Abstract: A method is described which simplifies, automates and organizes the creation of notes and correspondence and also, by performing the calculations needed to determine the appropriate billing codes, provides documentation for billing purposes. It also assists the health care worker in determining the proper billing code. An embodiment of this to facilitate the creation of documents in the setting of patient care is described. The use of this for medical records is particularly of importance because of recent government (Heath Care and Finance Administration, or HCFA) regulations. The embodiment also allows one to enter information into a patient database at the same time that one is entering clinical information for the purposes of clinical care documentation. The database could be for clinical care, quality assurance, or research purposes. The embodiment describes how this can be achieved at the time that a service is delivered, for example when a health care worker sees a patient.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot is provided incorporating a cushioned ankle including an ankle block formed of a resilient material or bladder having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more openings extends through the ankle block with a substantially transverse orientation relative to a forward walking motion. The size and shape of these openings, as well as the insertion of different types of stiffeners therein, provide desired performance characteristics to the ankle block. When the ankle block takes the form of one or more inflatable bladders, the pressure within these bladders is individually controlled by valves to provide desired performance characteristics to different portions of the prosthetic foot. A pump system can also be used to control and generate fluid pressure into these bladders.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention describes a gate closure system having a barrier or gate operator for moving a gate between a gate fully opened position and a gate fully closed position. The gate closure system preferably further includes, among other things, a master control board with input and output points to receive and transmit data associated with movement of the gate, including a panic control override mode circuit input to the master control board that negates all gate movement parameters during any portion of the gate's travel path to open or close the gate at a substantially greater rate of speed than typically used to open or close the gate during normal operation, regardless of the gate's speed, torque, direction of travel (forward or backward), or whether the gate is stationary.

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for a container lid include a pull structure affixed to at least one end of a tamper evident tearstrip and positioned in an outer flange of the lid, the pull structure having a portion shaped to receive and engage a manipulator such as at least one finger of a user's hand, to assist the user to initiate tearing of the tearstrip from the lid. The shaped portion of the pull structure is configured to eliminate the need to grip the tearstrip between opposing digits of the user's hand. The lid may further include an extendible connection member positioned on at least one end of the tearstrip in an area or space generally defined as a “well.” Among other things, the extendible connection member can provide additional flex to a hinge portion of the lid, without destroying the subsequent tamper-evidencing value of the lid. A satellite ring may be attached to or provided on the lid or container to provide further tamper evidencing and protection to the lid assembly.

Abstract: A method and system for communication of patient data acquired from a patient (13) involving the use of a predetermined communications protocol (48, 49, 50) whereby patient data is communicable from a patient location to an analysis location. In a preferred form, the patient data has appended to its supplementary data which can include address information and identity information.