Abstract: A collection device can include a cap configured to interface with automation equipment used in a testing facility (e.g., a handheld or fully automated decapping machine, robotic decappers, handheld decappers, liquid handlers, transport robotics, shaking apparatus, etc.) for automated processing (e.g., decapping, rapid accessioning, sample testing, or other processing steps). Following collection of a sample, the sample can be inserted or screwed into a vial, the cap can be coupled to the vial, and the vial can be transported to an automation system or devices to perform automated processing (e.g. decapping, sample testing, or other processing steps). Thus, such collection devices may provide a convenient, efficient, and cost-effective apparatus, system and method for transporting and automated testing of samples.

Abstract: A first part of a fluid connector system for delivery of pressurized breathing gas to a patient from a respiratory pressure therapy device. The first part has a connector portion with a first opening for a fluid flow, a sealing surface around a periphery of the first opening, and a retaining portion axially aligned with the sealing surface. The sealing surface is configured to axially receive a seal portion extending around a periphery of a second opening to form a face seal with a second part of the fluid connector system. The retaining portion is configured to be releasably engaged with a retaining portion of the second part of the fluid connector system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided that may be applicable to refrigeration assets, including refrigeration plants and cold-storage facilities comprising large numbers of refrigeration assets. The performance of refrigerators and refrigeration devices may be monitored based on temperature and electrical current and other measurements known or deemed to be correlated with refrigeration performance. Refrigeration assets in need of repair may be identified and a repair process may be specified, classified, managed and optimized. The immediate effectiveness and long-term persistence of repairs may be determined over time. The refrigeration assets may be classified according to reliability, performance, make, model and manufacturer. The effectiveness of repairs may be classified based on measured performance results following repairs.

Abstract: Generating, during a first and second signaling interval, an aggregated data signal by forming a linear combination of wire signals received in parallel from wires of a multi-wire bus, wherein at least some of the wire signals undergo a signal level transition during the first and second signaling interval; measuring a signal skew characteristic of the aggregated data signal; and, generating wire-specific skew offset metrics, each wire-specific skew offset metric based on the signal skew characteristic.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for generating two comparator outputs by comparing a received signal to a first threshold and a second threshold according to a sampling clock, the first and second thresholds determined by an estimated amount of inter-symbol interference on a multi-wire bus, selecting one of the two comparator outputs as a data decision, the selection based on at least one prior data decision, and selecting one of the two comparator outputs as a phase-error decision, the phase error decision selected in response to identification of a predetermined data decision pattern.

Abstract: Described here is an illumination assembly designed to be removably coupled with a variety of other medical instruments, particularly instruments having a tube, channel, or lumen through which a light wire optical fiber can pass through. The illumination assembly has a self-contained power source and is lightweight, allowing for use with a wide variety of instruments. In particular, the present illumination assembly is considered for use with medical device instruments routinely used for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) procedures by otolaryngologists, head and neck surgeons, and other ENT physicians.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for generating two comparator outputs by comparing a received signal to a first threshold and a second threshold according to a sampling clock, the first and second thresholds determined by an estimated amount of inter-symbol interference on a multi-wire bus, selecting one of the two comparator outputs as a data decision, the selection based on at least one prior data decision, and selecting one of the two comparator outputs as a phase-error decision, the phase error decision selected in response to identification of a predetermined data decision pattern.

Abstract: Generating, during a first and second signaling interval, an aggregated data signal by forming a linear combination of wire signals received in parallel from wires of a multi-wire bus, wherein at least some of the wire signals undergo a signal level transition during the first and second signaling interval; measuring a signal skew characteristic of the aggregated data signal; and, generating wire-specific skew offset metrics, each wire-specific skew offset metric based on the signal skew characteristic.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a cartridge assembly defining a tissue contacting surface; an anvil assembly defining a tissue contacting surface; and a surgical buttress releasably secured to at least one of the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge assembly and the tissue contacting surface of the anvil assembly by at least one anchor. A loading unit includes a surgical buttress releasably secured to an anvil assembly and/or a staple cartridge secured thereto by at least one anchor, and a drive assembly including a knife blade, wherein movement of the drive assembly from a proximal position to a distal position results in the knife blade cutting the at least one anchor and freeing each surgical buttress from the anvil assembly and/or cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A pair of ground planes arranged in parallel, a dielectric medium disposed in between the pair of ground planes, and a set of at least four signal conductors disposed in the dielectric medium, the set of at least four signal conductors having (i) a first pair of signal conductors arranged proximate to a first ground plane of the pair of ground planes and (ii) a second pair of signal conductors arranged proximate to a second ground plane of the pair of ground planes, each signal conductor of the set of at least four signal conductors configured to carry a respective signal corresponding to a symbol of a codeword of a vector signaling code.

Abstract: A pair of ground planes arranged in parallel, a dielectric medium disposed in between the pair of ground planes, and a set of at least four signal conductors disposed in the dielectric medium, the set of at least four signal conductors having (i) a first pair of signal conductors arranged proximate to a first ground plane of the pair of ground planes and (ii) a second pair of signal conductors arranged proximate to a second ground plane of the pair of ground planes, each signal conductor of the set of at least four signal conductors configured to carry a respective signal corresponding to a symbol of a codeword of a vector signaling code.

Abstract: Generating, during a first and second signaling interval, an aggregated data signal by forming a linear combination of wire signals received in parallel from wires of a multi-wire bus, wherein at least some of the wire signals undergo a signal level transition during the first and second signaling interval; measuring a signal skew characteristic of the aggregated data signal; and, generating wire-specific skew offset metrics, each wire-specific skew offset metric based on the signal skew characteristic.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for generating two comparator outputs by comparing a received signal to a first threshold and a second threshold according to a sampling clock, the first and second thresholds determined by an estimated amount of inter-symbol interference on a multi-wire bus, selecting one of the two comparator outputs as a data decision, the selection based on at least one prior data decision, and selecting one of the two comparator outputs as a phase-error decision, the phase error decision selected in response to identification of a predetermined data decision pattern.

Abstract: A pool drain or sump basin having elongated ring-shaped body, at least one and preferably a plurality of outlet ports about the ring-shaped body for allowing water to exit the drain, external peripheral flanges for mounting the drain, and an opening for allowing water to enter the drain, the ring-shaped body having an inner sidewall and outer sidewall, and open topside, and a closed bottom or floor closing off the bottom side of the body, bridging the gap between the inner sidewall and the outer sidewall, and creating a drainage channel. The body may have an optional cover configured as a removable or replacement cover with openings. The pool drain may have optional bridging elements and flow regulating elements for greater structural support and water flow regulation through the pool drain.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for improving outcome in stem cell transplantation. In particular, provided herein are compositions and methods for improving efficacy and reducing graft versus host disease in allogenic cell transplantation.

Abstract: Generating, during a first and second signaling interval, an aggregated data signal by forming a linear combination of wire signals received in parallel from wires of a multi-wire bus, wherein at least some of the wire signals undergo a signal level transition during the first and second signaling interval; measuring a signal skew characteristic of the aggregated data signal; and, generating wire-specific skew offset metrics, each wire-specific skew offset metric based on the signal skew characteristic.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for obtaining a plurality of BER-specific correction values by comparing a first set of BER values obtained by sampling, at a sampling instant near the center of a signaling interval, a non-DFE corrected received signal with a second set of BER values obtained by sampling a DFE-corrected received signal at the sampling instant. A set of eye-scope BER measurements are obtained, each eye-scope BER measurement having a sampling offset relative to the sampling instant, a voltage offset value representing a voltage offset applied to alter a decision threshold, and an eye-scope BER value. A set of DFE-adjusted eye-scope BER measurements are generated by using BER-specific correction values to adjust the voltage offset values of the eye-scope BER measurements.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for generating two comparator outputs by comparing a received signal to a first threshold and a second threshold according to a sampling clock, the first and second thresholds determined by an estimated amount of inter-symbol interference on a multi-wire bus, selecting one of the two comparator outputs as a data decision, the selection based on at least one prior data decision, and selecting one of the two comparator outputs as a phase-error decision, the phase error decision selected in response to identification of a predetermined data decision pattern.

Abstract: An inbound communication is received by a contact center. For example, the inbound communication may be a text-based communication. The inbound communication is classified based on feedback from one or more prior inbound communications. For example, the feedback may be based on whether a previous communication was transferred, was dropped, based on feedback provided by a contact center agent, based on feedback provided by a user, and/or the like. In response to classifying the first inbound communication, the inbound communication is routed differently in the contact center. For example, the inbound communication is routed to a different contact center queue based on the feedback of the previous communication.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for obtaining a plurality of BER-specific correction values by comparing a first set of BER values obtained by sampling, at a sampling instant near the center of a signaling interval, a non-DFE corrected received signal with a second set of BER values obtained by sampling a DFE-corrected received signal at the sampling instant. A set of eye-scope BER measurements are obtained, each eye-scope BER measurement having a sampling offset relative to the sampling instant, a voltage offset value representing a voltage offset applied to alter a decision threshold, and an eye-scope BER value. A set of DFE-adjusted eye-scope BER measurements are generated by using BER-specific correction values to adjust the voltage offset values of the eye-scope BER measurements.