Abstract: A method by a management server is described. The method includes receiving a credentials request from a requesting management node. The credentials request includes a public key of the requesting management node. The method also includes determining whether the management server has credentials encrypted for the requesting management node in a local cache. The credentials are encrypted using the public key of the requesting management node and cannot be decrypted by the management server. The method further includes sending the encrypted credentials to the requesting management node when the management server has the encrypted credentials. The requesting management node can decrypt the encrypted credentials using a private key.

Abstract: A method by a management server is described. The method includes receiving a credentials request from a requesting management node. The credentials request includes a public key of the requesting management node. The method also includes determining whether the management server has credentials encrypted for the requesting management node in a local cache. The credentials are encrypted using the public key of the requesting management node and cannot be decrypted by the management server. The method further includes sending the encrypted credentials to the requesting management node when the management server has the encrypted credentials. The requesting management node can decrypt the encrypted credentials using a private key.

Abstract: A method by a management server is described. The method includes receiving a credentials request from a requesting management node. The credentials request includes a public key of the requesting management node. The method also includes determining whether the management server has credentials encrypted for the requesting management node in a local cache. The credentials are encrypted using the public key of the requesting management node and cannot be decrypted by the management server. The method further includes sending the encrypted credentials to the requesting management node when the management server has the encrypted credentials. The requesting management node can decrypt the encrypted credentials using a private key.

Abstract: A method by a management server is described. The method includes receiving a credentials request from a requesting management node. The credentials request includes a public key of the requesting management node. The method also includes determining whether the management server has credentials encrypted for the requesting management node in a local cache. The credentials are encrypted using the public key of the requesting management node and cannot be decrypted by the management server. The method further includes sending the encrypted credentials to the requesting management node when the management server has the encrypted credentials. The requesting management node can decrypt the encrypted credentials using a private key.

Abstract: A method by a management server is described. The method includes receiving a credentials request from a requesting management node. The credentials request includes a public key of the requesting management node. The method also includes determining whether the management server has credentials encrypted for the requesting management node in a local cache. The credentials are encrypted using the public key of the requesting management node and cannot be decrypted by the management server. The method further includes sending the encrypted credentials to the requesting management node when the management server has the encrypted credentials. The requesting management node can decrypt the encrypted credentials using a private key.

Abstract: A method by a management server is described. The method includes receiving a credentials request from a requesting management node. The credentials request includes a public key of the requesting management node. The method also includes determining whether the management server has credentials encrypted for the requesting management node in a local cache. The credentials are encrypted using the public key of the requesting management node and cannot be decrypted by the management server. The method further includes sending the encrypted credentials to the requesting management node when the management server has the encrypted credentials. The requesting management node can decrypt the encrypted credentials using a private key.

Abstract: In a method of executing a test while creating the test, a portion of a line of a test case for a software item is received. The syntax of the received portion of the line is validated upon entry of the portion of the line. The line is executed after the syntax validation. Any error based on execution is indicated.

Abstract: A managed node may determine that a current public key and a current private key associated with a managed node will expire within a threshold period of time. A current managed node certificate may include the current public key and be associated with the current private key. The managed node may create a request for a new certificate for the managed node. The request may be created prior to expiration of the current managed node certificate. The managed node may sign the request for the new certificate using the current private key. The managed node may send the request for the new certificate to a core server.

Abstract: In a method of creating a custom action, a user interface is presented for entry of lines of a custom action. In response to receipt of a sub-portion of a line of the custom action via said user interface, the sub-portion is automatically checked for errors in syntax. The custom action is stored as a selectable custom action in a dynamic layer of a testing infrastructure. The dynamic layer of the testing infrastructure is associated with a particular instance of a software item.

Abstract: In a method of binding a software item to a plain English name, a user input of a plain English control name is received into a test file. A user interface under test is automatically searched for a control corresponding to the plain English control name. The corresponding control in the software item under test is automatically bound to the plain English control name.

Abstract: In a method of managing a test environment, a test of a software item is initiated, wherein the test manages a test environment that the test executes test cases against during run time. At least one global variable file is accessed. The global variable file describes the test environment and defines references to machine names.

Abstract: In a method of managing a test environment, a test of a software item is initiated, wherein the test manages a test environment that the test executes test cases against during run time. At least one global variable file is accessed. The global variable file describes the test environment and defines references to machine names.

Abstract: In a method of binding a software item to a plain English name, a user input of a plain English control name is received into a test file. A user interface under test is automatically searched for a control corresponding to the plain English control name. The corresponding control in the software item under test is automatically bound to the plain English control name.

Abstract: In a method of executing a test while creating the test, a portion of a line of a test case for a software item is received. The syntax of the received portion of the line is validated upon entry of the portion of the line. The line is executed after the syntax validation. Any error based on execution is indicated.

Abstract: In a method of creating a custom action, a user interface is presented for entry of lines of a custom action. In response to receipt of a sub-portion of a line of the custom action via said user interface, the sub-portion is automatically checked for errors in syntax. The custom action is stored as a selectable custom action in a dynamic layer of a testing infrastructure. The dynamic layer of the testing infrastructure is associated with a particular instance of a software item.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying vacuum to a patient, including a disposable liquid collection unit, are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment includes a valve unit having at least one actuator that is changeable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The valve unit can have a first receiving portion with a first registration feature. The system can further include a disposable collection unit removably carried by the valve unit and including a liquid collection vessel and an interface unit carried by the liquid collection vessel. The interface unit can have a second receiving portion with a second registration feature positioned to be removably engaged with the first registration feature. The interface unit can carry a conduit that is coupleable to a patient device and that is positioned to be acted upon by the actuator, with the conduit generally closed when the actuator has the first configuration, and generally open when the actuator has the second configuration.

Abstract: Control systems for patient devices, including devices for securing cardiovascular tissue, and associated methods, are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment includes a controller coupleable to an energy transmitter configured to be introduced into a patient's body. The controller can have a power delivery component that is configured to automatically deliver and automatically terminate a full dose of energy to the energy transmitter at only a single predetermined energy level that is not user changeable. The controller can further include an activation device coupled to the power delivery component to initiate delivery of the energy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securing cardiovascular tissue, including via asymmetric electrodes, are disclosed. A device in accordance with one embodiment includes a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, with a working portion positioned toward the distal end and being elongated along a terminal axis. The device can further include an energy transmitter (e.g., an electrode) at the working portion of the catheter, with the energy transmitter tapered inwardly toward the terminal axis in a distal direction. The energy transmitter can be asymmetric relative to the terminal axis. In further particular embodiments, other components of the catheter (e.g., an inflatable member, guidewire conduit, and/or catheter bend angle) can also be asymmetric relative to the terminal axis, and in still further particular embodiments, some or all of the foregoing elements can have particular alignments relative to each other.

Abstract: Methods and systems for securing tissues, e.g., cardiovascular tissues, are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes inserting a portion of a catheter into an opening between a first portion of cardiovascular tissue and a second portion of cardiovascular tissue. The method can further include drawing the first and second portions of the cardiovascular tissue into contact with each other by drawing a vacuum in a region adjacent to the first and second portions of cardiovascular tissue via the catheter while the catheter is positioned between the first and second portions. The tissue portions can be fused by heating the tissue from within the opening, e.g., via radio frequency energy. This technique, and associated catheter system, can be used to close a patent foramen ovale or other openings in cardiovascular tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is a system that enables a plurality of external peripheral devices to be easily connected to a conventional personal computer, or other computing device. The system can include the computer, or can alternatively be configured as a hub. In either configuration, the system includes an arcuate-shaped interface surface, on a base. One end of the interface surface includes an upright chassis, which includes a plurality of bays. Rails extend longitudinally along the interface surface, toward each bay. An external peripheral device is slid over a rail, which provides attachment and stability to the device and aligns it with the bay. Each bay includes an alignment pin, a power connection, and a data connection. Adjacent to each rail is a latch for securing an external peripheral device in a bay. The top of the chassis includes a marking to provide a visual reference that aids in attaching an external peripheral device to a bay.