Abstract: A cloud computing system includes services that provide virtual cloud computing resources. The service publishes service events that are transformed into periodic rating data as per centralized, pluggable, service-specific business rules. The cloud computing system includes a metering service that reduces network traffic for billing using a carry-forward mechanism that remembers a last-known rating state. Anomalies in the last-known state, such as, from lost or duplicate service events, can be detected via a reconciliation protocol between the metering service and cloud computing services.

Abstract: An aerial delivery box for release from an aircraft comprises a hold for a payload; and an impact absorbing zone for protecting the payload of the hold. The hold and the impact absorbing zone are formed of biodegradable materials. The impact absorbing zone comprises at least one layer having a honeycomb structure, the honeycomb structure defining a cellular network extending in the plane of the layer. Also disclosed is an aerial delivery assembly comprising: the aerial delivery box; a parachute; and a plurality of shroud lines connecting the parachute to the aerial delivery box. Also disclosed is a method of delivering goods by aerial delivery, comprising releasing the aerial delivery assembly from an aircraft. The aerial delivery assembly may be released from a cargo pod of an aircraft, in particular a cargo pod comprising: a first casing attached to the aircraft; and a second casing attached to the first casing rearwardly of the first casing.

Abstract: A nozzle, retaining cap, or shield for a plasma arc torch that includes a surface defining a conductive contact portion for exchanging heat with an adjacent torch component. The adjacent torch component can be a retaining cap, electrode or nozzle. The surface of the nozzle, retaining cap, or shield can also at least partially define a cooling channel having a curvilinear surface. A sealant portion can be positioned between the conductive contact portion and the cooling channel. The sealant portion can form or create a fluid barrier between the cooling channel and the conductive portion.

Abstract: A method of generating a noisy receive signal for testing the performance of a mobile wireless communication device is described. A signal generator unit generates a transmit signal that frequency hops among a set of carrier frequency channels in a cyclic pattern having a time duration T. A wireless channel emulator unit generates a receive signal by modifying the transmit signal and also generates an interference signal by modifying the receive signal. The wireless channel emulator unit delays the interference signal relative to the receive signal by an integer multiple of the time duration T. The receive signal and the interference signal are combined by a combiner unit to generate the noisy receive signal.

Abstract: A nozzle or retaining cap for a plasma arc torch that includes a surface defining a conductive contact portion for exchanging heat with an adjacent torch component. The adjacent torch component can be a retaining cap, electrode or nozzle. The surface of the nozzle or retaining cap can also at least partially define a cooling channel having a curvilinear surface. A sealant portion can be positioned between the conductive contact portion and the cooling channel. The sealant portion can form or create a fluid barrier between the cooling channel and the conductive portion.

Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc cutting torch which minimizes the deposition of high emissivity material on the nozzle, reduces electrode wear, and improves cut quality. The electrode has a body having a first end, a second end in a spaced relationship relative to the first end, and an outer surface extending from the first end to the second end. The body has an end face disposed at the second end. The electrode also includes at least one passage extending from a first opening in the body to a second opening in the end face. A controller can control the electrode gas flow through the passages as a function of a plasma arc torch parameter. Methods for operating the plasma arc cutting torch with the electrode are disclosed.

Abstract: A Java based server is disclosed for providing streaming data. Streaming data is received in a publisher interface and processed to generate Java messages describing real time updated. One application of the Java based server is to provide streaming data for business process.

Abstract: A component for a contact start plasma arc torch is provided. The component includes a hollow body defining a channel with a longitudinal axis. The channel is capable of slideably receiving an electrode body along the longitudinal axis. The component includes a contact element disposed in the hollow body and includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is adapted to facilitate electrical communication with a power supply and the second surface is adapted to physically contact a surface of the electrode body when the plasma arc torch is operated in a transferred arc mode. In addition, the second surface is characterized by the absence of physical contact with the surface of the electrode body when the torch is operated in a pilot arc mode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computer automated method of selectively identifying a user specified behavior of a crowd. The method comprises receiving video data but can also include audio data and sensor data. The video data contains images a crowd. The video data is processed to extract hierarchical human and crowd features. The detected crowd features are processed to detect a selectable crowd behavior. The selected crowd behavior detected is specified by a configurable behavior rule. Human detection is provided by a hybrid human detector algorithm which can include Adaboost or convolutional neural network. Crowd features are detected using textual analysis techniques. The configurable crowd behavior for detection can be defined by crowd behavioral language.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for thermally processing a workpiece include directing a plasma arc to the workpiece and using a dielectric shield or dielectric coating to protect a forward portion (e.g., a torch head) of a plasma arc torch. The dielectric shield or dielectric coating covers a nozzle disposed within the torch head and protects the nozzle from the effects of slag and double arcing. The shield also improves operator visibility due to the spatial relationship between the dielectric shield and the nozzle.

Abstract: A method of generating a noisy receive signal for testing the performance of a mobile wireless communication device is described. A signal generator unit generates a transmit signal that frequency hops among a set of carrier frequency channels in a cyclic pattern having a time duration T. A wireless channel emulator unit generates a receive signal by modifying the transmit signal and also generates an interference signal by modifying the receive signal. The wireless channel emulator unit delays the interference signal relative to the receive signal by an integer multiple of the time duration T. The receive signal and the interference signal are combined by a combiner unit to generate the noisy receive signal.

Abstract: An execution engine is disclosed for executing business processes. An executable object model is generated for a business process document. Executable object models of business processes are assigned to virtual processors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dockside regasification of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are described herein. The methods include providing LNG from a LNG carrier to a regasification vessel. The LNG may be regasified on the regasification vessel. The regasified natural gas may be discharged with a high pressure arm to a dock and delivered onshore. The regasification vessel may be moored to the dock. The LNG carrier may be moored to the regasification vessel or the dock.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to a nozzle for a plasma torch, the nozzle having a rear portion that defines at least a portion of a plasma chamber and a front portion that includes a first end and a second end. The first end is adjacent the rear portion, and the second end defines a plasma exit portion. One or more fluid passageways are disposed within the front portion and extend from the first end to the second end. The fluid passageways have passageway exit portions that provide one or more discrete jets of a secondary fluid to surround a plasma jet that is ejected from the plasma exit portion. Features of the invention include faster cutting, thicker workpiece piercing capability, reduced noise, improved arc stability, and increased consumable life, all of which improve productivity associated with plasma arc torch workpiece processing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computer automated method of selectively identifying a user specified behavior of a crowd. The method comprises receiving video data but can also include audio data and sensor data. The video data contains images a crowd. The video data is processed to extract hierarchical human and crowd features. The detected crowd features are processed to detect a selectable crowd behavior. The selected crowd behavior detected is specified by a configurable behavior rule. Human detection is provided by a hybrid human detector algorithm which can include Adaboost or convolutional neural network. Crowd features are detected using textual analysis techniques. The configurable crowd behavior for detection can be defined by crowd behavioral language.

Abstract: A nozzle, retaining cap, or shield for a plasma arc torch that includes a surface defining a conductive contact portion for exchanging heat with an adjacent torch component. The adjacent torch component can be a retaining cap, electrode or nozzle. The surface of the nozzle, retaining cap, or shield can also at least partially define a cooling channel having a curvilinear surface. A sealant portion can be positioned between the conductive contact portion and the cooling channel. The sealant portion can form or create a fluid barrier between the cooling channel and the conductive portion.

Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc cutting torch which minimizes the deposition of high emissivity material on the nozzle, reduces electrode wear, and improves cut quality. The electrode has a body having a first end, a second end in a spaced relationship relative to the first end, and an outer surface extending from the first end to the second end. The body has an end face disposed at the second end. The electrode also includes at least one passage extending from a first opening in the body to a second opening in the end face. A controller can control the electrode gas flow through the passages as a function of a plasma arc torch parameter. Methods for operating the plasma arc cutting torch with the electrode are disclosed.

Abstract: A nozzle or retaining cap for a plasma arc torch that includes a surface defining a conductive contact portion for exchanging heat with an adjacent torch component. The adjacent torch component can be a retaining cap, electrode or nozzle. The surface of the nozzle or retaining cap can also at least partially define a cooling channel having a curvilinear surface. A sealant portion can be positioned between the conductive contact portion and the cooling channel. The sealant portion can form or create a fluid barrier between the cooling channel and the conductive portion.