Abstract: A system and method for service management and container orchestration (SMCO) within a host environment provides a manifest builder for retrieving containers and configuration tools to generate manifest artifacts for a subsequent update (e.g., full or partial) of one or more applications running on the host environment. At runtime, if the host environment is without a network connection to an external repository, the SMCO system includes a manifest launcher for consuming manifest artifacts to load containers for installation or update of the associated applications to local container registries within the host environment as provided by the configuration tools in the manifest artifacts. Further, the manifest launcher configures the container runtime environment (CRE) and/or host operating system (OS) within the host environment according to a desired state of the application.

Abstract: The invention discloses differing embodiments of nose-piece apparatus for drilling, and methods for their use. In one embodiment, a nose-piece apparatus for a drilling system may comprise a body defined by a first hole, a bushing at least partially disposed in the first hole, and a pin attached to the body. A surface of the bushing may be defined by a notch. A portion of the pin may be disposed against the notch on one side of the bushing to substantially prevent the bushing from moving within the first hole.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products are provided which may provide for determining a point of loss for data records to be communicated between a source and a destination on a communication network. A topology of the communication network between the source and the destination is determined which includes a plurality of connecting nodes. A number of data records from the source directed to the destination passing between ones of the connecting nodes during a determined period of time is monitored. At least one of the connecting nodes is identified as the point of loss based on the monitored number of data records and the determined topology.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for thrust sensing valves are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing including an input port and an output port and further having a mounting portion adapted to be coupled to a manufacturing tool. A supply member is operatively coupled to the housing to provide a flow of the pressurized medium into the input port of the housing. Finally, an elongated body is operatively coupled to the housing and moveable along an axis between a first position corresponding to a first pressure output from the housing and a second position corresponding to a second pressure output from the housing. The elongated body is biased into the first position and moveable into the second position in the presence of a thrust force on the mounting portion.

Abstract: An improved fibrous polyacrylonitrile mixture for use in friction products enables the production of low resiliency preforms by mixing an additive with a polyacrylonitrile wet gel. The additive is incorporated into the fiber in extremely large amounts. The additive is a member selected from the group consisting of:(a) polyethylene glycol esters of pelargonic acid; or(b) polyethylene glycol esters of enanthic, caprylic or capric acids; or(c) blends of polyethylene glycol esters of enanthic, caprylic, pelargonic, or capric acids; or(d) blends of polyethylene glycol esters of carboxylic acids derived from natural products containing at least 50% by weight of carboxylic acids containing less than 14 carbon atoms; or(e) reaction products of ethylene oxide and carboxylic acid amides wherein at least 70% of the acids from which the amide is derived contain between 16 and 20 carbon atoms.