platform and a second platform, and receiving data describing a plurality of service items. The service items include instructions configured to control one or more tangible computing devices. A first service item in the plurality of service items corresponds to a first computer resource in the first platform. A second service item in the plurality of service items corresponds to a second computer resource in the second platform. The method also includes adding the service items to the blueprint.

Abstract: Provided are example methods and apparatus for orchestrating cloud computing resources which enable customizing cloud management software to add, via user-provided code, features and functionality which go beyond base features built into the cloud management software, without otherwise modifying the cloud computing management software. The user-provided code can include a plug-in, a script, a webhook, a callout, the like, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Provided are example methods and apparatus for orchestrating cloud computing resources which enable customizing cloud management software to add, via user-provided code, features and functionality which go beyond base features built into the cloud management software, without otherwise modifying the cloud computing management software. The user-provided code can include a plug-in, a script, a webhook, a callout, the like, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Provided are examples of apparatus and methods which relate to infrastructure testing, such as end-to-end reliability testing of a network deployed across one or more clouds in a cloud computing system. In an example method, a machine-executable order describing a computing network is received at a platform management device. The computing network can include a plurality of provisioned computing resources. The platform management device can be configured to manage a plurality of disparate platforms of pooled computing resources, such as disparate clouds in the cloud computing system. The computing network is deployed by executing the machine-executable order. At least one function of each provisioned computing resource in the plurality of provisioned computing resources can be tested. The testing can include transmitting one or more calls to a respective application program interface of each provisioned computing resource in the plurality of provisioned computing resources.

Abstract: Provided in an example is a cloud computing service catalog which enables a cloud computing user to prepare and implement a blueprint of service items across multiple different clouds of computing resources. An example method includes discovering a plurality of computer resources which are available from at least one of a first platform and a second platform, and receiving data describing a plurality of service items. The service items include instructions configured to control one or more tangible computing devices. A first service item in the plurality of service items corresponds to a first computer resource in the first platform. A second service item in the plurality of service items corresponds to a second computer resource in the second platform. The method also includes adding the service items to the blueprint.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and systems are provided for managing a target computing device. One method for managing the target computing device includes loading a service operating system into non-persistent memory of the target computing device having a persistent memory that is initially devoid of a functional operating system. The service operating system includes an embedded global shell agent. The global shell agent is executed thereby configuring the target computing device for remote management within an interactive command shell function before loading an operating system into persistent memory of the target computing device. The global shell agent is operable to examine and modify filesystems on the target computing device.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and systems are provided for managing a target computing device. One method for managing the target computing device includes loading a service operating system into non-persistent memory of the target computing device having a persistent memory that is initially devoid of a functional operating system. The service operating system includes an embedded global shell agent. The global shell agent is executed thereby configuring the target computing device for remote management within an interactive command shell function before loading an operating system into persistent memory of the target computing device. The global shell agent is operable to examine and modify filesystems on the target computing device.

Abstract: A method and several embodiments of an apparatus for increasing reliability in IEC devices through ionization of a gas while imparting a non-radial momentum thereupon. Said non-radial momentum producing collisions between ionized particles and free neutrons generated from a point of nuclear fusion. Collisions are reduced between neutrons and apparatuses effecting temperatures in the vicinity of said point of nuclear fusion. An electrical switching apparatus externally mounted to a cathode that encompasses an anode with an accelerator cage being disposed in-between. Said accelerator cage being electrically connected to said electrical switching apparatus.

Abstract: A component in the form of a substrate (10) comprises spacing means (14) extending in a direction outwardly from a surface (11) of the substrate (10) which spaces the surface (11) and any substance (13), such as an adhesive, carried thereon from any other surface when located adjacent the component. The spacing means (14) has a nonadhesive contactable surface and is non-deformable in normal use of the component so as to inhibit contact between the said surface (11), or any substance (13) carried thereon, and the said other surface.

Abstract: A container (10) of flexible material comprises a wall (16) having a row of serrations (18) therein extending diagonally of a corner thereof and an internal sheet (19) which is adhesively secured to an inner surface of the wall (16) by peelable pressure sensitive adhesive (20) and by upper and lower seals (13,14) to provide the container (10) with a tamper evident airtight closure.

Abstract: A container of synthetic plastics film material is provided with a re-sealable closure in the form of a re-usable adhesive tape which bridges an opening so as to form an airtight closure. The container is opened by peeling the tape from a surface with which the tape is in contact and the container is re-closed by reapplying the tape to the surface.

Abstract: A hairdresser's masking sheet is provided having flexible substrate and securing material carried thereby for effecting rapid and accurate initial attachment to strands of a head of hair and for effecting rapid removal therefrom after treatment.

Abstract: A device for uniting components, for example opposite facing panels of a bag adjacent an opening of the bag, one to another having an opening in one of the components, a pressure sensitive contact adhesive member in adhesive contact with the component so as to bridge the opening and spacer member for spacing the components one from another. The components are united one with another by deforming the adhesive member or the opposite facing component into the opening so that the adhesive contacts an opposite facing surface of the opposite facing component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plant growing unit which is generally flexible and comprises upper and lower compartments formed of flexible polyethylene or other plastics materials. The flexible upper compartment constitutes a plant root-ball container open for upward growth of a plant when placed in the container, while the flexible lower compartment constitutes a reservoir for water optionally containing added fertilizer nutrients or other dissolved materials. Level restricting means, such as at least one aperture in the walls of the lower compartment, is provided for establishing a maximum level of water in the reservoir which in use of the unit results in an air space between the water level and the root-ball of a plant when in the container. The unit also has one or more openings between the upper and lower compartments allowing root growth from the container to the reservoir.