Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting relationships with referring providers, so that when a patient reactivation system is used, patients referred by protected providers will be contacted and invited to make an appointment only when appropriate.

Abstract: A self defense spray device comprising a spray unit having a spray canister with an irritant spray, a nozzle operable to release the irritant spray, and a first connector attached to the spray canister. The device further includes a holder having a second connector adapted to releasably engage the first connector to releasably connect the spray unit to the holder, and a safety mechanism that prevents the nozzle from releasing the spray when the spray unit is connected to the holder, thus disarming the device. Once the spray unit is removed from the holder, the safety no longer blocks the nozzle thus arming the device.

Abstract: A self defense spray device comprising a spray unit having a spray canister with an irritant spray, a nozzle operable to release the irritant spray, and a first connector attached to the spray canister. The device further includes a holder having a second connector adapted to releasably engage the first connector to releasably connect the spray unit to the holder, and a safety mechanism that prevents the nozzle from releasing the spray when the spray unit is connected to the holder, thus disarming the device. Once the spray unit is removed from the holder, the safety no longer blocks the nozzle thus arming the device.

Abstract: A time and motion study is conducted to gather timings and factors for each portion of customer visits in an organization. This study draws data from existing management systems as well as special-purpose software built to collect additional data not available in current systems. Multiple regression is then used to analyze these data and determine which factors predict visit lengths, and to develop a model for predicting appointment lengths. This model is then used to assign appointments to different groups with different average lengths. These groups are then arranged in schedule templates and simulated using Monte Carlo simulation techniques. A schedule template is developed, tested and refined by repeated simulation. Finally, once a schedule template has been finalized, it is used to guide the scheduling of appointments, using a program which assigns appointments to one of the groups named by the schedule template, based on factors available at scheduling time.

Abstract: A diverter valve comprises a housing having inlets, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlets are connected to hot and cold water supplies, and mixing of the hot and cold water occurs both inside the housing and inside a mixing chamber external to the valve. The first outlet is connected to a spout, and the second outlet is connected to a spray unit. A valve element is mounted in the housing, movable between a closed position and an open position with respect to the first outlet. A piston member comprising a first piston at the bottom end of the valve element, and a second smaller piston at the top end of the valve is responsive to pressure differential between the second outlet and the inlet for movement to a first and second position. When a lower pressure exists at the second outlet, the piston member moves to the second position, closing off the first outlet. The valve also includes a flow regulator to regulate the flow through the second outlet.

Abstract: A diverter valve comprises a housing having inlets, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlets are connected to hot and cold water supplies, and mixing of the hot and cold water occurs both inside the housing and inside a mixing chamber external to the valve. The first outlet is connected to a spout, and the second outlet is connected to a spray unit. A valve element is mounted in the housing, movable between a closed position and an open position with respect to the first outlet. A piston member comprising a first piston at the bottom end of the valve element, and a second smaller piston at the top end of the valve is responsive to pressure differential between the second outlet and the inlet for movement to a first ad second position. When a lower pressure exists at the second outlet, the piston member moves to the second position, closing off the first outlet. The valve also includes a flow regulator to regulate the flow through the second outlet.