Abstract: The combination of a data communication system, including data input, data retention, and data output means, and to the supporting software to develop an accurate account of charges for a surgical procedure, including pre-op, surgical and post-op, of a patient in a medical facility. The method consists of a pair of sequential and interrelated modular subsystems having an administrator module and a manager module. The method includes inputting of such information as base charges, modifying the inputted base charges based on known circumstances and unique conditions of the patient, and identifying materials and facility resources used in the surgical procedure. Further, the actual materials used in the surgical procedures are identified along with actual items and duration of use during the surgical procedure, for inputting into data input base, where all of this data and information is transmitted to the data retention and data output base for accurately determining the appropriate charges to the patient.

Abstract: A system for evaporating excess water from a source includes a housing having: an air inlet, the air inlet directing air in a first direction; an air outlet; a plurality of channels arranged generally perpendicular to the first direction, the channels having undulations; and a water reservoir that feeds water into the channels. In some embodiments, baffles are created with walls that depend from the ceiling of the housing and that are interdigitated with dividers that separate the channels. This configuration can remove water generated by the source (such as an external compressor unit) in a quick and efficient manner.

Abstract: A field configurable vehicle armoring system and associated method allow a user to retrofit and reconfigure a combination of armor components in response to a perceived threat change and using original equipment manufacture fasteners and holes. The system includes pillar armor attachable after an original equipment manufacture door and hinge are removed. Fasteners extend through the hinge of the armored door, the pillar armor and an original equipment manufacture pillar using holes other than the original equipment manufacture holes. Rocker panel and underbody armor is further provided, along with a ballistic resistant windscreen and rear wall armor. Where desired, system armor includes a composite plate comprising a strike face that is constructed from softer metallic material than an inner metallic sheet.

Abstract: A control device and a method for controlling scanning speed of a scanner. The control device includes a decision device and a driving device. The decision device further includes an image buffer, an up-down counter and a comparator. The decision device receives the input image data and utilizes the up-down counter to compute data access volume inside the image buffer. The comparator decides whether to increase or decrease the scanning speed according to the data access volume and also outputs decision data to the driving device.

Abstract: Armored fiber optic assemblies are disclosed that include a dielectric armor along with methods for manufacturing the same. The dielectric armor has an armor profile, thereby resembling conventional metal armored cable to the craft. The dielectric armor provides additional crush and impact resistance and the like for the optical fibers and/or fiber optic assembly therein. The dielectric armor is advantageous to the craft since it provides the desired mechanical performance without requiring the time and expense of grounding like conventional metal armored cables. Additionally, the armored fiber optic assemblies can have any suitable flame and/or smoke rating for meeting the requirements of the intended space.

Abstract: A data processing system employs a unique coded promotional vehicle to attract customers into retail establishments for the purchase of discounted goods. The promotional vehicle includes coupon styled graphics integrated with a code to allow data tracking by the store pursuant to purchases by that customer. The promotional vehicle is easier and less costly to distribute compared to the prior art, avoids cutting of coupons, and post purchase redemptions. The system further allows more targeted discounting at a lower cost, and substantially reducing fraud by eliminating post purchase coupon processing and redemption. Additionally, the system provides for selective deactivation of the code for each discount used by redemption of the vehicle without deactivating the code for the discounts not used so that the code may remain selectively active for future use.

Abstract: A fluid sampling system is disclosed comprising a fluid drawing device and a fluid sampling device. In one embodiment, the fluid sampling device has a base portion having a cannula, a handle, and a ridge extending around at least a portion of an outer surface. A top portion has a flange adapted to engage the ridge to couple the top portion to the base portion. In another embodiment, the fluid sampling device has a base portion having a cannula, a handle, a mounting portion, and a test strip coupled to the base portion at least partially within the mounting portion. In yet another embodiment, the fluid sampling device has a test strip housing for receiving an end of a test strip therein. Extending from an end of the test strip housing is a blunt cannula.

Abstract: The integrity of a control network for providing reliable communications between different entities is verified. Such a verified control network may be included in a device, system, or design library. The verification of a control network includes, but is not limited to: physically exercising the control network itself and/or its design via modeling, analysis, and/or applying or using other testing or design verification methodologies. For example, a Petri net model of the control network may be analyzed to verify that the control signals cannot be generated which could interfere with each other, that a deadlock condition cannot be reached, and that a control signal on an input port will result in a control signal on an output port, albeit possibly delayed.

Abstract: A fluid sampling system is disclosed comprising a fluid drawing device, a fluid sampling device, and an analysis device. The fluid drawing device can be used to draw bodily fluid into a sample port of an IV tube. The fluid sampling device can be used to access the sample port to obtain a fluid sample. The fluid sampling device can include a test strip housing for receiving a test strip therein. Extending from an end of the test strip housing is a blunt cannula that can be inserted into the sample port to obtain the fluid sample and communicate the fluid sample to the test strip. The test strip housing is configured to allow the one end of the test strip to be received within an analysis device to facilitate analysis of the fluid sample.

Abstract: The invention provides for a controller such as a thermostat for an air handler comprising a housing having a circuit board and a display screen, the display screen having at least one alpha-numeric icon and a group of touch sensitive areas comprising at least two displayable touch sensitive areas. A microprocessor provided for the display screen. A sole mechanical button or switch is mounted in the housing and the button has a first end and second end and a touch surface extending between the first end and second end. The sole mechanical button signals the microprocessor in order to adjust the alpha-numeric icon, so that the combination of inputs received by the microprocessor from the group of touch pad sensitive areas and sole mechanical button provide for each and every adjustment required for all of the operational functions of the controller. The mechanical button may be a rocker switch.

Abstract: A broadcast signal having reward and broadcast (programming and/or advertising) content is broadcast, and viewers provide reward responses in response to queries in the broadcast content. Viewers also provide consumer data associated with the reward response provided. Rewards may then be awarded based on the accuracy of the reward response as well as the utilization of the associated consumer data provided.

Abstract: The invention provides for a controller such as a thermostat for an HVAC system comprising a housing having a circuit board and a display screen, the display screen having at least one alpha-numeric icon and a group of touch pads comprising at least two displayable touch pads. A microprocessor is provided for controlling the display screen. A sole mechanical button or switch is mounted in the housing and the button has a first end and second end and a touch surface extending between the first end and second end. The sole mechanical button signals the microprocessor in order to adjust the alpha-numeric icon(s), so that the combination of inputs received by the microprocessor from the group of touch pads and sole mechanical button provide for each and every adjustment required for all of the operational functions of the controller. The mechanical button may be a rocker switch. The controller may also include a navigation button.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multimedia resource is shared among a plurality of devices based upon a physical location of an active wireless endpoint unit within a structure. Devices are associated with corresponding zones within the structure. Each device provides functionality within the device's corresponding zone. Using one of a number of techniques, the physical location of the active wireless endpoint unit is determined to be within a particular zone. In response, one or more devices associated with the particular zone are provided with access to the multimedia control resources. Access is withheld to one or more other devices associated with another zone that is remote from the physical location of the active wireless endpoint unit.

Abstract: An instrument for manipulating a spinal fixation rod includes a gripping section for engaging a spinal implant and a lever body pivotally attached to the gripping section. A rod carrier extends from one side of the lever body and is adapted to push a spinal fixation rod downwardly into the spinal implant.