Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention overcome the shortcomings of existing trading systems by providing an invoiceless trading system that creates incentives for customers to pay suppliers within a predetermined period of time, such as a settlement period. Specifically, the invoiceless trading system enables a customer to obtain a discount on orders placed with suppliers in return for an immediate payment (e.g., within 24 hours) by the customer. The supplier receives payment within the predetermined period of time, and the customer receives additional cash benefits by providing an early payment to the supplier. To communicate with and transfer funds between customers and suppliers, the invoiceless trading system may use an electronic gateway and a settlement bank. In addition to creating an incentive to embrace e-commerce, both customers and suppliers avoid the need to manually process orders and use invoices to complete transactions.

Abstract: In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a game of chance is provided. Cards for use in the game of chance have rows and columns that define “boxes having numbers contained in the boxes. A random number generator generates an initial number of numbers, preferably two. The initial numbers correspond to the numbers contained in the boxes, thus representing a numerical spread based on the position the numbers correspond to on the card. Depending on the numerical spread based on the position the numbers correspond to on the card, either a payoff is determined, a push is called or at least an addition number is generated. If the additional number is generated, either a payoff is determined or a push is called.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus having an elongated probe assembly providing passage for irrigation and evacuation, as well as for inserting surgical tools such as an endoscope, RF electrodes and cutting tools. The probe assembly has a light weight handle for accurate positioning of the probe. An irrigation port is connected by way of a tube assembly to an irrigation pump having a novel, inexpensive, replaceable cartridge. An evacuation port on the probe assembly is connected to a tube assembly leading to an evacuation pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides a receptacle used in a passive drug delivery system. The receptacle includes first flow path for supplying along a fluid conduit a medical liquid, second flow path for introducing the medical liquid into a container containing a beneficial agent, third flow path for delivering a mixed solution containing the medical liquid and agent, and a guide valve for controlling the flow path by closing or opening the flow path.

Abstract: A device for providing therapy to the perineal and rectal areas of a patient is provided. The device can be used alone or in conjunction with an absorbent pad. The device is particularly useful for alleviating post-partum swelling and pain. Different embodiments of the device can be used to provide either hot or cold therapy to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drainage catheter for the therapeutic or diagnostic aspiration of fluid or air from the thoracic or abdominal cavities. The present invention provides a catheter needle, a catheter, a needle hub, a stop cock, and a self-sealing valve. The stop cock is removably secured to the catheter by use of a Luer connection. The stop cock is additionally removably secured to the self-sealing valve, again by use of a Luer connection. Use of the Luer connection allows the catheter to be disassembled from the stop cock as well as allows the stop cock to be disassembled from the self-sealing valve. This invention allows the additional medical procedures while the catheter still remains in the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cost-effective, accurate use of multiple batteries in a battery pack 110. The battery pack 110 consisting a plurality of battery cells 112. A monitoring circuit 117, 217, 317 is provided that monitors the battery cells 112. The monitoring circuit 117, 217, 317 is connected to a microprocessor 119 through an analog-to-digital converter 114. The microprocessor 119 determines the amount of voltage remaining in the battery cells 112. The microprocessor 119 also monitors the voltage output from the battery pack 110. When the voltage being supplied by the battery pack 110 falls below a threshold value, a switching circuit 121, 221, 321 switches depleted battery cells 112 with charged battery cells 112.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical device having a tissue engaging portion, a shaft member, and a handle assembly. The tissue engaging portion includes first and second opposed jaws for grasping, securing, and occluding body tissue and conduits. The shaft member is operatively coupled to the tissue engaging portion and is capable of being placed in different curvatures. The handle assembly is operatively coupled to both the shaft member and to the tissue engaging portion. The shaft member of the present invention allows the surgeon to bend and adjust the shape of the surgical device to minimize its intrusion and to allow for proper positioning in predetermined body locations. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the device is disposable.

Abstract: A biopsy surgical appliance comprises a biopsy needle having a stylet (21) and a cannula (31), disposed coaxially along an axis (Y) and activated by a mechanical device with two slides (20, 30) which can slide longitudinally inside a shell (10, 50). The first slide (20) of the two slides (20, 30) has a "U" shape with tines (22a, 22b) oriented longitudinally and is moved longitudinally in a first operative environment, in which the central section (22c) of the "U" shape supports one component (21) of two components (21, 31) which constitute the biopsy needle (21, 31). The second slide (30) of the two slides (20, 30) has a head (32) which extends towards and beyond the axis (Y) without interfering with the first operative environment and is inserted freely between the tines (22a, 22b) of the first slide (20), and in which the head (32) supports the other component (31) of the two components (21, 31) which constitute the biopsy needs.

Abstract: An activator (10) made in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes activating crystals (11) that have been formed into a shape and then coated with coating (12). The activator (10) of the present invention can be used in any environment in which the solidification of a supercooled solution occurs and whereby heat is generated during the solidification process. In the preferred embodiment disclosed herein, the activator is placed inside a hot pack (15) containing a supercooled solution (16). The hot pack can be made of a container made of a thermoplastic film which is formed into a bag, filled with activator (10) and the supercooled solution (16), and sealed to form the hot pack. The coating (12) of the activator (10) is impervious to the supercooled solution (16) in the hot pack (15) and into which the activator will be placed. The supercooled solution (16) may be any of a variety of chemical compositions known in the art which give off heat as they solidify.

Abstract: A filter assembly is disclosed which has a first filter element held by or bonded to a spacer and a second filter element positioned adjacent the spacer on a side of the spacer opposite the first filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for detecting excessive air in a liquid flow-through tube. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic transmitter for transmitting ultrasonic signals and an ultrasonic receiver for receiving ultrasonic signals. The ultrasonic transmitter and ultrasonic receiver are separated by the IV tube. The apparatus further provides circuit means for generating at least two transmitting signals to actuate the ultrasonic transmitter and circuit means for detecting received signals. Means are provided for determining whether the received signal is indicative of air or liquid in the IV tube. The apparatus further relies on logarithmic detection of air in fluids rather than linear detection which provides a larger safety factor in prediction of air embolus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gown 10 having a fastening structure which allows for easy securing of the gown 10 on a health care professional. The present invention provides a gown 10 having a front 14, two back side portions 16, 18, with two sleeves 20, 22 secured thereto. A tie 27 is provided that is attached to the gown 10. Secured to the front portion of the gown is an adhesive surface 25. The area of adhesion provided is preferably wider than the width of the tie 27 and of sufficient length to properly adhere the tie 27. To secure the gown 10 on the health care personnel, the tie 27 is extended around the back to the front area 14 and secured to the adhesive area 25.

Abstract: The present provides impervious shoccovers primarily for use in medical applications. The shoecovers have a boot which define an inside area, and an elastic band attached to an ankle section of the boot. The boot has a top which defines a foot opening to the inside area, and a bottom opposite of the top. The ankle section is positioned between the top and the bottom. The elastic band is attached to a flap at the ankle section of the boot which extends beyond a fluid resistant seal and thus, leaves the ankle section free of perforations to the inside area. The shoecover is made from a fluid resistant or impervious material.

Abstract: The present invention is an integrated bill consolidation, payment aggregation, and account-payment application system. The system acts as a settlements exchange for the execution of payments between households or small businesses and the service establishments (principally utilities, financial institutions, telecoms, and others) that serve them. The system eliminates paper check payments without requiring automation at the household level (for example, telephone bill-pay, PC payment systems). The invention provides for the consolidated billing of a plurality of services to a plurality of households, the payment to individual service establishments in aggregate "bullet" transfers (verses individual household payments), and the automated application of payments to service establishment accounts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clam shell packaging arrangement having a base 12 which defines a receiving area 23. A cover 14 is further provided which engages in a sealing snap fit arrangement with the base 12. The base 12 and the cover 14 are connected by an integral living hinge 16 which includes a first hinge element 18 connected to the base 12 and a second hinge element 20 connected to the cover 14. The bottom wall of the base 12 defines a plurality of upwardly extending integral plastic bubbles 57. The cover 14 defines a plurality of cooperating downwardly extending integral plastic bubbles 59. The bubbles 57, 59 are resilient enough to cradle a product and flexible enough to secure the product in its position.

Abstract: A biopsy surgical appliance includes a stylet slider sliding in a longitudinal plane and placed laterally with respect to a longitudinal axis, a cannula slider sliding in a longitudinal plan placed laterally with respect to the axis of a needle and not interfering in the operative framework of stylet slider, holding/releasing device made up of a first independent hooking/releasing device for stylet slider, a second independent hooking/releasing device for cannula slider, two independent single control push-buttons of which the first one acts on the first hooking/releasing device and the second one is of the progressive type and acts in progression on said first hooking/releasing device at the first device if it has not been released yet and then on the second hooking/releasing device.

Abstract: The first aid kit 10 of the present invention includes a case 12 which includes means for providing quick access to the contents carried by the case 12. The case 12 further provides, on the inside, a plurality of compartments 37 arranged in sequence to obtain a card catalogue/file cabinet-like effect. Contained in the sequential compartments 37 are packs 40 which are specifically designed with products appropriate for a particular first aid situation. The first aid kit 10 further provides an instruction booklet 46 which contains detailed instructions regarding the products contained in each pack 40 as well as instructions on use of the products for different types of first aid situations. The first aid kit further includes an overview card 50 which is an overview of the components of the first aid kit 10, identifying each of the packs 40, for quick reference in a first aid situation.

Abstract: A surgical instrument in the form of a biopsy needle for removing tissue samples from a patient. The device has means for preloading to excise tissue samples of a preselected one of many possible tissue sample sizes. After preloading, the procedure is easily accomplished using a single hand. The tip is rendered less traumatic by positioning the distal end of the tissue sample notch relatively close to the very distal tip of the stylet. This is accomplished by grinding the distal tip of the stylet into an elliptical shape in a plane having a lateral projection which is away from the distal end of the tissue sample notch.