Abstract: A method includes receiving a request to allocate an instantiation of a network function and information indicative of resource needs of the instantiation. The resource needs include at least one resiliency requirement. The method includes computing a resource map comprising a global tier and a regional tier and comparing the resource needs with the resource map to determine an allocation solution. The method also includes, based on the allocation solution, allocating resources to the instantiation. The resources include a first resource of the global tier and a second resource of the regional tier.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a request to allocate an instantiation of a network function and information indicative of resource needs of the instantiation. The resource needs include at least one resiliency requirement. The method includes computing a resource map comprising a global tier and a regional tier and comparing the resource needs with the resource map to determine an allocation solution. The method also includes, based on the allocation solution, allocating resources to the instantiation. The resources include a first resource of the global tier and a second resource of the regional tier.

Abstract: An automated visual inspection system for detecting the presence of particulate matter includes an empty, flexible container, a light source, a detector, and an image processor. The light source is configured to transmit light through the container towards the detector, and the detector is configured to receive the light and generate image data. The image processor is configured to analyze the image data, determine whether the empty, flexible container is defective, and generate a rejection signal if the empty, flexible container is defective.

Abstract: A speed tier based pricing scheme is utilized to increase average revenue per user (ARPU). To offer a speed tier based pricing scheme, the radio environment at a location of the UE can be analyzed to determine the speed tiers that can be offered to the user. In one aspect, an outer-loop scheduler can be utilized to allocate radio bearers to the UE based on a target data throughout associated with a user-selected speed tier. The priority of the non-guaranteed bit rate (GBR) bearers of the UE can be dynamically adjusted to track the target data throughput. In another aspect, a throttling function can be implemented to limit the data throughput of the UE to the target data throughput.

Abstract: A speed tier based pricing scheme is utilized to increase average revenue per user (ARPU). To offer a speed tier based pricing scheme, the radio environment at a location of the UE can be analyzed to determine the speed tiers that can be offered to the user. In one aspect, an outer-loop scheduler can be utilized to allocate radio bearers to the UE based on a target data throughout associated with a user-selected speed tier. The priority of the non-guaranteed bit rate (GBR) bearers of the UE can be dynamically adjusted to track the target data throughput. In another aspect, a throttling function can be implemented to limit the data throughput of the UE to the target data throughput.

Abstract: A speed tier based pricing scheme is utilized to increase average revenue per user (ARPU). To offer a speed tier based pricing scheme, the radio environment at a location of the UE can be analyzed to determine the speed tiers that can be offered to the user. In one aspect, an outer-loop scheduler can be utilized to allocate radio bearers to the UE based on a target data throughout associated with a user-selected speed tier. The priority of the non-guaranteed bit rate (GBR) bearers of the UE can be dynamically adjusted to track the target data throughput. In another aspect, a throttling function can be implemented to limit the data throughput of the UE to the target data throughput.

Abstract: A system and method of analysing energy/utility usage receives (316) data describing energy/utility usage derived from an energy/utility monitor, and analyses (2-11) the data describing energy/utility usage to generate data representing an energy/utility usage behavioural classification model. The model includes at least one classification and is useable for determining whether data describing further energy/utility usage fits into a said classification.

Abstract: An automated visual inspection system for detecting the presence of particulate matter includes an empty, flexible container, a light source, a detector, and an image processor. The light source is configured to transmit light through the container towards the detector, and the detector is configured to receive the light and generate image data. The image processor is configured to analyze the image data, determine whether the empty, flexible container is defective, and generate a rejection signal if the empty, flexible container is defective.

Abstract: A fastener has a head with an exterior end surface and a compression ledge. A projection extends from the compression ledge and a contact shoulder is formed at an intersection of the projection and the compression ledge. The shoulder has a thickness measured axially from the compression ledge and extends radially outward from the projection to the intersection of the shoulder and the compression ledge. A compressible sealing component encapsulates the exterior end surface of the head and partially overlaps an area entirely around the compression ledge. The compressible sealing component at the area of the compression ledge has an uncompressed axial thickness greater than the shoulder thickness measured from the compression ledge. A rotation preventer is formed on the projection and is configured to allow axial movement of the projection into a hole and to restrict rotation of the fastener when the projection extends into the hole.

Abstract: A method (300) and apparatus are disclosed for event notification. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a presence services system (PSS) (102) can have a controller (104) that manages operations of a communications interface (110). The controller can be programmed to monitor (302) presence information of a plurality of communication devices of an end user operating in a communications system, and receive (316) a request from a calendar reminder system (CRS) for access to the presence information. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A fastener has a head with an exterior end surface and a compression ledge. A projection extends from the compression ledge and a contact shoulder is formed at an intersection of the projection and the compression ledge. The shoulder has a thickness measured axially from the compression ledge and extends radially outward from the projection to the intersection of the shoulder and the compression ledge. A compressible sealing component encapsulates the exterior end surface of the head and partially overlaps an area entirely around the compression ledge. The compressible sealing component at the area of the compression ledge has an uncompressed axial thickness greater than the shoulder thickness measured from the compression ledge. A rotation preventer is formed on the projection and is configured to allow axial movement of the projection into a hole and to restrict rotation of the fastener when the projection extends into the hole.

Abstract: A method for bonding sidewall panels each comprising first and second skins and a core member sandwiched therebetween. The first skin has a main portion and an overlapping portion extending beyond the core member. The second skin has a main portion and an overlapped portion not extending beyond the core member. The method comprises the following steps. First, an entire exterior surface of the first skin and only an exterior surface of the main portion of the second skin of each of said sidewall panels are painted. Then, the sidewall panels are oriented such that the overlapping portion of the first skin of one sidewall panel is planarly aligned with the overlapping portion of the second skin of another sidewall panel. Next, the overlapping portion of the first skin of one sidewall panel is adhesively bonded to the overlapped portion of the second skin of another sidewall panel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sponsoring an area of land are disclosed. Certain systems and methods may cause the display of areas of land that are available for sponsorship, receiving input identifying an area of land to sponsor, processing sponsorship of the identified area, and generating an interface for displaying the sponsored area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sponsoring an area of land are disclosed. Certain systems and methods may cause the display of areas of land that are available for sponsorship, receiving input identifying an area of land to sponsor, processing sponsorship of the identified area, and generating an interface for displaying the sponsored area.

Abstract: A method (300) and apparatus are disclosed for event notification. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a presence services system (PSS) (102) can have a controller (104) that manages operations of a communications interface (110). The controller can be programmed to monitor (302) presence information of a plurality of communication devices of an end user operating in a communications system, and receive (316) a request from a calendar reminder system (CRS) for access to the presence information. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method (300) and apparatus are disclosed for event notification. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a presence services system (PSS) (102) can have a controller (104) that manages operations of a communications interface (110). The controller can be programmed to monitor (302) presence information of a plurality of communication devices of an end user operating in a communications system, and receive (316) a request from a calendar reminder system (CRS) for access to the presence information. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for bonding sidewall panels each comprising first and second skins and a core member sandwiched therebetween. The first skin has a main portion and an overlapping portion extending beyond the core member. The second skin has a main portion and an overlapped portion not extending beyond the core member. The method comprises the following steps. First, an entire exterior surface of the first skin and only an exterior surface of the main portion of the second skin of each of said sidewall panels are painted. Then, the sidewall panels are oriented such that the overlapping portion of the first skin of one sidewall panel is planarly aligned with the overlapping portion of the second skin of another sidewall panel. Next, the overlapping portion of the first skin of one sidewall panel is adhesively bonded to the overlapped portion of the second skin of another sidewall panel.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a method of producing a cocoa beverage containing beneficial cocoa polyphenols. Ready-to-drink compositions, concentrates, primary beverage components, and packets for producing the beverages are specifically disclosed. Preferred sugar-free, low calorie, and calorie-free products and cocoa beverages are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method of editing video content is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a command at a set-top box device, wherein the command includes a request to edit at least one objectionable audio portion associated with video content. The method also includes receiving the video content at the set-top box device, wherein the video content includes a closed-caption component. The method also includes determining whether the closed-caption component of the video content includes text related to the at least one objectionable audio portion.

Abstract: A system and method for switching between voice signals. The system includes a network interface device and a digital logic device. The network interface device may include a splitter and a switch. The splitter includes a network input configured to receive a combined voice and digital signal. The splitter generates a separate first voice output and a digital signal. The first voice signal is provided from the splitter to the switch, while the digital signal is provided to the digital logic device. The digital logic device is configured to generate a second voice signal that is also provided to the switch. Further, the digital logic device provides a control signal to the switch. The control signal manipulates the switch to selectively provide either the first or second voice signal to a voice output.