Abstract: This invention relates to an interactive medication cassette with a machine readable and writable information strip that contains information corresponding to the medication in the cassette. The interactive medication cassette holds the medication and couples the corresponding information to the medication. The cassette is designed for use in a medication distribution and inventory system that includes at least one medication dispensing machine having a sensor for reading the information in the strip and updating or altering this information when medication is added to or removed from the cassette. The cassette travels with the medication during the distribution of the medication to a patient, and its information is reported to one or more memory devices or hospital or pharmacy data base during this process. The cassette is filled by a pharmacy dispensing machine holding a bulk container filled with a particular type of medication and a singulator for counting the quantity of medication added to the cassette.

Abstract: An apparatus and related methods for providing a locking mechanism wherein tumblers are used to indicate an answer word to a word puzzle or the like, the mechanism including a retainer to retain either a message or an item that is obtainable when the locking mechanism is unlocked, the tumblers adjustable to modify the code in at least some embodiments.

Abstract: A method for selling novelty items, the method including the steps of providing an apparatus including a retainer and an input device, the retainer for concealing at least one of a message and an item until a specified word that is specified via the input device matches an answer word, providing a first card including a word puzzle that can be answered with the answer word, and presenting the card and apparatus together as a set for sale.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating efficient database searching for records referenced by a data reference, the method including examining a data reference and related information to identify markup language codes or tags associated with the data reference and, based the markup language codes or tags, selecting a sub-set of databases to be searched for data referenced records and rendering identified records accessible.

Abstract: A method to be used with a system including a processor linked to a plurality of databases on which records are stored, a local database linked relatively proximate the processor and an Internet linked database, the method for efficiently searching the databases for at least one record referenced by a DR and comprising the steps of, a) receiving a DR, b) searching the local database for records referenced by the received DR, c) searching at least one Internet linked database for records referenced by the received DR, and d) rendering identified records accessible.

Abstract: A system utilizing a personal security device to provide access to a computer terminal where the personal security device includes circuitry and transceiver components for transmitting identification information and exchanging other digital information with a computer terminal and other compatible devices and the personal security device establishes a communication link with a computer terminal to allow a user to logon to the terminal so that when a user leaves the computer terminal, the communication link is terminated, causing the computer terminal to lock the keyboard, blank the monitor, and/or logoff the user if the communication link is not restored within a sufficient time period and also allowing the personal security device to facilitate subsequent computer access within a time range by providing time related access codes to the terminal that can be used to reestablish computer terminal access.

Abstract: A method to be used with a processor and at least a first record, the processor capable of facilitating at least a sub-set of possible record modifications including copying, moving, altering and deleting, the processor having access to characteristic sets which correspond to record codes, at least a first segment of the first record having characteristics that match a first characteristic set which distinguishes the first segment from other record segments, the first record also including a first record code which can be used by the processor and other processors to distinguish the first segment from other record segments, at least one processor performing at least one action based on the record codes in the first record, the method for verifying record codes prior to actions based thereon, the method comprising the step of, prior to allowing an action related to the first record code to be performed, verifying accuracy of the first record code.

Abstract: This invention relates to an interactive medication cassette with a machine readable and writable information strip that contains information corresponding to the medication in the cassette. The interactive medication cassette holds the medication and couples the corresponding information to the medication. The cassette is designed for use in a medication distribution and inventory system that includes at least one medication dispensing machine having a sensor for reading the information in the strip and updating or altering this information when medication is added to or removed from the cassette. The cassette travels with the medication during the distribution of the medication to a patient, and its information is reported to one or more memory devices or hospital or pharmacy data base during this process. The cassette is filled by a pharmacy dispensing machine holding a bulk container filled with a particular type of medication and a singulator for counting the quantity of medication added to the cassette.

Abstract: This invention relates to an interactive medication cassette with a machine readable and writable information strip that contains information corresponding to the medication in the cassette. The cassette is designed for use in a medication distribution and inventory system that includes at least one medication dispensing machine having a sensor for reading the information in the strip and updating or altering this information when medication is added to or removed from the cassette. The cassette is filled by a dispensing machine that counts the quantity of medication added to the cassette. The information strip is altered by the dispenser to include medication and quantity information corresponding to the dispensed medication. The cassette is also for use with a dispensing machine that dispenses the medication from the cassette, and updates the information strip with additional information including the quantity of medication dispensed from the cassette.

Abstract: A method to be used with a processor and at least a first record, the processor capable of facilitating at least a sub-set of possible record modifications including copying, moving, altering and deleting, the processor having access to characteristic sets which correspond to record codes, at least a first segment of the first record having characteristics that match a first characteristic set which distinguishes the first segment from other record segments, the first record also including a first record code which can be used by the processor and other processors to distinguish the first segment from other record segments, at least one processor performing at least one action based on the record codes in the first record, the method for verifying record codes prior to actions based thereon, the method comprising the step of, prior to allowing an action related to the first record code to be performed, verifying accuracy of the first record code.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating efficient database searching for records referenced by a data reference, the method including examining a data reference and related information to identify markup language codes or tags associated with the data reference and, based the markup language codes or tags, selecting a sub-set of databases to be searched for data referenced records and rendering identified records accessible.

Abstract: This invention relates to an interactive medication container or console that hold or otherwise organizes one or more medication vials or containers. Each vial has a memory strip containing medication and prescription information. Each vial can also include a reminder unit that is attached to and portable with the individual vials. The console or reminder unit reads the information strip of the vial and communicates this information to or interacts with a patient to remind them to take the medication. The medication container or reminder unit also gathers or tracks information such as consumption time, quantity remaining, patient feedback, and contraindication information. The medication container or reminder unit interacts with the patient by displaying questions or receiving and recording input from the patient before, during or after a dose of medication is taken. The patient input can be used to modify the dosing regimen for future doses of medication.

Abstract: This invention relates to an interactive medication container or console that hold or otherwise organizes one or more medication vials or containers. Each vial has a memory strip containing medication and prescription information. Each vial can also include a reminder unit that is attached to and portable with the individual vials. The console or reminder unit reads the information strip of the vial and communicates this information to or interacts with a patient to remind them to take the medication. The medication container or reminder unit also gathers or tracks information such as consumption time, quantity remaining, patient feedback, and contraindication information. The medication container or reminder unit interacts with the patient by displaying questions or receiving and recording input from the patient before, during or after a dose of medication is taken. The patient input can be used to modify the dosing regimen for future doses of medication.

Abstract: A method for use with a processor which automatically creates hyperlinks between references to records in a record set which appear in a second record and the records in the record set, the method for eliminating ambiguity when record references overlap and including steps whereby resolution rules are applied which recognize references to a subset of records which are referenced by overlapping references and also a method for recognizing specific record information as a particular type and inserting tags which can be used by certain applications to identify the specific information within the record.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating efficient database searching for records referenced by a data reference, the method including examining a data reference and related information to identify content characteristics and non-content characteristics of the data reference and, based the content and non-content characteristic combinations, selecting a sub-set of databases to be searched for data referenced records, ordering the sub-set as a function of likelihood of including relevant records and then searching the ordered sub-set of databases for relevant records.

Abstract: A method for identifying record segments that are to be stored for subsequent access and linking within other records, the method including earmarking a record segment with a data reference and thereafter storing an address corresponding to the earmarked segment along with the data reference so that when the data reference is recognized within another record, a link can be made between the data reference in the other record and the record segment stored at the address associated therewith.

Abstract: A system and method for specifying and modifying database definitions and rules used by system devices and applications for formatting records and corresponding addresses including an editor which enables specification of pre-defining address and record format field character strings and field instantiting rules which can be reused during data type definition to insure system wide information compatibility.

Abstract: An electronic identification apparatus including a band having first and second ends and a hermetically sealed electrical run that extends between the first and second ends, the apparatus further including a data device linked to the band, the band configurable to form a loop about an object such that the ends of the runs a proximate and separated by band material such that the ends form a capacitive coupling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling IV medication delivery and monitoring, the method including providing information tags on IV bags that specify delivery parameters, obtaining delivery parameters for at least one bag, associating a controller with a particular patient, comparing patient information for the particular patient with the delivery parameters, determining the efficacy of delivering the medicant to the patient and affecting pump control as a function of the comparison. The method also includes various timing rules and other verification procedures.

Abstract: An electronic identification apparatus having data storage memory on board a removable transceiver device. The transceiver device also includes a processor and a transponder for receiving information pertaining to the object/person to which it is attached and storing the information in memory. The transceiver also transmits stored data to a control computer or the external devices. The transceiver is mounted on a base, such as a wristband, and the apparatus includes an attachment sensor indicating whether the transceiver is attached to the base. If the transceiver has been removed from the base, the processor performs one or more lockdown operations to prevent the stored data from being used in connection with another object or person. The lockdown operations include clearing the contents of the memory, disabling access to the memory, suppressing the display of stored data and activating an alarm.