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 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: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to providing a user with an image navigation experience. For instance, a first image of a multidimensional space is provided with an overlay line indicating a direction in which the space extends into the first image such that a second image is connected to the first image along a direction of the overlay line. User input indicating a swipe across a portion of the display is received. When swipe occurred at least partially within an interaction zone defining an area around the overlay line at which the user can interact with the space, the swipe indicates a request to display an image different from the first image. The second image is selected and provided for display based on the swipe and a connection graph connecting the first image and the second image along the direction of the overlay line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a wind speed in a plant (1) having at least two wind turbines (2) spaced apart from one another. In order to determine the wind speed with high accuracy, it is provided according to the invention that an occurrence of a change in the local wind speed is detected for the at least two wind turbines (2), whereupon at least one time difference by which the local changes at the at least two wind turbines (2) are offset is determined, whereupon the wind speed is determined based on the time difference and a distance (3) between the wind turbines (2). In addition, the invention relates to a plant (1) having at least two wind turbines (2) spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system and method that includes receiving a user selection of a portion of a first image. In response to the user-selection, a first identifier of three-dimensional space associated with the user-selection is determined and a second image is selected based on a portion of the second image being associated with the first identifier. The second image may be provided to the user to be displayed. The present disclosure also provides for mapping a portion of a first image to an identifier of three-dimensional space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for re-terminating an end of a flexible pipe. The method comprises removing at least one original end fitting component (310, 335) from a multicomponent end fitting, secured to flexible pipe body at an end of a flexible pipe, leaving a retained portion (330, 360) of the end fitting in situ and subsequently securing at least one superseding end fitting component (310, 335) to the retained portion thereby providing a new fluid tight seal against a fluid retaining layer of the flexible pipe at a new sealing location axially displaced from an original sealing location.

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: A method and apparatus are disclosed for terminating flexible pipe body. The apparatus comprises an end fitting core portion (330), an end fitting termination portion (310) and a spacer ring member (335) locatable between the core portion (330) and the termination portion (310) for maintaining a whole anterior end surface of the core portion (330) and an opposed whole posterior end surface of the termination portion (310) in a spaced apart relationship.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system and method that includes receiving a user selection of a portion of a first image. In response to the user-selection, a first identifier of three-dimensional space associated with the user-selection is determined and a second image is selected based on a portion of the second image being associated with the first identifier. The second image may be provided to the user to be displayed. The present disclosure also provides for mapping a portion of a first image to an identifier of three-dimensional space.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to providing a user with an image navigation experience. For instance, a first image of a multidimensional space is provided with an overlay line indicating a direction in which the space extends into the first image such that a second image is connected to the first image along a direction of the overlay line. User input indicating a swipe across a portion of the display is received. When swipe occurred at least partially within an interaction zone defining an area around the overlay line at which the user can interact with the space, the swipe indicates a request to display an image different from the first image. The second image is selected and provided for display based on the swipe and a connection graph connecting the first image and the second image along the direction of the overlay line.

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

Abstract: A method for providing scholarship information to a student is disclosed. The method includes accessing a scholarship server and downloading scholarship information and storing the scholarship information in a database and then automatically categorizing the scholarship information. The method also includes receiving a request for scholarship matching from a mobile device, wherein the request includes biographical information. The method further includes, determining at least one scholarship match based on the scholarship information stored in the database and the received biographical information and transmitting the determined at least one scholarship match to the mobile device in a format that may be displayed on an app stored on the mobile device.

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.