Abstract: A system for automatically testing a fluid specimen, e.g., urine, to indicate the presence of specified chemical components in the specimen. The system preferably utilizes an assaying device comprised of a collection cup and a cap which carries at least one test strip. The device includes an integrated aliquot delivery mechanism actuatable to wet the test strip with an aliquot delivered from the fluid specimen. The assaying device is configured to operate in conjunction with an electronic reader device capable of actuating the aliquot delivery mechanism and reading the reaction of the test strip. A preferred reader device defines a keyed receptacle for accommodating a complementary shaped cup housing in a particular orientation. The reader device is comprised of a camera for capturing the image of a test strip, an actuator for actuating an aliquot delivery mechanism, and a microprocessor/controller for (1) controlling the camera and actuator and (2) processing the image.

Abstract: A system for testing a plurality of test specimens, e.g., urine, to indicate the presence of specified chemical components in the specimen. The system preferably utilizes a testing device for local testing of the specimen at a service site. The system further includes a computer located at the service site and operable to receive test results obtained by the testing device. The computer then uploads the test result to a host computer remote from the service site. The host computer is in communication with a plurality of computers located at a plurality of service sites.

Abstract: A system for automatically testing a fluid specimen, e.g., urine, to indicate the presence of specified chemical components in the specimen. The system preferably utilizes an assaying device comprised of a specimen container having a unique identifier thereon and a cap which carries at least one test strip. A method for testing and controlling a custody of the specimen comprises obtaining a specimen from a donor, wherein the specimen is obtained at a service site; storing the specimen in the specimen container; performing a test on the specimen using a reader device in communication with a computer, wherein the test is performed at the service site; providing an electronic chain of custody form that controls a chain of custody procedure for the specimen; and allowing the donor to sign the electronic chain of custody form at the service site by signinig an electronic signature pad.

Abstract: A container including an outer shell, a flexible bag within the outer shell, a mouth and a handle. The outer shell has a top, a bottom and sidewalls. The outer shell also defines an opening. The flexible bag within the outer shell defines an aperture. The mouth is secured to said flexible bag surrounding said aperture and defines a fluid passageway. The mouth is sized and shaped such that fluid can be poured through the mouth from a source having an outlet spaced above the mouth. The handle extends outward from said top of said outer shell and has sufficient strength to provide essentially all support for said container when the bag is filled with liquid in either of two positions, with the first position being where the opening is facing upwards and the second position being where opening is facing sidewards. Desirably, the mouth and opening are sized and shaped such that when the opening is facing upwards the human eye can detect when a level of fluid in the container is approaching the mouth.

Abstract: A system for automatically testing a fluid specimen, e.g., urine, to indicate the presence of specified chemical components in the specimen. The system preferably utilizes an assaying device comprised of a collection cup and a cap which carries at least one test strip. The device includes an integrated aliquot delivery mechanism actuatable to wet the test strip with an aliquot delivered from the fluid specimen. The assaying device is configured to operate in conjunction with an electronic reader device capable of actuating the aliquot delivery mechanism and reading the reaction of the test strip. A preferred reader device defines a keyed receptacle for accommodating a complementary shaped cup housing in a particular orientation. The reader device is comprised of a camera for capturing the image of a test strip, an actuator for actuating an aliquot delivery mechanism, and a microprocessor/controller for (1) controlling the camera and actuator and (2) processing the image.

Abstract: An improved control and monitoring system for managing more than one computer system using a witch with a single connector for keyboard, video and mouse signals for each computer being managed. A notebook style display, keyboard, and pointing device attached to the switch provide a human interface. Each computer is attached to the switch using a cable having a single connector at the attachment point to the switch and separate connectors for keyboard, video, and pointing device signals at the attachment point to each computer, thus allowing a greater density of connections to computers without modifying the computers being controlled and monitored. Even greater densities may be realized by designating one switch as a master and attaching additional switches to the master.