Abstract: A network entity is provisioned to support cloud services for a mesh network that includes at least one edge node. The network entity comprises: a processor, operably coupleable to a content store; and a content agent registry coupled to the processor and configured to identify content to be delivered to the at least one edge node. The content agent registry records at least one attribute against the content to be delivered based on a characteristic of the content.

Abstract: A method of traffic reduction in a mesh computing system (400), the mesh computing system (400) comprising hosts located on edge nodes of the mesh computing system (400) and a central registry located outside the mesh computing system (400), the central registry holding the images. The method comprises, at a first host located at a first edge node, receiving (920) a request from a client for an image, sending (930) a request for the image to at least one other host of the mesh computing system (400). When the first host receives (940) notification that at least a second host holds the image, the first host downloads (960) the image from the second host to the first host. The first host creates (970) a container from the image. A host at a node (636; 700) and a mesh computing system (400) are also provided.

Abstract: An edge computing system comprises an application store, an edge server and a cloud computing system comprising a backend server. The edge server is configured to receive an application from the application store with additional information defining capabilities of the edge server that are required for the application to run on the edge server and/or capabilities of devices connected to the edge server. The edge server determines whether the application can run, and indicates the result to the application store. The edge server keeps a record of applications that can start to run and/or continue to run, when the edge server is or becomes disconnected from the cloud computing system. The application store keeps records of successful application downloads, and of edge servers that indicated they could not run applications.

Abstract: A method (1000, 1100) in a mesh computing system (400) of pre-emptively positioning images at hosts, for retrieval from the hosts and for the creation of containers from the images, is described. The hosts are located in edge nodes of the mesh computing system (400). The mesh computing system (400) also comprises a central registry (490), located outside the mesh computing system (400), the central registry (490) holding the images. A swarm leader (424) located in the mesh computing system (400) identifies a need in a first host at a first edge node to run an image, the image being held in the central registry. The swarm leader (424) identifies a second host at a second edge node, and commands download of the image from the central registry (490) to the second host, via at least one wireless link of the mesh computing system (400). A mesh computing system (400) is provided.

Abstract: A method of traffic reduction in a mesh computing system (400), the mesh computing system (400) comprising hosts located on edge nodes of the mesh computing system (400) and a central registry located outside the mesh computing system (400), the central registry holding the images. The method comprises, at a first host located at a first edge node, receiving (920) a request from a client for an image, sending (930) a request for the image to at least one other host of the mesh computing system (400). When the first host receives (940) notification that at least a second host holds the image, the first host downloads (960) the image from the second host to the first host. The first host creates (970) a container from the image. A host at a node (636; 700) and a mesh computing system (400) are also provided.

Abstract: A method of traffic reduction in a mesh computing system (400), the mesh computing system (400) comprising hosts located on edge nodes of the mesh computing system (400) and a central registry located outside the mesh computing system (400), the central registry holding the images. The method comprises, at a first host located at a first edge node, receiving (920) a request from a client for an image, sending (930) a request for the image to at least one other host of the mesh computing system (400). When the first host receives (940) notification that at least a second host holds the image, the first host downloads (960) the image from the second host to the first host. The first host creates (970) a container from the image. A host at a node (636; 700) and a mesh computing system (400) are also provided.

Abstract: A method (1000, 1100) in a mesh computing system (400) of pre-emptively positioning images at hosts, for retrieval from the hosts and for the creation of containers from the images, is described. The hosts are located in edge nodes of the mesh computing system (400). The mesh computing system (400) also comprises a central registry (490), located outside the mesh computing system (400), the central registry (490) holding the images. A swarm leader (424) located in the mesh computing system (400) identifies a need in a first host at a first edge node to run an image, the image being held in the central registry. The swarm leader (424) identifies a second host at a second edge node, and commands download of the image from the central registry (490) to the second host, via at least one wireless link of the mesh computing system (400). A mesh computing system (400) is provided.

Abstract: A method of traffic reduction in a mesh computing system (400), the mesh computing system (400) comprising hosts located on edge nodes of the mesh computing system (400) and a central registry located outside the mesh computing system (400), the central registry holding the images. The method comprises, at a first host located at a first edge node, receiving (920) a request from a client for an image, sending (930) a request for the image to at least one other host of the mesh computing system (400). When the first host receives (940) notification that at least a second host holds the image, the first host downloads (960) the image from the second host to the first host. The first host creates (970) a container from the image. A host at a node (636; 700) and a mesh computing system (400) are also provided.

Abstract: A network entity is provisioned to support cloud services for a mesh network that includes at least one edge node. The network entity comprises: a processor, operably coupleable to a content store; and a content agent registry coupled to the processor and configured to identify content to be delivered to the at least one edge node. The content agent registry records at least one attribute against the content to be delivered based on a characteristic of the content.

Abstract: An edge computing system comprises an application store, an edge server and a cloud computing system comprising a backend server. The edge server is configured to receive an application from the application store with additional information defining capabilities of the edge server that are required for the application to run on the edge server and/or capabilities of devices connected to the edge server. The edge server determines whether the application can run, and indicates the result to the application store. The edge server keeps a record of applications that can start to run and/or continue to run, when the edge server is or becomes disconnected from the cloud computing system. The application store keeps records of successful application downloads, and of edge servers that indicated they could not run applications.

Abstract: A new use of a conventional retractable dog leash apparatus (10) for performing self-stretching and range-of-motion physical therapy exercises wherein, the apparatus (10) includes a retraction mechanism (30) contained within a housing member (20) and controlled by a push button (40) wherein, the retraction mechanism (30) is connected to one end (51) of a leash strap (50) the terminal end of which (52) is provided with a snap clip (60) and a stop element (70) that cooperate to form an appendage surrounding loop (80).

Abstract: Vinyl plastisols are fused to heat-sensitive primary backings and facing yarns integral therewith and expanded thereon by the application of a heating medium in the form of high velocity steam or a high velocity gas. Although the temperature of the heating medium is above the softening point of the heat-sensitive primary backing, the velocity of the heating medium and the angle at which it is directed against the plastisol-coated, heat-sensitive primary backing results in fusion and expansion of the vinyl plastisol on the heat-sensitive primary backing without damage to the backing material or facing materials associated therewith.