Abstract: A system for dispensing a prescription medication in a controlled manner is disclosed. The system may include a prescription vial and a corresponding programmable cap. The cap may include an outer cover having an exit aperture, an inner cover having an entrance aperture, and a transport portion having a chute. The cap may also include a control system having a processor. In accordance with a schedule prescribed by a medical professional and programmed into the control system, the control system may dispense medication by moving the chute of the transport portion out of alignment with the entrance aperture and into alignment with the exit aperture.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a secure package delivery system and methods may include a door lock smart device in communication with a system server, a delivery information device in communication with the system server, and a client device in communication with the system server. The delivery information device may provide delivery status information of a package to the system server. The door lock smart device may govern access to a door at the location to which the package is to be delivered. The system server may, in response to receiving the delivery status information of the package from the delivery information device, communicate with the door lock smart device to enable access to the door governed by the door lock smart device. The system server may also be configured to communicate delivery completion information to the client device.

Abstract: A system comprising a combination of orthopedic traction devices for limiting abduction of the arm and preventing impingement of the user's shoulder. The devices include a nighttime ipsilateral shoulder traction device with removable leg and wrist cuffs, an elastic connecting strap connecting the cuffs to apply impingement-reducing traction to the shoulder joint; and a daytime centrifugal exercise device with a weighted member rotated by a handle using the ipsilateral arm. The invention also includes a method for using the two devices in combination, and a series of exercises for the centrifugal exercise device that specifically complement the nighttime impingement reduction of the traction device. In the preferred form, the traction device includes removable leg and wrist cuffs secured to the lower leg and wrist, respectively, and a one-handed quick release mechanism that allows the user to release the cuffed arm with the cuffed hand.

Abstract: An autonomous and portable smartcard reader device incorporates a high level of embedded security countermeasures. Data transfers are encrypted with specific input devices, namely a light sensor/DTMF/infrared and PIN or other keyboard entry, and at the output through the use of a dual-tone encoder-decoder. The unit may be used alone or as a plug-in to another device such as a PDA, cell phone, or remote control. The reader may further be coupled to various biometric or plug-in devices to achieve at least five levels of authentication, namely, (1) the smartcard itself; (2) the smartcard reader; (2) the PIN; (3) private-key cryptography (PKI); and (5) the (optional) biometric device. These five levels account for an extremely strong authentication applicable to public networking on public/private computers, and even on TV (satellite, cable, DVD, CD AUDIO, software applications.

Abstract: An automated system with one or more memory-card interface devices, a custom-formatted end-user memory card keeps track of the user's results, and a reactivation memory card controls the provider's recharging of the end-user memory card after the end-user memory card expires. The contents of the reactivation memory card are updated in order to track its use by the provider of the readings.

Abstract: An autonomous and portable smartcard reader device incorporates a high level of embedded security countermeasures. Data transfers are encrypted with two specific input devices, namely a light sensor and PIN or other keyboard entry, and at the output through the use of a dual-tone encoder-decoder. The unit may be used alone or as a plug-in to another device such as a PDA, cell phone, or remote control. The reader may further be coupled to various biometric or plug-in devices to achieve at least five levels of authentication, namely, (1) the smartcard itself; (2) the smartcard reader; (2) the PIN; (3) private-key cryptography (PKI); and (5) the (optional) biometric device. These five levels account for an extremely strong authentication applicable to public networking on public/private computers, and even on TV (satellite, cable, DVD, CD AUDIO, software applications. Transactions including payments may be carried out without any risk of communication tampering, authentication misconduct or identity theft.

Abstract: A laser ice etching system (7) includes a laser (11) for producing a laser beam, a laser aiming system (13) adapted to aim and direct a laser beam produced by the laser (11) onto forming ice cubes and a controller (9) operatively coupled to the laser (11) and the laser aiming system (13). The controller (9) provides commands to the laser (11) to produce the laser beam and commands to the laser aiming system (13) to aim and direct the laser beam onto the forming ice cubes. The laser ice etching system (7) is positioned adjacent to a vertical cold plate (3) of an ice making machine (1) and forms an image in the center of an ice cube by aiming and directing the laser beam in a predetermined pattern over a portion of the ice cube.

Abstract: A reusable bag container is described, including a reusable bag, a sheath forming a substantially cylindrical shape, the sheath being used to store the reusable bag in an interior vestibule of the sheath, wherein a distal end of the sheath is configured to fit within a proximal opening of a holder, and an opening disposed at a proximal end of the sheath, the opening being configured to allow addition or removal of the reusable bag from the interior vestibule formed by the sheath.

Abstract: Enabling the providers of automated blood pressure readings, such as pharmacies, corporate work sites, health clubs and other customers, to charge a fee for the long-term use of a memory card to record non-invasive physiological test data and make the data available for health consultations. In an automated blood pressure system with one or more memory-card interface devices, a custom-formatted end-user memory card keeps track of the user's non-invasive physiological test data, and a recharge memory card controls the provider's recharging of the end-user memory card after the end-user memory card expires. The contents of the recharge memory card are updated in order to track its use by the provider of the readings.

Abstract: A closed blood pressure cuff including a ring-shaped inflatable bladder having an inner portion for making direct contact with a user's arm and an outer portion having a fixed circumference outside the inner portion. The bladder is formed of non-distensible material, preferably by joining a tubular starting element. The inner portion of the bladder is not constrained during inflation and thus can readily conform to a subject's limb, the outer portion accommodating an upper limit of arm circumference within the cuff. The cuff may include a stiffener attached to the outer portion of the bladder to automatically adjust the shape of the bladder during inflation. The stiffener may be in the form of a continuous layer or may comprise a plurality of axial ribs, allowing the cuff to be folded when not in use. The cuff may be generally cylindrical or may be tapered.

Abstract: This invention improves upon existing pay-per-click arrangements periodically generating a code associated with the search-engine users. This code, preferably in the form of a serial number, is compared to the user of the website, such that by observing a metric like the number of clicks for a given period of time, be it a short time or a longer period, such as a day or a week, the system can automatically determine if certain clicks are illegitimate. This allows the pay-per-click company to more fairly invoice the merchants, thereby preventing fraudulent over use.