Abstract: A method and system for alleviating a load is provided. A support system is positioned at a nominal location with respect to an object. The support system comprises jacks and supports. Each of the supports is associated with one of the jacks. The object is positioned on the support system. The support system with the object is moved across a path. The height of each of the jacks is adjusted as the support system moves along the path to maintain a desired minimum load on each jack. Maintaining the desired minimum load prevents damage to the object.

Abstract: A resource generates and provides discovery configuration information to a network appliance. The network appliance validates the discovery configuration information, such as by validating a token within the discovery configuration information, then is configured using at least the discovery configuration information and passes at least a portion of the discovery configuration information to a network disjoint from that which connects the resource and the network appliance. This portion of discovery configuration information may include service advertisement information, routing information for traversing the network topology, and in some embodiments, the validation token.

Abstract: A set of cryptographic keys are synchronized across a set of HSMs that are configured in an HSM cluster. The set of cryptographic keys is maintained in a synchronized state by HSM cluster clients running on client computer systems with corresponding client applications. If the HSM cluster becomes unsynchronized, an HSM cluster client attempts to lock the HSM cluster and reestablish synchronization of the cryptographic keys across the HSM cluster. HSMs within the HSM cluster are able to establish an encrypted communication channel to other HSMs without revealing the contents of their communications to their respective host computer systems. Individual HSMs in the HSM cluster may include features that assist the HSM cluster client in determining whether each HSM is up-to-date, identifying particular keys that are not up-to-date, and copying keys from one HSM to another HSM within the HSM cluster.

Abstract: An HSM cluster includes a set of hardware security modules that maintain a set of cryptographic keys that are synchronized across the HSM cluster. Individual applications running on client computer systems access the HSM cluster using HSM cluster clients running on the client computer systems. The HSMs are accessed via a set of HSM cluster servers that monitor the synchronization of the cryptographic keys. Synchronization of the HSMs is maintained by the HSM cluster clients. The HSM cluster clients replicate key-addition and key-deletion operations across the HSM cluster. When a new key is created by a particular HSM, a prefix associated with the particular HSM is added to the identifier associated with the new key to avoid key-namespace collisions. If the set of cryptographic keys becomes unsynchronized across the HSM cluster, applications may continue read-only cryptographic operations while the HSM cluster is resynchronized by the HSM cluster clients.

Abstract: An HSM cluster includes a set of hardware security modules that maintain a set of cryptographic keys that are synchronized across the HSM cluster. Individual applications running on client computer systems access the HSM cluster using HSM duster clients running on the client computer systems. The HSMs are accessed via a set of HSM cluster servers that monitor the synchronization of the cryptographic keys. Synchronization of the HSMs is maintained by the HSM cluster clients. If the HSM cluster loses synchronization, an HSM cluster client resynchronizes the HSM cluster by acquiring a list of keys and key versions stored on each HSM, and generating an update map. Using the update map, the HSM client obtains, form various HSM in the HSM cluster, the latest versions of the out-of-date keys in an encrypted form. The HSM cluster client assembles and distributes updates to each HSM in the HSM cluster.

Abstract: A set of cryptographic keys are synchronized across a set of HSMs that are configured in an HSM cluster. The set of cryptographic keys is maintained in a synchronized state by HSM cluster clients running on client computer systems with corresponding client applications. If the HSM cluster becomes unsynchronized, an HSM cluster client attempts to lock the HSM cluster and reestablish synchronization of the cryptographic keys across the HSM cluster. HSMs within the HSM cluster are able to establish an encrypted communication channel to other HSMs without revealing the contents of their communications to their respective host computer systems. Individual HSMs in the HSM cluster may include features that assist the HSM cluster client in determining whether each HSM is up-to-date, identifying particular keys that are not up-to-date, and copying keys from one HSM to another HSM within the HSM cluster.

Abstract: An HSM cluster includes a set of hardware security modules that maintain a set of cryptographic keys that are synchronized across the HSM cluster. Individual applications running on client computer systems access the HSM cluster using HSM cluster clients running on the client computer systems. The HSMs are accessed via a set of HSM cluster servers that monitor the synchronization of the cryptographic keys. Synchronization of the HSMs is maintained by the HSM cluster clients. If the HSM cluster loses synchronization, an HSM cluster client resynchronizes the HSM cluster by acquiring a list of keys and key versions stored on each HSM, and generating an update map. Using the update map, the HSM client obtains, form various HSM in the HSM cluster, the latest versions of the out-of-date keys in an encrypted form. The HSM cluster client assembles and distributes updates to each HSM in the HSM cluster.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing samples in an analyzer utilizes a track system with a plurality of track portions. A queue of samples for processing can be handled on a first portion, while priority samples may be handled on another portion. An instrument in a module may process samples in queues and priority samples. The instrument may process priority samples while a queue of samples remains on the first portion and resumes processing the queue of samples along the first portion upon completion of processing the priority sample.

Abstract: An electronic kiosk receives a plurality of messages. The kiosk has a transceiver to utilize a set of radio communication technologies to detect and establish a radio communication link with a mobile computing device when the mobile computing device is located within proximity of the electronic kiosk. An application specific software program executes on a processor in the kiosk to provide as output one or more of the received plurality of messages depending on the location of the mobile computing device within the proximity of the electronic kiosk.

Abstract: An integrated automation system for use in transporting samples between modules, the system can include a plurality of modules configured to be connected to one another for processing samples, each of the plurality of modules having an internal transport system. Each internal transport system includes one or more periphery track portions integrated within a respective module, each of the periphery track portions having two ends and one or more transverse track portions integrated within the respective module, the one or more transverse track portions intersecting at least one of the one or more periphery track portions. The internal transport systems can be configured to connect to one another via one end of the two ends connecting to one end of the two ends of adjacent periphery track portions, thereby forming a continuous periphery track running through and connecting the plurality of modules. Samples are transported along the continuous periphery track and the one or more transverse track portions.

Abstract: Methods and systems can implement queues for an automation system that services a plurality of modules connected to one another by a transport mechanism, a processor can determining a desired queue for a module. An IVD analyzer can include an automation system, a plurality of stations configured to interact with objects transported by the automation system, and one or more processors that maintain a plurality of queues for at least a subset of the plurality of stations in memory and assign a plurality of the objects to each of the plurality of queues. Objects assigned to each of the plurality of queues need not be located physically proximate to a station associated with each of the plurality of queues.

Abstract: An automation system for an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a plurality of intelligent carriers that include onboard processing and navigation capabilities. The intelligent carriers can include one or more image sensors to observe the relative motion of the track as the carrier traverses it. The carriers can also observe position marks on the track surface to provide absolute position information, which can include additional data, such as routing instructions. Synchronization marks may be provided to correct errors in the observed trajectory.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing queues of sample carriers in a bidirectional track allow queues to behave as linear FIFO queues while providing random access to samples by resorting samples in the queue. One or more storage positions to allow sample carriers to be selectively removed and reinserted into the queue, allowing the order of sample carriers to be resorted.

Abstract: An automation system for an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a plurality of intelligent carriers that include onboard processing and navigation capabilities. To aid in operator handling of payloads and carriers, carriers include an electronically rewritable display on a surface visible to an operator. The display can include an LCD, E-ink, or other rewritable display and can utilize color, pattern, or text to convey status information of the payloads to the operator.

Abstract: Power systems for an independent carrier for transport of payloads in an automation system for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) applications. The independent carrier may include an onboard power source and an onboard electrical system electrically connected to the onboard power source for controlling movement of the carrier. The independent carrier may include an onboard propulsion system electrically connected to the onboard power source for propelling the carrier and electrically connected to the onboard electrical system for receiving a command to control the movement of the carrier. Onboard power sources may include: replaceable batteries, rechargeable batteries, induction battery charging, photovoltaic power, Peltier effect power, and external combustion engines.

Abstract: A method of operating a spiking neural network having neurons coupled together with a synapse includes monitoring a timing of a presynaptic spike and monitoring a timing of a postsynaptic spike. The method also includes determining a time difference between the postsynaptic spike and the presynaptic spike. The method further includes calculating a stochastic update of a delay for the synapse based on the time difference between the postsynaptic spike and the presynaptic spike.

Abstract: An electronic kiosk receives a plurality of messages. The kiosk has a transceiver to utilize a set of radio communication technologies to detect and establish a radio communication link with a mobile computing device when the mobile computing device is located within proximity of the electronic kiosk. An application specific software program executes on a processor in the kiosk to provide as output one or more of the received plurality of messages depending on the location of the mobile computing device within the proximity of the electronic kiosk.

Abstract: Tube holders for use in a lab environment include an optical device to allow the observation of barcode information on a sample tube. The optical device can include a lens or camera. Tube holders can also include reflective surfaces or mechanical mechanisms to allow the tube to be rotated such that reading a barcode does not require a strict initial orientation of the tube when placed in the tube holder. Arrays of tubes can include optical guides to allow barcodes to be read by an external imaging device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the controlled delivery of laser light to target tissue using an improved waveguide. A waveguide controls transmission of wave energy to a target based on direct contact with the target. The waveguide comprises a propagation medium, a cladding causing the electromagnetic wave to be internally reflected in the medium, and an interface formed in the cladding and configured for direct contact with the target. A portion of the laser light penetrates through the cladding at the interface and propagates into the target while a portion internally reflects within the propagation medium.

Abstract: A method of operating a spiking neural network having neurons coupled together with a synapse includes monitoring a timing of a presynaptic spike and monitoring a timing of a postsynaptic spike. The method also includes determining a time difference between the postsynaptic spike and the presynaptic spike. The method further includes calculating a stochastic update of a delay for the synapse based on the time difference between the postsynaptic spike and the presynaptic spike.