Abstract: A data processing method for an environmental certification program is provided which defines a plurality of predefined criteria which must be met by a participant in the program in order to be provided with a privilege of providing a certification mark for use on goods and in advertising materials of the participant. The data processing method tracks the compliance by the participant with the environmental certification program, and further evaluates the continued certification of a participant in the program. Preferably, continued certification requires achieving additional predefined criteria while maintaining the predefined criteria which led to initial certification. Moreover, compliance with the predefined criteria is preferably ensured with periodic on-site verification.

Abstract: A needleless IV injection port assembly includes a spiked body provided with a hollow spike, a female luer component, a flexible and resilient spike boot having a tip and spring portion, a centering member, and a-resilient swabbable septum. The spike boot extends over the spike, the centering member is provided over a portion of the spike and spike boot, and the septum is provided between the centering member and an end of the female luer component. The spiked body and the female luer component are secured together to complete the assembly. The length of the female luer component and/or the length of the spike is chosen so that when a separate male luer is positioned over a protuberance on the septum and pushed into the female luer component, the male luer places pressure upon the septum which thereby urges the septum toward the spike. The pressure on the septum causes the spring portion of the boot to be compressed and the tip portion of the boot to be pierced by the tip of the spike.

Abstract: A system for reducing the radius of curvature of a cornea is provided which includes a device having an electrically-resistive ring, an insulative shaft coupled to the ring, and an electrical lead coupled to the ring, and an insulative handle coupled to the ring which facilitates manipulating the ring for placement on and removal from the cornea of the eye and through which the lead extends. The lead is couplable to a current source. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, a function generator is provided between the current source and the ring to generate a function of heat energy provided to the ring. The function generator permits very precise applications of current to the ring, and may be configured to heat the ring to a desired temperature, to maintain the temperature for a predetermined amount of the time, or to provide a heat profile. An astigmatism correction device, preferably operable in conjunction with the hyperopia heating device, is also provided.