Abstract: A method and system is described to provide outcome data to the healthcare industry allowing for fair and accurate quality based purchasing decisions. The system deploys methods to facilitate the accurate and unbiased collection of patient outcome data. From this data warehouse of outcome data, purchasers can access aggregate outcome data identifying those providers or health plans that have achieved the best outcomes for specific criteria. Similarly, individual patient referrals can be made to providers with the best track record of helping comparable patients. Based upon outcome assessment data these searches can automatically be made based on specific patient characteristics and needs.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a novel gauge apparatus for rapidly and repeatably attaching a conventional survey target to a structural element in order to facilitate plumb and level alignment and erection. Relatively unskilled workers can use this gauge to set a survey target a predetermined distance from the centerline of the structural element and maintain a consistent registration, thus saving time. The plumb/level alignment gauge consists, in an exemplary embodiment, of a graduated shaft with a target head fitted to receive both a standard surveyor's target and a prism. Attached to the shaft are two sliding jaws that magnetically attach to the structural element. The gauge is positioned by setting the scale mark corresponding to the offset distance directly above the centerline of the column. Plumbing is achieved by aligning the target to the offset line through conventional means.

Abstract: Computerization has allowed branching and other logic to be integrated into questionnaire administration. The primary purpose of this invention is to allow the functionality and power of these processes to be easily created, and more importantly, customized by users of data collection systems. Rather than one set of logic applying to all users, this invention can be integrated into any computerized questionnaire application and generates a plurality of individualized questionnaires. The system allows and limits each user's customization of logic rules while providing transparent integration that allows different users to select the same questionnaire or battery of questionnaires, but receive overlapping, yet different questions and logic.

Abstract: A method and system for improved CAM match line precharge in which the amount of power consumed by match line precharge and discharge is significantly reduced. An independent match precharge voltage is introduced to the CAM, which is used to separately precharge the match line and is available for use by comparison circuits to attempt to match the input tag. The match precharge voltage is selected so as to reduce the relative power consumption for match line precharge and discharge by a factor of about five. Optionally, sense amplifiers in the comparison circuits are disposed so as to compare each discharged match line with the match precharge voltage itself.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for performing secure data transfer operations over a global computer network. This is accomplished by extracting data from a database stored on a first computer system connected to the global computer network, translating the data extracted from the database into a standard format, encrypting the formatted data, and transmitting the encrypted data to a second computer system connected to the global computer network. The second computer system, in turn, receives the encrypted data, decrypts it, translates into a format compatible with the second computer system and merges the reformatted data into a database stored on the second computer system. Unlike prior art techniques, in which data transfers are performed in batch off-line, the method and apparatus of the present invention allow for secure data transfer operations to be performed on-line in real-time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing bi-directional data transfer operations over a global computer network are provided. This is accomplished by extracting data from a database stored on a first computer system connected to the global network, transmitting the data extracted from the database to a second computer system connected to the global computer network, receiving on the first computer system data transmitted from the second computer system, and merging the data received from the second computer system into the database stored on the first computer system. These operations are performed in a substantially contemporaneous manner. Unlike prior art techniques, in which data transfers are performed in batch off-line, embodiments of the invention allow for secure data transfer operations to be performed on-line in real-time.

Abstract: A modeling system for the visual presentation of business applications (process, information, control, and channel), composed of multiple plan elements, is disclosed. The modeling system consists of a modeling language organized around a small set of defined pictograms each capable of representing elements of the application in progressively finer levels of detail. Each element primitive, be it a plan, step, data object, translation map, or control element (such as a business rule), is independently adjustable. Each element can be modified or enhanced without damage to the overall process because they are functionally decoupled and each represents a delegation of a task primitive (including data storage). All of the other, connected primitives are aware simply of what is passed into or taken out of a neighbor primitive, not how that primitive accomplishes its task.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for combined unicast and multicast scheduling. Data cells are assigned at each input, to one unicast input queue for each output, or to a single multicast input queue. Each input makes two requests for scheduling to each output for which it has a queued data cell, one unicast request and one multicast request. Each output grants up to one request, choosing highest priority requests first, giving precedence to one such highest priority request using an output precedence pointer, either an individual output precedence pointer which is specific to that output for unicast data cells, or a group output precedence pointer which is generic to all outputs for multicast data cells. Each input accepts up to one grant for unicast data cells, or as many grants as possible for multicast data cells, choosing highest priority grants first, giving precedence to one such highest priority grant using an input precedence pointer.