Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a contract management system provides an alert sub-utility that includes web-based data mining tools to automatically detect changes to a carrier's website and a notification sub-utility for packaging and communicating these changes. These data mining tools parse through XML tags nested within a tree of the carrier's website and determine whether any changes have been made to the web document. These XML tags allow the data mining tool to focus its efforts in extracting particular data of interest. Once the changes of interest have been extracted, the notification sub-utility of one or more embodiments of the present invention creates and communicates an alert to the healthcare provider. The methods and systems of one or more preferred embodiments provide healthcare providers with a more focused and timely alert of changes to a carrier's policy. Further, they provide the health care provider with historical revenue data in combination with the policy change alerts.

Abstract: Ultrasonic sealing apparatus, including at least one anvil and at least one transducer opposed to the anvil to transmit ultrasonic energy to a workpiece clamped between them, is disclosed. The anvil and sealing horn each are reciprocated between an open position allowing a carton to pass and a closed position for sealing a closure. A biasing element is connected between the anvil or the horn and its drive to define the sealing pressure developed between the anvil and the horn. The biasing force can be adjusted without stopping the machine, by using an externally applied pneumatic force. The anvil has a backing element, a facing member, a body, and a resilient pad separating the body from the facing member. The backing element has a curved front surface facing the transducer. The back surface of the anvil pad is curved similarly to and bears against the curved front surface of the backing element.