Abstract: A method and computer program collects hospital patient and administrative information and presents the information to a user via an interactive user interface (34) that includes a plurality of activity windows. The activity windows list patients according to admission to a hospital department (36), scheduled surgical procedures (38), scheduled clinical appointments (40), rounds (44), consults (46), and scheduled catheterization conference (48). A daily schedule activity window (42) lists presents the user's schedule for a given day, and a personal notes activity window (50) presents notes previously submitted by the user. The patient lists can be presented according to service, team, or attending physician. The user can drill down to acquire more detailed information by selecting a patient from a list and requesting the information.

Abstract: A method and computer program manages medical research study information and laboratory test result information. The program generates an interactive user interface with elements for setting up a study (702), managing study member information (704), managing patient information (706), receiving and displaying comments (708), and configuring data to be stored in a database associated with the research study (710). The program also receives medical event information from a user and laboratory test result information from a laboratory information system (20d), and generates a chart (934) that correlates the test results and the medical events. The program also receives a normal range pertaining to a test result from the laboratory information system (20d) and provides a normal range indicator (952) for the test result.

Abstract: A method and computer program manages medical research study information and laboratory test result information. The program generates an interactive user interface with elements for setting up a study (702), managing study member information (704), managing patient information (706), receiving and displaying comments (708), and configuring data to be stored in a database associated with the research study (710). The program also receives medical event information from a user and laboratory test result information from a laboratory information system (20d), and generates a chart (934) that correlates the test results and the medical events. The program also receives a normal range pertaining to a test result from the laboratory information system (20d) and provides a normal range indicator (952) for the test result.

Abstract: A metallic glass-coated wire is formed by drawing a hollow glass fiber from a container in which molten alloy is entrained and solidified. Interference stresses extant between the glass coating and the alloy core of the wire are produced by systematically controlling thickness and mechanical elastic properties of the glass. The interference stress is tailored by selection of glass thickness and chemistry to optimize wire drawing process conditions, such as drawing temperature and strain rate. In addition, the interference stress is especially tailored to assure physical integrity of the glass-alloy composite wire product. Local property variations along the wire length are minimized, facilitating production of discrete wire segments especially suited for use in EAS applications.

Abstract: A glass-coated amorphous metallic microwire is encoded with multi-bit digital information. Encoding is achieved magnetically, optically or through a combination of magnetic and optical encoding processes. Magnetic encoding is carried out by modifying the constituent magnetic domain structure through selective relief of interfacial stress between the glass coating and the amorphous metallic alloy core. It is also achieved by selective surface crystallization of the amorphous metallic core in order to produce a controlled magnetic bias field. Optical encoding is associated with the glass coating. It is readily achieved by fluorescent element deposition, patterned removal of fluorescent element coating, Bragg grating, and thermally activated pattern deposition. The magnetic and optical multi-bit encoding approaches for glass-coated amorphous metallic microwire can be used individually or collectively in either a redundant or a complementary manner.

Abstract: A drawn glass-coated metallic member has a thermal contraction coefficient differential such that the thermal contraction coefficient of the glass is less than that of the metallic member. The thermal contraction coefficient differential is maintained within a predetermined range during drawing. Drawn glass is placed under residual compression, interfacial bonding between said glass and said wire is substantially uniform, and surface cracking and bond breaks between metal and glass are substantially prevented. Optical properties of the glass coated microwire provide a basis for enabling multi-bit encoding capability. Advantageously data encoding is achieved optically, magneto-optically or using a combined magnetic and optical encoding mechanism. The duplex material constitution of the glass coated microwire permits imparting of data thereon by selection and processing of the glass. Data implantation is readily achieved in-line, during an initial drawing operation, or as a separate post-draw process.

Abstract: An article for attaching an item to a wheeled suitcase includes a flexible member or strap with one end removably attached to a handle of the suitcase and the other end carrying a collapsible hook, suspended from the handle for holding an auxiliary item such as a briefcase. Attachment at the handle includes a plug and socket that permit rotation relative to the handle without risking disengagement of the plug from the socket when tension on the strap pulls the plug downwardly. The hook has two interlinked members and is secured to the flexible member such that the hook opens when suspended due to tension from the hook's own weight.

Abstract: An adapter for connection with the access valve fitting of a closed refrigeration system which includes a screw threaded coupling engaged with the externally threaded nipple on the refrigeration system with the adapter including a screw threaded adjustable abutment member in a normally open passage for automatically opening the normally closed "Schrader" valve with the adapter itself including a duplicate "Schrader" valve oriented in perpendicular relation to the axis of the existing "Schrader" valve and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the adapter itself with the adapter also including threaded fittings enabling connection with a pressure gauge, hose, closure cap, or the like.