Abstract: A cartridge is formed of two parts which form an outlet valve at the lower end. The valve is opened or closed by relative rotation of the parts.

Abstract: The system described is a positive cross identification system finding use in assuring that the proper medicaments are used for the proper patient. In this system, a patient's identification (I.D.) number is read by an optical scanner. Next, the I.D. number of the intended recipient on medicament container label is read by the optical scanner and the identification numbers compared in an electronic comparator. If comparison is indicated, an electronically actuated lock on the medicament container is unlocked.The lock described includes a lock body with a receptacle into which a split locking pin is introduced. An actuating pin spreads the members of the locking pin such that the locking pin cannot be removed. The locking pin can be removed only by withdrawing the actuating pin from the split members so that they are allowed to come together and be withdrawn from the aperture. Withdrawal of the actuating pin is accomplished by a solenoid actuated by the output of the comparator.

Abstract: A label cassette is described in which labels releasably adhered to a support strip are stored in a cassette. The cassette is generally rectangular with one corner formed at approximately a 45.degree. angle. A reflective surface is placed on the angular corner to permit a light beam to be reflected from the cassette through holes in the support strip between each label to control the advance of the support strip into the label printer. With this arrangement the proper positioning of the label cassette as well as that of the support strip are simultaneously detected.

Abstract: A method and system are described for producing identification characters that are both man and machine readable. The identification characters, such as those on a patient's I.D. bracelet or an inventory control tag, are scanned with an optical character reader. The character information obtained from the reader, or other input source, is processed and used to control the reproduction of the identification characters using a dot matrix printer. The readability of the characters is enhanced by using thermal paper and increasing the heat applied by the dot matrix printer to (1) enlarge the area of the dots and (2) increase their optical absorbance. The increased area and absorbance produces an apparent solid line character which is more easily readable by an optical character reader.