Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for allocating computing resources. In one aspect, a method includes receiving intent data specifying one or more computing services to be hosted by a computing network, requested characteristics of computing resources for use in hosting the computing service, and a priority value for each requested characteristic. A budget constraint is identified for each computing service. Available resources data is identified that specifies a set of available computing resources. A resource allocation problem for allocating computing resources for the one or more computing resources is generated based on the intent data, each budget constraint, and the available resources data. At least a portion of the set of computing resources is allocated for the one or more computing services based on results of evaluating the resource allocation problem to meet a particular resource allocation objective.

Abstract: Improved valve assemblies (e.g., multi-position valve assemblies) are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for high efficiency multi-position rotary backwash valve assemblies. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a four-position rotary high efficiency valve assembly for a swimming pool or spa filter. The present disclosure provides multi-position valve assemblies having infrequent maintenance and allowing for user-friendly service. The present disclosure provides for improved multi-position valve assemblies and related features, systems and methods of use. Improved, convenient and effective systems and methods for utilizing improved multi-position valve assemblies (e.g., high efficiency multi-position rotary backwash valve assemblies) are provided. The valve assembly can be utilized in fluid systems as a flow control assembly (e.g., as a backwash valve associated with a pool or spa filter).

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for allocating computing resources. In one aspect, a method includes receiving intent data specifying one or more computing services to be hosted by a computing network, requested characteristics of computing resources for use in hosting the computing service, and a priority value for each requested characteristic. A budget constraint is identified for each computing service. Available resources data is identified that specifies a set of available computing resources. A resource allocation problem for allocating computing resources for the one or more computing resources is generated based on the intent data, each budget constraint, and the available resources data. At least a portion of the set of computing resources is allocated for the one or more computing services based on results of evaluating the resource allocation problem to meet a particular resource allocation objective.

Abstract: A system including a valve. The valve includes a valve body having an interior volume and a bore along a first axis. A stem extends along a second axis and a flow control element couples to the stem. The stem selectively moves the flow control element through the interior volume between a closed position and an open position relative to the bore. A valve insert system retains a pressurized lubricant in the interior volume.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for allocating computing resources. In one aspect, a method includes receiving intent data specifying one or more computing services to be hosted by a computing network, requested characteristics of computing resources for use in hosting the computing service, and a priority value for each requested characteristic. A budget constraint is identified for each computing service. Available resources data is identified that specifies a set of available computing resources. A resource allocation problem for allocating computing resources for the one or more computing resources is generated based on the intent data, each budget constraint, and the available resources data. At least a portion of the set of computing resources is allocated for the one or more computing services based on results of evaluating the resource allocation problem to meet a particular resource allocation objective.

Abstract: A system including a valve. The valve includes a valve body having an interior volume and a bore along a first axis. A stem extends along a second axis and a flow control element couples to the stem. The stem selectively moves the flow control element through the interior volume between a closed position and an open position relative to the bore. A valve insert system retains a pressurized lubricant in the interior volume.

Abstract: A low pull force system for feeding a filament along a feed path from a source to a liquefier in a 3D printer includes a low compressive force loading drive for advancing filament from the source, a feed drive for advancing filament into the liquefier, and an in-line accumulator comprising a telescoping joint positioned in the feed path between the loading drive and the feed drive. When the telescoping joint is in a contracted position, the loading drive activates to feed filament into the feed path at a rate faster than a rate at which the feed drive advances filament into the liquefier, causing the telescoping joint to expand and accrue a slack of filament in the feed path. When the telescoping joint reaches an extended position, the loading drive deactivates while the feed drive continues to advance filament into the liquefier, and the slack of filament is consumed.

Abstract: A low pull force system for feeding a filament along a feed path from a source to a liquefier in a 3D printer includes a low compressive force loading drive for advancing filament from the source, a feed drive for advancing filament into the liquefier, and an in-line accumulator comprising a telescoping joint positioned in the feed path between the loading drive and the feed drive. When the telescoping joint is in a contracted position, the loading drive activates to feed filament into the feed path at a rate faster than a rate at which the feed drive advances filament into the liquefier, causing the telescoping joint to expand and accrue a slack of filament in the feed path. When the telescoping joint reaches an extended position, the loading drive deactivates while the feed drive continues to advance filament into the liquefier, and the slack of filament is consumed.

Abstract: A system including a valve. The valve includes a valve body having an interior volume and a bore along a first axis. A stem extends along a second axis and a flow control element couples to the stem. The stem selectively moves the flow control element through the interior volume between a closed position and an open position relative to the bore. A valve insert system retains a pressurized lubricant in the interior volume.

Abstract: A low pull force system for feeding a filament along a feed path from a source to a liquefier in a 3D printer includes a low compressive force loading drive for advancing filament from the source, a feed drive for advancing filament into the liquefier, and an in-line accumulator comprising a telescoping joint positioned in the feed path between the loading drive and the feed drive. When the telescoping joint is in a contracted position, the loading drive activates to feed filament into the feed path at a rate faster than a rate at which the feed drive advances filament into the liquefier, causing the telescoping joint to expand and accrue a slack of filament in the feed path. When the telescoping joint reaches an extended position, the loading drive deactivates while the feed drive continues to advance filament into the liquefier, and the slack of filament is consumed.

Abstract: A low compressive force filament drive system for use with an additive manufacturing system includes a plurality of drives spaced from each other. Each drive includes a first rotatable shaft and a second rotatable shaft engaged with the first rotatable shaft in a counter rotational configuration. The filament drive system includes a pair of drive wheel, each fixedly attached to a shaft and comprising a groove about a circumference having a substantially smooth surface and positioned on opposing sides of a filament path with a gap therebetween so as to frictionally engage a filament provided in the filament path. The drive includes one or more bridge shafts, wherein each bridge shaft is configured to rotatably couple the adjacent drives of the plurality of drives, wherein the shafts are configured to be directly or indirectly driven by a motor.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for allocating computing resources. In one aspect, a method includes receiving intent data specifying one or more computing services to be hosted by a computing network, requested characteristics of computing resources for use in hosting the computing service, and a priority value for each requested characteristic. A budget constraint is identified for each computing service. Available resources data is identified that specifies a set of available computing resources. A resource allocation problem for allocating computing resources for the one or more computing resources is generated based on the intent data, each budget constraint, and the available resources data. At least a portion of the set of computing resources is allocated for the one or more computing services based on results of evaluating the resource allocation problem to meet a particular resource allocation objective.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for allocating computing resources. In one aspect, a method includes receiving intent data specifying one or more computing services to be hosted by a computing network, requested characteristics of computing resources for use in hosting the computing service, and a priority value for each requested characteristic. A budget constraint is identified for each computing service. Available resources data is identified that specifies a set of available computing resources. A resource allocation problem for allocating computing resources for the one or more computing resources is generated based on the intent data, each budget constraint, and the available resources data. At least a portion of the set of computing resources is allocated for the one or more computing services based on results of evaluating the resource allocation problem to meet a particular resource allocation objective.

Abstract: Improved valve assemblies (e.g., multi-position valve assemblies) are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for high efficiency multi-position rotary backwash valve assemblies. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a four-position rotary high efficiency valve assembly for a swimming pool or spa filter. The present disclosure provides multi-position valve assemblies having infrequent maintenance and allowing for user-friendly service. The present disclosure provides for improved multi-position valve assemblies and related features, systems and methods of use. Improved, convenient and effective systems and methods for utilizing improved multi-position valve assemblies (e.g., high efficiency multi-position rotary backwash valve assemblies) are provided. The valve assembly can be utilized in fluid systems as a flow control assembly (e.g., as a backwash valve associated with a pool or spa filter).

Abstract: A low pull force system for feeding a filament along a feed path from a source to a liquefier in a 3D printer includes a low compressive force loading drive for advancing filament from the source, a feed drive for advancing filament into the liquefier, and an in-line accumulator comprising a telescoping joint positioned in the feed path between the loading drive and the feed drive. When the telescoping joint is in a contracted position, the loading drive activates to feed filament into the feed path at a rate faster than a rate at which the feed drive advances filament into the liquefier, causing the telescoping joint to expand and accrue a slack of filament in the feed path. When the telescoping joint reaches an extended position, the loading drive deactivates while the feed drive continues to advance filament into the liquefier, and the slack of filament is consumed.

Abstract: Improved valve assemblies (e.g., multi-position valve assemblies) are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for high efficiency multi-position rotary backwash valve assemblies. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a four-position rotary high efficiency valve assembly for a swimming pool or spa filter. The present disclosure provides multi-position valve assemblies having infrequent maintenance and allowing for user-friendly service. The present disclosure provides for improved multi-position valve assemblies and related features, systems and methods of use. Improved, convenient and effective systems and methods for utilizing improved multi-position valve assemblies (e.g., high efficiency multi-position rotary backwash valve assemblies) are provided. The valve assembly can be utilized in fluid systems as a flow control assembly (e.g., as a backwash valve associated with a pool or spa filter).

Abstract: A low compressive force filament drive system for use with an additive manufacturing system includes a plurality of drives spaced from each other. Each drive includes a first rotatable shaft and a second rotatable shaft engaged with the first rotatable shaft in a counter rotational configuration. The filament drive system includes a pair of drive wheel, each fixedly attached to a shaft and comprising a groove about a circumference having a substantially smooth surface and positioned on opposing sides of a filament path with a gap therebetween so as to frictionally engage a filament provided in the filament path. The drive includes one or more bridge shafts, wherein each bridge shaft is configured to rotatably couple the adjacent drives of the plurality of drives, wherein the shafts are configured to be directly or indirectly driven by a motor.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to deck jet systems including an adjustable cover and flexible finishing cap. The deck jet systems include a housing with threads formed on an inner surface of the housing. The deck jet systems include an adjustment ring with threads formed on an outer surface of the adjustment ring complementary to the threads of the housing. The deck jet systems include an adjustable cover, the bottom surface of the adjustable cover being inserted into the proximal end of the housing and supported by a top surface of the adjustment ring. Engagement of the threads of the housing and the adjustment ring and rotation of the adjustment ring relative to the housing can vary an elevation of the adjustment ring relative to the housing which, in turn, varies an elevation of the adjustable cover relative to the housing. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to methods of adjusting a deck jet system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for allocating computing resources. In one aspect, a method includes receiving intent data specifying one or more computing services to be hosted by a computing network, requested characteristics of computing resources for use in hosting the computing service, and a priority value for each requested characteristic. A budget constraint is identified for each computing service. Available resources data is identified that specifies a set of available computing resources. A resource allocation problem for allocating computing resources for the one or more computing resources is generated based on the intent data, each budget constraint, and the available resources data. At least a portion of the set of computing resources is allocated for the one or more computing services based on results of evaluating the resource allocation problem to meet a particular resource allocation objective.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a filter for use in connection with a swimming pool or spa. A device is provided that has a tube inlet at the top of a vessel. A lower end of the device is connected directly to an outlet of the filter. The device is designed to divert all or the majority of the fluid to move to the top of the filter before exiting the vessel.