Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention provide a dynamic service delivery system based on a capability to provide services through a distributed system using qualitative and quantitative Quality of Service (QoS) attributes. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method for providing a service that includes collecting capability information reflecting a current operating condition of a compute resource and determining a platform capability and a measurable capability value for a depletion-oriented characteristic of the compute resource based on the collected capability information. Based on at least one of the platform capability and the measurable capability value; a capability value for the compute resource is determined and this value is provided to a provision manager that determines whether the compute resource is worthy of being an available resource in the distributed system based on the capability value.

Abstract: A method for dynamically reconfiguring and for provisioning a communications channel for a service running on a client. The method includes providing network protocol elements and channel filters configured to define or understand an upper level or application communications protocol. Then, based on particular service communications parameters, selecting one or more of the filters and combining it with a protocol element to form a communications channel for use by the service. The channel filters are service bundles within a client architecture, such as an Open Services Gateway Initiative (OSGi) compliant architecture. The method includes receiving additional channel filters and reconfiguring built communication channels to include updated or new channel filters, such as dynamically when the service is next called or instantiated.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention provide a dynamic service delivery system based on a capability to provide services through a distributed system using qualitative and quantitative Quality of Service (QoS) attributes. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method for providing a service that includes collecting capability information reflecting a current operating condition of a compute resource and determining a platform capability and a measurable capability value for a depletion-oriented characteristic of the compute resource based on the collected capability information. Based on at least one of the platform capability and the measurable capability value; a capability value for the compute resource is determined and this value is provided to a provision manager that determines whether the compute resource is worthy of being an available resource in the distributed system based on the capability value.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method useful for inducing blocking in plastic film samples under known laboratory conditions. The test device of the present invention comprises a base platen and a movable platen disposed for cooperation to engage and apply a known, preferably multiplied, compressive force to a plurality of plastic samples. The compressive force is transferred to the movable platen through a thrust member from a lever arm pivotable about a pivot, preferably a hinge, above the base platen. Along the lever arm are disposed a plurality of weight receiving locations for engagement by a hanger supporting one or more selected weights. The test device of the present invention permits higher compressive forces to be applied to plastic test samples under laboratory conditions without requiring the use of heavier weights and produces more reproducible compressive forces than prior art methods.