Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for interactive virtual pharmacies. The systems and methods may include receiving, by a non-dispensing virtual pharmacy comprising one or more computers, an electronic prescription associated with a patient, where the electronic prescription is associated with at least one drug or product prescribed for the patient; determining, by the non-dispensing virtual pharmacy, a respective total price payable to each of the plurality of dispensing pharmacies for filling the prescription for the patient; determining, by the non-dispensing virtual pharmacy based upon the determined respective total price, a respective patient payable amount for filling the prescription at each of the plurality of dispensing pharmacies; and delivering, in real-time from the non-dispensing virtual pharmacy to a patient device, an identification of the plurality of dispensing pharmacies and the respective patient payment amount at each dispensing pharmacy.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for interactive virtual pharmacies.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for financial processing for a virtual pharmacy.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for remote capture of paper prescriptions for use with a virtual pharmacy. The systems and methods may include receiving, by a non-dispensing virtual pharmacy comprising one or more computers, an image of a paper prescription for a patient, where the paper prescription includes information identifying at least a prescriber, a drug or product, a quantity of a drug or product, and usage information for the drug or product, where the image is a photograph of the paper prescription taken by a camera of a patient mobile device; analyzing, by the non-dispensing virtual pharmacy, the received image to determine whether any information from the paper prescription is illegible or missing; and responsive to the analyzing, delivering, by the non-dispensing virtual pharmacy, a response indicating whether the received image is accepted as an electronic prescription.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for interactive virtual pharmacies. The systems and methods may include receiving, by a non-dispensing virtual pharmacy comprising one or more computers, an electronic prescription associated with a patient, where the electronic prescription is associated with at least one drug or product prescribed for the patient; determining, by the non-dispensing virtual pharmacy, a plurality of dispensing pharmacies capable of filling the prescription; determining, by the non-dispensing virtual pharmacy, a respective total price payable to each of the plurality of dispensing pharmacies for filling the prescription for the patient; delivering, in real-time to a patient device by the non-dispensing virtual pharmacy, an identification of the plurality of dispensing pharmacies and the respective total prices; and receiving, by the non-dispensing virtual pharmacy from the patient device, a selection of one of the plurality of dispensing pharmacies.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for interactive virtual pharmacies.

Abstract: An internet-based system that facilitates the interaction between a store, its distributor, and consumers is disclosed. The system is centered around a distributor website that is designed to interact with both the stores it supplies and with the consumers who shop in those stores. Stores interact with the distributor's website by first using the site to create their own personalized website using a website “wizard.” This wizard program allows stores autonomy in creating their websites and choosing which of the distributor's products they wish to sell on line, but also makes it feasible for the distributor to update all of the created websites with pertinent information such as product pricing. The stores may also use the disclosed system to purchase products from the distributor to stock their stores. Consumers may interact with the distributor's website by utilizing a store locator to locate a store in their vicinity.

Abstract: A water quality monitoring system (30) assessing the performance of a water purification apparatus (10) which compares the current percentage differential ion concentration or rejection ratio (R.sub.x), between the upstream inlet (12) and downstream outlet (14) of the purification apparatus (10), with a previous sequence of rejection ratios (R.sub.1, . . . R.sub.n) to determine the true performance of the water purification apparatus (10). Each R.sub.x value is determined at a different selected time for use in conjunction with a computation device (40) interconnected between a comparator device (38), calculating R.sub.x, and a storage mechanism (42), storing the sequence of (R.sub.1, . . . R.sub.n) values. The computation device (40) computes a performance value (PV) which is an indication of the filter membrane performance. This performance value is calculated according to a predetermined formula which incorporates the rejection ratios (R.sub.1, . . . R.sub.n) as variables.

Abstract: A modular storing and dispensing assembly (20) for a plurality of large containers (21) of substantial weight. The modular assembly (20) comprises a container support track mechanism (24) supporting the containers (21) for movement toward a dispensing station (26). An enclosure (27) substantially encloses the track mechanism (24) and all of the containers (21). The track mechanism (24) and the enclosure (27) are both coupled to a modular frame (32) for movement thereof as a unit. The modular frame (32) is mounted on a vehicle (23) and can be used as a free-standing storing and dispensing unit. In an embodiment, the track mechanism (24) includes a conveyor-type assembly (35) extending about a predetermined path (34) substantially along the full transverse dimension of the vehicle (23). The conveyor mechanism (35) includes a conveyor drive mechanism (105) and a flexible transport device (111) movably coupled to the drive mechanism (105).

Abstract: A hand truck holder apparatus (40) for releasably securing a hand truck (20) to a vehicle bumper (32) includes a bracket member (48) having a mounting plate (50) and a pair of flanges (52, 54) positioned on opposed sides of the mounting plate (50). Mounting means are coupled to the bracket member (48) for mounting the same to the vehicle and a support member (44) transversely mounted to the pair of flanges (52, 54) supports the hand truck (20) thereon. Moreover, a substantially resilient securing strap (46) is mounted to and transversely spans the bracket member (48), thereby securing the hand truck (20) to the bracket member (48). In another aspect, the mounting means include a plurality of sets of apertures (80) extending therethrough for releasably mounting the bracket member (48) to a plurality of vertical mounting positions relative to the bumper (32).

Abstract: A syphon seltzer package (10) consists of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottle (12) with a neck (16) having an opening (18), into which a valve insert (20) is mounted. The insert (20) is held in place by mechanical attachment. The insert (20) fits into a sleeve (50) in an interference fit. Projections (52) on the outside of wall (32) insure a positive seal between the insert (20) and the sleeve (50). Similar projections (54) on the outside surface (56) of the sleeve (50) provide a positive seal between the sleeve (50) and the neck (16) of the bottle (12). At the bottom of the sleeve (50), there are four projections (58) spaced at 90 degree intervals around the sleeve (50). Castellations (60) are provided around the sleeve (50) between the projections (58). To assemble the package (20), the sleeve is inserted in the neck (16). The insert (20) is then driven into the sleeve (50).

Abstract: An eye wash station is provided which includes a pivotal basin to which is mounted a spray nozzle which is actuated when the basin is pivoted from a vertical to a horizontal position. In one embodiment, an independent eye wash feed tank is mounted above the top of the basin in its upright position with a conduit between the feed tank and the nozzle. In this manner, the spray is provided at a substantial continuous high pressure. Preferably, an eye wash collection tank is mounted below the basin to collect the liquid during operation. Furthermore, the basin cooperates with a vertical base member to provide a substantial enclosure for the basin when unactuated but to permit spraying when the basin is pivoted to a horizontal position.In another embodiment, the feed tank also is disposed within a normally enclosed basin housing formed by the base member and the basin in an upright position.

Abstract: Universal drip catcher for use on different liquid dispensing machines such as water coolers. The drip catcher has a receptacle which is adapted to catch and hold liquid spillage and engage the mounting devices on the different machines for removably mounting the receptacle on the machines.

Abstract: A package (10) for dispensing a fluid (26) in the package under gas pressure has a biaxially oriented polyethelene terepthalate bottle (12) with a neck (14). A dispensing head (22) is attached to the neck (14). A normally closed valve (16) is mounted in the neck and has a housing (50) sealed to the inside surface of the neck (14). The housing (50) has a syphon flange (54). An integral structure (56) having a spring (58) at one end and a poppet (60) at a second end rests on the syphon flange (54). The housing has an opening (48) above the syphon flange 54). The integral structure (56) extends between the syphon flange (54) and the opening (48). The integral structure (56) is dimensioned so that the spring (58) is compressed to bias the poppet end of the integral structure (56) into sealing engagment around the opening (48). The dispensing head (22) has an integral diaphragm (42) and rods (52) and (46) extending above and below the diaphragm (42).

Abstract: A package (10) includes a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) container (12) having a necked opening (14). A PET insert (18) is fixedly attached to an inside surface (30) of the necked opening (14) by a plurality of tack welds (34). The tack welds (34) are formed within recesses (44) that extend completely through the wall of the necked opening (14) and into the insert (18). The insert (18) makes a substantially line contact (32) with the inside surface (30) of the necked opening (14). The substantially line contact (32) extends continuously around the inside surface (30) of the necked opening (14) to form a fluid tight seal between the inside surface (30) of the necked opening (14) and the insert (18). To make the package (10), the insert (18) is driven into the necked opening (14).

Abstract: A package (10) includes a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) container (12) having a necked opening (14). A PET insert (18) is fixedly attached to an inside surface (30) of the necked opening (14) by a plurality of tack welds (34). The insert (18) makes a substantially line contact (32) with the inside surface (30) of the necked opening (14). The substantially line contact (32) extends continuously around the inside surface (30) of the necked opening (14) to form a fluid tight seal between the inside surface (30) of the necked opening (14) and the insert (18). To make the package (10), the insert (18) is driven into the necked opening (14). The tack welds (34) are formed between the necked opening (14) and the insert (18) by application of ultrasonic energy at the necked opening (14) below the line contact (32). The tack welds (34) fixedly attach the insert (18) to the necked opening (14).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and dispensing fluids such as syphon seltzer water under about 10 atmospheres of pressure. A plastic bottle is provided in which a valve mechanism is inserted within the neck of the bottle. A disposable cap covers the end of the bottle to prevent contamination of the valve during storage. When the contents of the bottle are to be dispensed, the cap is removed and discarded and a head member is attached to the outside wall of the neck of the bottle. The head contains a valve actuation mechanism which opens the valve and the liquid is dispensed through a nozzle in the head. The head may be removed when the contents of the bottle are dispensed or at any time before being fully dispensed. The bottle is discarded or recycled and the head member is detached and reattached to a full bottle of liquid, such as syphon seltzer water.