Abstract: In a method of tracking a specimen acquired from a patient, machine-readable codes present on a patient identification (ID), an order to obtain a specimen from the patient, and on a specimen-taker ID means, respectively, are stored in a computer storage. A specimen container having a fourth machine-readable code preapplied thereto is selected from a plurality of specimen containers having unique machine-readable codes preapplied thereto. In response to a processor determining that the first and second machine-readable codes are related to the same patient, the processor causes the first—fourth machine-readable codes to be relationally stored in the computer storage. Responsive to the processor receiving a signal that a specimen has been placed in the selected specimen container, the processor causes an indication thereof to be stored in the computer storage in a relational manner with the first—fourth machine-readable codes.

Abstract: In a method of tracking a specimen acquired from a patient, machine-readable codes present on a patient identification (ID), an order to obtain a specimen from the patient, and on a specimen-taker ID means, respectively, are stored in a computer storage. A specimen container having a fourth machine-readable code preapplied thereto is selected from a plurality of specimen containers having unique machine-readable codes preapplied thereto. In response to a processor determining that the first and second machine-readable codes are related to the same patient, the processor causes the first-fourth machine-readable codes to be relationally stored in the computer storage. Responsive to the processor receiving a signal that a specimen has been placed in the selected specimen container, the processor causes an indication thereof to be stored in the computer storage in a relational manner with the first-fourth machine-readable codes.

Abstract: The invention is a device for automatically cutting small objects, primarily objects in the form of tablets and a method of tablet cutting. The device includes tablet guide, alignment and cutter apparatus. The tablet-guide moves a tablet to a cutting position. The alignment apparatus aligns the tablet for cutting at the cutting position. The cutting apparatus automatically cuts the fully aligned tablet into tablet portions having equal volume. The device may include vacuum apparatus for removing cut tablet particulates and may include ejector apparatus for ejecting cut tablet portions.

Abstract: A single, traveling actuator services multiple medication dispensing carousels to selectively dispense medication. The traveling actuator carries a tray that receives the dispensed medication. The tray flips to discharge the medication for patient use. The single actuator simplifies operation and reduces drop distance, thereby leading to a compact, low profile assembly.

Abstract: An extra-uterine sensing device for directly measuring changes in pressure brought about by uterine contractions of a wearer. The sensing device includes an outer member adapted for fixed attachment to the abdomen in an area of the wearer's uterus to establish a minimum pre-load and a sensor unit positioned between the outer member of the abdomen. The sensor unit includes a variable resistor formed of a pressure sensitive ink, a first electrically conductive member interfacing with the ink and a second electrically conductive member interfacing with the ink and spaced from the first electrically conductive member and a device attached to the first and second electrically conductive members to monitor changes in the electrical resistance.

Abstract: An improved multiple fluid delivery system usable for the delivery of intravenous fluids to a patient from a plurality of fluid sources includes flexible tubing members for coupling the sources to a fluid junction member. The fluid junction member, wherein little or no interfluid mixing occurs, is coupled by an output conduit to a controllable pump. Output from the pump, via a further fluid flow conduit, can be coupled to the patient's catheter. The system can multiplex a plurality of different fluids. Spaced apart sequences of fluid quanta are injected into the output conduit from the fluid flow junction. The fluids are either mixed, or not, in the output conduit as desired. Operator interaction and control of the system can occur either through a display screen or by means of a bar code sensor. Hard copy records can be provided of fluid flow delivery schedules or other related information.

Abstract: A multiple fluid delivery system usable for the delivery of intravenous fluids to a patient from a plurality of fluid sources includes flexible tubing members for coupling the sources to a fluid junction member. The fluid junction member, wherein little or no interfluid mixing occurs, is coupled by an output conduit to a controllable pump. Output from the pump, via a further fluid flow conduit, can be coupled to the patient's catheter. The system can multiplex a plurality of different fluids. Spaced apart sequences of fluid quanta are injected into the output conduit from the fluid flow junction. The fluids are either mixed, or not, in the output conduit as desired. Operator interaction and control of the system can occur either through a display screen or by means of a bar code sensor. Hard copy records can be provided of fluid flow delivery schedules or other related information.