Abstract: The invention pertains to a healthcare information management system which enables a patient to take possession and control of his healthcare information provided by a plurality of generally unrelated healthcare practitioners and pharmacies, comprising a central database, a portable access device provided to each patient, and a computer system at each health care practitioner and pharmacy. Methods are provided for improved electronic prescription preparation and fulfillment based on comprehensive medical information stored in the system.

Abstract: The invention comprises online methods, systems, and software for improving the processing of payments from financial accounts, particularly credit and debit card payments made from consumers to merchants in online transactions. The preferred embodiment of the invention involves inserting a trusted third party online service into the payment authorization process. The trusted third party authenticates the consumer and authorizes the proposed payment in a single integrated process conducted without the involvement of the merchant. The authentication of the consumer is accomplished over a persistent communication channel established with the consumer before a purchase is made. The authentication is done by verifying that the persistent channel is open when authorization is requested.

Abstract: The invention is a tool for use by fisherpersons to remove a split shot weight from a fishing line. The tool includes a finger sheath, a finger retainer and curved blade attached to the finger sheath. In one preferred embodiment the finger sheath and finger retainer are a sewing thimble. The tool may also include a “U” shaped clip for crimping a split shot closed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wrench for manipulating lock nuts on cable clamps and conduit for securing electrical cable or conduit to electrical boxes. The wrench is useful for accessing difficult positions in a box such as securing a cable to a corner opening or in a back row of a box having multiple rows of cables. The wrench comprises a central handle shaft, two transition sections, one extending on either side of the handle shaft, and two arc shaped heads, one arc shaped head extending from each transition section, such that each arc shaped head is displaced at an angle to the handle shaft and at a distance normal to the handle shaft. Each head comprises at least two tabs for engaging a lock nut.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods and apparatus for polishing and planarization of workpieces, such as fiber optics connectors, metallographic samples, semiconductor wafers, microelectronic substrate, optical devices and the like. The polishing pattern is a hypotrochoid generated by a spur gear rotating inside of an internal gear. The hypotrochoid is a superior polishing pattern because it not only provides a pattern similar to a figure eight pattern for producing optimal polishing conditions, but it also appears to precess around the center of the polishing space and maximize the utilization of the polishing pad or film.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a suspender set intended to be worn with a belt and worn under a person's shirt where it can not be seen that the person is wearing suspenders. The suspender set is particularly useful for a uniformed officer who carries heavy equipment on a belt, but can not wear suspenders because of uniform requirements. The invention is also useful for people who would like to wear shirt and suspenders without the societal stigma associated with wearing both belt and suspenders.

Abstract: A flavored gelatin capsule and the method of manufacture of the flavored capsule is provided. The capsule may comprise (a) from about 10 to about 70 parts by weight of gelatin; (b) from about 10 to about 35 parts by weight of a suitable polyol, such as glycerol; (c) from about 8 parts by weight of water; and (c) various parts by weight of particular water soluble flavorings. The contents of the capsule may also be flavored. The composition is particularly useful in improving the palatability of fish oil medicinals.

Abstract: A flavored vegetable starch capsule and the method of manufacture of the flavored capsule is provided. The capsule may comprise (a) from about 10 to about 70 parts by weight of vegetable starch; (b) from about 10 to about 35 parts by weight of a suitable polyol, such as glycerol; (c) about 8 parts by weight of water; and (c) various parts by weight of particular water soluble flavorings. The contents of the capsule may also be flavored. The composition is particularly useful in improving the palatability of fish oil medicinals.

Abstract: The invention is a foundation for a bed, either a box spring or a box foundation, with built-in drawers. The invention solves the problem of providing drawer storage space in a bed utilizing a mattress and foundation combination. Drawers are known to be placed under certain platform beds, however these beds do not readily accommodate a mattress with foundation, because such a combination places the mattress too high off of the floor for convenient use as a bed.

Abstract: A process for making a slow release high nitrogen fertilizer comprising mixing agricultural products, a surfactant and urea at elevated temperature and then pelletizing the fertilizer. Fertilizers made by the above process.

Abstract: A coin retrieval system for coin operated machines, such as slot machines, which comprises a drop bucket containing a self closing lock which is held open while the drop bucket is in the machine but springs closed when the drop bucket is removed. The bucket contains a full opening bottom. The system contains a system for weighing and emptying the drop bucket.

Abstract: A surface panel for creating decorative and utilitarian motif surfaces on concrete structures is disclosed. This surface panel allows motif surfaces of brick, stone, tile or siding to be applied to the exterior and interior of concrete structures. The surface panel can be used with other surface panels, or alternatively, as a component of an insulating concrete form (ICF) system. When used with an ICF system, the exterior surface of a concrete structure has a motif surface of brick, stone, tile or siding, while the interior of the structure has an insulating polystyrene surface. The surface panel described herein allows concrete structures including buildings, walls, pillars, and stanchions to be built efficiently and without skilled labor.

Abstract: A flavored gelatin capsule and the method of manufacture of the flavored capsule is provided. The capsule may comprise (a) from about 10 to about 70 parts by weight of gelatin; (b) from about 10 to about 35 parts by weight of a suitable polyol, such as glycerol; (c) from about 8 parts by weight of water; and (c) various parts by weight of particular water soluble flavorings. The contents of the capsule may also be flavored. The composition is particularly useful in improving the palatability of fish oil medicinals.

Abstract: The invention includes probiotic soil additive compositions including pulverized alfalfa, a wetting agent, granular humate ore, and a calcium source for promoting healthy plant growth without pesticides. Methods are disclosed for applying the additive, and optimizing application to maintain a preferred ratio of bacterial to fungal biomass or mycorrhizal coverage of the roots to promote disease resistant plant growth. A method is disclosed for applying the composition to promote deterioration of thatch when grass is grown. When applied to grass turf the invention imparts resistance to common grass turf diseases.

Abstract: A high speed board-to-board data transfer system capable of data transfer over single ended ribbon cable between a slave device and a master device. A slave device comprises a plurality of drivers generating clock signals at above 40 MHz connected to cable connector pins by a trace line through a series termination resistor. A master device comprises a plurality of receivers corresponding to the drivers connected to cable connector pins through a trace line. The ribbon cable is a single-ended ribbon cable using a ground-signal-ground configuration. The drivers, trace lines, resistors, cables, and receivers are chosen to provide reliable data transfer above 40 MHz, preferably between 40 MHz and 80 MHz. Preferred master and slave devices comprise VESA VIP 2.0 masters and slaves transmitting high quality video.

Abstract: A package carrier for carrying articles on the trunk lid of a passenger car or the tail gate of a utility vehicle comprising a soft, flat, flexible pad with a plurality of adjustable mounting straps terminating with hooks for attaching the carrier to the vehicle and a plurality of independent binding straps for holding the package in place. The package carrier is capable of conforming to the shape of the trunk lid so that it can be efficiently used with a wide range of vehicles, is quickly deployed and removed, and can be rolled up into a compact cylinder for storage.