Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus, system and method for facilitating the tracking of consumable pharmaceutical articles are disclosed. A marking apparatus is configured to apply unique indelible identifiers to pharmaceutical articles at the point-of-sale. The indelible identifiers on the articles are visually or electronically readable to allow each respective article to be traced with respect to its manufacturer, prescribing physician, patient to whom it was prescribed, dispensing location, expiration date, dosage, or some combination thereof. An associated system and method may involve the provision of a remote database element configured to be in network communication between the marking apparatus, manufacturer, distributor, prescriber, dispensing location, scanning tool, or some combination thereof. The indelible identifier may initially be generated by the apparatus and then obtained and recorded by the remote database element.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus, system and method for facilitating the tracking of consumable pharmaceutical articles are disclosed. A marking apparatus is configured to apply unique indelible identifiers to pharmaceutical articles at the point-of-sale. The indelible identifiers on the articles are visually or electronically readable to allow each respective article to be traced with respect to its manufacturer, prescribing physician, patient to whom it was prescribed, dispensing location, expiration date, dosage, or some combination thereof. An associated system and method may involve the provision of a remote database element configured to be in network communication between the marking apparatus, manufacturer, distributor, prescriber, dispensing location, scanning tool, or some combination thereof. The indelible identifier may initially be generated by the apparatus and then obtained and recorded by the remote database element.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus, system and method for facilitating the tracking of consumable pharmaceutical articles are disclosed. A marking apparatus is configured to apply unique indelible identifiers to pharmaceutical articles at the point-of-sale. The indelible identifiers on the articles are visually or electronically readable to allow each respective article to be traced with respect to its manufacturer, prescribing physician, patient to whom it was prescribed, dispensing location, expiration date, dosage, or some combination thereof. An associated system and method may involve the provision of a remote database element configured to be in network communication between the marking apparatus, manufacturer, distributor, prescriber, dispensing location, scanning tool, or some combination thereof. The indelible identifier may initially be generated by the apparatus and then obtained and recorded by the remote database element.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus, system and method for facilitating the tracking of consumable pharmaceutical articles are disclosed. A marking apparatus is configured to apply unique indelible identifiers to pharmaceutical articles at the point-of-sale. The indelible identifiers on the articles are visually or electronically readable to allow each respective article to be traced with respect to its manufacturer, prescribing physician, patient to whom it was prescribed, dispensing location, expiration date, dosage, or some combination thereof. An associated system and method may involve the provision of a remote database element configured to be in network communication between the marking apparatus, manufacturer, distributor, prescriber, dispensing location, scanning tool, or some combination thereof. The indelible identifier may initially be generated by the apparatus and then obtained and recorded by the remote database element.

Abstract: A multiplicity of sleeve subassemblies each include an electrically insulative portion, and are configured to support an electrical contact having a socket. Each insulative portion has a socket bore and at least one radial aperture extending radially outward therefrom. The sleeve subassemblies are transported across a plating bath whereby at least a lower segment of the insulative portions become submerged in plating solution. The socket bore maskingly engages the contact, thereby substantially preventing plating solution from contacting the outer surface of the socket. The radial apertures facilitate the continuous flow of plating solution through each socket so as to enable selective plating of the socket inner surface. The sleeve subassemblies may be formed from mutually-engageable half-sleeves conveyed on separate closed-loop transport belts so as to facilitate efficient loading, plating and release of the electrical contacts.

Abstract: A multiplicity of sleeve subassemblies each include an electrically insulative portion, and are configured to support an electrical contact having a socket. Each insulative portion has a socket bore and at least one radial aperture extending radially outward therefrom. The sleeve subassemblies are transported across a plating bath whereby at least a lower segment of the insulative portions become submerged in plating solution. The socket bore maskingly engages the contact, thereby substantially preventing plating solution from contacting the outer surface of the socket. The radial apertures facilitate the continuous flow of plating solution through each socket so as to enable selective plating of the socket inner surface. The sleeve subassemblies may be formed from mutually-engageable half-sleeves conveyed on separate closed-loop transport belts so as to facilitate efficient loading, plating and release of the electrical contacts.