Abstract: A cloud manager restores a backup of a distributed environment by comparing a stack of a current distributed environment to a backup stack of the backup of the distributed environment. The cloud manager identifies a difference between a first number of nodes in the first set of nodes specified in the first stack and a second number of nodes in the second set of nodes specified in the second stack. The cloud manager restores the backup of the distributed environment by modifying a number of nodes in the current distributed environment based on the identified difference between the first number of nodes and the number of nodes in the second stack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a specific azole silane compound, an oligomer thereof, a mixture comprising said compound and/or said oligomer, as well as a respective storage and working solution. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a synthesis method for said specific azole silane compound, and the use of said working solution as a surface treatment solution.

Abstract: A cloud manager restores a backup of a distributed environment by comparing a stack of a current distributed environment to a backup stack of the backup of the distributed environment. The cloud manager identifies a difference between a first number of nodes in the first set of nodes specified in the first stack and a second number of nodes in the second set of nodes specified in the second stack. The cloud manager restores the backup of the distributed environment by modifying a number of nodes in the current distributed environment based on the identified difference between the first number of nodes and the number of nodes in the second stack.

Abstract: A cloud manager restores a backup of a distributed environment by comparing a stack of a current distributed environment to a backup stack of the backup of the distributed environment. The cloud manager identifies a difference between a first number of nodes in the first set of nodes specified in the first stack and a second number of nodes in the second set of nodes specified in the second stack. The cloud manager restores the backup of the distributed environment by modifying a number of nodes in the current distributed environment based on the identified difference between the first number of nodes and the number of nodes in the second stack.

Abstract: Techniques for cloning a computing environment while modifying components of the computing environment are disclosed. A cloning request specifies a modification to a source environment. A cloning engine determines one or more additional non-requested modifications to be made in a destination environment necessitated by the requested modification. A modified destination specification is generated including the requested modification and the one or more additional non-requested modifications. A destination stack is generated, and the destination environment is provisioned according to the destination stack.

Abstract: Method for activating a surface of a non-conductive or carbon-fibres containing substrate for metallization, the method including: (a) providing said substrate, (b) providing an aqueous, palladium-free activation composition comprising (i) a first species of dissolved transition metal ions and additionally metal particles thereof, (ii) at least one complexing agent, (iii) permanently or temporarily at least one reducing agent, (iv) optionally one or more second species of dissolved metal ions different from the first species, (c) contacting the substrate with said activation composition such that a transition metal or a transition metal alloy is deposited on the surface of said substrate and an activated surface for metallization is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing adhesion strength between a surface of a metal, a metal alloy or a metal oxide and a surface of an organic material comprising as a main step contacting of at least one section of said metal, metal alloy or metal oxide with a specific azole silane compound, a specific azole silane oligomer, or a mixture comprising said compound and/or said oligomer. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a use of said specific azole silane compound, said specific azole silane oligomer, or said mixture in a method for increasing adhesion strength between a surface of a metal, a metal alloy or a metal oxide and a surface of an organic material.

Abstract: A cloud manager restores a backup of a distributed environment by comparing a stack of a current distributed environment to a backup stack of the backup of the distributed environment. The cloud manager identifies a difference between a first number of nodes in the first set of nodes specified in the first stack and a second number of nodes in the second set of nodes specified in the second stack. The cloud manager restores the backup of the distributed environment by modifying a number of nodes in the current distributed environment based on the identified difference between the first number of nodes and the number of nodes in the second stack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a specific azole silane compound, an oligomer thereof, a mixture comprising said compound and/or said oligomer, as well as a respective storage and working solution. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a synthesis method for said specific azole silane compound, and the use of said working solution as a surface treatment solution.

Abstract: Techniques for cloning a computing environment while modifying components of the computing environment are disclosed. A cloning request specifies a modification to a source environment. A cloning engine determines one or more additional non-requested modifications to be made in a destination environment necessitated by the requested modification. A modified destination specification is generated including the requested modification and the one or more additional non-requested modifications. A destination stack is generated, and the destination environment is provisioned according to the destination stack.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pneumatic control device (1) for multi-zone fire extinguishing installations, comprising a control pressure inlet port (25) for connection to a control pressure source (105), in particular a pressurised gas container, a number (m) of first control pressure outlet ports (17) for connection to a corresponding number of extinguishing agent containers (107), a number (n) of second control pressure outlet ports (19) for connection to a corresponding number of zone valves (111), and a plurality of function modules (7, 9).

Abstract: Machines, such as assembly and/or processing machines are disclosed. The machine may include a working chamber for assembling and/or processing of a component and a transport device configured to transport the component into the working chamber. A moveable housing may be configured to temporarily shield the working chamber during the assembly and/or processing of the component in the working chamber. The housing may include a viewing window which, when the housing is closed, allows observation of the assembly and/or processing of the component in the working chamber. An operating and display unit may be arranged on a movable part of the housing and is movable together therewith.

Abstract: A method is provided for metallization of substrates providing a high adhesion of the deposited metal to the substrate material and thereby forming a durable bond. The method applies novel adhesion promoting agents comprising nanometer-sized particles prior to metallization. The particles have at least one attachment group bearing a functional chemical group suitable for binding to the substrate.

Abstract: A method is provided for metallization of substrates providing a high adhesion of the deposited metal to the substrate material and thereby forming a durable bond. The method applies novel adhesion promoting agents comprising nanometer-sized particles prior to metallization. The particles have at least one attachment group bearing a functional chemical group suitable for binding to the substrate.

Abstract: A container for use with a closure is provided, and includes a receptacle, a neck extending therefrom, a closure-engaging thread segment arranged on the neck of the container to engage the closure thread segment arranged on the closure, and a plurality of spaced apart protrusions protruding radially toward the closure from the neck of the container, the plurality of spaced apart protrusions forming a protrusion pattern that has a composite orientation that is helically opposite that of the closure-engaging thread segment to engage and to separate the frangible tamper-evident band portion from the closure when the closure is rotated off of the neck. With this structure, the closure and container system provides an improved anti-backoff, tamper evident closure and container system that reduces torque used to initially apply the closure to the container and improves reliably by reducing stress on the component parts, while desirably preventing backoff from occurring.

Abstract: A container for use with a closure is provided, and includes a receptacle, a neck extending therefrom, a closure-engaging thread segment arranged on the neck of the container to engage the closure thread segment arranged on the closure, and a plurality of spaced apart protrusions protruding radially toward the closure from the neck of the container, the plurality of spaced apart protrusions forming a protrusion pattern that has a composite orientation that is helically opposite that of the closure-engaging thread segment to engage and to separate the frangible tamper-evident band portion from the closure when the closure is rotated off of the neck. With this structure, the closure and container system provides an improved anti-backoff, tamper evident closure and container system that reduces torque used to initially apply the closure to the container and improves reliably by reducing stress on the component parts, while desirably preventing backoff from occurring.

Abstract: An assembly for generating a continuous stream of smoke for food processing such as barbecue cooking includes a reusable cartridge holder for holding upright a disposable smoke generating cartridge. The cartridge includes an outer covering enclosing a chamber. The covering includes a perforated top, a non-perforated upper portion designed to not burn during the process and a readily combustible lower portion. At the bottom of the chamber is a readily combustible tinder material that is easily set afire by the burning lower portion. The balance of the chamber is filled with wood pellets that smolder and emit desirable smoke when ignited by the tinder, the smoke passing upward through the perforated top. The convection currents produce a stream of smoke without the need for a fan. The pellets don't fall through the cartridge after the bottom portion burns away because they swell up and are held in place within the upper portion.

Abstract: Methods for treatment of sexual dysfunction in men and women using combinations of phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 5 inhibitors and l-deprenyl or propargylamine compounds are described. Methods of reducing the dosage and preventing the side effects of PDE type 5 inhibitors are also described. The methods comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of l-deprenyl or propargylamine compounds (also called monoamine oxidase [MAO] inhibitors) in combination with PDE inhibitors. Stimulation of nitric oxide production and vasodilation by l-deprenyl and propargylamine compounds augments the actions of PDE inhibitors or other drugs and methods used in the treatment of sexual dysfunction. The composition described here enhances the actions of PDE inhibitors primarily by increasing the generation of cyclic GMP by stimulating the nitric oxide pathway and secondarily by providing several additional benefits such as enhanced dopamine activity.

Abstract: A smoke generator has an air pump with control valve to supply a continuous controllable air supply to a smoking fuel on a grid in a fire box. Smoke is directed to the food processor from a smoke output within the fire box and above the grid. A chimney extends from the top of the fire box. It is filled with fuel. This fuel is fuel is not in the air stream, so it does not burn. As fuel on the grid is consumed, fuel from the chimney drops onto the grid. This provides a continuous feed of fresh so that the device can generate a uniform controllable stream of smoke over a long period of time unattended. A disposable fuel cartridge is also provided for ease of use.

Abstract: A support system is provided for mounting on a wall at an opening for a window or glass door. The support system is designed to support horizontal blinds or shades with the brackets that are ordinarily used to mount the blinds directly to a wall. The support system has control mechanism to move the blind or blinds laterally away from the window or door to allow access to the window or door. This is easier than raising the blind high enough to allow access. The support slides laterally behind another shade. In another embodiment the support is hinged in the middle and folds together like a bi-fold door to open.