Abstract: Systems and methods that are operable in open distributed environments, such as ToL and other similar systems are described. One dependability system includes a hierarchical arrangement of two or more nodes each having a fault analyzer object programmed to respond to status information relating to an associated system of one or more objects based upon a respective set of policies designed to improve object availability. The dependability system may be implemented in a telephony system. The telephony system may include a packet switched network, a gatekeeper coupled to the packet switched network, and a server coupled to the packet switched network and configured to process telephone calls over the packet switched network. A dependability method that is implemented in a distributed packet switched network also is described. In accordance with this method, status information relating to one or more component objects of a node in a hierarchical arrangement of two or more nodes is received at a lower-level node.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medical procedure kit for performing an angiographic or other medical procedure. The kit comprises a housing having a central compartment and two side compartments that can be filled with supplies and folded over the central compartment to form a sealed kit for shipment and storage. A shelf is supported in the central compartment and includes a number of wells for holding various medical instruments and supplies needed for the particular procedure and also has a sloped surface leading toward a drain hole for draining waste fluids from the shelf and into the central compartment. When a procedure is complete, the used equipment is placed into the housing and the housing is closed, sealed in a plastic bag, and discarded.