Abstract: An exemplary method of communicating with a safety device includes obtaining a key from the safety device that is useable for only a single communication session with the safety device. A plurality of messages are sent to the safety device during the single communication session. Each of the plurality of messages includes the obtained key, an identifier of the source of the message, an identifier of the safety device, a sequence number indicating how many of the plurality of messages preceded the message during the communication session, a command for the safety device, and at least one cyclic redundancy code (CRC) based on content of the message. A next one of the plurality of messages is sent only after confirming that the safety device has accepted a most recently sent one of the plurality of messages.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for layering agents in a distributed computing system. In one embodiment, a system for monitoring and controlling a distributed computer network including a plurality of components (e.g., devices) includes a plurality of cells, each of the cells being deployed to directly monitor and control one of the components of the network. The system also includes at least one federation, where the federation is made up of cells that cooperate to solve common problems, and at least one supercell, where the supercell provides supplemental decision making capabilities to the cells and federations. In this manner, problems detected by a cell that cannot be resolved by the cell may be forwarded to the cell's associated federations or supercells for resolution.

Abstract: A digital audio speaker system for a digital audio player that includes a housing and a control unit positioned in the housing. An amplifier is positioned in the housing and connected with the control unit and a speaker system. A frame assembly is positioned in the housing that includes a motorized drive assembly. A drawer assembly is movably connected with the motorized drive assembly. The motorized drive assembly is operable to move the drawer assembly between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: An instrument for manipulating a vessel in a patient includes a cannula having a lumen for providing insufflation to create a working space in the tissue of a patient, and a first manipulator for manipulating a vessel located within the working space. The first manipulator is slidably movable within the cannula from a stowed position, where the first manipulator is substantially disposed within the cannula, to a forward position, where at least a portion of the first manipulator is disposed outside the cannula. The first manipulator is rotatable when in the forward position to an extended position.

Abstract: A retractor for manipulating a vessel in a patient includes a working head shaped to define a working space in the tissue of a patient and at least a first manipulator for manipulating a vessel located proximate the working space, the first manipulator having a retracted position and an extended position. The first manipulator if disposed at least partially within the working space when the first manipulator is in the retracted position.

Abstract: An instrument for manipulating a vessel in a patient includes a cannula having a lumen for providing insufflation to create a working space in the tissue of a patient, and a first manipulator for manipulating a vessel located within the working space. The first manipulator is slidably movable within the cannula from a stowed position, where the first manipulator is substantially disposed within the cannula, to a forward position, where at least a portion of the first manipulator is disposed outside the cannula. The first manipulator is rotatable when in the forward position to an extended position.

Abstract: A comprehensive method and system is provided for developing and implementing new computer software applications through a series of distinct stages. Following the completion of each stage, a tollgate meeting is held between the various parties involved and a decision as made on whether the project should be advanced to the next stage. Guidelines, templates and checklist items are provided for each stage in a user-friendly manner over an interactive computer interface, such as a web page. By providing on-line guidance to project developers, the system and method of the present invention substantially decreases the likelihood of errors being made which introduce costs in both time, resources, and risk. Further, the present system, through its comprehensive, global nature, substantially increases the ability for distributed locations to stay in tune with what each other are doing. Because all locations must develop applications in accordance with the above-described system, added consistency results.

Abstract: A methodology, and associated circuitry, for locating a resistive shunt fault coupling the cable shield and the conductors of the cable pair under test comprises the steps of: (i) measuring the open-circuited DC resistance (A.sub.1 and A.sub.2) of the pair from test locations (A and B) which straddle the fault; (ii) measuring the short-circuited DC resistance (A.sub.3) of the pair from one of the test points (A or B); and (iii) evaluating the resistance of one conductor of the pair between the fault and the location of the short circuit measurement according to a predetermined quadratic expression involving the three measured quantities. Sensitivity of the measurement technique is reduced by adding a resistor in series with said pair, at either location A or B, so that A.sub.2 is substantially equal to A.sub.1.

Abstract: Apparatus, and associated methodology, for testing shielded, multipair cables to detect shield and bonding faults comprises: means (20) for inductively coupling excitation source (10) to pair grouping (16); and means (50) for capacitively coupling grouping (16) to detect excitation source (10) and the signal reflected from the faults and to provide the detected signals to detector (70), which is interposed between shield (15) and capacitive means (50). Detector (70) provides fault location capability by indicating the time difference between preselected characteristics of the source and correspondingly selected characteristics of the reflected signal.