Abstract: Hospital-acquired infections or nosocomial infections are decreased when medical personal observe a hand washing protocol. A method is disclosed for encouraging adherence to a hand washing protocol when entering and exiting rooms of patients. A carried device, or badge, receives a first signal when proximate to a wash station. A first indicator on the badge displays indicates that that the wearer has visited the wash station. The badge receives a second signal when inside a patient's room, i.e., when visiting a first contaminated area. The badge may receive a third signal when entering a second contaminated area. A second indicator on the badge alerts the wearer when a countdown expires after washing, of failure to visit the wash station before the first room visit, or of failure to visit the wash station between room visits. Reporting data may be uploaded to a database.

Abstract: A drug delivery system utilizes a hand piece adapted to receive a probe. The hand piece may be made of a first segment and a second segment connected to one another by a swivel joint to accommodate a user's position and preference for switches provided thereon. Alternatively, the switches may be mounted on rotatable bases. A base unit connected to the hand piece delivers a substance to the hand piece via a drug line. The base unit may further include a nerve stimulator for transmitting current to the probe. A drug switch on the hand piece selectively activates a drug delivery and suction to facilitate aspiration. A current switch on the hand piece selectively delivers electric current to the probe. In practice, the hand piece of the invention may be used by a single operator operating an ultrasound wand with a first hand and operating the hand piece with a second hand, thereby reducing personnel typically required to perform certain tasks.

Abstract: A drug delivery system utilizes a hand piece adapted to receive a probe. The hand piece may be made of a first segment and a second segment connected to one another by a swivel joint to accommodate a user's position and preference for switches provided thereon. Alternatively, the switches may be mounted on rotatable bases. A base unit connected to the hand piece delivers a substance to the hand piece via a drug line. The base unit may further include a nerve stimulator for transmitting current to the probe. A drug switch on the hand piece selectively activates a drug delivery and suction to facilitate aspiration. A current switch on the hand piece selectively delivers electric current to the probe. In practice, the hand piece of the invention may be used by a single operator operating an ultrasound wand with a first hand and operating the hand piece with a second hand, thereby reducing personnel typically required to perform certain tasks.

Abstract: A promotional product comprising at least two, preferably, three panels, namely a durable and retainable central panel with two peripheral panels hingedly attached thereto. The central panel is durable and advantageously carries an erasable memo board with and appropriate marker in a holder, and the side panels bear promotional material, which may be in the form of redeemable coupons detachably mounted, for example by perforations, for ease of removal and use.

Abstract: A modular cabinet includes a plurality of modular wall panels that interlock with one another via tubular connector assemblies. Each tubular connector assembly has a female tubular member attached to a modular panel and a male tubular member attached to an adjacent modular wall panel. The tubular connector assembly joins the modular panel and the adjacent modular panel to form a corner of the modular cabinet.

Abstract: An operational amplifier is disclosed having a phototransistor at its input for reading a bar code wherein the saturation point of an operational amplifier is controlled by a clamping feedback voltage having a positive control controlling the saturation point of the operational amplifier while prohibiting the operational amplifier from reaching its saturation point.

Abstract: A tactile feel device which provides a characteristic resistance to movement, and breakaway feel to signal the operator that movement and accompanying function, such as switching, has been accomplished. Resistance to movement is provided by spring biasing means for the initial stroke of the device, by spring biasing means plus magnetic force at the end of the initial stroke, and by spring biasing means only, after magnetic breakaway at the end of the initial stroke, to provide a characteristic breakaway feel. The device is shown and described in connection with a light pen which generates a signal when pressed against a cathode-ray-tube faceplate. The characteristic breakaway feel signals the operator that the tip or probe of the pen has been sufficiently pressed against the cathode-ray-tube to generate the appropriate signal in the light pen.